The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1906-06-28
TINE cAsE or sUDou n.kENSA.

American people Is strongly illustrated
in the case Of Judge Mckenna. Of Pitts
burg. who recently resigned his posi-
ton as Judge OF the United States Court
fer Porto Rio for the sufficient reason
that he had served for two years in
tropical climate, was suffering from the
consequences and desired to return to his
home and the healthier climate Of Pitts
burg. Presumably leading papers Joined
with the others in publishing the most
b.seiess stories that Judge McKenna's
resignation had been compulsory. and
he had retired under the fire Of grave
Charges. These reports excited the ut
most indignation in Pittsburg among all
| classes of citizens who had known and
esteemed Judge McKenna all his life
They were familiar with his life and
character from boyhood. and knew how
well he had borne himself in every re-
laiion, as a boy. young soldier in one
OF Pennsylvania best fighting regi-
merits. as a citizen and as a member
OF the bar. The veterans Of western
Pennsylvania were particularly indig
nant, because Judge McKenna is a lead
er among them. has always kept IN
close touch with them and he is hon.
ored as one OF their best representa-
tives. The following is Judge McKenna's
record from the archives of Gen. Alex
ander Hays Post of Pittsburg:
Enlisted at Pittsburg as private at
age of 16 and served nearly four years
| in the 155th Pa, carrying musket in
the ranks at Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Gettysburg, Wilderness and Petersburg.
where he was promoted by Gen. G.. K.
| Warren, commanding Fifth Corps. on
| recommendation Of his regimental COM
mander, the late Gen. A. L. Pearson, for
gallant and meritorious services in ac-
tons Of the Army Of the Potomac. Con-
rade McKenna was on duty VITA Gen.
Warren Il the battle of Five Forks, and
witnessed the celebrated scene between
Gen. Sheridan and Gen. Warren occur
ring after the close Of the battle, by
which Gen. Warren was relieved and
er of the Fifth Corps. Comrade
Mckenna continued to serve on the
staff Of Gen. Griffin, who a few days
later at Appomattox received the first
Confederate flag Of truce on the day Of
the surrender Of Lees army. Comrade
/ McKenna returned with the survivors
Of his regiment to Pittsburg. and after
cessful practice Of his profession in
June. 1904, when President Roosevelt.
on recommendation Of Senator Knox
and Representatives Dalzell and
Graham. Of Pittsburg, appointed him
United States District Judge for Porto
Rico: Judge McKenna is charter
member Of Gen. Alexander Hays Post.
G. A. r., Department OF Pennsylvania,
and also Of the Union Veteran Legion
/ OF Pittsburg, of which organization he
has served as Colonel. He had also
served as A. d. c. on the staff Of Ma
tional Commander on Memorial Days
and at Campfires and Reunions. and
i has always been In demand as Speak
Il er."
II The 155th Pa. was notable regi-
ment. It was recruited at Pittsburg
and vicinity I'm August, 1862. and on
reaching Washington was assigned to
Allabach's Brigade Of Humphreys Di.
vision, Fifth Corps, and was engaged in
Humphreys bloody assault on Marye's
Heights. Altogether 1t lost out Of 1 ,523
total enrolment, 142 killed and IL
died Of disease, accidents, in prison
etc. The total loss Of killed and wound
ed was Sic and 10 died in prison. max
ing more than one-third OF its number
It's severest loss was in the assault or
Petersburg, where 1t particularly dis.
tinguished itself, and was compiimented
from headquarters. 1t was In line 81
Appomattox and pressing the enemy
when the white flag was raised.
Judge McKenna mailed his resigna.
: lion before leaving San Juan. and wa.
astounded upon his arrival in this coun.
try at finding flood OF lying reports In
circulation In regard to the reasons that
inpeiisd him to resign. He immediate
~ wrote to the President calling his at.
tention to these, and saying that 4
him he desired to have his resignation
withdrawn and be given an opportuni:.
to meet them. In reply the Judge =.
ceived the following letter from the
President:
MY Dear Judge: have no idea VIII,
) could have been responsible for thcs.
newspaper articles. They certainly came
; from no one whom I know. Your res
ignation was rendered and accepted
without any charge being made agains
: you, and purely because you Of your
own initiative sent it. Sincerely yours
Theodore Roosevelt
, Col. Byron w. Bates. who is on the
staff Of Chief Tanner fol
Porto Rico, was among the first Amer
leans to locate in Porto Rico after Gen
: Miles occupied the Island. Col. Bate.
was clerk Of the first Military Court OF
the United States In Porto Rico, being
) appointed thereto by the late Gen. Guy
v. Henry. Subsequently and till within
I q few months ago Col. Bates was SecEe.
|, tary to the Executive Council Of Porto
Rico. Previous to going to Porto Rico
. he had been prominent in business cir.
) cles in California, and was always an
E active member Of the Grand Army OF
, the Republic. In an official letter he
| writes:
} indicative Of the standing Of Judge
McKenna with the attorneys OF the Fed.
!, eral Bar in Porto Rico was the recent
presentation Of a highly complimentar,
8 address and a life-sized framed pho
tograph Of the Judge by Hon. Herminis
Diaz, Vice President of the Bar Asso
citation, and Coll-Cuchi, also a promi