Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-06

Orders for a court-martial of Gen.
Smedley D. Butler create much interest
in the officers semi-public statement
rejecting on Premier Mussolini The
apology from the American Govern
ment is viewed generally as an in
evitable incident Of foreign relations.
but as to the penalty for Gen. Butler
there are differing opinions.
"Indiscreet as Gen. Butler was" in
the opinion of the Jersey City Journal.
criticism will be tempered with very
large amount of sympathy, for in this
country he Is properly regarded as a
real American hero" The Raleigh News
and Observer points out that when
Admiral Sims violated the proprieties in
London President Taft administered a
reprimand. 1t was sufficient" continues
that paper, "for a naval officer who
committed graver ofenses than Gen.
Butler" The Columbus Ohio State
Journal emphasizes 1.-The folly of taking
too seriously affairs which, If left alone
or investigated in a friendly spirit, are
easily disposed OF"
"Soldiers and sailors sometimes have
a pungent and powerful way OF eX-
pressing themselves" according TO the
Green Bay Press Gazette, but those IN
the military service, while they carry
the big stick, must, for the sake
of appearances, step more lightly" The
Richmond News Leader recalls that the
country has had comparatively few
military trials and these few vastly
more important than this can possibly
be-" The Indianapolis Star advises That
Gen. Butler, of course, was suthclently
familiar with the regulations to know
that he was violating the code when ne
referred to Italy's premier in uncompll-
mertary terms"
1T is too bad remarks the Phila-
delphia Inquirer, that this dashing
general is not able to curb his tongue.
But it is also too bad that the Secre-
tary of the Navy considered that
nothing would do but a trial before a
court composed of high officers. The
Secretary of States apology to Mussollnl
was sufficient to satisfy the premier OF
Italy. A reprimand of the Offending
Marine ought to have been more than
ample. It would have settled for good
the whole matter, especially since
Mussolini has forgotten the incident
But the court martial is certain to keep
it alive, for Gen. Butler is fighter, and
as he has courae eously fought in foreign
lands. so he will fight for what he
deems his right of free speech"
x x x
"Army and Navy officers attacks on
foreign governments" declares the
Lincoln State Journal, should have no
particular significance. If the criticism
had been the result of congressional
action or coming from the Chief Execu-
tive or a member of his cabinet the
i1Icf
plant and the American people for eX-
element. But Gen. Buffers statement
does not represent the official attitude
of the Government nor the private
attitude of the American people. 1t
was mainly a case of a general shoot
ing Of and attracting undue atten-
ton"
Maj Gen. smedley Butler should be
called upon to prove his statement
or render an abtect apology" says the
Oakland Tribune, The Milwaukee
Journal states: ut was matter be-
tween two nations, two peoples on
friendly terms, and we were compelled
to do the manly, honorable thing" The
Roanoke Times comments: "a brave
and gallant officer personally. with
distinguished record for courageous
service in action, Gen. Buffers fiery
tongue has at last landed him in
predicament from which he may be
unable to extricate himself gracefully"
The Scranton Times adds that know
ing how Gen Buffers tongue wags. the
disposition of many Americans is to
take some things he says lightly"
Of all the great leaders produced by
and after the war" thinks the Grand
Rapids Press, "Mussolini is easily the
one possessed not only of the highest
genius but the greatest personal charm.
He is not only a robust and inspiring
personality, but is sensitiveAas are few
men to opportunities of making IA
vorahle impression. It IS imrcssible to
leccnci.e tie Mus@olini OF the famous