Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1893 — The Penalty of Heedlessness. [ARTICLE]

The Penalty of Heedlessness.

The army stood in the presence of death, silent with horror. r lhe condemned man, pale but resolute, had taken his place beside the coffin which was to hold his mortal clay, facing the firing squad. He was a handsome soldier, and it wrun* the hearts of his comrades to see him about to meet a dishonorable end. The culprit was speaking. His voice was clear and firm, and his words reached" every ear in that great concourse. “My friends ” Already there was many a tearful eye riveted upon that beloved figure. “I die the victim of my own carelessness. Once my prospects were as bright as yours. I had been commended for my bravery ” A murmur of approval ran through the troops. “And the scars upon my body attest my devotion to the cause. I have been declared a good soldier, but one day, in a fit of unaccountable heedlessness ” His head sank upon his breast. “I passed within four miles of a superior officer and did not touch my hat. My fate is a just one and I make no complaint.” They were sorry to see him shQt. hut they appreciated the necessity of maintaining discipline.—Detroit Tribune. •