Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-27

| veterans, who were emphatic in theii
criticism of the delay, which could only
| lead to the breaking up Of the famous
| old organization. Colonel Jones says Inc
twice approached the Governor and Of
| fered to recruit the regiment up to the
standard and to fill out three or five ad-
ditional companies. He did not volunteer
| his personal services for family and bust
ness reasons, and he said yesterday that
he saw no reason for doing so. because
he was convinced that the safety OF the
country was never in jeopardy.
OF the seven companies in the regi-
ment three of them-D, E, and G-volun-
| teered for service only within the United
| States. The other four companies, as is
| we'll known, were assigned to other regi-
| ments, and the First passed practically
out of existence.
FORM A BATTALION.
Colonel Jones said last night that ar
rangements have been made 10 form a
provisional battalion Of the remnant of
the First Regiment, with Major Derby
shire in command. The three remaining
companies have been to some extent de-
pleted by transfers to the more warlke
companies, and two at least are far below
the minimum. Three companies are in
process of formation, and the next day
or two will see some important develop
men.s along this line. 1t is indeed be-
lieved that the regiment will be promptly
recruited, and will be filled out to supply
Virginia's quota as required by the Sc
cond call of President Mckinley.
COLONEL ANDERSON'S POSITION
The resignation of Colonel Jones leaves
Lieutenant-Colonel George Wayne Ander-
son the ranking volunteer regimental Of
hcer not in the field. He volunteered for
active service, and was anxious to go to
the front. and would have gone if the
regiment had been sent as a whole He
is a candidate for the colonelcv. as Is also
Major Derbyshire Both of these officers
are extremely anxious for the command
thereby revivng an ancient rivalry, which
grew out of the election of the former,
then a captain, to the vacant lieutenant
colonelcy, some three years ago. 1t is
well-known fact that Colonel 10 Lane
stern, who volunteered at the outbreak
of hostIlities between the United States
and Spain, is anxious to go into active
service, and it has been suggested that
he may possibly be appointed TO this regi-
ment.
Colonel Jones has been connected with
the First Regiment since ISL. and eight
years ago he was elected to the COM
ment. il only numbered some 125 men,
but during his regime ii has been recruit
ed 10 800 His efforts have always been
directed to the improvement and enlarge
ment of the regiment, and In this direc-
tion he has succeeded TO remarkable
degree.
WITH THE LOCAL MILITARY.
Company ID was in possession Of the
Armory last night There were very
few men present. though several recruits
were taken in. This company will volun-
teer for active service under the~second
call of the President.
There will be a meeting in the room of
Company II tonight TO organize a new
company. Twenty-six members have al
ready been enrolled. and 1t Is expected
that sufficient names will be added to
the list to perfect the organization and
elect officers.
Colonel M. l.. Spotswood has under
taken to organize a new company in the
First. He had a conference yesterday
afternoon with some OF those interested
In the matter and hopes soon to have
enough names TO enable him to proceed
10 organization. The company will pro-
bahly take the place of Company c,
which "a now in the Second Regiment.
The Stuart Horse Guard held an en-
thuslastic meeting last night. The COM
pany Is recruiting rapidly. Another
meeting will be held next Monday night
at $3.50 o'clock.
The Blues did not go out TO camp yes
terday. The necessary accommodations
had not been provided. and the battalion
viii remain In the Ninth-Street Armory
as long as possible. An order was re-
ceived Yesterday for the companies to |
20 out to Camp Lee to-day, but 1t seems |
5oubtful whether sufficient number OF |
tenfs are available. The men are well |
satisfied with their present quarters. a.
tbey have every reason to be. !