The case was argued before Judge Beekman on May 23, and during its course an effort was made to attack Governor Roosevelt, and assert that he was maliciously persecuting Major Smith. The attack was promptly stopped by the Judge, who took the papers in the case and reserved his decision. This case is interesting to us, as it concerns the conduct of our soldiers in Cuba, and especially the famous charge up San Juan Hill. After the battle had taken place rumors were circulated that four of the chief officers of the regiment had shown cowardice in refusing to obey orders and failure to lead their men into the fight. Two of these men, Colonel Wallace A. Downs and Major John H. Whittle, resigned, but Major Clinton H. Smith and Captain Elmore F. Austin remain with the regiment. Major Smith demanded that an enquiry be made that he might prove himself innocent of the charge of cowardice. This court of enquiry, however, found that Colonel Downs and Major Whittle were all blameworthy. As the two former had resigned, nothing could be done to them, but Major Smith being still in the regiment was ordered before an Examining Board, whose duty it was to discover whether or not he was fit for service in the National Guard. It was recommended that Captain Austin be severely reprimanded. The findings of the court were submitted to Governor Roosevelt, who in approving them told the history of the Seventy-first trouble at San Juan in a few words. The story is as follows: In the San Juan fight of July, 1898, Colonel Downs, com The Case of the Seventy-first Regiment 739 manding the Seventy-first Regiment, was ordered by General Kent to follow a certain trail to the ford of the river, and then to spread out his men in line of battle. Instead of obeying these orders, Colonel Downs marched his men by another route to the ford and arrived there, halted them, and made them lie down on both sides of the trail. General Kent, finding the regiment blocking the way, sent orders by Captain Austin that Colonel Downs was to move forward at once. These orders Captain Austin never attempted to deliver. Finding the regiment still a fixture, General Kent sent fresh orders to advance, and his aide saw that the word was passed from officer to officer until it reached Colonel Downs, who promptly sent back word that the regiment could not move. Two other regiments had in the meantime passed the ford, and General Kent, finding he could not move the Seventy-first, ordered some regiments of regulars to march along the trail over and through the Seventy-first. In this way five regiments of regulars passed the Seventyfirst, jeering at them as they went, and calling on them to come on if they were not afraid. The men of the regiment and the other officers, who were men of different mettle to their four chiefs, refused to be restrained any longer. Some of them marched along with the regulars, some companies were led by their officers, and in this way the greater part of the Seventy-first of their own free will took part in the storming of San Juan Hill, and showed that no matter how cowardly their officers might be, they were willing to obey their country's call. (Concluded in next issue.) EASY SCIENCE BO Submarine Diving. (Begun in issue of May 25.) When outside of his armor a diver is not impeded in his movements. But once inside of it, so long as he remains above water, he is almost as helpless as an infant, and requires attention from assistants in order to walk but a few steps. Plate II shows how a diver starts to put on his armor; in succeeding numbers will be shown the various steps which need to be taken before he is ready for work. The Suit. Every part of this must be perfectly air-tight. It would be almost fatal if there was a leak anywhere. The suit is therefore examined and tested with the utmost care. There is always a risk of the rubber and canvas body being cut by rocks, or metal or timber projecting from wreckage. To reduce the risk a pair of overalls is pulled over the suit, and the rough, strong material helps to ward off damage. The rubber suit weighs 19 pounds, and is "extra thick" at the joints. It needs to be very strong, on account of the pressure exerted on it under water. This pressure requires careful calculation in order that the strength of materials may be adjusted to resist the strain. Water Pressure. In addition to water pressure, the force of currents needs to be considered. It has been found that the pressure on a diver in still water is as follows: One hundred and fifty feet is the limit to which divers can safely descend. At 204 feet the has increased to 88 pounds. pressure Who Should Not Dive.-Only persons of perfect physique and in perfect health can successfully pursue the business of diving. Before anyone attempts it he should be passed by a physician. Men with short necks and florid complexions; fullblooded persons; sufferers from headache or slight deafness; those with a running from the ears; men subject to palpitation of the heart, or who have at any time spat or coughed up blood; persons who are very pale, whose lips are more blue than red, who have cold hands and feet (denoting impaired circulation); persons with bloodshot eyes and a high color on the cheeks; and men who have suffered from any severe disease, rheumatism, or sunstroke, should abstain from diving. Dangers in Diving.—Many think that the greatest perils which confront the diver arise from sharks, or the tangling or fouling of the air-hose, thereby cutting off the air supply. (Will be continued in next six numbers.) Where the Caribbean Breaks. TWELFTH TRAVEL PAPER. SHIPPING SUGAR IN BAGS-JAMAICA'S TRADE IN 1888-9 -AREA-PARISHES-POPULATION-BREADFRUIT -LANDSLIPS-THE ROYAL MAIL COACH. THERE is a growing tendency to ship sugar in double bags. Close buyers consider bags better than hogs |