Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-01-12
REVIEWS HIS CHARGES
FRANK PADGET'S COMPLAINT
AGAINST SOLDIERS HOME.

The case of Frank Padget former regu-
lar infantryman, who charges that he was
maltreated while an inmate of the soldiers
home at Dayton, Ohio, having been chained
to the floor, as he alleges, and subjected
to other indgnities, as given in The Star
several days ago, was brought before the
Department of the District Of Columbia,
United Spanish War Veterans. at its meet
ing last night. Padget claimed that about
two years ago he was member of the Col.
John Jacob Aston Camp, U. s. w. ", which
is composed of members of the soldiers
home in this city.
The complainant was present at the meet
ang and was given permission by unani-
nous vote to make a statement concern
ing his case. Capt. J. Walter Mitchell.
department commander, stated that, acting
upon Padget's complaint, he had already
written to Gov. Franklin Murphy, president
of the board of directors of the homes for
volunteer soldiers, and requested that the
soldiers allegations be fully investigated. A
committee to further consider the complaint
was appointed. 1t consists of Department
Commander Mitchell Department Adjutant
William Peacock, Department Quartermast-
er Thomas A. Green and Capt Henry Fos-
ter, commander of Miles Camp, No. l.
Restoration Of Canteen.
A resolution was unanimously adopted
requesting Congress to restore the army
canteen. 1t was introduced by Capt. Thomas
A. Green and recites that "the military ex-
perience of the Spanish War Veterans has
demonstrated that genuine temperance Is
effectively promoted by the operations Of
the canteen, as formerly conducted at mill
tary posts, camps and in soldiers homes"
The resolution also directed the legislative
committee to present to Congress the
position of the Department OF the Dis
trict of Columbia. embracing the states of
Delaware and Virginia, besides the Dis
trict, and including ten active camps.
Commenting on recent statements made
on the floor Of the House of Representa-
tives members of the department declared
that many hundreds of letters from SOL
diers and voters are being received in IA
of the restoration of the canteen. while
those opposed to the repeal Of the anti
canteen law are largely non-voters and
theorists. 1t was the consensus of opinion
that Congress should give the soldiers a
hearing on the canteen matter.
A resolution presented by Maj. Fred
S. Hodgson. past department commander,
was unanimously adopted. providing that
the department urge the national body of
United Spanish War Veterans to establish
board" to be composed Of three members.
for the purpose Of devising plans to insti-
tute camps in every southern state where
practicable.
TeSlSndtlOuS OIL Sdpt. f1eHTy FOSteT
as a member of the council Of admins
tration. and Capt. Sheridan Ferree, as
aid, were accepted. The appointment Of
]. B. Murray as department inspector was
announced by Department Commander
Mitchell. Invitations were accepted to at
tend the Joint installation of the officers
of the Department of the District Ladies'
Auxiliary and the Edith X. Roosevelt and
Mary A. Babcock Auxiliaries. which were
received from Mrs Lizzie w. Calver, the
new department president. The members
were requested by Departmnt Commander
Mitchell to attend in a body and wear their
uniforms 1t was also decided to attend
In a body the installations of the officers
Of Aston and Thomas camps.
Routine Business.
Department Inspector Murray reported
that he had inspected the books. records
and membership of several camps and
found them In first-class condition. An
increase of nearly so per cent in member
ship in the past six months was noted.
|. At the request of Past Department Com
mander Carroll DeGuise of Maryland, steps
are being taken to have that state included
in the Department of the District of CO.
lumbia-
On motion of Capt. Foster. commander
= -" President Roosevelt to urge
that old soldiers who are now in the un-
classified work IN the several departments
be put on the classified list. The commit
teemen will also request the President
to urge that former soldiers be given
preference over the civilian In all govern
ment work. The committee Will comprise