The San Francisco call., 1906-10-08
kEEsL|NG RECALLS
RES|GNAT|
Commander Of First Bat
talon, Coast Artillery, to
Remain With Company
VACANT CAPTAINCY

Major Frank " Keesling, command
ing the First Battalion, Coast Artil-
lery, of the National Guard, who re-
Gently rendered his resignation, giving
as a reason that his private and pro-
fessional business would not permit
him to devote the time and attention
to che position that it demanded, has
decided to remain with the organiza-
ton. His resignation was sent to Sac
ramento, but through the influence of
other officers it was held UP and Major
Keesling was asked to reconsider the
step he had taken. He stated yesterday
that he will recall the resignation and
will work to the best of his ability
to build up the battalion and make it
a credit to the State and the people of
San Francisco.
Mark A. McCann has been elected
captain of Company A, First Battalion,
Coast Artillery The new captain was
sworn in by Major Keesling. He. has
not seen service in the National Guard,
but was captain of Company B, League
of the Cross Cadets for three years
and made an excellent record. McCann.
having taken considerable encourage
ment from prominent merchants who
promised to assist the guard, has COM
menced to recruit among the young
men who are employed in mercantile
houses
1t is expected that the headquarters
of Companies B and c of the Artil-
lery Battalion on Eddy street will be
ready for occupancy by the end of
this month
The position of captain of Company
A, First Infantry, has been vacant
since George T. Ballinger retired from
command nearly year ago. but no
one has directed an election to fill the
vacancy. This unusual state of af-
fairs has given rise to considerable
talk in and out of the regiment
From the number of officers of the
First who have recently joined the
ranks of the benedicts, it begins to look
as II the headquarters at Waller and
Buchanan streets are being conducted
as a marriage bureau. Since the head
quarters have been established there,
four officers have been married and
there is talk of another being on the
list. The latest to enter the matri-
monial field was First Lieutenant Hyde
of Company F, who was married a
few days ago to a young lady from
the south. The couple went to Bakers
field on their honeymoon.
Orders have been issued for the First
to resume drills for the winter months
One company went on the streets last
week to go through the company move
ments.
The date for the much talked of bat
talon drill, under command of Major
Mathewson, has not yet been fixed. 1t
is probable, however. that it will not
be held until after the four companies
OF the battalion have had a few drills
to get onto the hang of the thing"
again.
Colonel Walter n. Kelly commanding
the First. who last week was badly
burned by the explosion of the gas
oline tank of his automobile, is out and
attending to his business.
The various companies of the regi-
ment are making an effort to add to
the honorary membership roll The
law permits persons who do not desire
to become active members of the guard
to become honorary members. on pay
ment of $50 year. These honorary
members are exempt from jury duty
The officers club of the regiment is
also endeavoring to obtain a limited
number of associate members
When John Il. Hayes retired as
colonel of the Fifth Infantry, several
months ago, the accounts were ex-
ported and the property of the regi-
ment inventoried. The command was
then turned over to Lieutenant Colonel
Julliard. Later d. A. Smith was cleo
ted as colonel, and his commission, as
such, which gives him that rank from
June 80, was issued TO him, but up to
the present he has not assumed com
mand. He says that he will not SIGN
receipt for any property belonging
to the regiment that is not in evil
dence 1t is said that the delay in
smiths taking formal command is due
to that fact. Colonel Smith will not
discuss the matter, which is now in the
superior office in Sacramento and Sac
ramento is quiet on the proposition
In the meantime the regiment is with
out an active colonel. and colonel who
would be active is without a regiment.