The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-04-30
AS TO VOLUNTEERING ;
To the Editor Of The Post.

To the Editor OF The Post.
Houston, Texas. April e. 1yss.--The Post
mas for years como up to my ideal as the
exponent OF conservative ideas. and has al.
Ways exhibited nerve by using forcible Ian
suagc IL the conveyance OF It's views 10 its
numerous raadcra New, VIII feel disap-
ton or two and comment appropriately. The
question of cnlistirg IN The United Stat S
army. cohdItonaily. seems to DO the allah
sorb'ng topic Just now, by thousands OF young
men OF our State.
IL 1t true, that when the different COM
ranics are sworn into the service they Will
rclinarish the prerpgntive as to who their
9rgimental officers ahnli be, and is II a fact
that eoldicrs OF the regular army viii dis
place officers selected by the volunteers? II
such Ia the fact, would The Post. the
great daily exponent OF our section. adyiss
any young man earning n decent LYING to
give up his position and accept such a con-
dition OF aflairs voluntarily? Ia IL not too
true that some soldiers Of the regular army
may be assigned to lord 1t over n regiment OF
gentlemen? ] can imagine nothing more
Calling and humillating than gentleman
serving MS soldier under such conditions.
IL Is all very well to gush over "old Glory"
etc, etc This 10 our duty.
Are there not enough idle men, with no
ties. TO attend to this soldier business? Let
our soldiers 20 with officers, ms they are or
eafiizcd. or not ut all. General Fitzhneh Leo
seems TO be the great bait offered to Southern
gndgcon. Now, Mr.. Post, please elucidnte
honestly, md many, very many, Will hc en-
lightened upon knotty point Yours truly.
9. g. Beavens. Sr.
In answer to Captain Heavens inquiry,
It can be said that II is understood that
rcrimcntal officers will be, or can be, ar-
pointed by the governor OF the State. The
Federal authorities are to appoint the bri.
ando and division commanders. The gov
error, however, will likely appoint as Of
ficers such gentlemen MS are designated by
tho commands He certainly ought to do
this. and 1t would remove much natural
part of many companies If it were definite
ly announced that officers elected by the
men would receive the commissions.
The regiuental officers. such as colonies
and majors. ought to be selected from our
volunteer guard and be citizens of our
State, unless chosen by election by tho
regiment. In other words. the troops be-
Ing volunteers, ought to have their prefer
cnces consulted In the appointment OF their
Immediate officers
Tho brigade and division commanders
should BIO experienced army officers OF rec
ognizcd merit.
What Will actually be done in the way
OF differing the troops Tho Post does not
know any more than Captain heavens or
any other citizen.
In the matter OF advice as to what should
be done hy our young men under these cir
cnmstances. Tho Post can only say that
the question Is one to be answered to his
own personal satisfaction by each volunteer
or would-bc volunteer There are, as sug-
gesteh, thousands OF men who are held by
10 special ties who will be sufficient and
willing to FIJI the ranks, Internationally
and those who feel otherwise should give
way to them, Military law knows no half
way service and is ireNorahlc.
The country is not being invaded, nor
likely to he, and the question OF volunteer
ing at this time has not reached a further
point than one of puie choice. without ais
determination If hat choice reflecting on
any man in any particular