Arizona republican., 1919-03-12
ANSELL' $ REPLY
 ID CRONDER |S
 N0T PUBLISHED

WASHINGTON, March 11-Lieuten- ant Colonel Samuel T. Ansell, former acting judge advocate general, sub mitted a statement to Acting Secretary Crowell today, in reply to the letter of Major General Enoch II. Crowder. judge advocate general, to Secretary Baker, on the controversy over the administra- tiOn of military justice. Because of certain references concerning him, made by General Crowder Colonel An sell asked that his statement be given the same publicity as that of the judge advocate general.
 Colonel Anselrs statement was not made public. Soon after it was sub mitted, Representative Gould of New York gave out copies of letter he wrote Secretary Baker today. regarding the discharge of Colonel Ansell from his war time command as a brigadier gen. eral. Representative Gould told the secretary he was unable to escape the conclusion that the war department had deliberately and ruthlessly adopted this method of punishing a public spirited and efficient officer. whose sole of- -ense was against a powerful and self centered clique in your department. in that he answered a summons which he could not decline, and told the con- gross of the United States the truth about the matter which it was clearly the duty Of congress Co inquire into"
 Not To Be Published.
 Many officers regard it as unlikely that Colonel Anselrs reply to General Crowder will be made public until Sec retary Baker, now on a trip of inspec- ton of army camps with General 
 suited. and some officers doubt if the department will even then further air a controversy between General Crowder and a subordinate officer. particularly ! it' view of the fact that the whole sub feet has been submitted to the inspector general of the army. Major General John l.. Chamberlain, for investigation. l Colonel Ansell himself cannot make public his letter without rendering him. self liable tO disciplinary proceedings Brigadier General Edward A. Kreger, | designated as acting judge advocate general is due at New Rork Thursday on the transport America. His arrival will permit General Crowder to start ! for Cuba 10 take up the work of advis- ing the Cuban president and govern ment in the pending revision of the election laws and system on the island. General Crowder plans to sail Sat urday.
 Inquiry As Between Men
 The scope of the investigation being conducted by General Chamberlain has not been disclosed, the only information in regard to it which has yet reached the' public is the brief reference in | General Crowder's recent letter. In | ordinary practice the inspector general acts as military grand jury. filing, after investigation. recommendation that court martial proceedings be in- stituted in cases where disciplinary &C., ton is deemed advisable.
 lt also is the duty of the inspector general 10 make general investigations | on questions referred to him. and Gen. | eral Crowder's language might merely | mean that facts as to criticism brought against the military justice system | charging undue severity are to be mar | shalled for Secretary Bakers informa
 ton. rather than that the conduct of | any individual officer or officers is tc | be examined.
 General Crowder. however. did make a specific charge against Colonel An.
 sell, then General Ansell. asserting that
 the latter had moved in an irregula,
 way to secure his own appointment a,
 acting judge advocate general and th.
 relief of General Crowder from any di.
 rect connection with that office. Tn, reply submitted by Colonel Ansell i,
 understood to be addressed to tbi,
 charge, rather than to further discus.
 sion of the controversy over miIitar,
 justice.