The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-12-19

In an open letter of farewell to military life made public yesterday Captain A. G. Forbes of Montgomery makes tart com ment on the action of Governor Jelks in deciding the contest between Captain W. B. Atkins of Selma and himself for the office of commander of the First Squad ron. Alabama National Guard.
 There are four troops in the squadron having sixteen officers entitled to vote in elections for field officers. It will be remembered that the face of the returns from an election held on December 1, for a major to succeed Major J. T. Beck Of Camden, showed that Captain Forbes re- ceived seven votes and Captain Atkins received nine votes.
 Captain Forbes contested the votes cast by the officers of the troop at Camden on the ground that they had not been legally elected. After advising with Colonel Claude E. Hamilton of Greenville, his Judge Advocate General, Governor Jelks decided that the votes cast by the Camden ofSicers were legal and that Cap- tain Atkins should be commissioned as of the squadron.
 Commends New Major.
 In his letter, which Is addressed to the officers of the squadron Captain Forbes acknowledges the right of the Governor to pass upon the matter without giving him a hearing, commends Major Atkins and expresses his good feeling toward all of the cavalry officers.
 The letter of Captain Forbes is as fol- lows:
 Montgomery. Ala. Dec 1s 1903. "To the Officers of the 1st Squadron of
 Cavalry, A. N. G.:
 Dear Sirs-I read in The Montgomery Advertiser this morning what appears to h,o tho CIOVornnf on the question as to the election of a Major of the 1st Squadron of Cavalry.
 "The Governor, as Commander-inChicf of the Alabama National Guard has seen fit, 1t appears. to dispose of this matter without giving me an opportunity, in per son or by counsel, to be heard on any of the points raised by the objections which I made to the counting of certain votes or what appeared to be votes of certain persons purporting to have been cast in the election held December 1st. I &C., knowledge the Governors right by reason of the discretionary power lodged in him. as Commander-in-Chief of the Alabama National Guard to dispose of this matter as he has seen fit to do. l accept his action in the same as final.
 "I desire to thank those officers of the Alabama National Guard who voted for me and gave me their support in this election and herein express to them my hearty appreciation for their frinedship and support.
 Thanks All Officers.
 'I also thank all of the officers of the squadron, as we'll as all others of the officers and all of the men of the Alabama National Guard. for numberless courtesies extended to me during my connection with the cavalry of the Alabama Nation al Guard. During my sixteen years con- nection with the cavalry I have formed many ties of friendship and now have many "reminiscences which l shall always cherish as things pleasant to reflect upon; and. in retiring from the cavalry of the Alabama National Guard, I do so with feelings of good will toward eevry officer and man of the First Cavalry Squadron.
 'Tn attempting to contest the election for a Major of the Squadron I did noth- ing more than. what-I conceived to be my right and what I considered to be my duty, under the circumstances, to those officers of the squadron who had voted for me and given me their support. do not think I have done. in this matter. anything inconsistent with the rights or duties of an oficer, a soldier and gen. tleman.
 T believe that the Squadron of Cavalry will find in Major Atkins a capable off cer and high-toned gentleman, as well as a leader who will do much for the good of the Alabama National Guard.
 T have the honor to be. with the old time. Salute
 Most respectfully yours.
 s'A G. Forbes
 The term of office of Captain Forbes as Adiutant of the Cavalry Squadron expires with the term of Major Beck, by whom he was appointed. and he will consequent ly retire from the service.
 Dexter for Adjutant.
 There seems to be little doubt that Lieutenant Charles E. Dexter of the Montgomery Troop will succeed Captain Forbes as Adjutant of the Squadron by appointment of Major Atkins
 Lieutenant Dexter was the only Mont gomery officer who voted for Major At kins. the other three local officers and the four Birmingham officers voting for Cap tain Forbes. If Lieutenant Dexter had voted for Captain Forbes the election would have resulted in a tie. In this manner Lieutenant Dexter cast the decid- ing vote.
 Lieutenant Dexter is well known young citizen of Montgomery who has had considerable military experience. AN-H