Bisbee daily review., 1906-11-10
UNPRECEDENTED IN HISTORY
 0F ARMY
Action of President in Dismiss ing Negro Troop Because of Failure to Disclose Identity of Trooper,

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9.-Unpre- cedented in the history of the army of the United States is the action of the president, just announced, in dismiss ing in disgrace from the army an en- tire battalion of negro troops because of their failure to disclose the identi- ty of some of their number who had hsen guilty of violence and murder. As an evidence, however, of his in- tention to be fair to the colored troops. the president has accompanied this action by an order which may amount to the court martial of white army officer of high rank who was charged with having cast slurs upon the colored troops. The story of both actions Is told in official cores pondence made public today by the military secretary.
 The correspondence follows:
 The report of an investigation made by Brisadier General E. A. Garling- ton, inspector general of the army, relative to the riotous disturbance that occurred at Brownsville. Texas, On the night of August 13, 1906. and that resulted in the death of one and the wounding of another citizen of that city, had been considered and acted upon by the president. Follow ing are his instructions with regard to the matter:
 The White House, Washington, Nov.
 6, 1906.
 The Secretary cf War:
 T have read through General Gar lington's report dated October g, sub mitted to me by you. I direct that the recommendations of General Gar lington be compiled with and that at this time the concluding portion of his report be published with our sane ton as giving the reasons for the ac- ton. AA tSigned)
 THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
 Following is the concluding portion of General Gariington's report. which embodies the recommendations made by direction of the president. and will be carried into effect immediately by the war department.
 T recommend that orders be is- sued as soon as practicable discharg- ing without honor every man in com uanies E. c and D of the 18th infan- try. serving at Fort Brown. Texas, On the night of August 13. 1906, and forever debarring them from reenlist- ing in the army or navy of the Unit ed States. us well as from employ ment in any civil capacity under the government. In making this recom- recognize the fact that a number of men who have no direct as to the identity of the men of the 25th infantry who actually fired the shots on the night of the 18th of August. 1906, will incur this extreme penalty.
 Tt has been estimated by careful beyond reasonable doubt that the firing into the houses of the citizens of Brownsville while the in habitants thereof were pursuing their peaceful vacations or sleeping. and by which one citizen was killed and the chief of police so seriously wound ed that he lost an arm, was done by enlisted men of the 25th infantry be- longing to the battalion stationed at Fort Brown. After due opportunity and notice. the enlisted men of the 18th infantry have failed to tell all that it is reasonable to believe they know concerning the shooting. If they had done so: if they had been willing to relate all the circumstances instances preliminary to the trou- ble-it is extremely probable that clue would have been obtained sufH- ciently definite that results would have been disclosed. They appeared to stand together in determination to resist the detection of the guilty: therefore, they should stand the ground when the penalty falls. A forceful lesson should be given to the army at large. and especially to the ncn-commissioned officers. that their duty does not cease upon the drill ground, with the calling of the com pany rolls. making check inspections, and other d-iies of formal character; but that si.s'- responsibilities of office accompany them everywhere and at all tines: that it is their duty to be- come thoroughly acquainted with the individual members of their respective units 10 know their characteristics: to be able at all times 10 guage thsirstem- per, in order to discover the begin ming of disconteHt. of mutinous inten- tions 2 sd to anticipate any organiz- ed act of disorder: that they must no. tify their officers at orca Of any such conditions. Moreover. the people of the United States. wherever they live must feel assured that the men wear ing the uniforms of the army are their protectors and not midnight assassins or riotous disturbers of the peace of the community in which they may be stationed
 ".On October 5. 1906. a squadron of the ninth cavalry. an Organization of colored troops. reported at Fort Sheridan. near Chicago, under orders from the war department assigning them to duty there. Soon after this assignment there appeared in the public press the following statement of a statement alleged to have been made with regard to the matter by Colonel William I. Pitcher, 21th in fantry:
 The negro troops would never have been ausrtered at Fort Sheridan without protest If was 10 remain in command here" said Colonel Pitct-