The times., 1899-05-12
SERIOUS FRICTION TN
THE DISTRICT GUARD
Factions for and Against Gen.
George H. Harries.
Pain Speech of Several Officers
Who Have Resigned.
Severe Criticism of His Methods
Grievances OF the Engineer Bat
TALON Men and Others.

Serious friction threatens the welfare OF
the District National Guard, and the or
ganization has become divided into Harries
and anti -Harries factions. This state OF
Affairs has been developing for some time,
and is true not only Of the privates. but
also Of many officers. During recent
months, and particularly since the return
Of the District regiment from Cuba, the
gap between the contending factions has
been growing wider The anti Harries men
do not hesitate to express their grievances
openly, and many have gone so far as to
tender their designations as members OF
the guard.
Ten designations of officers have just
been announced. Several of them had ac-
cumulated since autumn, and were only
sent to the War Department this week.
All whose names are included in this list
cannot be said to have resigned on ac-
count of differences with the commander
OF the guard. but In a majority OF the cases
a personal dislike of General Harries and
a dissatisfaction with his method of man
aging National Guard affairs were direct
Is responsible for the designations.
Those who resigned were Capt. John S.
First Lieut.. Judd Malvin. qusrtermaster OF
the First Separate Battalion; Capt Frank
". Holt, of Company B. Sixth Battalion;
First Lieut.. Lewis G. Freeman. quarter
master OF the Sixth Battalion; First Lieut..
ID. Davenport, Of Company f. Fifth Bat
TALON; First Lieut.. George E Trailes, OF
Company B, First Battalion: First Lieut.
Henry ]. Keough, of Company A. First
battalion: Second Lieut.. Clay Mcclure. OF
Company B, Fourth Battalion. and Second
Lieut. George C. Broome, of Light Bat
tery A.
Several of these officers ,were seen last
night, and asked for an explanation OF the
motives which prompted them to sever
their connection with the Guard. Captain
Holt said his resignation had been ten
dered some months ago because he was too
busy to go TO the armory several nights a
week and drill men who failed TO show up
for that purpose. he added that when his
resignation is accepted he expects to be-
come member of General Harries' stan
Captain Holt is an exception. A ma
jority OF the other officers who have re-
signed attribute their action TO dislike o.
General Harries and TO friction with hin
over various matters pertaining to she cr-
ganization OF which he is in command. Hi,
action in abolishing what was known as
the Engineer Battalion. in order that ths
engineers anu SnaEpSuOOtefS fnlSHt become
infantrymen. was one cause of considerabI,
dissatisfaction.
Very few, IL any, OF the members o
the Engineer Battalion reiished the actio,
OF General Harries in doing away witt
the branch Of the Guard OF which thel
were MEMBERS" said one of the officer
last night. They were men especial,
fitted for engineering work. or else the.
were crack shots who became associates
with the organization in order that the,
Inight join the company Of sharpshooters
rh,ch was a part OF the Engineer Corps
When General Harries desired to hav
them become dough boys. and do heay
drilling, they were naturally disappointed
All who revere the memory of the lat
Gen. Albert Ordway were devoted TO tn
Engineer Battalion because that corps wa
one of his favorite branches of the service
They prided themselves upon this fac
and acquitted themselves admirably. Tn
sharpshooters always did we'll Will
General 0rdway was living they won tn
famous Hilton trophy in the target con
tests at Sea Girt. and also captured wha
vas known as the Battalion Trophy tw