New-York tribune., 1899-11-21
MAJOR BATES SELECTED.
CHOSEN WITHOUT OPPOSITION AS COLO
MEL OF THE SEyENTY-FIRST.>
MAJOR SMITH WOULD NOT ALLOW HIS
NAME TO BE UsED-RESOLUTIONS
PRAISING THE LATTER
ADOPTED.
ADOPTED.

Major William G. Bates was unanimously
elected colonel of the list Regiment last night.
The election passed Off without incident. This
due to the withdrawal Of Major Clinton T.
Smith who had been put forward by his friends
in the regiment as q candidate for the colonelcy.
Although he is under suspension and has been
ordered before the State Examining Board, his
friends were Of the opinion that If majority
Of the votes could be obtained for him In the
election for colonel it would be tantamount to a
vindicatiOn Of the charges brought against MN
after the return of the regiment from Cuba
Intense discussion was also aroused all last
week by the openly expressed insnuation that
the commissions OF four newly elected officers,
who were known to belong to the Smith faction,
being purposely held back at Albany, In
order TO prevent them voting. In consequence
It was feared that the election might be at
tended with some excitement Diplomatic
friends OF the regiment. however. had been
working in the interests Of the organizations
peace and harmony, and as result the officers
last night passed a resolution Of confidence in
Major Smith. who in turn refused to allow his
name to be presented as a candidate FOR the
colonelcy. Thereupon Major Bates received a
unanimous election. all the officers OF the regi-
ment casting their votes for him.
Brgadier General George Moore Smith con-
Quoted the election. and was the first TO con-
gratulato Major Bates upon his success The
latter briefly thanked the officers for the honor
they had conferred upon him
Prior to the election meeting Of the officers
was held and the following resolution was
adopted by - votes to 3:
Whereas. Major Clinton H. smith contrary to to
the wishes of his many friends. who desire to see
him elected to the office OF colonel OF this reg-
ment. has At to refuse to allow his name to be
used in connection with the election now ordered'
and W,ro.s Wa an,roo,..s that .ucn action on his
part can only be prompted by his sincere devotion
TO and in the interests Of harmony and the welfare
of the regiment; therefore be II
Resolved That the officers OF the list Regiment
express their confidence in Major Smith as an OH
and that his connection with the regiment has been
OF The utmost value and benefit to the organza-
been inspired. have all his actions Of the past &
by the desire to do what ne believes b to be Tor the
Resolved That his brother officers regret the po;;
siton in which Major Smith has been placed, and
express their faith and belief in his ultimate exon
Resolved That in selecting another officer. for
colonel we declare that our action is In no wise a
reflection upon Major Smith. and Is not to be
taken as an Endorsement OF anything that mas peen
said derogatory to his military record
Major Bates was born on July IA. 1860. and
was graduated from Columbia in 1880. After
taking a two years course Of study in Columbia
Law School he was admitted to practise at the
New York bar. On December D. 1870. he Joined
the 9TH Regiment a private In Company
X and in 1891 ne made sergeant major.
The following year he was appointed adjutant
in the list by Colonel Francis V. Greene and
when the war with Spain broke out he was
among the first to join the ranks Of the volun-
teers When Colonel Greene was made Brigadier
General and while the regiment was in Florida
he was made assistant to General Greene with
whom he afterward went to Manila. and while
there took an active part in the capture of the
city He is said to have had the honor OF haul
ing down one of three Spanish flags that foated
over Manila at the time Of It's surrender to the
United States troops.