The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-04
ORDERS TO NAVAL MILITIA.
GOV. ATKINsON's REQUEST FOR
RECRUITS RECEIVED.

Nothing VIII BE Done I'm Second Di-
vision However, Until Lieut.. Cold
ings' Resignation Is Passed Upon
by the GOvernOr-NOt Believed Bat
TALON Can BE Successfully Formed
at Present-SignnI Mast to BE PIac-
ed ON Tybee at Once.
Acting Adjt. Gen. Oscar ]. Brown sent
a formal request yesterday to Lieut.. H..
s. ColdTng, commanding the second divis-
ion Savannah naval militia, that the d.
visions here be al once recruited TO their
full strength and thoroughly drilled, III
compliance with a request from the navy
department 10 Gov. Atkinson, which has
already appeared in the Morning News.
This request probably sent out in antici-
patton of national hostilides, finds the
Savannah naval militia, or at least the
second division, in a confusion bordering
on disruption. While Lieut. Colding de-
clined to say whether il is true, still the
report had gained circulation in military
circles that he has already forwarded his
resignation as lieutenant commander of
the second division to the Governor, and
IL will probably reach Atlanta to-day Be
sides this, several men in the division
whose enlistments expired Friday, have
failed 10 re-enlist, the cause being dis
satisfaction growing out of the fight now
being waged for lieutenant commander Of
the battalion and on account of which
Lieut.. Colding resigns. Just how many
there are cannot be told at present, but
there is a sufficient number to impair the
division and possibly cause 1t to fall be-
low the minimum number required
The breach is merely threatened, how
ever, and may yet be avoided Gov At
kinson will probably at once pass on Lieut.
Colding's resignation, and it is thought
the effect of the resignation on the Sec
ond division and the possible disintegra-
ton of the forces at this time will be
considered before accepting 1t and order
Ing a battalion election. The division, it
is said, cannot be recruited if the men
become obstinate and refuse to vote favor
ably for applicants. While such a state
of affairs is not apprehended, still it Is
possible If the men desire to hold down
their divisions, they can do so in this
manner 1t Is expected the Governor will
pass on the resignation and also deter
mine about the battalion election within
be done by Lieut.. Colding
There has always been trouble when a
battalion election was talked of hereto
fore, and some of the reserves have about
concluded there is no chance of volun-
teer naval forces of Savannah and
Brunswick joining hands, A split
was threatened when the election was last
attempted and the prospects for peace in
anticipation of the election to be ordered,
seems about the same as the nations out
look in this direction. The Governor has
the power of separating or consolidating
the divisions and it may be a move In this
direction will be considered.
Preparations are constantly going on
however. and the navy department seems
to be losing no time getting ready for bus
mess Bids are now being filed with the
authorities here for the erection of a naval
signal mast at Tybee. The contractors
who are filing bids are also figuring ON
building a house for the men of the signal
service. The mast is to be ninety feet above
the beach and the government desires to
have 1t up within a few days.