The Monmouth inquirer., 1920-04-29


cSf6ps.7 He was then transferred TO
Camp Funston, Kansas, where he train
ed the Eighty-ninth and the Tenth
Divisions. ta
This kicking Of Wood from pillar to
post had a double effect; It brought on
the administration an avalanche OF
criticism and Il enhanced Woods pep
'ulafity. The State Of Kansas made
him an honorary citizen through. a
proclamation by Governor Capper.
In November, 1917, General Woed
was sent to France to observe military
operations at the front as were all
general officers in charge Of training
camps. While watching French artil-
1ery at work on january q, 1918, he
was severely wounded by a shell which
burst inside a French gun, the whole
gun crew being killed. General Wood
recovered rapidly and returned to the
United States, where he passed the
severe physical examination for army
officers destined for overseas service.
General Wood accompanied the.
Eighty ninth Division, which he had
trained, to New York for embarka-
tfon, expecting to command 1t In
France. On arriving In New York,
May 25, 1918. he received a telegram
from Secretary Of War Baker, re-
lieving him of his command. The
press unsparingly fayed the admins
tratlon for this display Of meanness-
Of spirit. However, Wood was sent
back TO Funston No one has ever
heard him speak one word Of protest
against this shameful treatment He
continued to work night and day for
victory, training troops, aiding the
country in every way he could. In his
campaign speeches of late he has time
and again stated his refusa to criticise
the Democratic administration Let the
Republicans do better than the Demo
Gratis Is his slogan He had the Tenth
Division ready for overseas service
when the arnistice was signed.
After the armistice, Wood was as
signed to the command of the Central
Department. with headquarters in Chi
cago where he still is. OF late several
notable events have taken place illus
trating his strong capabflity for pub
lie service.
About a year ago he organized the
Chicago bureau for finding employ
ment for returning soldiers. This or
ganization became the model for the
Federal bureau.
He was called upon TO quell the race
riot in Omaha, and to restore and main
tain law and order in Gary, Indiana,
and in the West Virginia coal fields dur
ing the steel and coal Strikes This
Wood did without firing a shot. More
over, his attitude toward the strikers
In Gary and In the coal fields was so
fair and impartial as to win the COM
mendati0n Of the labor leaders. The
strikers were allowed to strike and
picket in orderly fashion, and the
workers were allowed to work Wood
took no Sides He merely kept order
He said he found nearly one hun
dred per cent of the strikers loyal
Americans, who earnestly believed
they were fighting for their rights. He
did not compromise with the "Reds" al
Gary. He arrested them,
There are few men in this land who
can point to life of more distinguish
ed public service than Leonard Wood,
as doctor, soldier, administrator and
business executive. A man Of few
words and big deeds, he typlfes the
best this nation has TO offer. Roose-
velt once said of him: "His rise has
been astounding, and it has been due
purely to his own striking qualifca-
tons and striking achievements"
tThe end.)