Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-04

opinion the consolidation Of the battalions was
proper and desirable, and that although they
were apprehensive that il could not be har-
moniously done under either Of the existing
majors they hoped that it might be. In view
OF this recommendation asked the two majors
If they were willing 70 place their designations
in the hands Of the committee Of citizens while
ordered consolidation, and that would
then leave 1t TO the President to appoint such
major as he might deem proper. The officers
OF the eighth battalion who were present as
sented to the consolidation. and Maj. Revells,
| commanding that battalion, stated that he
would tender his resignation. Maj Fleetwood,
who was the only officer Of the seventh bat
talon present, declined to answer either ques-
tion until he had consulted with his battalion,
ana invited the committee of citizens to attend
meeting Of his battalion to be held that
evening, which they consented to do.
VIEWS OF THE SEVENTH BATTALION.
The following morning the committee in
formed me that the views of the seventh bat
talon we're:
First. That they declined to express an opin-
ION Tor or against consolidation.
Second. That il decided that consolidation
was necessary should direct it to be done and
allow the officers Of the four companies to meet
and decide upon some one to recommend as
the commanding officer Of the consolidated
Third. That if such course was followed they
would obey the order and abide by the out
come.
Fourth. That upon the receipt Of the order
MAJ: Fleetwood would place his resignation in
the hands Of Hon. John r. Lynch, to be held
until the matter might be decided.
The committee recommended me to accede
to these demands, which l at once consented
to do, with the single reservation that inasmuch
ms the law did not recognize the election of
neid officers by company officers, but imposed
on the commanding general the duty and re-
sponslbility OF nominating field officers to the
President, If the company officers recon-
mended to me man that l could not con-
scientifically nominate to the President as COM
Petent and proper for the position, they would
have to recommend to me some other or, if
they failed to agree upon anybody, that follow
Ing the analogy Of election of company officers,
and as required by law, it would become my
DUTY and be necessary for me to make the nomi-
Priety and necessity of this reservation.
THE ORDER OF CONSOLIDATION.
therefore Immediately issued an order con-
solidating the four companies into one bat
talon and directing the company officers to
CD
The company officers met pursuant to order
and inclose herewith copy of the report by
the presiding officer (see Enclosure ''G') of the
proceedings Of the meeting, from which it ap-
pears that the officers failed to agree upon a
nomination.
have accordingly this day forwarded to you
my nomination OF Capt James A. Perry. COM
pany, A, eighth battalion, to be major Of the
new battalion. He has been duly examined
by the regular brigade board of examination
and reported by them as competent for the
position.
regret exceedingly the undue prominence
that has been given to the whole matter and
feeling especially aggravated by the many
Iaisehoods published in the newspapers, to
Whlch, under no circumstances, will | pub
heiy reply, deem it proper to make this full
oniclal report Of the matter for the files of your
department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALBERT ORDwAY,
Brigadier General d. C. Militia.