Theodore Roosevelt actually said...

it would, of course, be impossible to preserve discipline in the Army save by pursuing precisely the course that in this case was pursued.

The suggestion is on its face so ludicrously impossible that it is difficult to treat it as honestly made.

The facts did not merely warrant the action I took--they rendered such action imperative unless I was to prove false to my sworn duty.

The point to be especially emphasized is that prompt action must be taken, if any; otherwise the conditions may become so extreme as to be i...