Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-21
DOES NOT FINISH TEST
Mai. Gen. Grant Gives Up
Ninety-MiIe Ride.
SUSTAINS A SEVERE STRAIN
Jumps From Spirited Horse to Es-
cape Fall in a Ditch.
FOLLOWS ADVICE OF SURGEON
Commander of Department of the
East Stands Jaunt of First
Day Like a Cowboy.
FOLLOWS ADVICE OF SURGEON

Mai. Gen Frederick D. Grant. son of
President L. S. Grant. commanding the
Department of the East. with headquarters
on Governors Island, in New York bay,
will be compelled to report to the War De
partment that he was una BILE to finish the
craftsmanship test required by the Presi-
dents order. This test is rather a severe
one. 1t requires the officers to ride ninety
miles in three consecutive days. and if
they do not come out of the ordeal in
possible retirement Unlike their juniors.
general officers who take the ride. which
is optional with them. are not examined
by the surgeons. the War Department re-
lying on their own judgment concerning
their physical condition.
AS the story of Gen. Grants ride at Pine
Plains goes. Gen. Grant stood the first
days thirty-mile ride like a cowboy. He
came back to his headquarters that after
noon fit and strong. and those who saw
him remarked on his fresh appearance
after so arduous days work.
Ready the Second Day.
The second day Gen. Grant was ready
at am. TO begin the second ride of
thirty miles, and again he rode out at the
head of his fellow officers in the colonel
and major grades. This ride was down a
pike that led into the little paper mill
settlement known as De Forest. The
chief thing in this place. next to the paper
mill, is a very deep ditch. Gen. Grant
was riding a spirited horse. and when the
horse got a glimpse of the ditch. instead
of trying to avoid it. it is said, he de-
liberately tried to back into it. showing
no regard whatever for the high position
of the man who was astride him.
Gen. Grant coaxed. pulled and spurred
the animal in an effort to get him to
leave the ditch behind him. but the ami
NAL was not to be persuaded, and contin-
ed to back Finally the horse got so
near the edge of the big ditch that Gen.
Grant. to save himself. jumped off. In
himself. The horse was caught by an
other officer. A few minutes later the
horse permitted Gen Grant to remount.
and he rode back to his headquarters.
Although he was sore from his jump. he
showed no indications of being unable to
continue the test the following morning.
Follows Advice of Surgeon.
The morning of the third day. when
the officers appeared at o'clock, ready
for the final test that was to prove
whether or not they were physically tit
to continue in active service, Gen. Grant
did not head the cavalcade. He felt the
effects of the fall Of the previous day.
and surgeon with whom he consulted is
said to have advised him not to risk the
third test. The surgeon is said to have
informed Gen. Garnt that he was then
in no condition for such strenuous per-
Torrance as the third days ride was des-
tined to be. and Gen. Grant. relying on
the surgeons advice withdrew.
Gen. Grant will report on the perfor
mances of the colonies and majors who
took the ride. and it is said that his re-
port will be favorable in every case for
the retention of the officers in the service.
One of the colonels Charles b. Byrne of
the medical department, who is stationed
on Governors Island, was not permitted TO
take the ride. the surgeons ruling him
physically unable to take the test at that
time. 1t will be Gen. Grants duty to Or
der Col. Byrne before an examining
board.