The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-27
MAKING a SMALL OFFICE PAY
More About the Official Methods of the
Indiana 1uartermaster-Ge General.
A Bill That Was Not Allowed and Requisi-
tion That Was Raised-Some of the
Complaints by Military Men.

Regarding the Qurtermaster- generals ONO,
the Governor, as published in yesterdays Jour
nal, referred to deficient supply of ammunition
at the State encampment at Lafayette. This
deficiency Quartermaster-genera Shepherd met
and sent in bill therefor, which the Governor
says he disallowed. because the State is required
to furnish without cost all ammunition used by
the regular militia for practice and in sham bat
ties. 1t is claimed By gentlemen interested in
the encampment. and who had part in its affairs
that the State ought to have had plenty of am
munition for the purpose, and there was no
need to buy any of private parties
"Ten days before the encampment,' said a
military man yesterday, shepherd was urged
to have plenty of blank cartridges in the State
armory. The supply then, or few days before,
did not amount to much. He was instructed By
the Governor to procure the requisite amount
from the federal government. Shepherd replied
The ammunition will be here in time. Don't
have any fears about that The day for the en-
campment came, but not sufficient amount of
cartridges. Shepherd told the encampment au-
thorities that he could supply them with all they
wanted. He furnished either $1,000 or $4,000
rounds, and sent in bill, State of Indiana to
J. McB Shepherd, Dr. 1t amounted to $405.
You observe that it was not the State of Indiana
debtor to the firm or company Shepherd repre-
sented as agent, but to him personally. After all
other debts were paid this hung fire, because
there was question as to its business The
State ought to have had and could have had
enough ammunition to supply the encampment
if the matter had received prompt and proper at
tention. Shepherd did not get his pay on this
account He made another demand for payment,
Sut understand Capt. Will David took such
decided stand against 1t, with the assurance that
if it was paid he would make the affair public,
that Shepherd virtually cancelled the claim.
The Governors original requisition on the Quar-
termaster-general was for 40,0 600 or $4,000 blank
cartridges. Shepherd turned this in with his
bill for the rest to make up 1900 rounds.
When he saw the danger of insisting on pay
ment Of his claim he went away, and
in about twenty minutes returned with the Gov
ernor's requisition changed to 1900. This COW
cred, you see, the amount Shepherd furnished
either personally or as agent OF a manufacturing
company l believe it was then he consulted
the Governor, who told him his account could
not be allowed 1t was offered to replace the
cartridges Shepherd furnished from the States
supply, but believe he was unwilling to accept
this mode of settlement Another point All
the ammunition had at that encampment was
not used Some IL 600 or 13, 900 rounds were
turned back-whether to the State or Shepherd.
I don't know His bill, though. was for $405.
Therefore, it must have been 81. 900 rounds he
furnished $1,000 of which were returned"
II know" remarked another gentleman con-
versant with the militas affairs, that the State
had enough ammunition to supply all the troops
at the encampment without additional purchase
or further requsiton on the federal government.
Shepherd told the Governor and Adjutant-gen-
eral that the cartridges he asked of the govern
nent did not arrive but he told friend OF mine
that the requisite amount was in the armory.
He showed this friend the bill of lading and
said. when asked why he did not meet the Gov
ernor's requisition. do not propose to issue all
that ammunition to the State troops. 1t will be
wanted after this encampment' It is the
rule, but do not know that
there is any statute for it. to give
yearly to each militia company in the service of
the State 1000 rounds of blank cartridges for
practicing purposes. There is not captain in
the State who has, not had trouble with Shepherd
to get this amount He would say that the am
munition was not on hand, but that he could sell
them all they needed ! do not believe Quar-
termaster-general has any right to act as agent
for any firm or manufacturer Of ammunition.
1t opens the road to corruption. Shepherds
salary is only $500 per year. aud yet he devotes
his whole time to the office"
From what Shepherd has said to me, another
military man replied, to the question of the re-
was conversant with the Quartermaster- generals
charge of twenty-five cents for cleaning each
gun. see the Governor says that he had no
knowledge of it, but Shepherd thinks otherwise.
About lending guns to unorganized and indie
pendent companies. believe there is United
States statute, requiring the guns furnished a
State by the national government to be used
only by the regular militia. Shepherd, know.
has sent letters broadcast throughout the State
informing persons interested that he will furnish
guns for soldiers reunions and sham
battles az twenty cents each in
addition to freightage and carriage.
He has complained about Adjutant general
Koontz organizing so many companies. He
claimed that he could not get enough guns to
arm them. Referring to ammunition at the re-
cent reunion at Fort Wayne, there We're among
the troops twelve companies of regular Indiana
militia. The committee up there bought all the
cartridges used. Not round was supplied By
the State Shepherds price. $lS per thousand,
may be reasonable, but his cartridges of
medium quality. You can get the best at $21
per thousand. The prices vary according to the
kind of powder used"
Major Ross, of the Light Infantry, says he
holds the only order TO an independent company
to turn over its guns to the State. This has
been done; but, at the time the order issued,
the Rice Zouaves, an independent organization,
were armed by the State So much fuss was
made about it that that company also snrren-
dered the States guns and bought others. The
Logan Grays, OF Logansport. have never been in
the regular militia service. On the contrary
they have refused to enter that service For ten
years this company has had the States guns
without charge.
The Quartermaster-Genera Statement.
To the Editor OF the indianapolis journal:
Under n heading of ''The Misuse of an Office, .
''The Money Making Methods of the New Quar-
termaster General" ETC., / find that Comrade
Bob Smith takes exceptions to my manner of do
ing business. In the first place. Bob Smith
bought no ammunition rented any guns from
me for the Castleton reunion; DR.. Rocker did.
He knew my price, and paid it, and has no kick
to make against the Quartermaster general I
will say here that DIR. Rocker paid for all or
dered With his own check. and if the guarantors
of the guarantee fund, Of which I understand
Bob is one will stem 10 the front ike men thew