The Indianapolis journal., 1902-02-28
DOUBT ABOUT MILITIA
1T RESTS WITH THE MEN WHETHER
THEY TURN OUT OR NOT.
Mayor BoekwaIter Bumps Into Red
Tape in His Effort to Honor
Prince Henry of Prussia.

Fer several hours yesterday IT looked very
much as IL the services Of the state militia
at Prince Henry's reception would have to
be dispensed with, and accordingly Mayor
Bookwalter was in stew" 1t is by no
means absolutely certain that the
militia will be at the reception In force,
but half-prornises have been received.
which caused the mayor TO drop his frown
and take the tangle out of his brow.
When it comes to securing the presence
Of the militia there are so many delicate
points and many little bits of crimson
tape TO take into account that discourage
ment is likely to be the fate of the mex
perienced. The mayor says he is mex
perisnced in such things, and his dilemma
yesterday probably arises from that.
Being busy, the subject of the militias
attendance had not occurred to him for a
day or two, and then, yesterday afternoon,
he suddenly thought of it. He went to the
telephone and called up Maj H. T. Conde.
BY the way, Major" said he in an Off
hand way, Il would be very glad if you
would have the troops turn out Sunday
night. / am pleased to extend you an iri-
vitaton."
Thanks" said the major, 'but 1 don't
see how l can, unless you talk to General
Mckee first. We have general rule in
the army that general orders should come
from the commander"
The mayor tried for an hour to get Cen
eral Mckee and finally, when his temper,
lacerated slightly by Condos words, was in
a fragile" he made the connection.
Il can't promise you anything definite,
said General Mckee when the purport of
the mayors wishes had been explained TO
him, but | will do what l can. You see,
this affair is altogether invitational neces-
sariy. There is not private that has to
turn out unless he wants to, and l cannot
promise you how many of the boys will
want to-"
Cant you order them out?" asked the
mayor. "That would make it sure"
IF L did II would cost the State about
$780," General Mckee is reported TO have
said, "and L do not feel at liberty to take
that step in the absence of Governor Dur
bin. However, l will see Conde at once,
and l think 1t will be all right
The mayor had to be content with Cen
eral McKee's words of hope rather than
definite promises.
a militia officer yesterday said that, since
the law provided that troops ordered out
for any purpose must be paid the same
compensation in war time. there would
be no order issued. He said the officers
would be invited, and they in turn, would
request their men by postal cards to appear
at a stated time He was afraid, he said,
that the turnout might not be the best
In the world. for he had heard one captain
say he did not intend to go himself nor
invite his men.
For the most part the German societies
of the city have taken formal action in
regard to sending banners and representa-
tives 10 the reception of the prince. The
Maennerchor, the German Pioneer Society,
the Suevian Benefit Society, and Koerner,
Schiller and Columbia lodges of the I'm
proved Order Of knights of Pythias have
all held meetings The Liederkranz and
South Side Turnverein have not held meet
ings yet, but are expected to in a day or
So Every German society will send its
colors, with a guard of honor consisting
of three four men. The flags of the Ger
ian Guards, Company A.