The Washington times., 1906-11-11
~ ADW6 @

Considerable interest is manifested
among officials of the War Department
over the report that Brig. Gen. Charles
+. Humphrey. quartermaster general OF
the army. will soon be placed on the
retired list. at his own request. on
account OF having attained forty years
service in the army. Some time ago
General Humphrey expressed his inten-
ton OF applying for retirement. but he
was dtssuaded from his purpose by Sec
Tetary Taft and Il is understood that
both Secretary Tart and the President
would like 10 see the general placed on
the retired list as a major general. In
appreciation OF his valued services to
the army OF the department.
Work Shows Signal Ability.
In the few years that General Hurnph-
rey has been ir his present office he
has won the reputation or being one OF
the most efficient officials in that cap
acity the War Department has ever
known. The army is better and more
cheaply clothed at the present time
than ever before. and in times of emer-
gency or occasions requiring quick
prompt. and reliable action. the general
las won the commendation OF his sup
erior officers. His first real test in the
matter Of handling troops and rush
ing them to given destination. came
with the San Francisco disaster last
spring. and the work of the quarterInas-
ter generals office at that time called
forth general praise throughout the
country. The rushing of the army 10
cuba was the next test and, although
the need OF il came with less surprise
than the call for troops to San Fran
CISCO the troops and the matter of
transportation were handled in every
manner. at every point. without cause
for the least complaint.
Date of Retirement Not Known.
Just when General Humphrey win
formally submit his petition for retire
ment IS rot known at the department
Ihe general is now on a tour Of inspec-
uon 10 number of Western and South
ern posts with Secretary TAFT and viii
not be In the city till the latter part of
this week. It Is understood, however.
that the retirement will take place. II
finally accepted by the President, with
IN the next few months-possibly before
the close of the present year.
In looking about for a successor 10
General Humphrey. rumor seems TO
nave settled upon Major Carroll A. De-
Vol, quartermaster, who until recently
was on duty at San Francisco. Major
DeVol shared the honors with General
Humphrey in the handling OF troons
and refugees at San Francisco last
April and May. and ne is now en- route
10 Washil gton for duty as a member
of the general stan, II this promotion
should be made, however, there would
hkely be expressions OF disapprcval
from a number OF cOlonels, lieutenant
colonels, ana majors. who feel that
they should stand first chance for the
office.
To retire on account Of age. General
humphrey would serve two years yet.
Major Devol will not retire for either
i'''E years service or age before 1923.
Colonel Patten Possibility.
Some time ago. it was understood that
Col William S. Patten. chief quarter
master Of the Philippine division. sta
TONED at Manila, would succeed General
Humphrey upon the expiration of the
latters term as, quartermaster. general.
Colonel Patten has made an excellent
record In the Philippines, but more re-
Gently Major DevoI has distinguished
himself and apparently won certain
favor which has given rise to the rumor
that the plum may be shaken his way.
Major Bellinger. until recently on duty
IN the quartermaster generals office. has
been sent TO San Francisco TO relieve
Major Devol. IN charge OF the general
depot and general superintendent OF the
transport service General Humphrey
was appointed quaTteTmaster general for
a four-year term, June 1, 1868, and his
term viii not expire till May so. next.
As civil war veteran. he is entitled to
retire at any time he desires
Major Knight Now in Charge.
Col George r. Pond. assistant quarter
master general, viii also be retired soon.
Colonel Pond left last week on a four
months leave, at the end Of which time
he viii be placed on the retired list, as
civil war veteran. During the absence
Of General Humphrey and Colonel Pond.
Major Knight is acting quartermaster
general Major Chauncey Baker. of
General Humphreys office. being on
duty AT Havana as chief quartermaster
OF the Army of Cuban Pscif1cation.
leaves Major Knight the only official
above the grade of captain who has
been on duty in that Office there at the
present time.
-