The Court Martial of Jacob Smith

In May 1902, Jacob Smith faced his own court martial.  He was , however, not tried for murder or war crimes, but for "conduct to the prejudice and good order and military discipline."

He was found guilty and sentenced "to be admonished by the reviewing authority."  Now, what exactly did that mean?

In the meantime, word of the atrocities committed under Smith's orders spread in the United States, causing a huge outcry.    Secretary of War Elihu Root recommended that Smith be retired and President Theodore Roosevelt accepted it and ordered Smith's retirement from the Army.

There was no additional punishment.

Surprising.  --Cooter