Domestic violence Quote by John W. Davis
““went to the White House and got the President out of bed. Carey and President Harrison were said to be old Senate friends, and no one was present at this session to speak for Johnson County. Quickly convinced of the necessity for immediate action, Harrison ordered a telegram send to General John R. Brooke in Omaha shortly after 11:00 P.M.4 At 11:05 P.M. the president wired Governor Barber that “in compliance with your call for the aid of the United States forces to protect the state of Wyoming against domestic violence,” he had ordered the secretary of war to send troops.5 The president did not have his facts right — the state of Wyoming needed no saving from domestic violence — but Governor Barber made no effort to set the record straight. At 11:37 P.M. General Brooke telegrammed Governor Barber, informing him that the commanding officer at Fort McKinney had been ordered “to prevent violence and preserve peace.”6 This message was received in Buffalo at 12:05 P.M., and within two hours, troops rode out of Fort McKinney under orders from the post’s commanding officer, Colonel J. J. Van Horn.7””
About This Quote
Source Historical account: Wyoming militia deployment, 1885
A misinformed request led to unnecessary military action, highlighting the impact of faulty intelligence and unchecked authority.
In simple terms: Bad intel caused needless troops.
Key Takeaway
Verify facts before acting.
Themes
government
military
communication
Mood
cautionary
historical
Type
lesson
analysis
When to use this quote
- political decision‑making
- emergency response
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
misinformation
authority misuse
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards could prevent such errors?
- Who should be accountable for misinformation?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on unverified orders can waste resources.
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