New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-18
PLAN OF MAJOR SMITHS FRIENDS.
ASK FOR AN ELECTION AND WOULD CHOOSE
HIM ANT-COLONEL-NONE
LIKELY TO BE ORDERED.

Sensational developments preceded the departure
of the list Regiment for camp Saturday morn
ing. when q majority of the officers made demand
on Colonel Bates for election for lieutenant
colonel Several officers had previously discussed
the OF Major Smiths dismissal from the Guard
and decided that they would take advantage of the
first opportunity TO show their confidence in him as
protest against the action of the Governor As
there is a vacancy for Northumberland and one
for major in the regiment, the officers decided to
ask for election for the former office and in
case it was ordered TO elect Major Smith TO the
place.
A petition circulated among the officers and
the necessary majority was quickly secured 1t
was thought that the Colonel would yield to the re-
quest If it made by majority.
The petition presented to Colonel Bates nv
well known captain at the armory, who was
delegated act in that capacity.
What is this paper?" asked Colonel Bates as the
document laid before him
1T is request for election for lieutenant
colonel" said the Captain.
"Ah, very good said the Colonel but can
not promise you when election will be ordered -
Both officers saluted and the Captain left the
room. He reported at the other officers
who had signed the paper.
What did the Colonel say?" asked one officer
of the Captain
HE gave me little encouragement" said the
Captain. He entirely non-committaI"
Here another captain took the floor and said:
Vel. 1 can ten you that there is little use in
counting on Colonel Bates ordering the election.
lie told me only Two nights ago that he would
not order any election while there was a chance
Of Smith getting majority of the votes
That's right" said another captain jumping to
his feet. He told me, too that he would do moth
ing in the way Of election till Smith was com
pletely out of the way"
Well" said the Captain, who had taken the
paper 10 Colonel Bates. I'VE will give him a rea-
sonable time. and If he refuses to grant the cleo
ton then will know what to do"
Ihls opinion met with general approval. No
officer however, would consent reveal just what
plans they had further action in case their re-
quest thrown out
One officer, who would not let his name be pub
lshed for fear Of a court-martial. said:
This request for election perfectly proper in
every way. II cannot be refused on the ground
that We may elect somebody. That is not the pro-
vince OF the higher authorities. No can tell or
has the right TO assume what choice viii be
Inc authorities have perfect right to dlSapprove
! our action after we vote for candidate but thew
have no right 10 decide Offhand that we are going
TO select some distasteful the higher mowers
To refuse TO order election the request of n
majority OF the officers is the undoubted Of
any regimentaI commander, but il always has been
! bad policy to antagonize tho wishes of the ma
Jority- In this when the GERS contend that
they acting for the good name of the reginent
the opposition them may make them very; hitter
! and the acton they may take hereafter may be Of
a very decided and perhaps sensational Character