The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-11-14
M M'KLEROY EXPLAINS REG|MENTAL AFFAIR Says Third Regiment Is In Fine
 Condition WILLING TO HEAR LONG Thinks If He Has Complaints to Make They Should Come In Writing and
 Not Be Made Through
 the Press.
WILLING TO HEAR LONG

Relative to the state of affairs exist ing in the Third regiment Alabama Ma tional Guard Col. w. H. MeKleroy of Anniston declares that the regiment is now in the best condition of its history Gnd states, in regard to the matter of the officers of Company K not receiving their commissions that during the recent strike in the Birmingham district he re- quested Governor Conner in person to commission these officers. but adds that the governor decided to issue the com missions only after there had been | compliance with all the technical mili- tary requirements "
 Concerning the allegel irregularities which are said to exist in the Third regiment, the Annston correspondent of The Ase-Herald yesterday sends the fol- lowing interview with Colonel McKleroy: Replying to your inquiry about the affairs of the Third regiment and recent newspaper articles referring thereto, I have to say that there Is no reason what ever for the use of the words of trouble and corruption any such intimation concerning It's affairs, and such is an injustice to this regiment, which has been built up from a demoralized force 1 of nine companies containing from be- tween BOG and 400 men to an efficient or ganization containing 12 full companies and about 900 officers and men,
 'As to the newspaper interviews of Mai. W. H. Long, have asked him to prefer his charges in writing through military channels and court of inquiry wi4 1 promptly act in accordance with military custom and usage.
 ! As to the commissions of the two lieutenants of Company K of Birmingham which have not been issued, I requested the governor in person and in the pres ence of Captain Johnston, adjutant, to commission these men at once when was on duty at Birmingham during the strike the past summer, but the governor, after consultation with the adjutant gen. eral, decided to let the commissions be issued only after examination and after the proper oaths of office had been fur nished and there had been a compliance with all the technical military require ments.
 What Major Ledbetter (who was for a number of years captain of Company K) may or may not have stated has had nothing whatever to do with the issuing or non-issuing of commissions for these officers, as the technical requirements have not been complied with. Delays of this character are by no means unusual But will state further if any officer of the regiment will at any time give reasons for holding up the commission of any of fcer, will request the adjutant general to withhold the issuance of commission until an investigation has been made.
 "The condition of the Third regiment is the best in it's history and an inquiry made of the adjutant general or any of ficer or man of the Third regiment in my opinion, will confirm this statement.
 We ask the support and encourage ment of every citizen who recognizes the duties of citizenship and importance of a strong National Guard.
 Any complaints or charges, when pre- sented through military channels have a prompt, fair and impartial consideration and any officer having the good of the regiment at heart will follow this proce- dure rather than resort to newspaper in- terviews. We recognize the assistance
  which the press can give to any cause and at any and all times the records will be open to the public through our daily press. Very respectfully,
 "W. H. McKLEROY, Colonel, Third Infantry Alabama Ma tional Guardv
 Colonel McKleroy has stated that he is ready to answer to a court of in- quiry.
 Maj. D. II. Smith said that he had never considered the matter of becoming can didate for colonel and that if Colonel Me- Kleroy was a candidate for reelection he would be elected. He says Major Long misrepresented him in stating that he was supporting Major Ledbetter Leuten- ant Colonel Kennedy's successor out of selfish motives.
 Big Purchase of Silver.
 Washington, November 13-The treasury