New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-14
ARMY OFFICERS WORRIED.
THEY DON'T LIKE SECRETARY LAMONIS
DECISION.
THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LONG TIME On
SPECIAL SERVICE TO RETURN TO THEIR
REGIAiENrs-A PROTEST FROM THE
COLOMBIAN MINISTER.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO TEE TRIpUSE.i

lBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TkiBCSf~t
Washington May 13.-The peace OF certain Ar"'s
officers is much disturbed. and for coca ''"So ms
Following the example OF Secretary Herbert III .h'
cases OF Naval officers Secretary Lamont has decided
that officers OF the Army who have been absent 'on
their legitimate duties for long periods e'n'i WING
on special military service or engaged !" Pi'' -"
pioyment shall return 10 their rcginiehs ioi'""'''
The announcement OF such conclusion OIL 'he P'i'
OF the Secretary Of War been expected Tor some
time A few days ago a list OF the names oil onc'rS
WIN have been absent from their batteries, troops
ard companies for long periods was prepared In the
Adjutant Generals office. since then 'hiS is' mas
rcposed peacefully on the secre'arys o'sN Az
officers in the mean time waiting anxouSly Tor the
rsp,t Of his deliberations and those directly inter
.sted wandering where official lightning would strike
first II appears that the Secretary has kept his own
counsel In the matter but has. nevertheless had &C.
cason 10 glance over the list before him.
II Is said that the Secretary believes that II Is In
furious TO the interests OF the military service or
officers 10 remain long away from their regiments
lie Is reported to have said short time ago tha'
there was too much special duty created at Washing
ton and other points for officers, and that he pro-
posed TO have officers who required In the East
do more work, and thereby lessen the humoer VI
billets. In several the secretary mas ioniiu
that not more than officer was at present on u"v
with n company, whereas the law ana regulations
provide for three-a captain, a first and SECOND
condition of affairs practically demonstrated
few days ago. Captain Frank Edwards. OF the Isl
Cavalry recently duty In Washington ana now on
special service In connection with civil features OF
the Worlds Fair has been ordered to join bis troop
one lieutenant only is now present with Captain I'd
wards's troop
The only officer Of the Army known to be engaged
In private employment is Lieutenant II. r. Lemiey'
"a Artillery This officer by authority or congress
on extended leave OF absence and acting as tne
director of the Military school OF the COLOMBIAN
Government ut Bogota. Three years ago Lieutenant
Lemley, With the sanction of the War Department,
entered into five years contract with COLOMBIA ana
he Is engaged IN It's fuhlment. Just now Ne Is
temporarily In this country acting us the director-
General OF Colomba's exhibit at the World fair.
Recently Secretary Lamont ordered MN 10 return "
his battery without delay. This order has created
stir not only in military but in dlpiomauc oIcies.
IL As understood that the Colombian Minister IS
greatly exercised over the detachment OF l1eutenan,
Lemley from service under his Government, anu
mas made an earnest application for revocatoa
Of the order. No doubt secretary UNSna'u
viii he consulted in the matter. and the case VIII DC
Nrther considered. 1t is generally believed tht S
rriary Lamont may have acted hastily or Mltio H
fli knowledge OF the circumstances III ISSUING ue
order II Is probable, II the Colombian G3verhment
insists strongly on its request TO retain Lieu'eSi.
IemIeys services for the period OF the cohlrac Una.
an exception will be made 10 the Department He"
rule I'm