Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-28
USE OF THE REGULARS
CORRESPONDENCE WITH COVER
NOR OF CALIFORNIA.
After Deliberation Formally Applied
for the Continued Employment
Of Federal Forces.

Back OF the order for the use of federal
troops ut San Francisco. on Gov Pardee's
formal application, is a rather interesting
bit of history. As indicated in early dis
patches sent from the War Department to
Gen. Greedy. the officials here have felt con-
siderable doubt as to their right to employ
troops in San Francisco under the circum-
stances. and apparently Gov. Pardee HIM
self shared that doubt. There had been no
friction. however, but there was always the
very present danger that soldier perhaps
might. in the line OF duty. shoot a civilian
and the friends of the latter might take In
slant action in the civil courts. which pro-
ceeding might bring forth decision to the
effect that there had been a violation of the
United States Constitution and laws by the
military.
suspension of Order Requested.
When the War Department, yielding to
Cen Greelys request for achievements.
ordered additional troops to San Francisco
Gov. Pardee of California telegraphed:
Kindly suspend order directing 900 more
federal troops to San Francisco / shall
confer with Gen. Greedy tomorrow morning
April ~"
The following day the governor wired:
have had very harmonious conference
Tor are for the purpose OF helping distrIbu-
ton of supplies. and not to maintain order
IN San Francisco. / therefore withdraw re-
guest for suspension OF your order directing
2Jo more troops here. AS Gen Greedy re-
ports to you today. peace and order in this
city are and have been better than under
ordinary circumstances. Distribution of sup
pies under present condition is, as Gen
Greedy says unsatisfactory and should be
centralized to prevent waste"
The Fnry,o1
The same day Gov. Pardee made the fol-
lowing application to the President:
FORT MASON, SAN FRANCISCO Cal.
April "a. 1906.
f'Ihe President. Washington:
In order to prevent possible disturbance
/ respectfully request that federal forces be
Continued TO assist as has been done since
The destruction Of city Of San Francisco
and other local cities by earthquake and
fire The legislature is not in session and
cannot be convened forthwith.
GEORGE C. PARDEE,
Governor"
This application was supplemented by the
following message by the governor to the
President:
While there is and has been no disorder
N San Francisco / agree with Gen. Greedy
mat federal forces will be needed here for
some time to supervise distribution of re-
he supplies and as help to state forces
ia preventing possible "ature disorders
Federal forces have bee.I of inestimable
value. and their presence is greatly appre-
ciated and desired. State troops have been
on duty from the beginning and have rem
dered most valuable services. Gen Greedy
assures me that he has no complaint against
them and they are acting in entire harmony
with him. Owing 10 destitute situation OF
so many people relief will have to continue
some time. Am in close communication
with Gen. Greedy"
Thereupon Mr.. Loeb. private secretary to
the President, wrote follows to Gen
Oliver. acting secretary of war:
The President directs me to send you
the inclosed kilograms from Gov Pardee
and TO say that in view of them he sees
no reason why the War Department should
not continue to render such assistance as IL
has been rendering to San Francisco