The St. Louis Republic., 1904-09-21
CHAFFEE CONFIRMS
K|NGSBURY REPORT
War Department Awaits Word
From Francis as TO
His Successor.
TWO NAMES ARE MENTIONED.
Major August ,. Blocksom and
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel W.
Fountain Considered Like
ly Material.
The Republic Bureau.

Washington, Sept. S.-Lieutenant Gem
eral Adna r. Chaffee. Chief OF StaT. to-
day verified the report that Colonel Kings
bury. commanding officer OF the Jeffer-
son Guard at the Worlds Fair. would
shortly be relieved.
Asked what reason was assigned for the
relief Of Colonel Kingsbury. General Chat
fee replied that he had received a note
from the Secretary OF War directing that
the Colonel be relieved. Further than
that he declined TO discuss the matter.
General Chaffee stated tha; he was now
waiting on Governor Francis to say whom
he desired to succeed Colonel Kingsbury.
Whoever is most acceptable to Governo.
Francis will be detailed to that duty. In
this connection the General said that he
had suggested to President Francis the
name OF Major August P. Blocksom. Sew
enth Cavalry. who now is Assistant Com
mandant OF the Guard. and that OF Lieu
tenant Colonel Samuel W. Fountain. As
sistant Adjutant General. now On duty 1T
Jefferson Barracks.
Officers at the War Department who
are acquainted with Major Blocksom and
Colonel Fountain think either OF these
would be a good man for the place
Major Blochsom has been acting as As
sistant Commancant for some time. and
naturally IS In close touch with the du-
ties involved. while Colonel Fountain. be
ing on duty at Jefferson Barracks: also is
more or less familiar with the WORK OF me
guard IL Is believed. Therefore that one
or the other OF these officers VIII be de-
tailed as Commandant. However. IL rests
with President Francis to express his
wishes in the matter.
Colonel Kingsbury. upon being relieved.
Will join his regular station Win the
While officers Of the General S;afr de-
clined to Civ. any other reason for the re
lief OF Colonel kingsbury than TO SAY the
Secretary OF War had directed II: by IN
ference IL is plainly apparent that the
action Is taken rs = result OF differences
between the Exposition authorities ana
the Commandant OF the guard. W neither
these differences are what might be called
administrative. whether tney are prs>oHai'
or what not. could not be asceriained-
1t is pointed out that the ENpositon
authorities would not request the reiiei
cf Colonel Kingsbury unless some differ
enceS OF greater or less importance ex-
listed. as it would be far better TO retain
his services till the close OF the Exposition
than 10 make q change.
Had Colonel kingsbury desired 10 BE-
transferred back to his regiment. lie would
have applied directly 10 the Genera stan
cepted without question General Chanee
declined to discuss them. however. and
other officers OF the General STAN We're
not at liberty to do So
An officer who is we'll acquainted with
Colonel Goiwin. who organized the guard.
Colonel Kingsbury and the two officers
who are mentioned "a possible successors
of the latter told The Republic Le was
not surprised at the relief Of Colonel
Kincsbury. lie said the duties OF tho
commanding officer Of the guard are pecu-
liar in that he really can do but little
commanding in the sense in which II Is
understood in the army. For that reason.
he thinks. ii is a rather trying position
He was inclined to think the dinerences
between Colonel Kingsbury and the Expo
s:t.on authorities were Of an administra-
tive nature. This officer seemed to be OF
the opinion that Major Block>on's IA
most probable successor to Colonel Kings
bury.