New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-25
MIL[TLAMEN DETAILED
COAST DEFENCE TEST.
Governor, Despite Objections. As
signs National Guard Regiments.

The fact that Governor Hughes had accepted
sbe invitation OF the War Department to detail
a mart OF the state troops 10 cooperate with the
regular army in coast defence practice was
the chief topic in National Guard circles yes
terday II had been known for a long time that
the invitation had been submitted TO Colonel
Daniel Appleton OF the 9TH Regiment and Colo
mel Austen of the 18th Regiment for their
opinions. Each OF these officers opposed the
War Departments plan, and their comments
drew from the Acting Secretary OF War. Gen
eral Robert Shaw Oliver. letter to Governor
Hughes IN which he took issue with the regi-
mental commanders and hoped that 1.-The 7th
Regiment would be the one above all others" 70
join the regular forces.
General Oliver. who before his appointment
as Assistant Secretary OF War was the COM
lnander Of the Third Brigade, has never lost his
interest in National Guard matters, and his
anxiety to have the New York troops accept the
departments Invitation was looked upon by
many Of his friends as proof OF his continued
interest. On the other ne I'd arnory gossips
criticised him and said that interference from
Washington was uncalled for.
The order from headquarters assigning the
7th and 18th regiments. the Sth Battalion and
two companies OF the 47th Regiment for coast
duty a surprise TO many OF the members Of
the organization. but not to General Roe who
had originally taken sides with Colonies APPLE
ron ana Austen, but who finally withdrew his
objections and designated the troops which
should be detailed for the Joint tour Of duty
Both Colonel Appleton and Colonel Austen
denied thai they had entered a protest against
sending their respective commands TO the forts
Il was learned that both officers had been asked
fheir opinion 10 the advisabllity OF such a
detail and had simply complied with the re-
I avo1 nj
the opinion was; the order had been issued and
the men would obey.
In the wake OF the news from headquarters at
Albany came al sorts OF ruuaors. among which
was one that General Roe. having been ignored
BY the Governor. had resigned. When seen az
his headquarters General Roe would not discuss
the matter nor give any opinion on the subject
Of the joint camp service.
An officer SAID that he did not believe that
General Roe mad resigned. because he would
not leave the service under fire. When all this
investigation IS over. however, he said you
may look for General Roe's voluntary retire
msnt."
Another rumor was that there would be trou-
bic In the 9TH Regiment in consequence OF the
coast guard service. II was said that the regi-
ment wanted 10 go TO the jamestown exposition
and that those members who had made calcula-
tons on spree look with displeasure on the
tour of hard work.
Il afraid that my attitude and the attitude
Of the 9TH Regiment in this matter have been mis-
understood. Il not misrepresented," Colonel APP
peton said last night. There is not the slight
est inclination 10 criticise any order detailing US
10 any duty; always we VIII be found ready
20 obey. I have not yet received the order but
as officially informed OF the detail
preparations VIII De begun 10 comply with IL
OF course, Il is impossible 10 say how many
men viii be able 10 take part IN the coast de-
fence test, but the record Of the 9TH leads me
10 believe that the regiment viii turn out IN good
strength. There has never been any hesitancy
on the part OF the organization. and we shall be
glad 10 go I think the Governor understands
the situation and has taken the right course"
Colonel d. 2. Austen, OF the 18th Regiment
Coast Artillery, expressed much the same senti-
ments There never was any objection on the
part OF the A3th 70 take part IN the government
test, he said. 81 was asked my opinion 90
the proposal and spoke against IL, but only as
fc the effect it would have future recruiting
IL the regiment. Ny personal opinion, however
VIII have nothing TO do with the performance OF
my duty. The order will be obeyed. and the men
ncFfa