Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-02-08
CAMP KETTLES.
COSTLY RELICS OF THE GREAT TRIPE
HILL CAMPAIGN.
Ex-ouartermaster Rivett Holds Them
for Storage Officers
Threaten His Arrest.

There is a small.sized row brewing in
local military circles, which may lead to
serious complications between the COM
mander and Quartermaster of the First
Artillery Regiment on the one hand, and
H. W. Rivett, .Quartermaster, on the
other. To explain its nature it is necessary
to state fact, which has been heretofore
kept quiet-namely, that after the last
enoampment. held at Santa Cruz by the
regiment, the Board Of Officers and Quar-
master Rivett could not agree about certain
camp expenses. The Board claimed re-
turn of some $50 from Riyett, and required
him to pay it into the treasury. He was
then quietly allowed to resign, as the easiest
way TO settle further differences.
But Mr.. Rivett, as custodian of the regi-
mental property, had in his charge, and
stored at his residence, certain camp uten-
sis, baggage, etc, belonging to the regi-
ment, and since his resignation has NOT
turned over the property (which belongs 10
the State) to his successor, Lieutenant
Maydwell, the present Quartermaster. A
formal demand has been made BY both
Colonel GathTie and Quartermaster Mayd-
well on Rivett for the property. and he re.
fuses to let It go out Of his possession until
charges for storage have been paid-some
$50.
This action has been a parslyzer TO the
regimental officers, as they claim that the
offer of Rivett to store the property was
voluntary and with no thought of charg-
ing for it-at least, they Deyer dreamed of
having to pay for it. Section 442 of the
Penal Code makes it a felony for any one
to keep State military property against
the wishes of the proper oustoiians. but
Mr.. Rivett states that be only keeps it to
secure his pay for storage.
4 warrant for Rivett's arrest will. il is
understood, be sworn out to-day by the
Colonel or Quartermaster, when the case
will be tried as any other criminal action.
Major Clinton L. White who is Judge Ad-
vocate on the ststf of the Fourth Brigade
commander, has been retained bv Mr..
Rivett to defend him, if necessary, and has
already given him some advice in the mat
ter, Mr.. Riyett being his client Of several
years standing.
A request has been made to the brigade
commander by Quertermaster Mavdwell
to have the Judge Advocate attend 10 the
prosecution, but it is very doubtful if the
case is proper one for the Judge Advocate
to engage in. 1t is simply a case for the
State Courts, and if RiYett should be ar
rested the District or City Attorney will be
the public prosecutor. The case will have
to be tried in such Courts, while the Judge
Advocates duties are understood to be con-
fined strictly to military Courts and TIL
bunals.
Major White who is good lawyer, looks
upon it in this light, and yet he is a great
stickler for military discipline and would
not like to do any act antagonistic TO mill
tary law and custom. He may, therefore,
decline to defend Rivett on this ground.
II Rlvett should be convicted, that will not
necessarily insure the return of the prop.
erty to the regiment He would be simply
fined, or imprisoned, and the camp kettles
would still be in his possession. If he
should De compelled to pay a fine, he could
be arrested on second charge if he still
held on to the property.
The officers claim that he should surren-
der it to them, and if he has q charge
against the regiment to present his bill 10
the Board. RiYett is sharp enough to
know that if he once lets the property out
OF his possession he could probably whistle
for MS money, as be cannot sue the State.
1t is stated that warrant will be sworn
out this morning for Rivett's arrest unless
the property is given up, and if this action
should be taken it will cost someone much
more than the storage bill amounts 10 be-
fore the trouble is ended.