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Story
January 28, 1919
The Daily Ardmoreite
Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma
What is this article about?
On Jan. 27 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 113 conscientious objectors were honorably discharged from the disciplinary barracks, receiving civilian clothes, mileage, and back pay. Two refused release, citing religious scruples that it would not glorify God; officials sought instructions from Washington.
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TWO "OBJECTORS" WHO REFUSED TO FIGHT IN ARMY REFUSE LIBERTY UNCLE SAM AT LOSS TO KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH "CONSCIENTIOUS" INCUBI
Leavenworth, Kan., Jan, 27. -The release of 113 conscientious objectors, honorably discharged from the service by war department orders, was begun at the disciplinary barracks at Fort Leavenworth, this morning. Two, however, refused to leave, saying it was against their religious scruples.
The two men who refused to accept their liberty declared that such "would not be for the glory of God." The war department, it is said here, will be able to arrange some way by which the two men who refused to sign the discharge papers can be released. Instructions have been asked from Washington on their cases.
It was announced later that probably some of the men would not be released today on account of illness, but would be given their discharge as soon as their health permits.
The men were discharged in groups of 10 and were given their mileage, the same as that given to discharged combatants, to the point of their induction into service. They also received each a suit of civilian clothes. From the point of induction the men are free to go wherever they desire. It was said some of the men had between $400 and $500 awaiting them in the form of back pay allotments. Their homes are in all parts of the country.
The first few men to sign their discharge papers scratched out the line bearing the caption "signature of soldier," and substituted "child of God." Officers thereafter insisted that the "signature of soldier" line stand.
It was expected by officers that some of the men would refuse the money from back pay and allotments, which was ready in cash. When some announced they could not take the money because it wasn't for "the glory of God," officers suggested that it be given to a church. One man explained he was a child of God," but couldn't send the money direct to God and would refuse to use earthly channels.
Few of the men needed the suits provided upon orders from the war department, as none of them wore the uniform of the United States after being drafted into the army. They preferred today to wear home the suits they used while in the disciplinary barracks here.
Leavenworth, Kan., Jan, 27. -The release of 113 conscientious objectors, honorably discharged from the service by war department orders, was begun at the disciplinary barracks at Fort Leavenworth, this morning. Two, however, refused to leave, saying it was against their religious scruples.
The two men who refused to accept their liberty declared that such "would not be for the glory of God." The war department, it is said here, will be able to arrange some way by which the two men who refused to sign the discharge papers can be released. Instructions have been asked from Washington on their cases.
It was announced later that probably some of the men would not be released today on account of illness, but would be given their discharge as soon as their health permits.
The men were discharged in groups of 10 and were given their mileage, the same as that given to discharged combatants, to the point of their induction into service. They also received each a suit of civilian clothes. From the point of induction the men are free to go wherever they desire. It was said some of the men had between $400 and $500 awaiting them in the form of back pay allotments. Their homes are in all parts of the country.
The first few men to sign their discharge papers scratched out the line bearing the caption "signature of soldier," and substituted "child of God." Officers thereafter insisted that the "signature of soldier" line stand.
It was expected by officers that some of the men would refuse the money from back pay and allotments, which was ready in cash. When some announced they could not take the money because it wasn't for "the glory of God," officers suggested that it be given to a church. One man explained he was a child of God," but couldn't send the money direct to God and would refuse to use earthly channels.
Few of the men needed the suits provided upon orders from the war department, as none of them wore the uniform of the United States after being drafted into the army. They preferred today to wear home the suits they used while in the disciplinary barracks here.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Providence Divine
What keywords are associated?
Conscientious Objectors
Religious Scruples
Discharge Refusal
Fort Leavenworth
Back Pay Allotments
Civilian Discharge
Where did it happen?
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Story Details
Location
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Event Date
Jan. 27
Story Details
113 conscientious objectors were released from Fort Leavenworth disciplinary barracks, but two refused liberty due to religious scruples against actions not glorifying God; they declined to sign discharge papers and some rejected back pay, preferring to donate to church or refuse earthly channels.