Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1916 — FACE COURT-MARTIAL [ARTICLE]

FACE COURT-MARTIAL

116 MEMBERS OF TEXAS MILITIA TO BE PUNISHED. Secretary Baker Announces Men Who Refused to Serve Will Have to Stand Trial. Washington, May 26. —Reversing his previous decision, Secretary Baker announced that the 116 members of the Texas National Guard who failed to present themselves for muster into the Federal service will be brought to court-martial immediately under the present law. Mr. Baker had intended to await th* signing of the new militia law now before the president and proceed under its Secretary Baker explained his action by polntmg out the Dick law requires an obligation to defend the constitution and obey orders of the governor of the state, but not the order of the president. The HayChamberlain act requires an oath to obey orders of bdth the governor and the president Upon recommendation of Judge Advocate General Crowder the secretary has decided that the alleged offense of the guardsmen refusing to “present” themselves for muster, was committed under the Dick law and trial should be under that law. General Crowder in a supplementary opinion held that the Hay-Cham-berlain act would not abolish the offense with which the Texans are charged, as has been suggested. On this showing it will not be necessary to issue a new call for the border militia after the Hay-Chamberlain bill is signed.