Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1919-05-15

the conclusion of the investigation will
be ordered as soon as the military and
civil authorities agree upon a plan of
action satisfactory to all concerned,
but it is indicated that the civil corr 5
will be asked to deal with the of
tenders.
Kelley To Make Statement.
Arthur j. Kelley, general secretary
of the Knights of Columbus here, who
had custody of the car alleged to have
been used by the vandals declined TO
discuss the occurrence in any manner,
but asked and received permission of
Colonel RAIDER to issue a signed state
ment at the conclusion of the investi-
CATION. He confirmed the report that
the Rev. Father Walsh. of Albany, who
visits the Catholic church here, and
it was brought to field by Arthur j.
Kelley, general secretary of the
Knights of Columbus organization at
the post, and in whose custody it re-
NAMED until seized by order of Lieut.
Col RAIDER. IL is said that suspicion
does not attach to Mr.. Kelley, how
ever.
Commission Investigates.
Lieut.. Col RAIDER declined today to
say what evidence had thus far been
brought before the investigating COM
mission, which is composed of Major
f. S. Schofield, executive officer at the
post: Lieut.. Walter Suffer, post adju-
tant, and Lieut.. Floyd A. Wilson, per
sonnet adjutant. Asked concerning the
alleged connection of an officer re-
Gently discharged at Souther Field
with the offense. Colonel RAIDER said
that he was unable to say anything al
all concerning this feature of the case,
He stated, however, that the officer
whose name was mentioned by the re-
porter. had visited the post Monday,
coming to arrange certain business af-
fairs, and that at that time he had
no connection whatever with the post,
and was not under military jurisdiction.
AS to the alleged participation of a
certain enlisted soldier at the post.
he said this would be fully investigat-
ed and that he could assure the people
of Americas and the South that ade-
quate justice would be melted out al
ter a fair and impartial trial.
Up To Authorities.
The investigation now on" said
Colonel RAIDER, is a preliminary one,
and is to determine whether or not
formal charges will be preferred
against those suspected of participa-
ton in the offense. The bringing Of
formal charges, if preferred under
military regulations. would result il
q courtmartial hearing of the evidenc,
1t is within the province of the mill
tary authorities" he continued, either
to try a soldier charged with the com
mission of such an offense as the al
legged dissertation of the Wirz monu
ment, when such offense is committed
of the reservation, or to turn his cas-,
talked with Judge r. l.. Maynard. how
ever, and am of the opinion that il
the car held by the military autnori
ties, and which has paint spots cor
responding in color with that daubet
upon the monument, belongs TO Rev
Father Walsh, of Albany, adding lha
Father Walsh had nothing to do viii
The car while it is at the field, anC
neither had he any knowledge con
corning its whereabouts at stated
hours Kelley also said that if tht
car had been used by any one during
Tuesday night, it was without his
gnowledge An enlisted man whose al
legged connection with the affair, it is
known, is being investigated. coulC
not be interviewed, it being considered
best by the authorities to prevent un
official discussion of the affair unit
after the conclusion of the investiga