The weekly Alaska citizen., 1919-01-06
NEGLIGENCE IS
 EVIDENT AMONG
 ARMY OFFICERS

Somewhere along the red tape route of the army course of procedure a negligible quantity has entered Where it exists is not known at the present time, but 1t seems that it will be certain to develop later on.
 At the time of the influenza cpl demic at Camp Lewis several of the boys from Fairbanks passed away and in due course of time their rela- tives were notified and interrogation made as to their wishes regarding the disposal of the remains. Among those to give up their lives for the cause of the country was Dorman Baker, who passed away st Camp Lewis from the disease On Novem- Der 21st Mrs. R. w. Ferguson, moth- CT of the young man. was informed of her sons demise and the usual re- quest was made as to what disposal should be made of his remains A message was sent that the body should be shipped to Fairbanks. No acknowledgment was ever made of the receipt of the telegram from the grief-stricken mother. Later on the head Of the Red Cross organization in Fairbanks was appealed to to as- certain what had been done regard. ing the shipping or care of her son. This message was also unanswered and has not been up to the present day.
 In the last mail letter was re- ceived by Mrs. Ferguson from the chaplain who conducted the funeral services over the remains of Dorman and 1t is evident from the tone of the message that somewhere along the line of official tapedom no word was ever received by those in charge of the remains regarding their disposal or, if word was received, it was ig nored.
 The heart-reaching and sincere let ter of the chaplain follows:
 "166th Depot Brigade. Camp Lewis, American Lake, Wash
 December 10, 1918. Mrs. Baker, Fairbanks. Alaska.
 "My dear Mrs. Baker:
 ''It was my sad privilege to have the solemn honor of laying your deal boys body away yesterday afternoon
 "The funeral service was strictly military, and was most beautiful and profoundly impressive.
 "The body was placed in a beautiful and substantial casket, which was draped in the American flag.
 "The procession consisted of: The Brigade band, bugler. firing squad pall-bearers. clergy and attendants.
 At the beautifully.situated Camp cemetery the band played the funeral march and Nearer, My God, to Thee. The burial service was read by my self and the benediction pronounced by fellow chaplain. Then the firing squad fired a three volley salute, and the bugler sounded final taps.
 Our hearts all ached as did youl own. and tears blinded our eyes as we laid the body of our comrade and friend in the grave.
 May 1t be a source of profound pride to you to know that your deal son was a good soldier, a patient ant brave sufferer. and that he was heroic in death. He truly and will ingly gave his life for his Country and humanity-more than that nc man can do.
 May God bless and hold you fast in your great sacrifice and sad be reavement
 Yours in Christ Jesus, GEORGE A. HARTMAN, Chaplain 166 Depot Brigade.
 Camp Lewis, Wash.
 As is indicated by the date of the letter the body remained IS days ir the army morgue before the last rites were administered. During which time a grief stricken mother was anxious ly awaiting the arrival of all that remained mortal of her patriotic son and in all probability the message of instruction remains filed away fir some desk, unattended to. -n-