Norwich bulletin., 1913-12-17
Song Has Been
 Sung IA Years
cARARoA OFFICERS REGRET
 THAT IT NOW DEPENDS
A LETTER TO DANIELS
Objectionable Lyric Was Composed on
 Way to Philippines in 1sss-Army and Navy Secretaries Confer Today

Washington, Dec 16.-Secretaries Garrison and Daniels received today an explanation from Major General Aleshire. U. S. A., Brigadier-General miral Howard of the incidents at the recent dinner of the military order of the Carabao, which had, aroused the displeasure of President Wilson and his cabinet.
 These officers submitted copies of the songs and travesties and satires upon administration policies and mem bers of the cabinet, with letter of regret that anything should have giv- en offense.
 Daniels Suggestion.
 Secretary Garrison will confer with Secretary Daniels tomorrow and a joint report will be made to President Wilson. MT. Daniels said tonight that his suggestion to Rear Admiral How idency of the Carabao society, to which he was recently elected, extend ed to other prominent officers in the navy.
 Tn view of the criticism of the re- cent dinner said MT. Daniels, T do not think it would be wise for any of the older officers to take office in the organization now. When everything that is offensive or reflects on the ad- ministration has been taken out, 1t might be all right for them to take an active part.
 Letter from the Carabao.
 MT Daniels pointed out that the president, as commander-in-c chief of the army and navy, could not permit his policies to be openly satirized by army and navy officers. He did not comment on the letter received from the three officers of the Carabao. This letter, addressed to the secretary of the navy, follows:
 We have been appointed by the committee in charge of the recent an nual dinner, Military Order of the certain data to the secretary of war requested by him.
 Song Composed in 1899.
 "The sub committee also desires to express to you the deepest regret at cent Carabao dinner. The society, composed largely of agTay' and navy officers, is greatly distressed that any thing in it's entertainment should be offensive to it's invited guests. The principal song reported to have given offense was composed by soldiers on the way to the Philippines in 1899 and has been sung at Carabao dinners and similar occasions ever since
 Tt was not on the programme for the recent dinner, put was sung once and, when asked for a second time, was refused by the officer presiding at the singing table. During the dinner there have always been presented entertain ing features and the songs have been practically the same on all such occa- sions
 Newspaper Statement Absurd.
 Tt has been stated in the press that the songs were known in advance. That is true, as the songbook printed this year is practically the same as songbooks heretofore printed, twenty nine out of the thirty five songs being the same and the others have not been mentioned as being in any way ob jectionable.
 ''The printed statement that The performance, according to advance statements given out by the Carabao society, was designed to show the lack of sympathy for recent developments and tendencies in the Philippines gov ernment' is so absurd that it seems hardly necessary to deny it.
 Very respectfully,
 (Signed)
 "J E. ALEsHIRE,
 ''T. B. HOWARD,
 FRA NIX M'TNTYRFn