The San Francisco call., 1898-03-08
Eaqles for E. B. Williston, Lieutenant-COlOnel of
 the Third Artillery.
The Veteran Officer Congratu- lated by His Companions at
 the Garrison.
Four of the Twenty Four New Bat teries May Take Station on
 This HarbOr.

Officers and enlisted men or the United States army serving in the De- partment of California were grathed yesterday, when the news came from Washington that the bill creating two additional regiments of artillery had passed the House of Representatives. It is regarded as settled beyond all doubt that the President will approve the measure It speaks well for the army that cavalrymen and infantrymen re- joice with the artillery in the success of the measure.
 Increase of the artillery force pro- notes E. B. Williston, lieutenant-co onel of the Third, to the rank of colonel. He was at the Presidio when the wires flashed the news that the bill had fin ally passed. The announcement was the signal for rendering congratulations to the distinguished officer and the colonel and his family were soon en- gagged in the pleasant duty of receiv- ing from the officers and ladies at the garrison expressions of good will. Later on word was passed along the line that Colonel Williston would like to see the officers at the PreSidio Club. The invitation was readily accepted and the meeting last night was happy indeed. A cup of champagne added Zest to the greeting.
 The congratulatory group consisted of Colonel Evan Miles, commanding the post, and many officers of the Third Artillery, First Infantry and Fourth Cavalry.
 The increase of the army will ad- vance in rank several other officers of the Third Artillery. The Call of last Sunday published the names of all the officers of the regiment to whom pro- motion will come by reason of the in crease of the artillery force.
 It is believed that at least four of the twenty-four new batteries author iZed will be stationed in this depart ment in order that an adequate force shall be provided for handling the high power guns defending this harbOr Col onel Wilhston hopes to be stationed on this coast. He is a popular officer whose soldierly qualities are highly es- teemed in the regiment
 Colonel Edward B. WiIliston has a record of gallant service on the battle field. He was appointed to the United States army from California in August, 1881, and immediately went to the front where he gained distinction. He en- tered the service as second lieutenant Second Artillery. For gallant and mer- itOriOus services at Salem Heights, Va. he was breVetted captain; for gallantry
 
 Vetted major: fer gallant and meritor- fous conduct at Winchester he gained the brevet rank of ieutenant-colonel. For distinguished service throughout the war he was brevetted colonel March 13, 1865. He participated in the bat ties of Second Bull Run, South Noun tain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Frank lin's crossing. Gettysburg, Cuipepper, Raccoon Ford, second Rapidan. White Sulphur, Mine Run, Tods Tavern Spottsylvania Court House, Beaver Dam Station, Cold Harbor, Winchester A Apequan and many other enga agements He commanded Horse Battery D, Sec Ond Artillery, First Brigade Horse Ar tillery, Army of the Potomac, from July 15, 1863, until August 8, 1885,
 Since the war Colonel Williston has served on the frontier, in Alaska. at various stations in the South and West and on the Pacific Coast. He was born in Vermont in 1886, and will retire from the army in 1900. He came to Califor- nia on his present tour of duty from Florida with the Third Artillery, of which regiment he is lieutenant-colonel Since his arrival here he has been at the Presidio.