Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1906-11-22
Co|ored Soldiers to Be
Discharged at Once.
Proceedings Will Be Conducted
According to Orders.
President Has Fully Considered At.
guments Against the Action.

Washington, Nov. 21.-The war de-
partment issued the following state
ment today concerning the negro
troops ordered dismissed at Fort Reno:
In the matter of the order discharg-
ing the enlisted men of three companies
OF the 10Th Inf, issued by the President.
Application was presented to the secre-
tary of war by a number of persons
OF standing asking for re-hearing by
the president on the ground on which
the action was taken. The secretary
telegraphed the President Of the appli-
cation and delayed the proceedings OF
The discharge until the President could
indicate his wishes. The secretary was
IN the meantime called out Of town. No
answer was received from the Presi-
dcnt. The secretary on his return did
not 1eel justified in further DELAYING
the execution of the order of discharge
ana especially in view of the fact that
The secretary then learned that the
fresldent had fully and exhaustiyely
considered the argument against the
order OF the persons who now applied
Tor re-hearing. Accordingly the sec
rotary directed yesterday. Tuesday.
That the proceedings for discharge no
continued without delay"
Later in the day. Sec. Taft received
dispatch from President Roosevelt
and issued the following addition.1
statement:
Telegram was received from the
PRESIDENT at II O'Clock today, after the
previous statement was given out Mt
'he war department, in which he de-
cllhes to suspend the discharge unless
thefe are new facts of such Importance
as to warrant cabling him. He states
mat lhe action was taken after due de-
nperation. and that the only matter r.
Whicn ne can pay heed is the presenta-
tloh OF facts showing the official re-
ports TO be in whole or in part untrue
or clearly eXculpating some Individual
III any such facts later appear, he can
ACT as he deems advisable, but thus far
h"thing has been introduced to war;
rant the suspension of the order and
ne directs that it be executed"
sec. Taft says that immediate stems
VIII be taken to recruit colored soldiers
to replace the men DISCHARGED. The
members Of the three commands who
were on furlough at the time OF the
etluit anu tnTee members
who are to be tried by courtmartial
viii not be mustered out. It was an
thoritativcly stated today that the mat.
ter of the dismissal of the troops has
not been brought to the attention Of the
President by the White House officials
since he left Washington. None of the
protests have been received at the
White House but have gone to the war
department..
The investigation of the conduct OF
negro troops of Cos. B. C, and D, 25th
Infantry. as reported upon by Major
Hlockson. inspector generals depart
ment. Lieut.. Col Lowering, 4th Infan-
try acting inspector general, and Brig.
Gen. Darlington. inspector general Of
the army. was made public at the war
department today in a volume entitled
THE ARRAY at Brownsville. Texas"
Major Blocksom declares that the af-
fair was pre-concerted and both he and
Gen. Darlington eXonerated the officers
from blame. Ger. Darlington says it
was evident from the first that tho
three companies had entered into
compact to give no information about
the affair. Sec. Taft said today that no
steps will be taken to make q further
investigation of the conduct Of the Of
flccrs.