New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-22
COLONEL SMITHS RESIGNATION'
HE DENIES THE REPORT THAT HE "A'
FORCED OFT OF THE 23D REGIMENT

HE DENIES THE REPORT THAT HE WAC
FORCED OUT OF THE 2SD REGIMENT.
Tho facts in connection with the resignation OF
Colonel A c. Smith OF the 23d Regiment Oh
BROOKLYN which have been concealed TOT seFeia'
days came 10 light yesterday when seEei"'
ncers consented to discuss the situation In '"o
course ~ the day 1t leaked out that livery '''"e
in the regiment preceded the senuins ]" " -"
Coloners letter OF resignation
Abou, two vears ago the dissatisfaction against
Colonel Smith broke out and resulted II Is SAID III
the resignation OF Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Do
Forest At that time committee OF oiHcers Wa
appointed TO wait upon Colonel smith ana ASK '''h'
he resign It is alleged that the Colonel thereupoi
demanded the resignation OF certain officer, ana
30 = ororont and severe course OF action smothered
the opposition TO him. However the feeling mas
been smouldering and recently took on renewed
life
From an old officer OF the regiment VINO "ou'u
not let his name be used. II was learned yesteIuaS
that a few days ago a number OF the oHioe's u
cided TO take positive action To the hui"per "
sixteen they drew up their designations. THESE
{, is sad were placed in the hands OF FORMER
officer OF the regiment. who was dispatched win
them TO ALBANY where he showed them al heau-
quarters the intimation being that although tneS
had not yet been sent In, they would De u'iIeS'
steps were taken to obtain the resignation Vi No
ore Smith at an early date. The messenger OF
formed the authorities that other officers were
ready to resign with the others making the totai
number who would leave the regiment elgnIeeel,
The officer was requested to return 70 ~ 49,
with report that the matter would ne lookru utVy.
The accounts differ at TINS peL 40 ~ that Colo.
place Immediately afterward. some say ~ ~ 90,
mel Smith was summoned 10 Albany py Tue -
ernor where he told that the Interests u ~
regiment called for a change. Inc mater W.
conc over thoroughly II is said, In the converse
lion between the Colonel and the Governor. others
saw that suggestion reached Colonel SHliH IIOili
HEADQUARTERS that to save the resume !. 49, ~
be advisable for him to leave II. Ihereupoh MS
resignation was forwarded. .-so,. .at4 ho Lpevv
Colonel Smith when seen yesterday sac ne hne"
nothing OF any feeling against him in the resiHen
Il have not been 10 Albany Tor months ana maNe
of the regiment last winter. ! resigned because my
business needed my attention. There was no
measure brought to bear me either Wlthln o,
without the regiment Coonel SHlth dulIit III
satisfaction with his administration, ana mad Openly
expressed II. You can rest assured OF one thlhg
he sa id land that is that If had known thdt any
OF my officers had asked for my rtsIShsa' non s "a
fought the opposition as l always have. don
usually retreat under fire I don't believe the Gov
ernor would help any such scheme against SUI
Colonel Smith could not say who his successor
uonid no He spoke highly OF Colonel Alexander
s Bacon and also Of Colonel William Cary sanger.
The selection Of his successor may resu.s IN I
ever seen Many OF the officers are favorable 10
Colonel Bacon while II is understood that DIVISION
Headquarters favor Colonel Sanger. who now Is
Bacon's fight for Major G. II. Smith Of the llst
Regiment against the state military 9uthorltes
and the Court OF Inquiry. It is said he Is persona
non grata at Division Headquarters ana also ~
Albany. and that his election to the Cqqionelcy on
he 23d would be considered disagreeaoe 10 the
higher authorities