National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-08-30
CAPT. rnoMAsoN,s DEFENSE.
He Replies TO some or Lieut.. Oysters
stntcments-why lie Changed the
Line OF March.

stntcments-why lie Changed the
Line OF March.
10 The Editor
ARMORY UNION VETERAN CORPS. Aug.
20. Recognizing tho right of the public
TO full explanation of my action on tue
occasion Of tho reception Of the Washing
ton Light Infantry on Monday ovoning
last / feel IL my duty as the senior COM
handing officer on that evening to en-
tighten tine public on some OF Mr.. Oysters
incorrect statements, rs published in the
local papers,.
/. Mr. Oyster, tho lieutenant now in
command of tho National Rifles, states
that his organization was entitled by
seniority and custom to tho right of tho
line"
My answer to this Is simply that tho
Rifles were organized on June IL, 1850.
Tho Union Veteran corps on April 0,
1850, and has never boecn rcorganized.
At the time the Union Veteran corps was
organized Mr.. Oystor and others Of the
organization, now known as the National
Rifles, were still monbers of the Light
Infantry, from which thoy withdrew la
Nav, 1880.
That much for seniority.
Ab 10 CUSTOM, cAlCHucu vi Ohc OCCthlOu,
(the return of the Light Infantry from
Cape May last year, it was solely duo to tho
fact that the Union Veteran corps sur
rendered its place In line for the purpose
of complying with the wishes of the hon
orary members of tho Infantry to tender
to them q special escort, which was done.
This much for custom.
2. Mr.. Oyster says II was willing to
defer to Capt. Thomson as tho senior
commanding officer ana lot him tako
command of tho line, but the National
Rifles is the senior command. This has
never boon disputed before:"
My answer to this is. Why did not Mr..
Oyster show his willingness and allow mo
to take command. Ho certainly took tho
right of the line, and endeavored to keep
1t. When ] called upon him in person,
in the presence of witnesses, requesting
him to take his proper place in line, no
refused to do 80. thus showing dis
courtesy, which, If it had been shown In
the regular army, would have subjected
him to court martial. He certainly will
not say that lieutenant is the ranking
officer of a captain2
A dispute as to the seniority has never
heretofore arisen. On the contrary,
when surrendered my position in line
to the Rihos, on the occasion referred to,
the then commanding officer of the Rifles,
after his return to the city, acknowledged
that was the ranking officer.
3. Mr.. Oyster says, IF Capt. Thomson
expected or claimed tho right of limo,
why did he form on our left2 The line
of march was advertised and arranged, as
understand, by Capt. Thomson him.
self"
If Mr.. Oyster was aware of this fact,
why did he form on the avenue, and not
on street, tho right resting on the ave-
nue., as published? He disobeyed said
semi-order, but took good care to carry
out what suited him best by following
tho route announced. He chose to obey
what, for reasons best known to him
self, suited him. OF course he got all tho
fireworks, but the fire of Indignation of
tho "old Vets" of the 'late unpleasant
ness" was aroused to such high pitch
that our manhood prompted us, oven at
tho sacrifice of disappointing tho waiting
friends of the Light Infantry, to execute
flank" movement, which 1t Is hoped
has taught Mr. Oyster lesson that the
"Vets" have not quito forgotten military
courtesy and rights.
A. As to the statement that mo one as
sumod command or assigned US the
Rines) n place in line" l think / have
shown in tho foregoing that no refused
to take his proper place.
8. Mr.. Oyster says that invited the
other commands to assemble at the Vet
Grams armory Masonic templo) and
march down with them, but that he ig-
nored tho Rifles altogether"
Can Mr.. Oyster prove thisp The only
organization coming to our armory were
the Continentals, for the purpose Of fall
-, L., 81 nd in,
to tho step of tho music for which they
helped to pay. The Rifles had their own
band.
1t is quite unnecessary to refuto Mr..
Oysters idea claiming seniority for the
Rifles as far back as 1859. Mr.. Oyster
was too young al that period to recollect
| the complete disbandment Of that organi-
cation in 1861. The Continentals, of this
city, have Just as much right, and think
better right, to claim seniority, because
there was once a continental army.
| regret exceedingly that the public,
which has nothing to do with discussions
likely to arise at any time between rival
organizations, became the victims of Mr..
Oysters ambitious actions, and it is to
the public that hereby apologize.
l was compelled to take the action /
did for tho purpose of vindicating and
rcsenting studied insult to the veterans
of the late war.
Even If Mr.. Oyster was entitled to the
prominent position which he endeavored
to take on this occasion his sense OF
propriety should have taught him that the
veterans of tho late war, although nc
longer sprightly and nimble to excel in
the manual of arms, are entitled to COM
radly consideration to which their ser
| vices to their country In its hour of need
seems to entitle them.
l hope Mr.. Oyster will ponder over this
and extend the right hand of fello wship
which am only too anxious to grasp.
The Veterans have always endeavored
to be the friends of all kindred organi,
cations, and Mr.. Oyster has the proof In
our action toward the Rifles last spring
the details Of which it is quito unneces'
| Rarv to nArratn s. l.. TuoMASoN