The San Francisco call., 1898-05-04
THE GENERALS TO COMMAND
 VOLUNTEERS The President Decides on Four Major and Eight Brigadier Generals Names That Will Be Sent Up to the Senate for COnfirna-
 ton Not Later Than
 To-Day.

NEW YORK, May 3.-A Washington special to the Herald says: After due deliberation the President has decided to formally announce the appointment of four major generals and eight brig adler generals. The nominations are expected to go to the Senate tO-mor- row.
 The greatest interest naturally cen ters around the selection of major gen. erals. To prevent any insinuation of sectionalism the President has selected General Fitzhugh Lee of Virginia and General Joseph Wheeler of Alabama as representatives of the Southern volun- teers, and General James H. Wilson of Delaware and General William J. Sew ell of New Jersey as representatives of the Northern forces.
 The list of brigadier generals who will be nominated to the Senate simul- taneously with the four major generals will include Colonel Charles E. Comp ton of the Fourth Cavalry, Colonel Thomas NJ. Anderson of the Fourteenth Infantry, Colonel William Ludlow of the engineer corps, Inspector General J. c. Brecllinridge, Colonel Theo Schwan, adjutant generals department, and Colonel H. w. Lawton of the in- spector generals department.
 The selection of General Sewell comes in the nature of a surprise, for he will have to relinquish his seat in the United States Senate, which is one of the most tempting prizes in national politics. General Sewell rendered his services to the President at the first intimation of war with Spain, and it was not until to-day that the President concluded to accept the offer. After a personal interview with the President and Secretary Alger General SeWeIl in formed his friends that a commission had been offered him and he had ac- cepted it.
 Later in the day General Wilson, ac- companied by Senator Gray of Della ware. called at the White House and received from the President the an- nouncement that his appointment had been decided upon. General Wilson is a. fine specimen of physical manhood, and he looks every inch a soldier. He made a favorable impression upon all who met him at the White House and at the War Department and his ap- pointment gives general satisfaction.
 The selection of General Lee and General Wheeler had been discounted by assurances the President had given these two gallant officers and their friends, so that their appointment had been regarded as Q fUregone conclu- 
 There are a number of other candi- dates for maj generals commissions but for the present the President has determined to select but four voiun- .teer officers for these high grade posi- tions. If in the future he should deem it advisable to increase the number he stifl has a valuable supply of military material to draw upon.
 One of the most conspicuous names recently Brought to the consideration of the President for a major generals commission is that of eX-Senator But Ter of South Carolina. General Butler was one of the most daring and skill ful cavalry commanders in the Con- federate service, and although he is past SO years, he is one of the best-pre- served men in public life to-day. His name was presented to the President by his political rival and partisan enemy Senator Tillman. As soon as it was known that the name of General But Ter had been suggested to the President all the leading members of the Senate, Republicans and Democrats alike, with whom General Butler had served his three terms in the Senate, united in the request to the President for his appointment. It is quite an unusual thing for Senators of all factions and parties to come together when an i'm portant appointment is at stake.
 General Butler had an interview with the President and Secretary Alger to- day and assured them that while he ap preciated the high compliment ten- dered him by his Senatorial friends he did not wish the President to be infiu- enced in his behalf by their recommen- dation. He added that he was ready aud willing to serve his country in any capacity and any position to which he might be assigned, and expressed the hope that the President would not con- sider him as a seeker for military or civic honors..
 I learn tonight that the President present brigadler- generals in the regu- unteer army, and that their nomina- tions for increased rank will probably go to the Senate tomorrow with the other four major generals and eight Aorigadier- generals decided upon early in the day.
 The six brigadier- generals of the regular army who will thus receive major general commissions are Gen erals Elwell s. Otis, J. J. Coppinger. William R. Shafter William R. Gra- ham, James F. Wade and Henry c. Merriam.
 General James H. Wilson is gradu- ate of West Point Military Academy, md was one of the best known of cav dry generals in the Union army. He was born in Southern Illinois in 1S40. entered West Point as a cadet in 1856 md was graduated fifth in his class in 860. At the outbreak of the civil war le was brevet second lieutenant of en-