The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-06-17
TROOP LIFE IN SULTRY TAMPA.
FIRST DAYS SESSION OF THE GEN
ERAL COURT MARTIAL.

No One Allowed to Attend Except the
Members of the Court and others
Connected With the Case-Capt.
Cam Acts as Judge Advocate.
Can't. WiIcOxSOn's Appointment as
Major.
Tampa. Fla, June 16-The first days
session of the general court martial APP
pointed to investigate the charges prefer
red against Maj. Frank D. Ramsey, sur
geon of the Sixty-Ninth New York, and
Lieut.. Leary of the same regiment, was
held to-day at the headquarters of Col.
oscar J. Brown of the Second Georgia.
The full court, the names of the men,
bers of which were given in the Morning
News to-day, was present.
The defendants were sworn and Maj
Ramsey was placed on trial first. He was
charged with conduct unbecoming an Off
Ger in the army, in that he, while under
the influence of alcoholic beverages fired
his pistol in a reckless manner, endanger-
ing the lives of citizens, and in addition
conducted himself in such a manner as
to reflect discredit upon the discipline of
the army.
The trial was conducted secretly, no one
being allowed to be present except the
members of the court, the accused and
such witnesses as were called for to give
testimony in the case. A squad posted
near the entrance of Col. Browns tent
kept visitors at a distance
Capt. Cam, judge advocate, examined
the Witnesses and conducted the case on
the part of the government. while the ac-
cused was represented by himself
Lieut.. Blum was one of the witnesses who
testified to-day.
The trial. 1t is believed, will be concluded
tomorrow so far as the taking of evil
dence is concerned, but the findings If the
court will not be made known for some
time.
When this case is disposed of the charges
against Lieut.. Leary will be investigated
These are similar to those now being in
Vestigated against Maj Ramsey.
The major is a son of Lieut.. Col Ram
sey of the regular army, and now In the
cavalry service.
A telegram was received by Col. Brown
this afternoon which was in the nature
of a very pleasant surprise to Capt Cleve-
land WilcoXson, and means that he will
soon be promoted to major of the Second
Georgia. The telegram said: "Col Oscar
J. Brown, commander Second Georgia: I'm
der decision allowing three majors to each
regiment from Georgia, Gov. Atkinson will
appoint WilcoXson major, and desires your
nomination for vacancy thus created.
James B. Erwin, Acting Adjt. Cen"
When the officers were. being selected
for the Second Georgia, Cleveland Wilcox
son was major of the Fifth Regiment of
state troops, and Gov. Atkinson, then be-
fF1rr Of AI.1 4sv.sa ~
was being organized under the three bat
talon system, there would have to be
three majors, appointed Mr. Wilcoxson
one OF the latter. However he was in
formed that only two majors were to be
appointed for the regiment, and he was
compelled to withdraw the name of Maj
WllcoXson, and instead appointed him to
the captaincy of one of the companies of
the Second. Now 1t seems that for some
reason 1t has been decided to have three
majors for each of the two regiments and
MAJ Wicoxson secures a well merited
promotion.
When the news was circulated in camp
this afternoon the men congratulated him
heartily upon his promotion
by strange coincidence when the tele-
gram reached camp this afternoon the
regiment was on dress parade and Capt
WllcoXson was acting as major for Maj
Hendricks battalion Col. Brown has not
succeed Capt. Wilcoxson as the comman-
der of his company.
The newly elected major has consulted
with Gen. Coppinger regarding the disor-
Derby conduct of soldiers. Gen. Coppinger
promised to promptly arrest and punish
soldiers disobeying the law. To further
assure the legal authorities he has order
ed TWO details of ten men each to be on
duty at all hours in the First and Fourth
wards. He stands prepared to increase
This detail should it be insufficient.
Miss Clara Barton, who arrived here
this morning, has since gone down to Port
Tampa, where she is now on board the Red
Cross steamer State of Texas
There is never day that some kind and
thoughtful friend does not send to the
savannah boys some evidence of the fact
that they are not forgotten by their friends
OF home. P Fl. Hanes & Co. of Winston,
N. c., has sent enough chewing tobacco
10 supply the regiment, and A. B. Girar-
oeau OF Savannah has sent to Col Gar
rard twenty dozen bottles of his Chill and
Fever Tonic. Col Garrard has distribut.
ed these supplies among the regiment.