Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 98, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1902 — SMITH CLAIMS NO BLAME. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

SMITH CLAIMS NO BLAME.

Disgraced Officer Says His Campaign in Philippines Was Not Cruel, General Jacob H. Smith, who was court martialed in Manila for his “kill and burn” order and later was retired with a

reprimand by President Roosevelt, consented for the first time since his arrival from the Philippines to talk for publication. But his talk was extremely guarded and he refused absolutely to discuss the injury to feelings caused by his enforced retirement from the army and the President’s reprimand.

“I am still in the government's service,” he said, “and not at liberty to discuss • recent-perwnftl eeewreneesv” Of his forced retirement from the army General Smith said: “It was an unwelcome surprise to me. I naturally supposed that I would receive a reprimand as a result of the verdict of the court martial, but nothing more. I always have tried to do my duty in a conscientious manner and conduct myself as a soldier. _____ “I spent most .of the time I was in the islands in and around Samar. I always tried to do what seemed best for the service in both districts. The native* of Luzon seem considerably more civilized than those of the islands. Some of those in Samar are nothing but savages and of course cannot be treated like civilized people. Theey all would resort to most barbarous methods of warfare at times. “Instances of the torture and slaughter of American soldiers are very numerous. All of my commands know that they were not unduly severe' with the natives. I always tried to conduct my campaigns according to military regulations. It is not for me to say whether I deserve it or not. I have done what I thought was right and am ready to settle down in quiet”

GEN. SMITH.