The herald., 1896-08-19
Causes Quite a Commotion
Among the Militia
ON AN INSPECTION TRIP
A Rumor That He Is investigating the
Cavalry Troop Vacancy
The Officer Denies This, and Says That Hs
Is In Los Angeles Solely
As an Inspector

tain Darlington, United States army,
detailed on Governor Budd's staff. the
last few days, has revived gossip con-
cerning the selection of a commanding
officer for Troop d, N. c. C.
1t is stated that Captain Carrington's
visit to Southern California at the pres
ent time is primarily in connection with
the encampment of the local militia at
Redondo. his duties being those of an
inspector. But aside from this rumor
has it that he has been commissioned
by the governor to make a quiet inves-
tigation of the Troop D trouble, to ascer-
tain If possible, whether there is any
good reason for delay in the matter of
giving the troopers an opportunity to
choose captain from among their own
number.
1t will be remembered that ]. B. Lam
kershim, the well-known banker and
capitalist, was installed as captain
when the troop was organized. 1t was
thought that Captain Lankershim's
wealth and social position would give
the troop prestige and aid in building it
up into first-class military organiza-
tion. But Captain Lankershim, although
personally popular, failed to qualify
himself as an instructor in military tac-
tics, and soon tired of playing soldier.
He accordingly rendered his resignation
as commander of the troop and retired
June LIST last.
Temporary command devolved upon
First Lieutenant j. P. Thompson, after
the resignation of the captain. Lieu
tenant Thompson has had eighteen
years experience in military service and
is regarded as a skilful tactician. He is
Wlthal popular among his fellows, ma
Jorlty or whom have expressed desire
TO elect him captain. But an election
cannot be held without the brigade
commanders sanction and General c.
f. A. Last, the brigadier commanding,
has not yet seen fit to order an election.
Meantime Major M. T. Owens of the
slgnal corps has been assigned to tenn
porary command of the troop This has
created some dissatisfaction among the
troopers, not that Major Owens is un-
popular or considered incompetent. On
the contrary, the men all like him per-
sonally and acknowledge his fitness for
the place, but they, or many of them
at least, complain that there is no prec-
edent for placing an officer of the gen
eral staff in command of a company.
when the company has subordinate
officers in good standing, and quite COM
petent to take command. They argue
that it virtually amounts to snub to
the troop and is reflection on it's pres
ent officers.
Some harsh criticism of General Last
mas been made on account of his refusal
to call an election promptly. 1t has even
been intimated that the brigadier gem
eral has purposely delayed the election
because he is opposed to the elevation
of any of the present officers to the rank
or captain on account of their alleged
lack of wealth and social position, two
things needful to give the organization
tone and popularity.
General Last said last evening this
charge was absurd. He had never made
any such remark or given such a reason
for not ordering an electicx1. The DELAY
was simply due to Generalization of the
troops and factional differences Major
owens had been placed in temporary
command in order to straighten out it's
affairs and improve its discipline An
election would be called as soon as Ma
jor Owens recommended it. No slight or
affront to any nsmber of the troop was
intended. A little patience was all that
was required and things would be salts
factorly adjusted.
General Last said if Captain CARING
tons visit had anything to do with the
Troop D matter he was not aware of it.
At least the captain had not mentioned
it to him. Major Owens also declared
that he did not know that Darlington
was here to investigate. The troop was
getting along nicely and there was no
need of an investigation, so far as he
was able to observe. However. it was
possible that Captain Darlington might
inquire into the captaincy question
while here and make a recommendation
to the acknowledgement in regard to the
matter.
At Troop D headquarters last evening
it was stated that Captain Darlington
had not called there yet and it was not
known whether he would show up
Some of the members of the troop who
were interviewed admitted that there
was dissatisfaction with the present ar
rangements, but did not like to be quot
ed for fear of being accused of insubor-
dnation. Some predicted the dismem-
berment of the organization If the men
were not allowed to choose their own
commander. I'VE have the material in
our ranks to make a competent cap
tain" said one, "and see no reason for
this delay. We don't care snap wheth-
er our commander is rich or poor. We
didn't join this, troop to be society swells
but to learn to be soHiers." This senti-
ment seemed to be pretty general
among those who would talk. Some few
said they didn't know that there was
anything to be investigated Matters
would adjust themselves by and by.
At recent meeting of the troop test
vote was taken on the captaincy. Thir-
ty-one of the thirty-four members pres
ent cast their ballots for First Lieuten-
ant Thompson. 1t is claimed that twelve
out of the seventeen absentees would
support Lieut.. Thompson. also. From
this 1t appears that the lieutenant is al
most the unanimous choice of the troop
for captain, and he would undoubtedly
be chosen if an election were called.
DENIES 1T.
Captain Darlington, when seen by
Herald reporter, at a late hour last
night, declared emphatically that he
had nothing whatever to do wirt the