The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-08
Dissatisfaction Among the
National Guard Officers,
Who Consider His Course
an Act of DisCOurteSy.

Members OF the District Naval Bat
TALON are not entirely satisfied with the
steps taken by General Hsrries in con-
sulting with Assistant Secretary Darling.
OF the navy. regarding the appointment
OF an officer 90 command the battalion.
For many months some Of the leading
members OF the organization have been
endeavoring to obtain the services Of
Lieut. J. l. Latimer. recently returned
from the Asiatic Station. and now at
tached to the Bureau OF Ordnance. He is
said TO be willing to accept the task OF
instructing the boys and his command
is calculated TO give the battalion tone
and high standing. He has manifested
an interest in the organization. and
while there is no obligation upon any
one TO accept the command. il was be-
leved that he would do so if properly
approached. II is said. however. that
General Harries did not consult the Of
hcer and in fact. never had any con-
versation with him on this or any other
subject. Instead. it is said he went di-
rectly 10 Assistant Secretary Darling and
asked TO nave Lieutenant Latimer ap-
pointed. In view OF the fact that such
service carries with it a vast amount
OF extra labor upon the officer al the
head Of the battalion. and without auv
additional compensation or honor. il was
regarded as proper TO first consult the
hot
TO that duty. This. GencNaI Harrfes did
not do. but asked the lieutenant's su-
periors 10 appoint him.
definite decision as to who the
commander, viii be has not yet been
reached
General Harries says. regarding the
situation.
have moi yet had an opportunity o
speak with Lieutenant Latinaer on this
subject. We want very much to obtain
his services for the District Naval Bat
TALON. Whether or not we do so de-
pends entirely upon his own wishes.
While the Navy Department has ex-
pressed its willingness to detail naval
officer as commander OF the battalion. II
is explicitly stated that the work is en-
tirely outside and in addition to the
regular duties OF the naval officer who
accepts
4 have been placed in the position Of
the man who approaches the father OF
the girl he wishes TO marry before ask
ing the girl herself. but entirely mad
vertently- The navy is so short or Of
ficers for its own ships that il cannot
be expected 20 set aside an officer ex-
clusiveIy for the National Guard
a civilian may learn TO drill men
from the naval manuals He may be a
good command and know his business
thoroughly But man must have had
actual experience in handling a ship to
command one successfully.
We have two vessels. the Fern and
the Oneida. for the use OF the battalion
One Of the large new monitors. the
Miantonomoh. has been promised US by
the navy. provided We can secure a
naval officer to command her
This is essential. / would hesitate
TO ask any civilian. however efficient ne
might be. 20 take command Of aud as
sume responsibility for large ship like
the Miantonomoh.
Definite Word Promised.
The of1cials OF the Navy Depart
ment have agreed to let me know def
niteIy in regard 10 this matter on Mon
day OF Tuesday"
General Harries spoke In the highest
terms or Lieutenant Commander Hop
kins, who is at present In command OF