The Washington herald., 1908-05-14

Senator Rayner, of Maryland, in the
Senate yesterday called up his resolution
directing a court of inquiry for Col Will
lam f. Stewart. Of the Coast Artillery,
the army exile and offered 10 allow IT
to go to the Committee on Military At
fairs if he could be assured of an early
report.
Senator Warren. chairman of the COM
mittee. replied that he could not speak
for the committee. but he would per-
sonally agree TO use his influence as
chairman OF the committee 70 secure
early action. He said the resolution was
an important one. and affected both the
army and the navy. lie explained that
there had been several applications TO the
Senate to act upon similar cases. since
Mr.. Rayner's resolution had appeared.
He expressed the opinion that such ac-
ton might seriously interfere with dis
cipline.
Senator Hopkins. of Illinois, character
lied Mr.. Rayners request as 'un-
seemly."
WIN Consider II To-day.
Mr. Warren said he would agree to lay
the matter before the committee to-day,
but could not promise immediate action
Senator Bacon said the main question in
volved was not Col. Stewarts personal
interests, but whether the President could
set himself above the viii of Congress in
such matters.
If, after struggle of seven years to
rid ourselves from the power of one man.
we ind ourselves absolutely in the power
OF another. the question is a serious one, -
said Mr. Bacon.
air. Rayner asked unanimous consent
that the resolution be taken up for COZ
sideration. Mr.. Warren moved to refer
the resolution to the Military Affairs
Committee
Mr. Rayner urged Mr. Warren to allow
him the privilege of appearing before the
Committee on Military Affairs. He said
that Col. Stewart was kept virtually a
prisoner. and would so remain until the
President quit public life
Il understand that on the 4th of March
he is going out somewhere to hunt by
euas," said Mr. Rayrer. amid laughter
Mr. Warren inquired whether Mr.. Ray
ner had threatened the President with
the resolution unless he transferred Col.
Stewart to another post
Dare Not Threaten Him.
What? Threaten the PRESIDENT in
Quired Mr. Rayner. 7 hope the Execu-
tive did not say that I could not threat
en- the President Nobody can threaten
him" daughter followed his sally also
Senator Taliaferro. of Florida, made
the point that Col. Stewart had been or
dered from Fort Grant TO St Francis
Barracks. st. Augustine. which he said
disproved Senator Rayner's statement
that the President was keeping Col. Stew.
art al Fort Grant to force his retire
ment Mr.. TaliafeTro said ne had pro
tested against Col. Stewards being sta
toned at st. Augustine AT the request
of the adjUtant general of Florida, who
complained that the barracks had been
turned over to the State by the Federal
government for use of the militia. on the
agreement Of the State TO make certain
improvements
AIr. Taliaferro explained that the rea-
sons for the protest had no relation ID
Col. Stewart personally. He then sent
10 the clerks desk a letter from the
President, explaining his reason for or.
dering Col. Stewart from ST. Augustine
IN tHe letter. lne PRESIDENT said he would
never yield 10 Congress the right to die
tate 10 him as, commander-in-chief in
such matters.
Foraker Promises Action,
Mr.. Bacon said the assumption of the
President was extraordinary, and ex-
pressed the hope that Congress would
pass upon his right TO take such a stand
before the 4th of next March.
Mr.. Foraker said he agreed with tht
Senator from Georgia. and declared with
positiveness that the question would bc
settled by Congress. This suggestion
called out applause in the galleries.
The Rayner resolution was thereupor
referred TO the Committee on Military
Affairs, Mr. Warren cordially invitinl
Senator RayneT 10 appear before IN,
committee to-day.