New Britain herald., 1919-07-02
Colonel ISbCH.
CBrid geport rost.)

 Not a few citizens of Connecticut have wondered what became of Col. Ernest l.. Isbeu, who went from this country in command of the One Hun dred and second Infantry, the Con- necticut Regiment that became part of the famous Yankee Division.
 It will be recalled that Colonel Is- bell dared to do something human and crnor Holcomh to let the people of Connecticut know through it's CXecu- tive head that tho command had ar rived lover there" safe and sound. This natural act aroused dtspleasure at the War Department and 1t wal announced that Colonel Isbcll had been reprimanded.
 Shortly after he was relieved of his duty, some Regular Army officer taking his place. It was bcliel ed at that time that the change was d punishment for Colonel Isbell because of that telegram.
 But this belief is not now sup ported. Maior-Gcncral Edwards in an address at Trinity College Commence- ment the other day cleared up sur
 
 It appears that Colonel Ishell was really promoted" He was made 1 provost marshal on the line of com muniCatiOn.
 Major-Gcneral Edwards also said that at no time was there any criti- Cism of Colonel Isbell in France or Ut Army headquarters over tho telegram sent to the Governor. The reason why
 
 marshall so General Edwards said, was because he was considered best fitted for the position.
 This statement is Of considerable ing tcrcst to Connecticut people. That Colonel Isbell would make an excel lent provost marshal was to be ex- pCCted. The position is very much in the nature of an executive head of great police department. Having given much attention 10 police depart ment duties in New Haven, as men- Der of the Police comm iSslon in that city, Colonel IsbelI would easily fall , into the duties of the office which he has now filled more than two years.
 But there is one other reason- for the change Of which no special men tion has been made, and that is the command was wanted for some for mer West Point man, just as was the case with other militia regiment com mands, where tho men holding po- sitions had no influence al Washing ton. Colonel Logan of the MaSsaChu- setts regiment had a similar eXperi- CnCC
 Such was the common understand ing of the situation in the Army TheI West Pointers did not look with greatl faNo or on the men Of militia traininEl No doubt they were wise in some in stances. but not in all However, Colonel Ishcll was siven d position of considerable inn importance, and one which thoroughne&s would well fit. He has been devoted to the service. He went with his regiment 10 the Mexican border against Villa. Then he was ready for tho greater call, laying down a fine law practice to serve the flag to the bcs; of his ability.
 Connecticut should properly reCog- nize him. Hc has always been faith full public servant As leader of the General Assembly of 1915 he was a prominent factor in carrying out the notable legislation of that session. Whatever his hand finds 10 do he does II with all his might He maN> not always do it the best way. as some others sec it, but he does it the best way he knows how. Connecticut has had no son who has served more honorably in the great war than this always earnest public official.
 Tho fTrari, forIotta