A Captain's Reputation on the Line at Vancouver Barracks
Witnesses at the court-martial disagreed over whether Capt. Goodwin had been drinking—and whether he could still command his company in a riot.
Vancouver, Wash., Sept. 9.—Capt. Goodwin had his hearing yesterday before the court-martial at Vancouver barracks. He presented the testimony of a number of witnesses, both in military and civil life, to show that he was neither drunk nor under the influence of liquor, either at Spokane or on dress parade at the garrison here. The most important evidence was given by Lieut. Col. Theaker, who was reviewing officer at the dress parade. He testified that he observed the captain closely and did not believe that he was under the influence of liquor or incapable of performing his duty. Maj. Burke, who also commanded a company in the dress parade, said that he believed Capt. Goodwin had been drinking, but he thought he was capable of performing his duties perfectly. When asked by the court if he thought Capt. Goodwin would have been capable of commanding his company in putting down a riot, he emphatically answered that he was sure he was.
“He believed Capt. Goodwin had been drinking, but he thought he was capable of performing his duties perfectly.”
Courts-martial over alcohol and fitness for command still turn on the credibility of fellow officers, and this case shows how a military reputation could be argued back from the edge by careful witnesses. It also catches the era's military culture at a small Northwest garrison, where drink and discipline were never far apart.
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