A Captain’s Defense of Military Order
A local officer speaks out to justify his actions leading to the court-martial of a lieutenant in Company K.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
There being some misunderstanding relative to the recent court martial, I ask for space to give my version of the circumstances. The making of charges against Lieut. Dunbar was not prompted by personal feeling, but in the interest of military discipline. An officer second in rank cannot be permitted to absent himself night after night from drills, when absence from three consecutive drills warrants discharge. I did not act hastily. I thought seriously of resigning, but my self-respect would not permit me to do so. I always aimed to treat all members of the company as gentlemen. Having served seven years with the Illinois National Guards, I should know something of the duties of the office I hold. My aim was to protect the company so that harmony might be subserved. If any member has a well-founded grievance, let him come to me manfully, and I will make all gentlemanly amends.
“The making of charges against Lieut. Dunbar was not prompted by personal feeling, but was in the sole interest of military discipline.”
This incident highlights the role of the National Guard in local civic life during the late 19th century, where military organizations were often central to community social structure. The public nature of the dispute illustrates the intense visibility of local figures in small-town journalism.
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