The Washington times., 1915-07-29
AMERICAN DREYFUSS'
FINALLY Wins FIGHT
Col. Constantine Marrart Per.
kins Restored to Rank and
INDICATED of Charge.
CONTINUED from First Page

was finally through the Georgia Con-
gressman that Colonel Parkins was re-
stored to rank and duty.
Of the navy took up the case and held
his elimination from the service was
illegal. High officials OF the depart
ment were appealed to In vain, however
Successive Secretaries Of the Navy and
two Presidents failed to act in the case
Efforts to get It before Congress were
in vain. Judges advocate Of the navy
found that there was fraud and duress
in the trials. and proof was secured
that the charge Of mental insta-
was unjust and untrue All efforts
at relief failed. however.
Finally, the case was brought before
George Won L Meyer. and he made
the Taft Administration. It was UNDER
stood that this would be accepted by
the President. Naval advisers reached
him. however. and the Meyer report
was not approved.
Congress Appealed To.
With al lof the facts In the case. Con-
gress was repeatedly appealed to. Naval
Affairs Committees. after hearing cer-
tain leaders at the department. were
against Colonel Perkins for years. He
persisted. however. and finally got a
years ago the House Naval Affairs
Committee reported favorably on an
application OF Colonel Perkins for
restoration. A Senate committee did
restoration was before the House. and
each time was killed off on a point Of
order from Floor Leader Mann The bill
passed the Senate.
man Howard obtained a rule from the
rules committee. under which he tackled
a general amendment germane to the
Perkins case onto the naval appropria-
tions bill. All other amendments failed.
ten-minute speech by Congressman
Howard carried this one.
1r the meantime Secretary OF the
Navy Daniels, after first reporting ad-
versel yon the case. on the advice OF
his councillors. took up the papers He
chs nged front Immediately. and made
a recommendation for relief for Colonel
Perkins. in a report In which he said.
that the action and finding In his case
was not merited by the facts.
Five Months Necessary.
Even after Congress had ordered res
toration Of the colonel to his full rank
and grade. 1t has taken fve months to
get his commission. He was compelled
to pass 1gid physical and mental tests,
and came of with flying colors In each.
Tho giving Of these tests to Colonel
Perkins marked the first time in the
history OF the marine corps that a rank
OF colonel. 1t Is also the nrst time on
record that a man has been brought
from the retired list to an active
colonelcy.
HIS counsel. Gibbs l.. Baker, was with
him from the first. as was Capt c. A.
McAllister. engineer-in-chief OF the
coast guard. an old shipmate. who per-
sonally took UP the fight before Con-
Rressional committees and succeeding
administrations. cheering on the lone
warrior.
Since his retirement. Colonel Perkins
has seen four members of the board
that found him mentally untabe leave
the service. one Of them through in
sanity.
Colonel Perkins Is being showered
with congratulatory messages from
many quarters, on the receipt OF his
commission signed by the President. It
Is probable that he will be detailed to
service within the next few days.