Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-05-05


cept that it would throw some of the
captains and commissioned officers ont
of job, their commands being merged
with others, this of course assuming
that all the men volunteered, AS they
have done practically. There was also
the sentimental idea that Vermont
ought to have regiment of her own.
Imbued with these ideas, Gen. I. S.
Peck hurried to Washington and Of
fered full regiment of l,200 men to
the government, which was accepted
with thanks. OF course Peck had no
authority to do this, but he took the
responsibility-and the glory, the re-
sponsibility may come later.
Having offered 600 mems lives and
services that the government did not
call for and did not need, Peck and his
compatriots set to work to enlist them.
This was not hard to do under existing
conditions, though companies in small
towns had to recruit many of their new
men outside.
This was the patriotic side. Now
comes the practical. Vermont must
pay for these extra 600 men the same
as for the 600 apportioned her. She is
expected to pay 81 per month, which
would mean nearly $4,000 per month
or $4,000 per year, or s96.OOO for the
two years enlistment above and be-
yond what she would have paid for
her share of the nations defence. 1t
is an open question ifPeck hasn't over
done the business. Some people whose
patriotism is so sordid that they are a
little slow about offering other peo-
pies lives and money without authority
are little inclined to think he has.
The result may be, as rumor AYERS,
brigadier generalship for Peck, but it
means burden to the state that must
be worked out in the blood and sweat
of her toilers. 1t is fair question. too.
whether a sentiment, such as the or
ganization of a distinct Vermont regi-
ment. should outweigh hundred
thousand dollars in taxes. The legis-
lature will determine the matter right.
of course. and we shall not quarrel
with its decision, but the 'sministcrs of
state may be called upon to explain
just why they assumed to forestall its
action by pledging men and money to
double the requirements of the gov
eminent.
Another matter that will engage at
tention, though perhaps not officially.
is the mooted change in the colonelcy
of the Vermont regiment. Osman ID.
Clark of Montpelier is the colonel at
the hour of this writing. He was
recommended by his brother
officers and commissioned by Gov.
Grout. He has worked his way up
from the ranks. He has spent IL years |
time in the national guard ofvermont. |
Until the past few days he was gener-
ally supposed to be entirely capable
and competent to assume command.
Just now, however, it is proposed and
Gov. Grout is seriously considering his
and the appointment of Maj.
5. p. Jocelyn in his stead. Maj. Joce-
Ign is regular army officer and a ma
tive Vermonter. He has no connec-
ton with the V. n. G.. The only ex-
cuse offered is that because of his
experience Maj. .Jocelyn is better quail
flied to command the Vermont troops
han Col. Clark. The national guards
men naturally resent this move. In
fact, there is open mutiniy. A ma
ority of the officers and men declare
hat they will not enlist as L. S. regu-
airs until they are assured that no such
step will be taken. Col. Clark has
heir confidence and is one of them.
To summarily displace him, they az
II us just W HCli lit ic " lCtClNt TGNaful
or past faithful services, is rank in
Justice. As to his alleged incompetent
", they deny it. They are entirely
Wiling to trust their lives with him
md those who stay behind certainly
haven't more at stake than they. The
whole scheme is denounced as move
IN the part of Peck and others to put
me of their personal friends in COM
nand. Gov. Grout has the right to do
his. 1t is hoped he will not take such
/ course. certain to disrupt the nation
Il guard just when trained men are
leeded. If it is done it will be in or
Ter for some member of the House or
senate to move that martial law be
in Vermont during the con-
inuance of hostilities and Gen. Theo-
io-r Dox.l- ---...-.. -