New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-14
COLONEL AUSTEN CHOSEN.
foh THE THIRD TINE PLACED IN COM
MAND OF THE THIRTEENTH
REGIMENT.
REBUFF FOR LIEUTENANT COLONEL RUS
SELL WHICH. HIS FRIENDS SAY. is
LIKELY TO LEAD TO FACTIONS AND
INJURE THE ORGANIZATION.

INJURE THE ORGANIZATION.
Colonel David Z. Austen. formerly Colonel OF the
18th Regiment, was reelected to command the
regiment last night by vote Of Is to IL The
election took place In the council room at the
armory at Sumner and jefferson
The election OF Colonel Austen was direct re-
buff TO Lieutenant Colonel George d. Russell the
only one OF the four higher officers OF the reg-
ment who did back of serving when the
war with Spain broke out The action OF the other
officers resulted in the dsbandment OF the 18th
Regiment by Governor Black. Major Russell. as
he was then. steadfastly refused TO back out
Of service. He with a portion OF the regiment
stayed at Camp Black. They were attached to
the 22d Regiment. n. Y. ". and served under
Major Russell at Wilets Point. While they were
still in the United States service Governor Black
yielded TO the desire Of some Of the friends Of
the old 18th to see It recognized. He appointed
Lieutenant Colonel Luscomb. OF the officers
who returned from Camp Black as reorganizing
officer. The attempt failure Then Major
Russell returned with his battalion OF veterans. and
it was at once perceived that here the chance
to rebuild the old 18th. Around Major Russell and
his men. as a nucleus. others would rally.
Major Russell is not man OF large means. He
told those who saw him that he hardly thought he
could accept the office OF colonel. account
OF the financial obligations 1t would involve. but
he would be willing 10 put himself at the head OF
the movement 1Or reorganization ana lneu sleP
down. Since then he has worked night and day in
reorganIzng the regiment. and that he has been
successful in bringing it back TO more than It's oId
strength every one admits. From time 10 time
those interested cast their eyes about TO choose
colonel. but man seemed available. 1t was tnen
that Russell was approached and urged TO accept
the colonelcy. He again and again declined 10
listen
The matter dragged along, and he was chosen
lieutenant colonel, with the Understanding tnas
somebody should be found who could and would
become colonel. No agreement could be reached
and finally Russell decided that he would accept
the office OF colonel being assured that II was the
But he misled in believing that he would
receive the support Of all the officers In reor;
ganiziRg the regiment he had pursued hoerai
policy, and had taken in large number OF the old
officers representing the element which returned
cause OF the blunder they made in refusing TO
volunteer and naturally were jealous OF MaJoi
Russell: who gained nothing save credit Tor the
It was said last night that these men had re-
turned to the regiment with the intention OF aPus
taking them back, and have ever since planned 70
humiiate him II Friends 81 ne Ge he bss
been treated and 1t is feared that 1t Will result IN
factions which will undermine the strength OF the
regiment
Colonel David F. Austen has for many years been
in the tax Office in New-York. He was first made
colonel Of the Thirteenth Regiment July 10; ISL
1883. accompanying that regiment In lts canpatlsn
at the opening Of the CIVIL War, In NovemDeT
47th Regiment and was made ad)utant IN 1903, cap
in 1864 major in 1865 lieutenant colonel IN iets
until elected colonel OF the 18th. In 1883 he resigned
the latter position. being relieved by General H. g
second time on January 5. 1855 and held the office
until 1895. Then Colonel William l. watson was
elected and commanded ne regiment uI' ae wiz
for the third time. Colonel Austen Is considered
good tactician. He moved from Brooklyn some
Manhattan.