A Militia Camp Kickback Scandal Ends in a Fistfight

OLYMPIA, July 28.—[Special.]—A sensational altercation occurred yesterday between Gen. Curry and Tom Box, of Tacoma, formerly commissary sergeant of the First Cavalry Battalion, in Gen. O'Brien's office, the facts of which have just leaked out. Gen. Curry made the following statement of the affair:

'At Woodland, during the encampment, Box reported to me that he had the privilege of selling all goods on the grounds and of subletting the same, for which he paid a large amount of money. He stated in the presence of myself and half a dozen other officers that he had paid Gen. O'Brien for the privilege, and that Gov. McGraw was thoroughly cognizant of the fact and had acquiesced in it. The governor heard of these statements and requested me to make a thorough investigation as to the privileges Box had sublet and the prices received. The officers returned with a report that the charge by Box for the privileges ran from $25 to $300 each, and they found that Box had made these statements to merchants. To some he stated that he had paid Gen. O'Brien a large amount; to others he said it was $1,500 and to others $1,000. Box was then sent for and returned with the governor and Gen. O'Brien. The governor opened the conversation by telling Box what he had heard, and what the report showed. Box then began to deny that he had said that he paid O'Brien for the privilege, or that Gov. McGraw was cognizant of the facts. I stopped him and said he must not deny that he had said it repeatedly, in the presence of half a dozen officers. Then Box said if he did say it he must have been crazy, and he was willing to get down on his knees and ask to be forgiven. I told him that was not necessary, and if he got on his knees it must be to the gentlemen who were injured, Gov. McGraw and Gen. O'Brien. The governor and Gen. O'Brien then asked him if he (Box) had paid or promised to pay to either any money for these privileges, to which Box replied that he had not. Box afterward signed a statement denying that Gov. McGraw or Gen. O'Brien had ever received from him any money or promises, and the paper went so far as to state virtually that he had been guilty of lying. This paper he signed, begging that the matter might be allowed to rest. I then sent for Maj. Ashton and ordered Box reduced to the ranks, which was done the next morning.

'I was in O'Brien's office yesterday afternoon examining a new rifle, when Box entered. After discussing some military matters Box asked O'Brien if he had any objection to his [Box] talking to me about the encampment, and Box said to me: 'You said, while in camp, that I said that I had paid O'Brien money for the privilege of doing business and subletting in Camp McGraw.' I said: 'Yes, sir.' He then replied that if I said so I was a liar. I jumped to my feet on the impulse of the moment and raised the gun to strike him and would probably have done so had not O'Brien interfered and taken the gun away. I then struck Box in the face with my fist. He said, 'Look out. You're an old man and I'll hurt you.' I then threw my coat off and struck him again. Box then struck a blow at my face, which I dodged, and in doing so struck against the desk with Box striking at me. O'Brien again interfered and got between us. Box made a hurried exit, and I followed him to the head of the stairs with my cane. Box left his hat, which he afterward sent for.'