The Washington herald., 1906-11-21
TAFT MUM ON TROOPS
Has No More to Say Concern
ing Brownsville Case.
NO WORD FROM PRESIDENT
Secretary of War on HIS Return
Confers with Gen. oliver and Sec
retary Loeb-May Be Placed in En-
barrassing Position If President
Roosevelt Refuses the Request.

Secretary Taft returned here late yes
terday afternoon. He declined TO discuss
his action in deferring final mastering out
Of the negro soldiers who participated
in the Brownsville, Tex, riots until fur
ther advices could. be received from the
President 1t was evident from his man
ner that Secretary Taft expects the Pres
ident TO disapprove Of his suspension of
sentence. Il is thus inferred that he act
ed entirely on his own responsibility. He
intimated that a statement viii probably
be issued by him to-day.
Immediately after his arrival. Secretary
Taft hurried to the War Department,
where he had conferences with Assistant
Secretary Oliver, Gen. Barry. acting
chief Of staff; Military Secretary Aims
worth, and other officials He subse-
quently conferred with Secretary Loeb.
All this was construed 10 indicate that
possible friction may arise between the
President and his Secretary Of War.
VIII Not Discuss Refusal.
Mr. Taft fatty refused 20 say anything
regarding the declaration made by
Lawyer Gilchrist, OF New York. that he
has a cablegram from the President say
ing there will be no mitigation Of SEN
tence in the case of the negro soldiers
unless proof generating them Is pre-
sented.
Secretary Taft expects TO establish
cable communication with the President
to-day at San Juan and his anticipated
statement will follow the result OF an ex-
change Of views.
F1r.esae-F rafvcra fn orrrcr-a
Secretary Tafts action In postponing the
punishment OF the negro soldiers, his
position Will be an awkward and en-
barassing one. In acting upon his own re-
sponsibility IL IS held here that the Sec
retary either yielded 10 the expression
Of popular sentiment as indicated by pro-
tests and resolutions. or that he desired
to express his disapproyal Of the Presi-
dents course.
Situation Will Be Unpleasant.
In either event his position VIII be un-
pleasant IL the President insists that his
original instructions be literally executed
and the three battaHons Of negroes dis
charged without honor. It IS also be-
lieved the President will adhere 10 that
course.
Wyoming Troops Use Knives.
Infantrymea and artiIerymen Of the
United States army stationed at Fort u.
A. Russell. Wyo.. had an encounter sew
eral days ago on the streets Of Cheyenne
and fought with knives one OF them is
reported 10 have been fatally injured The
War Department has not been officially
notified Of the incident. The men were
members Of the Eleventh Infantry, and
the Twelfth and Nineteenth batteries Of
Field Artillery.
Gen. Burt Failed TO Appear.
Brig. Gen. Andrew 5. Burt the original
commander Of the Twenty-hfth Infantry,
recently discharged from the service by
order Of the President. who was 10 have
addressed the Bethel Literary and Histori-
cal Society on The Colored Soldiers"
failed TO put in an appearance last even
ing.
The Metropolitan African Methodist
Episcopal Church, on N street, where the
speaking was to have taken place. was
crowded before s o'clock. II was stated
that Gen. Burt had cyertaxed himself
while working in the interests OF the col
OTed soldiers, and that his condition was
such that the attending physician had
warned him against attempting to make
an address. The retired army Officer. sent
a brief note 10 the chairman stating that
while he was unable to appear on account
OF his health, he was doing everything in
his power 10 have the discharged regi-
ment ordered into commission again.