The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1911-06-10

Taft today created something of a
sensation when he rebuked Col. Jo-
seph Garrard. commanding the caval-
ry post at Fort Myer. Va. for disap-
proving Private Frank Blooms eff
fort for promotion because of Bloom s
Jewish parentage. Col. Garrard's en-
dorsement characterized Jews as not
desirable social assets" and Presi-
dent Taft Immediately directed the
Secretary OF War TO investiagte the
matter. The President stamped the
expressions as those OF narrow race
prejudice. tie also said IL was hard
to deal with the matter with patience
and without "condemnatory words,
that had better not be written"
The war department pointed out
that there have been many Jews
among the army officers. Notwith-
standing the Presidents inquiry di-
rected to the Secretary of War as to
what should be done to discipline Col.
Garrard. the incident has been prac-
tically closed.
The war department decided that
there was no ground for a Court
martial, as an officer had a right to
express his opinion. The Secretary,
however. admonished the Colonel not
To repeat the action.
Bloom, who Is a private In Com
pany +. had applied to President
Roosevelt for an appointment to West
Point. President Roosevelt at that
time could not grant the request.
Bloom was advised TO continue his
studies and try for a commission
through examination. He took this
advice and failed. II Is said. owing to
race prejudice.
''I have taken steps to see that the
examination to which Bloom was sub
Jected shall be reopend." said the
Secretary OF War today. He shall
be given another opportunity for ex-
animation"
Col. Garrard's endorsement on
Blooms paper. to which President
Taft Sd strongly objected. was as fol-
lows:
THE applicant is a son of Mr.. Jo-
seph A. Bloom. OF Jewish persuasion,
who is now. and has been for a num-
Der OF years. a tailor at this post.
His associates. as far as 1 know, and
that OF his family have been with en-
listed men and their families and have
been respectable. The young man is
undoubtedly honest and upright. am
bilious and probably deserving. but
for the reasons stated, / would not de-
sire him In my command as an officer
and a social and personal associate.
The presence OF the applicants fam
fly at a military post would be sub
versive OF discipline and their prob
able treatment a source of NORTH
cation to them and frequent cause of
trouble to commanding officers. From
an experience OF many years 1 have
found. except In few cases, few COM
munities where Jews are received as
Desirable"
In his letter u the Secretary of
War. President Taft said:
THE statements made by Col.
Garrard are not true with reference
Go the standing that Jews have in this
country and l resent. as Commander
tn-Chief OF the army and navy, that
any officer should permit himself in
an official document to give evidence
OF such narrow race prejudice as
that contained in this endorsement.
The Presidents reprlmand foil ows:
THE President directs the Secre-
tary Of War TO inform Col. Garrard
that his attitude I'm this matter Is
strongly disapproved. as contrary to
the ideals and principles of this
country.
"Col. Garrard has been told that
ne has not the moral right to exert in
huenee I'm his official position to bar
the advancement OF courageous and
efficient young man simply because
that man was OF the Jewish race:
that such prejudice indicates not only
prejudice that should not be found in
an officer OF his position and exper-
fence. but amounts TO failure u
Justly and fairly consider the merits
and claims Of the applicant as shown
by his efficient services and excellent
standing In the mental examinations.
"CoL Garrard has been admonished
10 abstain from any further such act
ion as taken In this case"