COURT-MARTIAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 31 October 1925, Page 7

COURT-MARTIAL.

PROCEEDINGS IN U.S.A. AIR CHIEF ON TRIAL. JY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT, WASHINGTON, Oct. 29. General Mitchell, Assistant-Chief of the Army Air Force, sustained two defeats during the second day of his trial. His contention that the trial was a violation of the constitutional guarantees of free speech Was overruled by the court shortly after to-day’s opening. After that General Mitchell launched a technical attack, involving ap all-day argument; over the legality of his arraignment, which also failed.! The prosecution contended that unless 'the commanders of national defence were able to protect themselves against destructive, irresponsible criticisms, they would be powerless to enforce discipline, and the army would become a mob. A soldier accepts, .on enlistment, a contract which involves considerable change from the civilian; status. The defence contended that the entire argument was based on the tradition that conviction was for violation, which was absurd, but this was overruled. . : ' _ A farcical element entered this most important court-martial in the nation’s history, when the nine generals and one colonel constituting the courtlnsisted upon retiring, to confer secretly after the reading of each of the eight specifications in the charge against General Mitchell. The generals were obviously embarrassed hv the undignified tramping back and forth, and. the embarrassment grew as the spectators’ merriment progressed with titters to roars of laughter: V Mrs Mitchell sat affectionately close to her husband, following the trial intently. and smiling and chattering to many friends in the audience.