New-York tribune., 1905-12-29
SAYS HE'LL SUE MAJOR.
Mitchell. Formerly of 18th Regi
ment, IN Roofing Trouble.

Army men have been surprised to see in the
papers of the city in the last few days the fol-
lowing advertisement:
Star Roofing and Construction Company, 500
West 26th-st.. New-York City-Major H. ID.
Mitchell having withdrawn from the above
company, notice is hereby given that VIII not
be responsible for any obligations contracted by
him. J. HARVEY GRIFFIN, Proprietor.
Major Mitchell was made manager Of the Of
fee Of the Star Roofing and Construction Com
pany, at No. II State-st, about the time OF his
resignation from the 18th Regiment of Brooklyn.
His withdrawal from the regiment followed
court martial proceedings in which the major
was defended by A. ]. Griffin. attorney Of
No 140 Nassau-st., brother of the proprietor Of
the Roofing Company
The Star Roofing and Construction Company
was organized by the Griffin Roofing Company,
of No 5O6 West 26th-st., to control the output
OF the Starham flreproof mineral cement. which
was put on the market about year ago, Many
important contracts were obtained by the Major.
The work done by the Griffin Roofing Com
pany, which owns regular outfit On Decen-
Der 16, Griffin learned that Major Mitchell had
organized the Star Roofing Company, and was
operating it I'm the same Office as that occupied
by the Star Roofing and Construction Company.
at No. II state-st., and even using the same tell
ephone number. He Immediately dismissed the
manager and has announced his intention Of
taking legal action against him.
TO recover on the work done on buildings
by the Griffin Roofing Company for the Star
Roofing and Construction Company, Mr.. Grif-
fin has placed liens on the aETnories Of the list
69th and 9th regiments and on those or squad
A, in Manhattan, and Squadron c., in Brook-
lyn. A J. Griffin, the Majors former defsnoer'
has been retained to look after the legal interests
of the Griffin Roofing Company. The Major
maintains that the company has no GROUNDS
which to proceed legally against MIN.
He became conspicuous in june 1914 while
senior major of the 14th Regiment, In which he
was known as the lighting major" by sending
Brigadier General McLeer, commanding the
second brigade, a letter charging general NAL
administration OF the affairs OF the regiment.
declaring that there had been no meeting OF
the council Of officers for many months and as
serting that clique Of officers ruled supreme.
He was court-martialed and found guilty, but
was -reinstated. AS further trouble was threat
ened, he asked to be retired in January on the
ground that he had served more than fifteen
years. His application was granted.
Major Mitchell began his military career as a
private in the 51st New-York Volunteers at the
outbreak of the Civil War. He served under
General Mcclellan. At Antietam, he was twice
wounded and was compelled to withdraw from
active service for a time. In 1870 he was
transferred to the 18th Regiment as corporal.
Three years later, he was elected captain or
Company E. In 1879 he was bonorably dis
charged, but re-entered the regiment in 1891
as captain Of Company F. He was made a
major in 1897. In this capacity, he served
through the Spanish-American War.