The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-10-07
VETERAN UNION IN COURT
Gen. R. St. @. Dyrenforth
Answers Commander
Meacham.
POLITICS is SUGGESTED
Argument Over Dismissal of Restrain
ing Order Taken Under Amusement
by Justice Barnard.

Gen. Robert ST. George Dyrenforth,
commander in-chief of the Union Vet
Grams Union and a number of his
friends were present in the Supreme
Court of the District yesterday to hear
argument on the petition of John +.
Meacham. commander of the Division of
the Potomac, to enjoin the former from
putting in force his order suspending
him from Office. MIR. Meacham and
some of his friends were also present.
temporary restraining order issued on
Wednesday last, Justice Barnard took
the matter under Amusement and an
nounced that he will deliver his de-
cision this morning at IL o'clock.
When General Dyrenforth issued the
order suspending Mr.. Meacham from
office he also appointed Lieut.. Col.
Charles F. Noske. of Hancock Regiment,
to fill the vacancy. Mr.. Meacham asked
the court to also enjoin Mr.. Noske from
exercising the duties of the office.
Within Authority.
In his argument to the court. Mr.. A.
A. Hoeling. Junior counsel for General
Dyrenforth, contended that while the
general acted wholly within his au-
thority as conferred upon him by the
constitution of the Union Veterans I'm
ion. still he believed that it is a matter
that can be best settled by that organi-
cation now in annual session.
On the other hand, Mr. w. d. Classic.
in the petitioners behalf, contended that
his client was acting entirely within the
scope of the constitution of the order
and feels that the court should protect
him in the holding and exercise of the
duties of his Office which was conferred
upon him by the order.
The restraining order issued by Jus
tice Barnard OF Wednesday last was
made returnable next Friday. but by
ageement between all parties concerned
the matter came on for hearing yester-
dag on the motion of General Dyrenforth
to dismiss the petition.
In support of his motion General Dy-
renforth said:
The conduct of the complainant in
precipitatingsthis litigation right at this
time. on the eve of the national en-
camrment and at the place of the en-
campment, and in obtaining a restrain
ing order against the commander-in
chief of the order, thereby creating
strife, turmoil. and uncertainty. stamps
itself as showing the complainant to be
utterly lacking in all true or real con-
siderations for the good and welfare of
the order.
Hints at Politics.
His conduct is for the evident pur-
nose of vexing, harassing, ard annoy
ing General Dyrenforth; it grows out
Of a vendictive spirit, and doubtless has
for its object the accomplishing of
something in a political way at the
coming encampment, and to further
which purpose the court and its pro-
cess are attempted to be abused.
The answer further states: "Gener-
al Dyrenforth having been quite i'll
upon his return from the national en-
campment at which he was last elect
ed commander-in- chief, found upon his
recovery and going to the meetings OF
Hancock Regiment. of which he is a
member. that friction existed IN the or
eanization, composed of very small
number of the membership, headed by
ID. W. Classic, F. NJ. Taylor, and others.
In Opposition.
This faction seemed to oppose any
thing and everything undertaken by the
division commander, and therefore as
the commander in chief could not agree
with their attempting TO oppose and OBJ
struct him. SO far as by innuendo and
petty annoyance they could. it was de-
termined by a great majority of the
members to leave Hancock Regiment
and TO form new regiment
HALLS OF THE ANCIENTS.