“I would not think of taking such a responsibility on myself,” replied the captain promptly. “A commanding officer should avoid everything which might possibly be construed as an act of favoritism.”
“Yes, I had thought you might hesitate to make an award, and in that event I had decided to recommend that it be made by a committee of commissioned officers chosen from the Guard outside of your company. That method should be entirely satisfactory to the competitors.”
“No doubt it would be. But, of course, the first question to be decided is that of accepting your most generous offer.”
Mr. Barriscale looked a trifle startled. “You do not mean to intimate,” he said, “that there is any doubt in your mind about the advisability of accepting my gift?”
The captain replied diplomatically:
“Regardless of how eager I might be, personally, to take advantage of your offer, I consider the matter too important to be left to my unaided judgment. In the first place, your proposition should be presented to my military superiors for their approval, and, that obtained, my men should have a voice in the matter of its acceptance.”
Mr. Barriscale was surprised but not disconcerted.
“Your men?” he said inquiringly. “I can understand why your superior officers should be consulted, but I presumed that it was for your men to obey orders and abide by rules.”
“Well, you see it’s this way, Mr. Barriscale. In a way military government is excessively autocratic, and in another way it is, or should be, highly democratic. It’s the only way to preserve discipline, and at the same time to keep the men happy, contented and self-respecting. Now, in a case like this, which lies somewhat outside of military rules, precedents and discipline, I think it is extremely important that the men should have their say about it from the start. It makes a better feeling all the way around. Captain McCormack adopted that policy years ago, and I have tried to continue it. I think you see the point.”
“Yes, I see. I suppose popular opinion must be catered to, even in military matters. Well, have it as you like. There is no doubt but that your men will eagerly embrace such an opportunity as I offer them, not only for the sake of the prize itself, but also for the sake of the incentive to excel that it will give to all of them.”