The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-08-08
HOLDS THE FORT.
Roster Still Rules the
Light Battery.
General Dickinson Delivers a Moral
Lecture to the Members of That
Perturbed Organization.

The members Of Light Battery A could
hardly find language strong enough to ex-
press their feelings last evening when
General Dickinson announced
that Captain Roster and Lieutenant West
fall were to remain in their official posi-
tions. The shock was somewhat OF
surprise to the men. as for the past few
months they had concocted every scheme
admissible to Dust their superiors. and
given them to understand that their pres
eEce was not desired.
The trouble began several months ago,
soon after the appointment of Captain
Roster to the command Of the battery.
The members became discOntented with
the manner in which he conducted affairs
and alleged that the funds were being
misappropriated and lavishly spent With
out their knowledge, contrary to the regu.
latiOns of tile guard. 1t was also charged
that Roster was too "high toned" ana
treated his men like dogs. without the
least regard to their social standing IN
civilian circles. These allegations were
set forth in a complaint to General DICK
inson, but before he had time to call
court of inquiry In session the appellants
realized the nature Of the grave charges
made and hurriedly withdrew them before
any PROCEEDINGS had been enacted. but not
desiring to make complete backdown
they Immediately framed another com
plant, charging Lieutenant NeStfall-
Rosters aid de-camp- with lncompetency
and lack of military discipline.
1t appears that the main purpose OF the
opposing faction was to have court OF
INQUIRY established by any means. in order
that their voices could be heard against
the commanding cOterie which they eX-
pected to break. Their efforts were
far nc a
of court was concerned. as last week each
member who so desired had full power TO
testify before a commission appointed by
General Dickinson at their armOry on
Pacific street. Both sides had their say,
and last evening was the time set aside
for the official decision as given by the in
vestgating officers.
After assembling General Dickinson
arose and thoroughly reviewed the case
and the circumstances attending 1t. He
dwelt mostly upon the erroneous manner
In which the proceedings had been con-
Quoted, and cited a number OF technlcali-
ties in support OF his statement. lie then
lectured the members from moral point
Of view, advising them 10 0e more friendly
to their officers and show them the respect
Which, is their due. After reading sections
of the RULES and Regulations Of the Ma
tional Guard" the general said:
''Ths circumstances are not sufficient for
me to take official action In the matter, and
until you are taught to observe the law as
it is laid down l will be severe in the Ut
most. Then if you are not satisfied you
can move out and give room for those who
will be-"
In closing the general said that the mat
ter would stand as il is until proper legal
steps were taken.
The boys are greatly enraged over their
defeat, and threaten that they will fight
the case to the bitter end, and unless Cap
tain Roster and his colleagues draw out
the entire company will desert and stand
the consequences.