The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1908-05-14
Rayner's Talk With Roosevelt.

Referring to a question by Senator War
rem, Senator Rayner admitted that he had
informed the president that if the court
of inquiry was pot ordered there would
be no recourse FOR him except in pre-
senting the matter to the senate
In a letter to Senator Taliafero which
was read, the president took the position
that the appointment of a court of in
QuiTy was a matter entirely within his
discretion and he said that he neither
could nor would surrender the right OF
deciding that matter as commander in
chief of the army. Discussing the charge
that Colonel Stewart had been sent to
Fort Grant for punishment. the president
said that the punishment was merely in
cidental and that the removal of Colonel
Stewart from direct command was the
principal purpose in view He remarked
that it might be necessary to have him
tried by a court martial and expressed
the opinion that If il should be. the trial
would result in severe punishment.
Again remarking upon Colonel Stewart s
characteristics, the president said that he
was unfit for command because he mis-
treated the men under his command and
quarreled with civilians.
Has More Proof to offer.
Mr.. Rayner asked Mr.. Warren whether,
If the resolution should be referred 10
the committee on military affairs, he
would be permitted to appear before the
committee and submit some further au-
thoritieS on the subject. Mr. Rayner said
ne had modified his resolution to express
the opinion of the senate that Colonel
Stewart was entitled 10 a court of inquiry
and requested the president to grant
the court of inquiry.
Something of a sensation was created
by Senator Warren asking Mr. Rayner
whether he had approached the execu-
tive with a threat that If this man was
not removed from Fort Grant this reso-
luton would be presented to the senate 80
81 utterly deny that proposition" re-
piled Mr.. Rayner, and I hope the execu-
tive has not made such a statement. "
He added that he had not seen the pres
ident for two years, until two weeks ago.
when he was requested to go TO the White
House. and that when he responded TO
the invitation the president showed him
VoluminOus typewriter matter about
Colonel Stewart. He had not threat
ened' the president. only stating that
unless the court of inquiry was ordered
he would offer a resolution in the SEN
ate.
impossible Proposition.
LAS if anybody could threaten the pres
ident." exclaimed Mr.. Rayner. amid
laughter.
Mr.. Warren said this question was sug-
gested by newspaper reports only.
Mr.. Rayner stating that Colonel Stew
art had been sent TO fort up in the
clouds, 2.000 or 5000 feet above the sea
Mr.. Warren interrupted with the re-
mark that many senators lived in alti-
tudes higher than Fort Grant.
Five times, said Mr.. Rayner, the pres
ident repeated in his letters that his
treatment of Colonel Stewart was a pun
ishment. which. he added. under tbs
laws of this country he has no right t
inflct. yet he Is proceeding by punish.
ment to drive him into retirement"
Mr. Taliafero Fla.), had a letter reaC
showing that Colonel Stewart had beer
ordered away from Fort St Francis. St
Augustine, merely because of a protes
by the state of Florida, which has contro
of Fort st. Francis
The resolution was then referred to tn,
committee on military affairs. Mr.. War
rem saying Mr.. Rayner would be welcom'
to appear before the committee.
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