The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-01-15
IIrINors,s NlrAL MII1rrA.
Rows in the First Battalion Lead 60 the
Muster Out of the Organization.

muster Out of the Organization.
CHICAGO. Jan. II. -Adiutant- General Reecs
Of the Illinois National Guard has lust issued
an order mastering out the First Battalion. I'LL
nols Naval Militia, whose headquarters are In
this city and whose commanding of1cer lie
Commander L. II. Harrison. Back OF the order
Is the story OF a row. The commander Of. the
naval militia OF Illinois is Capt..B. NJ. Shaffner.
He was appointed by Gov. Tanner. The APP
pointment was not popular with the officers
and men OF the naval militia. particularly with
the members OF the First Battalion.
When the war began. 80 the story goes,
rather than serve under Capt. Shafner. NOM
bers OF the naval militia enlisted In the reRu-
lar service and were assigned to the regular
wnrships. 1t has been said that the naval
militiamen did this moro to deprive Shaft
ner OF war glory than TO obtain distinction for
themselves. IL is further limited that the
whole scheme was suggested by Gen. McNul-
Ia. a member OF tho State Naval Board since
1896. who is an enemy of Gov. Tanner, per-
hans because Tanner didn't appoint McNulta
to the place Shafrner holds. Those who hint
this say that Gen. McNulta saw how he could
slap Tanner by getting the naval militia, or a
However this may. be. about all the naval
all over them. The First. Naval Battalion.
WlGlOuJ. OTuerS from CapU.. Bnhlln6T anu Wltns
out his knowledge until after all the plans had
been COMPLETED. arranged to give their, COM
h be@ss T 6Sm 5st%TpSd ifSm s6S T issued e Ts ofGsns
for the First Battalion to turn out on the day
the veterans were expected, Cant. ShafIneE
heard. OF this. countermanded the orders and
forbade the organization to turn out. The Nom:
hers then decided to turn out as individuals and
was Shafner's second snub. and It was fol-
lowed by another on the occasion OF the Chi:
if Invited do1 TO command sq tho naval division In the
parade, but he Invited himself and rode at the
head OF the division.
The latest snub. and the one which directly
led to the order to muster out the First Bat
TALON. occurred six or eight weeks ago and was
Of G9mmander Harrison, sSafrner directed
Harrison to turn over the Chicago boathouse,
the property connected with Il. Harrison re-
fused to obey, the order and was eourt.mar.
be relieved from duty for thirty days and rep |
rimanded., shaffner. It is said. thought the
Hiding OF the G court IT not severe y enough, and he
this he appears to have the cordial support OF
the Governor. and the order OF the AdJutant-
follows: - -
handing the naval force OF Illinois, owing to |
n state of insubosdination. opposition to su-
nerior officers. and an utter lack OF interest In |
Militia TnH Hre 81 TiIin0is;. IS tnf hereby F + P nSts I o ntV az
the naval service Of the State. Honorable dis |
charges will be furnished the seamen and
by the order. All public property and records
Will be turned over by officers having charge Of
same to Commander William T.. Mcmillan, |
chief of staff. naval militia Of Illinois. who will
make a report Of all property received to this
office.
"Upon the completion OF the muster out Of
the First Battalion, naval militia of Illinois,
as directed in paragraph l.. Commander Will
liam 7. Mcmillan. chief OF staff. naval militia
OF Illinois. will enlist and muster into the ma
val service of the State four divisions of naval
militia. to be assigned as the First Battalion.
When q sufficient number Of seamen are en-
rolled us required by law. application will be
made for orders Of election for officers"