The age-herald., 1898-01-23
Col. Herzberg and Major Walden Cannot
 Settle the COIOn6lCy Muddle.
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SECOND
Heated Contest Between Demere and Stout -Ru- mored Changes in the Alabama National Guard Thieves in the Camp
 Grounds at East Lake.

A conference or the candidates TOT the colency of the Third Infantry, Alabama National Guards, was held at the Morris hotel on Friday night for the purpose of strengthening out the "muddled" election of Saturday. the 18th inst, which has since been the topic of conversation in military circles and resulted in some personal feel ing on the part of the friends of the re- spective candidates.
 There were present Brig Gen. Louis V. Clark, Col. A. H. Stevens, Capt. J. c. Pugh, Lieut.-Col. L. L. Herzberg of Gads- den, Maj. W. J. Walden of Uniontown and Col B. F. Elmore of Demopolis. The con- ference lasted from 10 o'clock in the even- ing until 2:3O a. m. No reporters were ad- mitted so that it was impossible to get the particulars in time for publication yes- terday morning.
 From all accounts, however, the meet ing was harmonious and pleasant through out. There is personally no animosity be- tween Col HerzDerg and Maj. Walden, and the whole contest is regarded simply as matter of too much activity on the part of their friends.
 It will be remembered that there were two candidates for the office of colonel of the Third Infantry, Col. L. l.. Herzberg and Maj. w. J. Walden. The contest be- gan to get rather bitter, and it was agreed that both Herzberg and Walden withdraw from the race and permit Col. Elmore to be reelected Herzberg claimed that this withdrawal was with the understanding that all the other officers were to beNre- elected, but Walden claimed that his under standing was to the contrary, and began to use his influence for another candidate for Herzberg's place lieutenant-colonei Upon this announcement both of them re- entered the race and the election came off on Saturday, Jan. 15. The votes will be counted tomorrow in Montgomery by the governor, Gen. Clark and the adjutant- general
 Gen. Clark stated in an interview with The Age-Herald several days ago that the ballots bore some evidence of being irreg- ular and that it was possible that another election would be necessary.
 The conference Friday night was held for the purpose of coming to some agree ment in case another election was neces- sary, and in order to smooth things over in general, but nothing was accomplished.
 It is said that Herzberg made Walden a proposition that he would withdraw now in favor of Colonel E,more if Walden would do the same but that Walden re- fused it. This was vaiden's construction of the original agreement entered into be- tween himself and Herzberg it is said.
 The affair now stands just as 1t did before the conference was held and the outcome of the count tomorrow is awaited with intense interest throughout military circles of the state.
 Second Infantry Election.
 A great deal of interest is also being manifested in the Second infantry cleo ton which comes off next Tuesday. The election is for the office of lieutenant colo mel to fill the vacancy caused by the pro- motion of Col. H. B. Foster, of Tuska- loosa
 An election was held early last fa1l but on account of irregularities it was declared void and Tuesday, January 25. appointed for the second election.
 The candidates are Capt. Frank l.. Demeree of Birmingham, commissary on General Clarks staff and Major Stout of Montgomery.
 From the gossip that can be heard among the Second infantry boys they intend to get up Httle contest of their own.
 One of Demeree's supporters recently re- turned from trip to Amiston and re- ports that that city is solid for Demeree. Demeree's supporters also claim that they have eighteen or twenty woes out of the thirty-four that will be cast.
 Encouragement of Companies.
 The companies of the Alabama National Guard will be redistricted as soon as pos sible. At present the Second infantry con- tains some companies that really belong to { the Third infantry, and so on throughout the state. Nothing definite has been an- nounced as to what the arrangement will be, but as far as possible the companies of South Alabama will form the First infan- try, those in the middle of the state the second, and those in the northern part the ] Third. Of course the numerical strength of these sections will have to be taken in- to consideration and the above outline can l not be strictly followed.
 It was agreed several years ago that this encouragement be made, but for political or other reasons the matter was put off from time to time. If this encouragement is not made before the next encampment- it will be made immediately thereafter.
 Camp Grounds at East Lake.
 Company l. is anxiously awaiting some news from the adjutant general in regard to their new uniforms Several months ago the armory at East Lake was burned and all uniforms destroyed. Since then it has been a difficult matter to keep up interest in the company When their new uniforms arrive Company l. declares that they are going ito do" military with a vengeance.
 Company L's Uniforms.
 The attention of the commanding of- ficers has been called to the lack of care that is being taken of the camp equip- ments that are stored on the camp grounds at East Lake. It is said that thieves are taking everything that is movable and that a large part of the equipment will be miss