The National tribune., 1885-10-15
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
The Weeks DOings at the Ma
tiOnal Capital
FRICTION IN THE ARMY.

1our years On GetacneQ duty Wonlu create d SUI
among the staff officers and others who for so
many years have done "featherbed service.
Some of these officers were detailed immedi-
ately upon their graduation from West Point,
and have never served day with their regl-
ments. The Secretary's idea is that few pet
ted officers should not enjoy monopoly of
these official fayors. while many others equally
deserving and equally competent serve year
after year with their commands. Many of
these detached officers have long basked in the
smiles of Washington society. The strongest
social and political influence has been brought
to bear upon Secretary Endicott to induce him
to make certain exceptions in the enforcement
of the order. But he has remained firm, de-
Ginning to permit any favoritism to be shown.
Gen. Sheridan, Gen. Schofeld Gen. Pope,
and others, have protested vigorously against
the compulsory ordering of their personal Aids
back to their regiments. During the recent
absence of the Secretary Gen. Sheridan issued
an order suspending the relieving of two of his
Aids-Col. Gregory and Capt. Dayis-until Oct.
out of the, Secretarys order, Gen. Sheridan
argued that the law gave him sheridan power
to select his own Aids, and he should be per-
mitted to decide their length of service, they
being members of his personal military family.
He called attention TO the fact that his prede
cessors had always been allowed that privilege.
During the Secretarys absence the legal Off
GERS of his Department have, by his direction,
carefully examined the law in all its bearings.
Since his return he has given the matter care
full consideration, and has decided that no eX-
ceptiOns shall be made to the operation of the
order. The order was issued by the Secretary
after long elaboration, in the belief that the
best interests of the Army would be promoted
by such a measure He had become convinced
that under the prevailing system officers so
long detached lost all interest in their regi-
ments and that its continuance would be de-
mOralizing TO the service.
The precise relation intended to exist be-
tween the Secretary of War and the General of
the Army is rendered somewhat foggy by the
existing statutes. There has frequently been
a conflict of authority between them, some
times threatening serious results. 1t is well
known that Gen. Sherman would often take
the bits in his teeth " and rush along in his
own way, with a breezy disregard for not only
the Secretary, but the entire War Department
and the President thrown in. 1t is probable
that the matter viii soon receive the attention
of Congress, with view TO mere definite legis-
lation.
REMARKABLE PENSION CASE.
The first woman who has ever been placed
on the pension-rolls on account of disability in
CURED during the war, is Julia A. Marcum, of
Kentucky. The case was OF such peculiar
nature, and the claimant, who, besides being
destitute, had displayed such remarkable cour-
age and devotion, tina. the attention Of Congress
was called to the matter, and the I'd of
March last special act put her on the pension
list at the rate of S24 per month. Miss Mar
cum is daughter Of VIM. c. Marcum who, at
the outbreak of the rebellion, was we'll TODD
farmer residing in Scott County, Tenn. By
reason of his activity in guiding loyal men into
Federal lines and otherwise assisting in the
cause of the Union, he became marked man
among the rebel element in which he lived.
The Confederates determined to capture him,
and for that purpose a company of Confederate
soldiers, known as the Bull Pups" were
dered into camp IN the vicinity of Marcums
residence. About Sept. Z, 1861, learning that
he was at home, squad of these soldiers was
sent to capture him. Marcum 5 daUsh Julia
resisted them until her father escaped from the
rear of the house. Later on the same night
one of the Confederate soldiers effected
trance into the house and attempted violence
to the person of one of Marcum's younger
daughters. Her cry for help brought Julia to
her assistance, and she fought for her rs she
had fought for her father. In the contest the
soldier, who was drinking, ran his bayonet into
Julia's eye, putting it out. The father obtain
ing assistance, removed his family to Ken
lucky, where he enlisted in the Union army
and died in the service His personal property
was all destroyed during the war, his land
was sold for taxes after the war; and the title
passed from his family by their failure or ina
bility to redeem it from sale III the time pre-
scribed by statute. When the war closed Miss
Marcum supported herself for some years by
teaching school, but the disability from her
wound continually increased, until her health
has completely broken down and her mind is
seriously impaired.
THE SALVATION ARMY" AT THE CAPITAL
Within the past few days detachment of
the Salvation Army has made Its appearance in
Washington, and begun an active campaign
against ungOdliness with all the grotesque
features that elsewhere characterize these er-
ratio soldiers of the cross. The evening of
their arrival they paraded through the princi-
pal streets, singing they went. There were
40 or more in the column, half of whom ap-
peared To be recruits, who had been picked up
among those who are always ready to join any
demonstration partaking of excitement. The
regulars" were In uniform, with military
caps and coats with scarlet facings. The Cap
tain marched at the head, carrying bugle, on
which now and then be blew q sonorous blast
The first file was composed of four women, with
voices of great compass. All these had tam
bourines, which they ratified and thumped with
great igor as they marched and sang. Behind
them were four men, and these eight We're the
chief singers the main body coming in vehe-
mently "on the chorus" The music was of
decidedly mixed character, made up OF familiar
gospel hymns negro melodies, and various
popular tunes which had been set to religious
words of course they attracted a very large
crowd wherever they went
They moved at brisk gait, and surging
multitude swept along upon their flanks, COM
pletely filling the streets and avenues through
which they passed. Their mission was boldly
proclaimed. Some of the men wore red shirts,
without coats, with appropriate legends in
large letters on both front and back. One had
the word Repent" across his shoulders, and in
front Prepare to meet thy God" Two police
men escorted the procession to prevent disorder.
Many in the crowd hooted and jeered at the
salvation soldiers, but they only sang the
louder, and kept Oh their way with a swinging
step about like that of Sherman's old Army of
the Tennessee. They have hired hall and
begun active hostilities.
A BRAVE SOLDIER LOSES HIS POSITION.
Capt. Sherman A. johnson, who for Is years
has held the position of Chief of the Division of
Records, Mails and Files of the Treasury De-
partment, has been requested by the Secretary
TO resign. Capt. Johnson has splendid record
as a soldier. He enlisted first IN the 6th Ohio,
and at the end of his term with that regiment
he re-enlisted in the 23d Ohio, and rose through
gallant and meritoriOus service. to a Captaincy
in that regiment He was shot in the leg in
june 1863, and two days thereafter he was
captured aud sent to Libby. He was exchanged
III the following October and at once rejoined
his regiment. In December of the same year
he received desperate wound but recovered,
and was soon again at the front with his regi-
ment, where, at the battle OF New Market he
received rife ball in the groin. No sooner
was be able to move about than he was found
with his regiment at the battle of Opeauan