Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-12-22
A MILITARY PROBLEM.
The Artillery Captains Resignation and
How 1t was Brought About.

The STAR Of Thursday contained an accoun,
of a question Of veracity between an artillery
colonel and one Of his captains that is now
pending before the Secretary of War; The
history Of that very interesting case was merely
outlined, with proper regard for the pro.
prieties in the absence Of any names from the
account, but additional information concerning
the trouble in the - artillery has come to
light through Thursdays publication which
forms an entertaining sequel to the first &C.
count 1t seems that for period Of at least
three years past there has been no friendly
communication whatever between the fam.
lilies of the colonel and the captain before
mentioned. There has been, in fact, social
GOODNESS that has made things rather unpleas.
ant for Captain Blank and his household, 90
the friends Of the latter say. In view of this
state Of affairs the colonel, it is alleged, has
during the three years been engaged in siren.
uous effort to have Capt. Blank transferred Ia
another regiment, but without success The
facts stated in Thursdays STAR about Capt
Blanks fondness for liquor and the bargain be.
tween him and the colonel are, it has been as.
certained, correct with the exception that the
captains resignation was placed in the hands
of the colonel with the understanding
that upon transgression on the part of the
captain the latter should be notified Of the col
onels intention, and three months later the
resignation should be mailed to the Secretary
with the captains full knowledge and consent.
In this way he would have q warning Of three
months in which he might make provision for
himself and his family.
The first thing the captain knew was not only
that his resignation had been submitted but
that it had been accepted by the President The
captains wife, it seems, went immediately to
the White House and laid the facts before the
President, telling him of the colonel's agree
ment and Of the manner in which he had vio-
lated it. So earnestly did she plead that the
President notified the Secretary Of War that,
in view Of additional information which he had
received, he withdrew his acceptance Of Capt.
Blanks resignation, and referred the matter
to him for reconsideration. The Secretary
their brain for way out Of the
difficulty. To recommend the acceptance Of the
resignation will uphold the colonel, who, IL ID
claimed, has repudiated his promise to Capt
Blank, and to recommend that Capt Blank be
allowed to withdraw the resignation % he re.
quests, would implicate the colonel in very
questionable proceeding that might result in
some uncontemplated changesin the - artil.
lery.
Those who have . knowledge Of such
matters and have informed themselves a
STARS account, express the opinion that
II matters are as Capt. Blank represents them
he will have . good foundation for suit-at
law in case his resignation IL accepted agains,
his will. While the case IL pending, the cool.
ness between the families ct the barracks Of the
- artillery IL growing daily more icy, and
Capt Blank goes on duty with clockwork regu.
larity, to the great complication Of social and
ofacial matte n ct reRimental headquarters.