The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-10-08

National Guard systsm,' the defense
asked.
II know nothing OF the comments"
he replied.
Colonel Jones Also A Kicker.
A letter written by Colonel Jones
from the border was introduced in
which he criticised the red tape" of
the system. II was pointed out by
the defense that IL this communica-
ton had been made public, and given
TO the press. IL would have been SINH
lar to the charge now against Major
Barrett. The court was shown that
other officers had made statements
of like nature to those of the &C
cused. but that they had never found
their way into print.
The witness stated that when he
read Major Barrett's statements.
which were 80 characteristic Of him.
he did not ask him for statement
explaining them as required by mil
itsry law. as he was sure none was
necessary. and considered IL a good
opportunity to bring the issue to a
head.
Major Barrett Tcstifies.
Major Barrett. when asked II he
wished to testify. took the stand, and
stated the many military Offices he
has held in his twenty-three years of
scTNtte, anu @n every ChAe MS uis-
charges were with excellence. He
stated that he had used the express
sions similar to those published, but
never had he discussed the service
publicly to its injury.
The witness stated that he did not
say that he was tired Of the National
Guard. On several occasions, he de-
clared, he said he would retire. but
this was due to business reasons. and
his desire to give younger men an
opportunity to rise. Never. he said,
had he given the Star" reporter. or
any other newspaper man, anything
for publication. and when he saw
the statements alleged to have been
spoken by him. he was surprised.
since he believed at the time he had
made similar statements. that he was
talking to circle of friends. and not
publicly.
Major Barrett said at tho time he
wrote the letter TO Colonel Jones say
ing that he did not make the state
ments appearing in the Star" 1t was
his intention to convey the idea that
he had never made them for publica-
ton. but due to the confused condi-
ton of his mind, he did not make
himself clear. A letter in expiana-
ton. however, was written a week
later, but the colonel said It was too
late. Major Barrett said he told Colo
mel Jones that he never intended to
deceive him, to which the latter re-
piled that he knew It, but that the
charges had to be forwarded that
way.
Captain Milton Roberts. adjutant OF
the Fourth Maryland. and Capt Guy
h Stanton. of the same command,
also testified, both stating that the
accused enjoyed good reputation as
an officer and civilian.
Defense Attorney Speaks.
After the WITNESSES were heard
Captain K. c. Marshall and State
Senator w. N. Maloy, of Maryland,
OF counsel for the defense, spoke.
saying that the accused could not be
found guilty OF conduct unbecoming
an ofacer and gentleman. since under
law this meant that he would
be q moral leper." which could not
be tho case with Major Barrett They
stated that the other charges were
nothing more than mere indiscretions.
Captain J. A. Cutchins. judge ad-
vocate. said that the statements of
tho accused were made publicly. and
that the whole system OF the National
Guard had been damaged by them.
He also stated that a man OF Major
Barretts mentality knew how to ex-
press himself clearly. and that he in
tended to deceive when he disclaimed
all knowledge of the published state
ments, The accused Ia unQuestion-
ably guilty. he said.
1t Is expected 1t will be about two
weeks before the findings of the court
are known.