Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1912-02-22
SECRETARY OF WAR
FINDS MISSING
DOCUMENT
PAPERS CONCERNING RAY
CHARGES GO TO HOUSE
Series of CabIegramS Throw
Light On Unusual Clrcum-
stances Surrounding Charges
Against Army PaymaSter.

IBy Morning journal Special Leased wire,l
| Washington, Feb. 2l.--Some of the
| documents In the case of Major
Beechen B. Ray, which were said
To he missing from the war depart
mcnt files. were turned up today and
sent To the Helm committee by Sec
retary Stimson, who said the papers
had been found in some personal
effects of j. Franklin Bell. formerly
chief of staff,
The committee already has sub
\ poenaed General Tasker II. Bliss,
who was said To have copies of the
documents.
Major Ray, who is an army pay
master, has been under fire before
the committee, on charges of political
activity, particularly about the time
the Chicago convention of 1908 nomi-
mated President Taft
The records show that Major Ray,
when under investigation In the
Philippines on charges of signing
false certificate used character
recommendation from Mr.. Taft then
president -elect, that ON another oc-
easion Ray was ordered to the Phil
ippines at his own expense by Presi-
dent Roosevelt and later was order
ed back to the United States at his
own expense by General Bell who
cabled that the order was "by direc-
tion." but whose direction was not
disclosed in the record.
| Soon after Ray returned to the
Philippines, after the Chicago con-
vention, charges against him result
ed in no court martial. The follow
ing interchange of messages Is
shown in the papers turned over to
the committee
Washington. ID. G., Dee. 10, 1908.
Bliss, Maniia;--Will send Mon
day confidential message. Please de-
- NFr personally.
/ 'BEIL."
Washington, ID. c., Dec. Fl. 1905.
Bliss Manila Personal and
confidential If possible please meet
requirements of discipline In Bee
cher B. Ray ease without reference to
court or war department.. VIII sup
port your action.
BELL"
The following evidently was re-
ply:
Manila, Jan. 2, 1903.
staff War, Washington Refer
ring to your personal and confiden-
tial telegram of December 81, ] have
no doubt matter will be adjusted
satisfactorily az suggested BY you. To
4 prevent further embarrassment l
shall in time transfer to the division
the officer concerned.
BLISS"
On January 13, 1893, General Bliss
cabled TO General Bell further. stat
ing that Major Ray was under ord
ers and about To sail to Honolulu
"Paymaster General charges Bee
cher u. Ray knowingly signed false
vouchers" the cablegram read In
part;
Recommends appropriate action.
Judge Advocate General recommends
disciplinary measures as may be
ldeemed best. Beecher B. Ray under
lorders to proceed To Honolulu. About
Ito sail commercial liner January 16
at his own expense. Orders war de-
lpartment referred to necessitate an
other investigation, probable trial.
general court martial. VIII retain
Beecher B. Ray according"
General Bell answered the cable
gram the same day. stating. Send to
me personally papers all relating to
three cases mentioned In your tele-
gram. Further investigation un-
necessary at present Beecher Is.
Ray to proceed to Honolulu pursuant
to orders"
This communication, Il appears
from the disclosed correspondence
did not reach General Bliss for some
days and on January 20. General Bell
sent the cablcgram In which he re-
ferred to direction" In the case from
some source.
The cablegram follows:
Washington. Jan. 2s. 1903.
I Colonel stephen G. Mills. Manila;
III Tasker II. Bliss absent. commun-
icate Immediately with him and say
my csblegram to him January 10, rel
ative to investigation and papers In
\ the case Of Beecher B. Ray was not
personal but was sent by direction
and II 1t has not been complied with
IL should be at once.
\ on February I. Colonel Mills ca
bled that General Bliss had not re-
ceived the cablegram dated January
i1s. and asked that II be repeated.
Then followed this Interchange OF
messages.
y Washington. Feb I. 1903.
Colonel stephen Mills. Manila .-
/ The following Is message OF 18Th re-
ferred to In message 20 you Quotes
4 message to Bliss of January i3.D Take
necessary action 20 get above mes
i sage complied with. sending all evi-
dence with papers to me for further
action here. Ray should proceed Hon
oiuIu without further delay.
d BELL"
i Manila. Feb. 5, 1903.
staff War. ton.-Instruc-
Itiors in your telegram OF February
1. have been carried out. Beecher Il.
nav sails February on commercial
liner az his own expense reaching
Honolulu about Marcn I
MILLS
MAYOR Ray did return to Honolulu
and later to the United states. where
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