[CHAPTER XIV]
The document which Captain Murray handed to McCormack to read comprised the charges and specifications that had been filed against the first lieutenant. It had apparently been drawn with much skill and care, and it read as follows:
“To Captain Robert J. Murray,
Commanding Company E, ——th Regiment Infantry N. G. P.
“Sir:
“The undersigned citizens of Fairweather in the county of Benson beg leave to file with you the following charges and specifications against First Lieutenant Halpert McCormack of your company, and request you to formulate said charges and specifications, and, through intermediate headquarters, present them to the proper military authority, and request a hearing upon them by court martial.
“Charge I. Using contemptuous and disrespectful words against the President and the Congress of the United States, in violation of the 19th Article of War.
“Specification. In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert McCormack, did on or about the 20th day of April, 1916, declare publicly, in the presence and hearing of numerous persons, that the President and the Congress of the United States were but the tools of organized wealth, and deserved neither the respect nor obedience of honest and right-thinking men.
“Charge II. ‘Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman,’ in violation of the 61st and 62nd Articles of War.
“Specification 1. In that the said First Lieutenant Halpert McCormack, by principle, declaration and practice, is a socialist, a syndicalist, an anarchist, and a sympathizer with and believer in the principles and methods of an organization known as ‘The Industrial Workers of the World,’ which organization is inimical to law, order and public safety.