STOREY TO ADAMS, AUGUST 28, 1902

APPENDIX E

BOSTON, August 28, 1902.

CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Esq.,
23 Court Street, Boston. Mass.

DEAR SIR: We have considered your letter of the 22d instant in which you state the facts regarding the killing by torture of Father Augustine at Banate in the Philippine Islands and ask "whether any legal proceedings, criminal or otherwise, can be initiated to visit with the proper penalties the parties implicated should such be found guilty of the acts alleged."

In reply we would say that proper proceedings can without doubt be instituted to punish the criminals, but that to insure an energetic prosecution the cordial cooperation of the proper Federal authorities is essential. If proceedings are taken in any civil court the case must be tried by some United States attorney. If on the other hand the defendants are tried by court-martial the initiative must be taken by the military authorities.

We are of opinion that the only practicable course open to your committee is to lay the facts before the President of the United States, who has assured the country of his determination to investigate and punish every case of barbarity, and who will doubtless welcome this opportunity to make an example of a conspicuous offender.

Yours, truly,

MOORFIELD STOREY.
JULIAN CODMAN.