The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-11-21
S|CKLES SAYS
PRESIDENT HAS
MADE MISTAKE

Washington, Nov. 2l.--Among the retir-
ed army officers who object te-the treat
ment accorded the negro infantrymen by
the president is Maj. Gen Daniel Il.
Sickies. who today expressed the opinion
that the presidents method OF discipline
was unjust and prejudicial to the good ot
the service lie declared that he believed
the discharge OF the companies without
trial had no precedent. and he doubted II
the loss of civil rights thereby was legal
~ accomplished
THE foundation OF all discipline either
in the army or navy said Gon. Slckles
'is Justice You cannot maintain disci-
pline without a feeling among the men
that whatever happens they can expect
Justice. fair play. a square deal.
II am somewhat reluctant To express
myself in this matter, because | do not
know that | am in possession OF all the
facts / am only going by what ] have
read i'm the newspapers. But as | under
stand II disturbance occurred at the
post where these men were stationed. In
quiry failed 10 reveal who was response
bc for Il. and because the men refused
10 testify against each other the entire
body of them was ordered out of the
army without honor.
This country Is not Turkey. 1t is not a
place where. IL trouble occurs, everybody
IN the vicinity Is clapped into jail and the
heads of 30 men cut of in order TO be
sure 10 got the head OF the guilty one.
IL is not probable that all these soldiers
were concerned with the disturbance. 1t
Is not likely that all even knew about
IL
Take West Point or Annapolis. for in
stance. Supposing hazing occurs there
and they call the members OF a class up
10 find out about ~. but no one will tos-
tify against another. Do they go TO work
and expe the whole class from the
school?
"Arbitrary and unjust action i'm the
army is not only prejudicial TO the disci-
pllne and efficiency OF the men I'm IL, but
IL has bad effect ON enlistments and re
cnlistments
From all can hear. these men had a
good record OF service and a good record
under fire." ne said The negro, as a
rule. makes a good soldier, That has been
the experience Of England. and IL has
been ours. Many OF these men had seen
long service You will usually find that
true OF colored soldiers. They go ia and
stay in AS a race the negroes are more
contented than the whites. They are will
ing TO accept their condition, whatever II
IS"
when asked what could be done for the
soldiers already discharged and for the
others i'm case tho order is carried out un-
til all have been sent from tho army. Gen
Sickles replied that they might be allowed
10 re-enlist without prejudice TO their pre-
vious service. This would put them back
again upon their old standing.
I'm case that Is not done, can any legal
steps be taken Go restore their civil rights
60 them?" the reporter inquired
II have grave doubts whether tho de-
privation Of a mans civil rights merely
upon executive order. and without trial
or court martial. Is legal" was the an.
fwor This is not an autocratlc Oliver
the assistant secretary ~ war. govern
ment. like Russia. and we have SO far as
] know. no precedent for wholesale dis
charge like this without trial"