The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-08-21
POLITICS IN SQUADRON
MAJOR ATKINS MAY TENDER HIS
 RESIGNATION.
Oficers of Cavalry Held Caucus in Selma and Resignation Was Probably Discussed-Capt.
 Dexter May Succeed Him.
Auvertiser Rureau.

AuVertiser Bureau,
 Selma, Aug. 20.
 In response to an order issued dur ing the past week by Major " B. Att kins. the majority of the officers of the cavalry squadron of the Alabama National Guard assembled in the par lors of the Elks Home about 12 o'clock today. The call was answered by most of the officers of the squadron and after the business of the meeting had been transacted they were lunched at Rosen- dorf's.
 What the real meaning of the meet ing was is not stated, but it seems to be the general opinion among the pri- yates of the Selma troop that 1t was for the purpose of discussing the ques- ton of receiving the resignation of V. B. Atkins as major of the squadron. Whether this was the purpose is not stated by the officers of the squadron, but 1t is said by some of the officers that more definite information on this question will be given out on Tuesday.
 It is stated that Major Atkins since the recent encampment of the cavalry squadron has been considering the mat ter of rendering his resignation as the ranking officer of that branch of the States militia. His reasons for doing so is said to be on account of his rapid growing business interests in Selma, which. combined with the ofice of mayor of this city, does not give him sufficient time to attend to the matters of the cavalry squadron. That Major Atkins has made the squadron good officer there is not private in any of the four troops that make up the squad ron who will say word against him as their ranking officer. He is a discipli- marian. but his commands have ever been to the interest of the rank and file of the Alabama National Guard, and if he does resign the State will lose an officer that it will find dificulty to replace.
 The visit of Captain Charles E. Dex- ter. who is adjutant of the squadron, to Selma last Sunday caused a little stir in the membership of the local troop. It is known that Captain Dexter has sent in his resignation. but that the same was not accepted. His resigna- tion was held up. it is said, until Major Atkins finally decided whether he was going to resign as ranking oficer of the squadron. The majority of the pri- yates of the Dallas Light Dragons do not think that Captain Dexter could be elected major. In fact they have been antagonistic to his candidacy if he should run for the ofice. They com plain of Capatain Dexters judgment in the awarding of the flag to the Mont gonery troop at the recent encamp- ment.
 On the other hand it is understood that should Major Atkins resign, that among the officers of the Squadron Dexter would be his choice for com manding officer of the squadron. This being the case there is no question but what the members of the Selma troop would support him and no doubt he would get their unanimous vote as their Major
 The accounts and claims that accrued against the Cavalry Squadron at the late encampment were audited at the meeting held here today. The most of these accounts, 1t Is understood, were ordered paid and the squadron seems to be in better financial condition now than 1t has been for several years.