The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1906-12-21
NEGRO SIDE UPHELD.
senator Foraker Criticises Presi-
dents Action In Dismiss
ing Soldiers.
OUTRAGE TO BRAND INNOCENT
Asrocious Crime, Says Ohio Man, to
Send Negro Forth Branded as
Murderer if He Is Not GuiIty--lndi-
viduaI Records Of Soldiers Found to
Be Good.


vidua Records Of Soldiers Found to
Be Good.
Washington, Dec Ex-senator For
aker occupied the attention of the SEN
ate in its last session before the holi-
day recess in an extended criticism
Of the basis Of President Roosevelt's
action in discharging the negro troops
of the Twenty fifth infantry on ac-
count of the Brownsville raid. Sen
ator Lodge replied briefly.
When Senator Foraker ended his re-
marks he received unanimous consent
to modify the resolution SO that it now
directs the senate committee on mill
taTy affairs to investigate the circum-
stances leading to the discharge of
the negro troops.
Senator Foraker said the presidents
constitutional power was simply to
command the army and navy as COM
mander in chief, while to congress the
constitution gave power to raise armies
and to make rules and regulations for
its government. The regulations pre-
scribed that no man could be sum-
marily discharged without a right to
be tried, and the articles of war, he
argued, prescribe minutely how these
trials are to be conducted. That all
punishments should be in accordance
with the directions of courts martial,
he contended, after reading from the
articles of war, 1t was inconceivable
that the president should be absolutely
without restraint
Military Authority Citeo.
Senator Foraker cited cases from the
work of General Davis on military
law, where refusal to give testimony
was an offense under the head Of
disorder and was punishable by court
martial"
why, Mr.. President, an atrocious
crime has been committed il that man
is not guilty. He goes forth branded
as murderer"
With great vehemence Senator For
aker uttered this climax to his long
speech, which was full Of dramatic
utterances.
Having taken up the individual rec
ords of the discharged soldiers. Sen
ator Foraker showed the first man on
the list, sergeant, had served twen-
ty-six years. Each time his enlistment
had expired his record was good.
Senator Scott added interest to For
aker's speech by remarking that from
his reading of lie history of the Slan-
ish-American. war the Tenth cavalry.
colored, was largely responsible for
the preservation of the rough riders,
Colonel Roosevelt's regiment.
Men Branded as Murderers.
Senator Foraker agreed with the
president that if the men were guilty
of murder their punishment was who'll
ly inadequate, but if they were inno-
cent the punishment was brutally
harsh, "as these men go forth brand
ed as murderers and conspirators and
perjurers'
sFhe president says this is the most
atrocious crime ever committed" con
tinued Mr. Foraker. What want to
call attention to is that the president
has misconceived both his constitutions
al power and the evidence in this case.
The proS;Sent IS TIE guilt Of these
mon lfas iShea FT the tesiis
ay of Bloek
eaA. ] hos aag t " vtAesses in
tne report Of Ma;sr B-ocksom, and
tI1s4ta sta slsef 5vs.,,fSa-c-,a of tharo A