Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-14

- Columbia. The announcement that
the commanding general had called
upon the lieutenant commander, the sur
geon and the chief engineer of the Naval
Battalion to tender their designations ere
ated a mild sensation, especially in view
of the fact that one more of the three
officers concerned made plain an intention
not to comply with the request, and init
mated that serious trouble might result for
superiors should the command be pressed.
1t has been known for several months past
that the relations existing between Com
mander Stratton and certain of his officers
were not as harmonious as could have been
desired. The situation reached a climax
when the commander of the Naval Battalion
laid the issue before the commanding gem
eral, and, 1t is understood, expressed a
willingness to stop down and out. Head
quarters took the stand, in view of all the
circumstances, that Commander Stratton
should be upheld and given the opportunity
to appoint on his staff officers in harmony
with his views.
Even though the individuals affected
should persist in a declination to tender
their designations, as requested, it was ex-
planned yesterday, no complications would
result. Those who ought to know say that
the staff Of the Naval Battalion could be
disbanded and the officers thereof dis
charged by reason OF such DISARMAMENT
without going to the length of even tech
nically disbanding the entire Naval Bat
TALON.
Pay of Troops.
The paying of those guardsmen not in
government employ for services rendered
during the six months ended the 31st of
December, exclusive of the ten days spent
in camp, is now in order. The money will
be disbursed just soon as the pay-rolls
ar cd an hay baa nh
rolls should have reached headquarters not
later than last Wednesday, The respon-
sibility for any delay in disbursing the
funds may be laid upon those organization
commanders who are dilatory in complet-
ing and forwarding the pay-rolIs
Nearly everybody connected with the To-
cal brigade seems to be busy just now pre-
pairing for the annual inspection and mus
ter which will commence the evening of
Thursday, February l. and be in progress
until Friday, February 16.
Any company or division paradins less
than rs per cent of its membership will he
considered as having fallen below the re-
quired standard of efficiency and will be
subject to further and special inspection.
Interstate Association Meeting.
Gen. Harries and Col Brett particularly
We're actively engaged last week arranging
for the coming meeting in this city of the
Interstate National Guard Association, AS
sistant Secretary of War Oliver and other
otfcials expressed themselves as being
deeply interested in the association and IT'S
work and promised to do all in their power
to make the convention a success.
The association will meet Monday the 22d
instant, and the delegates will be enter
tanned by the officers of the District No
tlonal Guard The program includes street
car rides about the city and District e1yl
hlbitlon cavalry and artillery drills at Fort
Myer an1 reception and supper at the
New Willard. The reception win ooc,,r
TUESDAY the 23d instant. In addition To
the delegates and the local officers +ba or
tendance will include the members of the
senate ana House committees on military
AFFAIRS and on the militia.
Rifle Practice Recommendations
The National Rifle Association of Amer
lea is to hold meeting here during tho
convention of the Interstate National
Guard Association, and rifiemen throngb-
out the country will be concerned in GER
tain suggestions from Lieut. Albert 6
Jones, secretary of the National Rife As-
ISOLATION. who has prepared retrospect
of the years rifle shooting. Secretarvv
Jones makes the following recommends
tons:
'First-An appropriation of not less
than S50oOO0 annually at the disposal of
the national board for the promotion of
rifle practice, for the building of ranges
the Introduction of course of marksman-
ship in our public institutions of learn
ing, the purchase of medals etc.
fSecond-A free limited issue of rifles
and ammunition to rifle clubs organized
under the rules and regulations as laid
down by the national board. Official score
ing should Be issued free
"Third--A specific appropriation to pay
the expenses Of state teams, and for the