Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-20
THE NATIONAL GUARD
Gossip Following Action on the Rifle
Match Protest.
POSSIBILITY OF COURT OF INQUIRY
Rumor That Dissension Exists il
Company D, 18th Battalion.
OUR CITIZEN SOLDIERY

The sustaining of the protest filed by
the 4th Battalion against the team of the
Engineer Battalion that made the high
est score in the battalion team match at
the second annual meeting of the National
lille Association was by no means a sur
prise to those who have been following the
case closely, such action having been pre-
dlcted several weeks ago In The Star. Ger
tain members of the Engineer Battalion,
however, are far from pleased with the
rule tf at resulted in the bestowal of first
prize on the team that represented the
4th Battalion in the competition in uues-
ton.
Those who yet evince disposition to dis
cuss the case say that the engineers have
not been fairly treated. 1t is explained
that fully week prior to the commence
ment of the matches at Ordway the cap
tain Of the Engineers Battalion team
called to the attention of the executive
officer of the National Rifle Association,
practice of the District militia, the very
point that has since been brought into con-
troversy. The executive officer, SO it is
said. at that time informed the team cap
tain that the personnel of the team need
not include representative from Com
pany D. Considering such authority ample
the team proceeded to compete with only
Companies A, B and c represented there
or.
1.-The executive officer Of the association
framed the regulations governing tine
matches, and he ought to know what he
meant, said an Engineer to a Star report
er; but by the sustaining of the protest
he is practically informed that he meant
what he did not mean The future is now
somewhat bazy as regards rife practice
We have all along regarded the inspector
general of rifle practice as the head of the
department of rifle practice, and have con-
sldered his say so as final. But as he can
be overruled. it leaves us in a doubtful po-
istion as 10 how to regard his orders and
directions henceforth.'
On the other hand, it is argued that only
one course was open to the brigade COM
mander, and that was to sustain the protest
1t is set forth that the commanding officer
Of the Engineer Battalion ordered that ev-
cry company of the battalion be represented
sentative at the range prepared to shoot on
the team, and that he was not permitted to
do so for the sole reason that it was
thought his presence would weaken the
team.
If the executive officer of the association
intended that Company D should not be
required to have a representative on the
Engineer Battalion team, 1t Is further said
the circular should have stated Except as
regards the Engineer Battalion" or words
to that effect, in addition to the stipula-
ton: Every company of the battalion
must be represented on the team" The
being without qualifica tion it
is reasoned. it was compulsory for Company
ID to have a representative on the Engi-
Eeer team.
Court of Inquiry Possible.
1t is whispered among the knowing ones
that First Lieut.. Glendie B. Young, in
spector of rifle practice of the Engineer
nF ha hat
ion team, means to ask that court of
inquiry be appointed to determine whether
or not he has disobeyed orders Capt,
Wigsin. commanding the battalion has
stated that he ordered that all four COM;
panies of the battalion be represented on
the team that competed in the battalion
match. 1t seems that Lieut.. Young is anx-
ious that further steps shall be taken as
regards that point.
Not Calm and Serene.
Rumor that floats from room to room
at the armory has it that affairs are not
as calm and serene as they might be with
in the quarters of Company D, 4th Battal-
ion-the Ordway Rifles Small talk is to
the effect that there are opposing factions
and perhaps Clique" in the company.
This alleged disquieting situation, 1t is
said. has been brought to a climax by the
recent election Of Sergt.. w. S. Hodges as
captain over the head Of First Lieut.. An
ton Stephan, to fill the vacancy caused by
the resignation of Capt. J. NJ Williams.
Lieut.. Stephan has held commission as.
hrst lieutenant for a great many years
and on several occasions during the abb
sence of mis- superior has Commanded the
company with ability. He was generally
regarded as the natural successor of Capt
Williams, but events have proved to the
contrary. Although there is disposition
10 concea! from outside eyes all evidence
a nd inc hot
In the orgaDiza ton, 1t is practically a GER
tainty that Lieut.. Stephan will without
delay tender his resignation 1t is also
understood that ne is to be adtutant of
the 4th Battalion, to succeed First Lieut..
Sidney r. Jacobs, who will resign. Lieut..
Jacobs has intimated that he NAV ioin
forces with the Engineer Battalion.
Organization Not Complete.
Nothing will be done in the direction of
assigning to quarters and issuing equip
ments to the Washington City Troop until
the organization of that command is COM
pleted. Although forty-two names were
presented only twenty three members were
mustered into the National Guard by Ad-
1utant General Heyl Wednesday evening
last. me full quota must be enlisted be-
FORE further action can be taken by head
quarters.
Efficiency Competition Progressing.
1t may be well to call to attention the
fact that the efficiency competition is in
progress. Although the competition has
given no sign of life for some time past.
The executive committee held a meeting
during the week. when blanks were pre-
pared for the use Of the judges and a let
ter framed to be sent to subscribers who
have not yet turned over to the treasurer
the amount of their subscriptions.
New Company Proposed.
1t Is reported that a movement is on
foot to organize a sort of cadet corps of
the National Rifles, to represent that COM
mand in the National Guard. The idea is
that the National Rifles as now constituted
is by no means enthusiastic as a military
organization, and, therefore, 1t is consider
ed desirable to reawaken the military spirit
by the addition of a company of young
men. The latter would have the PRIVILEGES
Of the armory. as well as an others open
to members of the present organization
except the holding of an interest in the
property Of the National Rifles.
Grounds for Army and Militia.
In view of the fact that the rifle range
Of the District National Guard at Ordway
has been used recently by the 4th United
States Artillery and the United States Ma
rine Corps. the following extract from the
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