Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-03-29
GOOD FIGHTERS IN
STATESMAN'S ROLE
Grant at AppomattoX-Ingrah at
Smyrna-Perry in Japan-Dewey
at Manila-Funston Too, Is
More Than a Fighter

More Than a Fighter
TT is reason for graduation that the
l. qualities of craftsmanship as well as
splendid fighting qualities possessed in
large measure by our officers i'm the army
and the navy. On many occasions in the
history of this nation the fact has been
demonstrated. Situations are constantly
arising to demand something more of com
manding officer than skill in defeating the
enemy in clash of arms. Comprehension
of the larger requirements of national honor
and prestige, of national welfare from the
viewpoint of both present and future inter
national relations is needed at such a time.
A little break" might produce consequences
contrary to all the aims and hopes Of good
craftsmanship and good citizenship SO with
pride and confidence Americans may look on
the record of our army and navy men in their
manifesto ton of other qualities than those
expected of mere winners of battles and wars.
A remark of Professor Sloanes, in his book
on Party Government" may be quoted in
this connection. Professor Sloane says truly:
I'm the delicate arrangements of international
relations the higher officers of the navy, neces-
sarily clothed at all times with ordinary and
sometimes in acute crises with extraordinary
diplomatic character, have in the main acquit-
ted themselves with the highest distinction.
Witness the opening of Japan to Western in
fuences, the Koszta affair the Kossuth in
cdent and other equally delicate matters or
foreign politics.
In chief command of our military forces in
Mexico and on the border is General Funston,
a man distinguished not only for his courage
and military ability in campaigns against
indians and rebel Filpnos, but also for wise
and patriotic conduct in such situations as
that which arose at Vera Cruz. His talent,
his genius is not only for fighting, but for
administration and craftsmanship Which is
not a political boost, but a recognition of the
kind of merit which gratfes the people of
the nation served so well by Frederick Funs.
ton,
Supreme Example
The supreme example of craftsmanship dis
played by military officer on any occasion
in American history is the conduct of General
Grant at Appomattox. The strength of the
Confederacy had been spent. But the broken
host returned to their homes undishonored-
which would have been the case anyway,
whatever the acts of the conquerors; they
returned however, hOnored by their con-
ouerors Men and officers were treated with
a consideration markedly respectful and
courteous. retaining arms and horses as Lee
himself retained his sword. AS Grant rode
/ off from the first conference TO his camp, the
news of the surrender had reached his
| soldiers and the firing of salutes began. Grant
sent a hasty order TO have the salutes stopped,
SAYING The rebels are our countrymen
again"
! The behavior of Lee was not less admirable
I than Grants. AS Doctor Edmonds of this
/ city, says in his biography OF the Union
general, 1T is impossible to commend too
af ATNnn IA as a n
evidence Of American character-both in
| triumph and adversely. Afterward Colonel
Marshall said that if Grant and his officers
had studied how not TO offend, they could
not have borne themselves with more good
breeding" Doctor Edmonds goes on to quote
Charles Francis Adams: There is not in our
whole history as a people any incident so
creditable to our manhood Grant
was conslderate and magnanimous-restrained
in victory; Lee dignifed in defeat, carried
himself with that sense of absolute fitness
which compelled respect"
The magnanimity of Grant reminds one
I OF that passage in Burke, where the great
Englishman refers to that quality as one Of
the highest and most essential qualities OF
| craftsmanship.
Famous KOszta Case
Statesmanship and diplomacy are names
| for two different aspects OF the same thing.
! The action OF Captain Ingraham in the fa-
/ nous Koszta case is an example OF that high
distinction OF our army and navy men to
] which Professor Sloane calls attention. The
story has been fully told in these columns.
! A certain Martin Koszta emigrated from
Austria to the United States and in 1852 made
a declaration under oath Of his intention
10 become 3 citizen OF the United States
| Nearly two years later he went TO Smyrna
| on private business and while there was taken
By force on board the Austrian brig Hussar
and confined In chains The American ofhciala
At smyrna protested without eject that