The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-02-09
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press STAFF correspondent
(Copyright. 1891. By United Press)

BY RAYMOND CHAPTER
United Press STAFF Correspondent
(CopyriRht. 1891. by United Press)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.-Plans
for court-martialing Major Cen
eral Smedley D. Butler of the United
States marine corps we're aban-
doned on the initiative of the adj
nlinistration, it was learned today.
For several reasons the highest
officials of the government decided
it was unwise to 90 through with
the court-martial General Butler,
on his part, finally consented to be
q good soldier" and enter the ar
rangement under which he was rep
Tinanded by Navy Secretary Adams.
This sudden collapse Of what
promised to be one Of the most spec
ticular military trials In American
history caused a sensation in Wash
ington, and was subject Of dis
cussion everywhere.
The abandonment Of the court
martial was regarded as being I'M
precedented as the original decision
itself.
Public Spectacle Prevented
Most important for the govern
ment's international relations, the
cancellation Of the trial removes the
possibility of a public spectacle in
which would enter the question of
the accuracy of statements that
Premier Mussolini Of Italy ran over
q child with his automobile and
went on without giving aid.
1t was learned today that the
glVA lment, through state and COM
meros department attaches in Italy
made a thorough investigation of
the story which Butler in his speech
at Philadelphia last month had told
about this incident. All Of these
reports came back to Washington
agreeing that there was no truth in
the story.
Hints were conveyed to General
Butler late last week that for vari-
Gus reasons it would be desirable
all around if some arrangement
could be made which would make
the court-martial unnecessary.
General Butler hesitated until
after consulting with counsel but
finally agreed.
Butler Writes Letter
A conference was held Sunday at
the home of Navy Secretary Adams
where the arrangements were
worked out.
Butler Monday wrote a letter to
Adams relating that when he made
the speech he understood it was not
to go beyond the four walls within
which were assembled the members
and guests of the Contemporary
Club of Philadelphia.
Butler said he was telling Adams
this ION the assumption that it was
not in the departments possession
when it was decided to bring me to
trial" 1t is known that the phras-
ing Of this sentence was given much
attention.
Neither Butler nor his counsel
will say whether this information
was included in the original report
of the incident which Butler made
to the navy upon which the decision
to court martial him was made.
Secretary Adams says it was not.
All have made a gentleman's
agreement not to explain what lies
behind the phrase ION the assump-
ton"
Many Protests Received
President Hoover and other gov
eminent officials have received
yoluminous mail protesting against
the court-martial. General Butler
has received equally voluminous
mail extending sympathy.
1t is known that some influential
administration senators felt that
the administration was making a
grave mistake in forcing the court
martial, that a reprimand was SUI
ficient and more desirable from
every point of view.
AS this pressure increased, there
came to the ears of high admins
tration officials reports that friends
of Butler we're planning to force
him into the race for the Repub-
lican senatorial nomination in
Pennsylvania next year against
Senator James j. Davis, former sec
rotary OF labor
Other criticism came privately
from many of Buffers friends in
the service who felt that he was
being crucified for an indiscretion
which, while warranting repri-
mand, did not warrant severe pen
elites and dishonor.
General Butler was back in COM
mand at Quantico, Va, marine base
today.