New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-21
RETIRES COL. AYRES.
He ASKS FOR JUSTICE
Inquiry Board to Report ailments
Incapacitate Cam paigner.

condition Of Lieutenant Colonel Charles g.
Avres, reported yesterday to the board that their
examination showed that Colonel Ayres lis
suffering from chronic Bright's disease which is
likely at any time 20 result in apoplexy and
cause his death, and that a complete physical
breakdown would certainly ensue if he continues
20 perform the arduous labors Of active service
After the report had been heard Colonel Ayres
rnade long statement 10 the board sitting
or his case. fl which he reviewed his career in
the army. and declared that while other officers
more incapactated for active service than he
were kept IN the army by favoritsm. he was
dered before the board in order that he might
be read out Of the service
II is true that 1 have been court martialled,"
declared Colonel Ayres in his address before
the board. L have been court martialled three
times. and charges as long as from here to the
wall have been preferred against All this
was done because I conscientious officer,
and it has been rugged UP now after had been
told in the Philippines my physical condition
such that l was good for many more years
Of service. That's not square deal according
10 my idea Of American Justice
When Colonel Ayres had concluded his state
ruent Brigadier General Davis declared the
board in executive session. The decision which
the board reached viii he forwarded with rec
concentrations to the War Department. and will
he made p1lhic there. As the testimony of the
surgeons showed that Colonel Ayres's disability
Is the result Of active service. he Will receive
.ru pension should he be retired No mention
was made throughout the inquiry Of the trouble
a. West Point. which immediately preceded the
inquiry
The opening Of the hearing yesterday morn
,r, which was set for 10 o'clock. was delayed
mill II 30 70 await the arrival II Major Guy
l Eddie and Captain Wadhams surgeons
appointed TO examine the physical condition OF
Colonel Avres Major Eddie. the chief surgeon.
read the report Of the Board Of Surgeons, which
started out with n survey Of Colonel Ayres's
previous record Of illness. Speaking of the
coloners present condition, the report said that
2 rhvsical breakdown would follow if he
n continue 10 expose himself 70 the hardships
Of active campaigning Major Eddie testified
that this condition was due in large measure
n the hardships Of Colonel Ayres's army SER
VICE in the West and the experiences Of his
Cuban campaign
When asked by Captain Johnson. the recorder
Of the board. II Colonel Ayres's dIsa bility
! permanent. Major Eddie replied that II was. In
regard 70 whether or not II would interfere with
service fl the army Major Eddie said:
1T would be very injudicious 70 subject him
70 the exposure and hardships Of active service.
L would tend shorten his life If he should
continue in active service. II Will be necessary
for him 10 live a quiet life, free from exposure
and hardships, if he wants to live even a short
number Of years"
If am ready 70 take the chances Of death
By bullet or from any other cause, is there any
reason why should not be allowed 10 continue
IN active service?" asked Colonel AyreS
Yes. there is every reason" said Major
Eddie. Gin addition 10 your duty your family
and the danger Of your breaking down at any
time"
Don't you think am in as good physical
condition as most men Of my age and rank in
the arrny?" asked Colonel Ayres.
= do not think that you are. and have
azained many men, replied Major Eddie
Captain WadEams then examined He
fairocr Ngaic ha1
and testified that from the medical and military
record Of Colonel Ayres he believed his condi-
ton was due TO his service in the army. Colonel
Ayres said he had no questions 10 ask him. He
also SAID ne had no evidence 10 submit, but
would Ike 10 make q statement.
4 short secret session Of the board held
10 determine whether Colonel Ayres should
make this statement public When the board
reoonve-ed, about fifteen minutes later. Colonel
Ayres was allowed 20 proceed with the state
IEent which ne had prepared in part.
Thirty years ago next October l entered the
army began the colonel "Of those years 1
have served twenty-five with troops campaign
Ing west Of the Mississippi River great part
ot that tiIae being spent in operations against
Indians, outlaws and other troublous characters.
have served in New Mexico. Texas. Arizona.
Montana, Indian Territory Cuba and the Philip
pines l have been in every campaign in which
my regiment engaged. and have always lived an
active life l have been and to-day ready
v'-ve upon in my position
IN the Philippines I was repeatedly examined
and pronounced sound by the medical officers
there. / took part in all the hard marching, and
suffered no Inconvenience OF i'll effects There
are few men who can endure more than can"
Colonel Ayres then went on 10 say that after
The campaign in Cuba he was the only officer
IN his regiment 1T for duty. The others. he said
We're either killed, wounded or sick
ny l should be suddenly and Unexpectedly
summoned before this retiring board is more
man / can understand" continued Colonel Avres
especially while such large number 81 others
are allowed TO remain, unless It be that they are
protected by those in authority There are any
number Of officers in active service who have
rendered themselves physically disabled by their
vicious habits. yet allowed to remain All
my remarks in regard 10 the general condition OF
many Of the officers IN the army true as all
The army rDen know
Just a few months before left Manila I was
detached from my own squadron against my
earnest protest and sent TO Camp Wallace
N1ere TOT year before my arrival there had
7Sil huuhous conduct among the officers NV
PREDECESSOR had preferred charges Of embezzle-
,aeLt after the disappearance Of from 81 900 TO
So,OVV OF the post funds A few days before I
Geo demanded a court OF inquiry in order that
me "hoie record OF my conduct IN the Philjp-
pines might be thoroughly investigated 1rbfs
oehand was denied and returned with thA in
oorsenent that there We're no allegations against
ne Both the department and division com
I,iahoers informed me that my actions vvbiIa
'here were approved"
AZ TINS point Colonel Ayres laid aside his for /
MAJ statement and continued 10 address General
saying mat what had been said about
20 him oi"lie'e surprise
1T is true that have been court oa.,.,,s ;. |