Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
CHEVRONS CUT OFF.
Sergeants in the N. G. ?. Being Right
Rapidly Reduced to the Ranks.
GREAT GOSSIP AMONG THE GUARDS.
Lieutenant Watson Slated for Place on
Gov. Pattison's staff,
In RETURN FOR HIS CAMPAIGN WORK

There IS enough gossip floating around in
N. G. P. circles at the present time to keep
not only the members, but also their friends,
supplied with any amount of material for
conversation.
The latest theme of discussion is the de-
capitation of First Sergeant Ed Gordon, of
Company D, Eighteenth Regiment, by Cap
tain William U. Harvey. 1t is alleged
that Gordon offered squad of the company,
two weeks ago last night, to Captain Hunt,
for the purpose of holding guard mount at
the Battery B fair, now in progress at the
Fifth Avenue Market House. The
services offered were not accepted,
however, Tor reasons not made
public, but considerable feeling grew out of
the affair. According to the laws govern
ing the n. G. P, Gordon had no right
whatever to act in the manner he did.
The trouble eliminated at the last drill
night of the company, when Captain Harvey
ordered Sergeant Gordon to form the COM
mand. This the latter refused to do, and in
consequence, he was reduced to the ranks.
sERGEANTs CATCH IT ALL AROUND.
This affair, taken in connection with other
acts of the kind. has kicked up quite feel
ing in the Guard. Another story ahoat is to
the effect that Captain Schmidt, of the
Fourteenth Regiment, had histemper aroused
during the last encampment, and on his re-
turn reduced every Sergeant in his company
to the ranks. Sergeants, as a rule, are
merely instruments in the hands of the
Captain, and he has the power to reduce
them at any time, but the events Of the last
few weeks have not been regarded with
much favor ty the men.
Another matter that is causing quite
discussion is the revival of the old feud be-
tween Lieutenant John D. Watson and
Colonel Hunter. 1t will be remembered
that the former gentleman resigned his po-
sition after great deal of publicity had
been given to The trouble between himself
and the Colonel. Both claimed that they
had their quarrel just, and no doubt it
would have been much better had peace
been arranged. Lieutenant Watson's friend
laid the matter before Adjutant General
Hastings, but that gentleman failed to take
any action in the matter.
AN ECHO OF THE CAMPAIGN.
After the late nominations for Governor
were made, Lieutenant Watson came out in
a most pronounced manner for Pattison,
even going so far as to take the stump for
HIM. He made some excellent speeches
during the campaign, and welded quite an
influence with the younger members of the
party. Governor-elect Pattison did not fail
to recognize this action, and now it is
asserted by Lieutenant Watson's friends
that he will receive a commission on
the Governors staff. 1t is stated on
high authority that be is slated for the posi-
tion of Lieutenant Colonel.
A Captain of the National Guard sail
yesterday: Lieutenant Watson undoubt-
edly has a better theoretical knowledge of
artillery tactics than any man in the State.
He has given the subject any amount of
study, and is 'out OF sight so far as
knowledge of the rules is concerned. He
never had any experience in actual service,
and in that he is lacking over some of the
men in the N. G. P. who have heard the
din of battle, but in all other particulars he
is away up in 6, and would not be sur
prised to see him appointed"
Lieutenant Watson was seen and asked
what he knew of the proposed appointment,
but declined to make any statement, one
way or the other.