The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-08-18
HIT HIS FORMER CAPTAIN.
MORE STRIFE IN THE sETENTH-FIRsT
RRGIMENT.

An Old drudge Between Former Capt.
stoddard and Corp. Tabbnrt Results in
BIows-Each Man Says That He Was
Victor-Row Took Place In the Armory.
Corr Peter Tabbart q member Of Com
pany E. list Regiment. who served during
the campaign In Cuba and fought with
tho regiment at San Juan. has had score to
settle with former Capt Charles II. Stoddard.
whom he accused OF belttling his services
when he signed his discharge. few days ago
Tabbart met the Captain In the armory. and
the two had a lively row and came to blows.
When the regiment returned from Santiago
Capt. Stoddard. who did not go to Cuba with
the regiment having been detailed to gather
recruits here. resumed his old place as COM
mandant OF the company. large number OF
the men who had gone to the front were Bit
terly opposed to stoddard. Among them was
Corp. Tabbart. The dissatisfied faction
wished to get rid OF stoddard and have his
place taken by one OF the lieutenants who
fought with the company at San Juan. When the
regiment came to be mustered out 1t was Capt.
Stoddard's duty as commander to sien the dis
charges on which were written the records OF
the men, When he came to the discharge OF
Corp. Tabbart the captain wrote good where
the corporal insisted the word excellent"
should have been written.
One night last winter. In the crowded COM
pany room. the corporal met the captain and
anRrily demanded why he had not given him
the very best character. The captain replied
that he had certain reasons and the corporal
defled him to give them. This led almost to
blows. and to hard feeling between the partisans
Of each man. Capt Stoddard was eventually
forced to resign.
Several days ago he went to tho armory to
get his dress uniform. 1t was during the day
time and It was hardly to be expected that an
enemy would be In waiting. Suddenly from
the depths OF the company room roared the
voice OF Corp. Tabbart, who was In charge OF
the repairs being made there. circumstance
Of which the captain was in ignorance.
What in thunder are you doing here p
| asked the corporal.
Attending to my own business" was the
reply OF the former captain. Il want my uni
| form. and don't want to wait all day for 1t.
either"
You'll have as much fun getting that uni.
form as did getting my excellent character .
| retorted the corporal. as he edged up to Stod-
| dard. II am in charge OF this room by order
| Of the captain and order you to get out"
Il take NO orders from you." answered the
| former captain.
Get out or I'll throw you out" said the cor
poral.
Don't you dare lay hand on me or you will
regret It, said the captain.
Tabbart made jump Selling Stoddard with
| the evident intention Of forcing him out OF the
room. Then fierce struggle took place.
Tabbart claims that he succeeded in throw
ing the captain out into tho gallery without
any assistance whatever. although three car
| penters under his orders were at work In the
| company room.
They wanted to come to my assistance
Tabbart says. but said. Men. 60 back tc
your work. I have been waiting for this
chance too long not be able to give o good
account OF myself The men went back
and incidentally 1 might say that 1 went
to work about the same time. Somebody
happened to open the door Just when I had o
good grip on the captain and threw him 80 faI
through that was afraid he was going clear
over the gahery on to the drill floor. Ipuncheo
| him about a dozen times where the blows
| would do the m ost good. He hit me but once
After got him out he came to the door ant
| said he wanted his uniform. I took pity on hin
and said he could have It. I fired II through
the door clear over the gallery and down to the
drill floor. He picked 1t up and skunk away"
Capt. Stoddard when seen said: II simply
refused to have any alteration with my former
private. He became abusive. and though
warned him not to lay hands on ma. he pre-
ferred to take the risk. acknowledge that
struck some blows. and one severe one landed
| en- the corporal's neck. 1t was this blow that
drew the only blood OF the contest We were
near the door. and as the blow landed on Tab.
bart's neck. 1t drove his head through the win.
dow completely demolishing the glass and cut.
ting a cash In his head. and let out more blood
than he ever lost In Cuba. This took all the
fight out OF him. Two Of his helpers had rushed
to his assistance when they saw I was gettinl
the better OF the argument. but the sight o
| blood mt and n THAR ardOr and fhav coOlaf
down as quickly as tho corporal. 1 got my
uniform and went out as had come In.
gentleman"