The herald., 1896-09-01
THE PASSING OF TROOP D
Cavalry Company Likely to Be
Mustered Out
A BATTERY OF, ARTILLERY
To Be Mustered ia Instead of the
Valiant Troopers o..
Some Members of tho Troop Favor the New
Organization-Of Officers Chosen In
Secret Caucus

1t is very likely that Troop D Of the
National guard of this state will be
mustered out soon, to make room for
battery of artillery.
This is the crack cavalry company
that was mustered in less than a year
ago and which was expected to cut such
a wide swath in social and military cir
cles. Although it is made up mainly
Of very estimable young gentlemen, it
has not met with all the success antici-
pated. This is due principally to dissen-
sions in the ranks.
In the first place, captain was Sc
lected who was noted more for his
wealth and charming personality than
for his knowledge of the requirements
of war, even in these de-
generate days of peace. Nei-
ther did the commander of the pie
thoric purse lavish his bounty upon the
troop: 1t was impossible for the troop
under such conditions to become very
swell or proficient in the manual of
arms. In the course of time, however,
the amateur captain, who knows more
about banking and farming than mill
tary science, tired of playing soldier,
and rendered his resignation, which was
duly accepted.
The selection of a new captain was
next in order, and the choice of the
troop seemed to center on a lieutenant
who had had many years experience and
is considered an excellent drill master.
He is. withal a highly respectable and
respected young man, but he lacks the
element of wealth so essential to the
making of a successful carpet knight
7 hppanon nniCp6 n tho h,,io
ade commander whose province it was
to call an election for captain of the
troop, refused to do so, because he
thought there was a lack of good tim
ber to choose from. Gen. Last denied
that the election was deferred for that
reason. but the fact remains that no
election has ever been called.
To make matters worse, Major M. T.
Owens of the general staff was appoint
ed to the command of the troop, over the
head of First Lieutenant Thompson
who was the ranking officer, and being
in good standing was entitled to hold the
captaincy until new captain was for
mally chosen. The appointment of Ma
Jor Owens, although agreeable so far az
his fitness and personality were con-
cerned, added fuel to the flame, and the
discOrd in the ranks has kept on grow.
ing. .-
To cal the climax, Captain CARING
ton, the state inspector, in his recent re-
port, recommended that the troop be
mustered out and a battery Of artillery
formed instead. Pursuant to this plan
number of military gentlemen met in
secret session last Saturday evening and
took the preliminary steps toward the
formation of the new organization anC
the mastering out of the old. Amons
them were ex-Captain Henry SteeNe
ex-Lieutenant w. r. Teale, Sergeant
White, Corporal Forsythe and a number
of others who are members or eX-mem
bers of Troop D.
Captain Steere fully explained to thos
assembled the objects of the meeting
how best to muster out the troop an,
muster in the battery. A caucus wa
| them held and the following slate agreed
upon for officers of the proposed bat
terry: ~ 7iW q
Captain, Henry Steere. 4s
First lieutenant, DR.. J. M. White.
Additional first lieutenant, W. r
Teale.
Second lieutenant, Eugene Maxwell
Sergeants, Fredericks, Mackenzie
James, Forsythe, Kolmier.
Corporal, G. l.. McKeety.
Buglers, Cordear and Brousseau.
The new organization starts in aus
piciously and the members say they ar
sure of being in the militia as they hav,
the full sanction of those in authority
| Some of the members of Troop D favo
| the new plan but Others dissent