The San Francisco call., 1908-10-25
CAPTAIN IS URGED
TO RESIGN OFFICE
Men of Company M Sign Round
Robin Letter Asking w. q.
Hyde to Retire
Commanding Officer Finally
Learns of Movement and
Checks Ii for Present

There is not so much smooth sailing
in some of the companies Of the Fifth
infantry as might be expected. In Com
pany NJ of this city there has been a
spirit of dissatisfaction among the
members. which grew and grew until
last week round robin letter, ad-
dressed to Captain W. G. Hyde, COM
manding the company, requesting him
to resign. was circulated.
When 20 odd signatures had been OBJ
tanned some one put the captain wise
TO what was doing and he at once
took steps to check the movement No
other signatures were obtained, and 1t
is probable that the matter will be
dropped for the time being, but it. viii
not down for the men are not. to
unit. pleased with the commanding Off
Ger and his efforts.
Major Mathewson has selected Harry
G. McKannay lieutenant and aid on the
stan of Brigadier General Roster TO be
battalion adjutant. His name has been
sent to the commanding officer Of the
regiment for confirmation or rejection.
The other battalion officers have not
yet been selected.
An election will soon be held in Com
pany K, Fifth infantry. for second lieu
tenant, with the prospects that Ser
geant Tit viii be advanced so that he
can obtain a commission. An election
will also be held in Company NJ for sec
ond lieutenant, vice Middlestadt, pro-
noted
An effort is being made TO secure
suitable building that viii serve as
temporary armory for the four COM
panies of the Fifth infantry. located in
this city, so that these organizations
may be taken out of the small base
ment holes now used as drill rooms
New Winder indoor targets have
been procured for the local companies,
so the members who are not up IN
shooting may prsctice at the short
distance range so as to qualify for
next years shoot
Target practice for 1908 will close
October 81. The companies of the local
battalion expect this year to make
showing of at least rs per cent This
is not the result Of provision made
by the state, but through the courtesy
Of the department Of the United States
army permitting the men to shoot at
the Rodeo ranges.
There are methods in the carrying on
of the affairs of the national guard of
this state that are not conducive to
the creation of harmony within the
ranks or very creditable to some of
the higher officers, whose aim appears
20 be TO get even some time with
some body instead of being magnani-
nous and setting aside personal feel
mgs, that the guard might be bene-
nted.
An instance that is of recent date
shows how far a high commanding Of
ficer can go TO. satisfy personal desire
for revenge. Several months ago
commisS oned officer in one of the COM
panies concluded that he could not get
along with his superior and decided to
resign. This officer is one of the crack
shots of the state, fact well known
to the colonel of the regiment, who
some time previously had declared that
he was very anxious to have him in
the state team that was shortly after
the resignation had been rendered, to
go east to take part in the interna-
tional match at Camp Perry, o.
The resignation went through mill
tary channels and in due time reached
the colonel, who, though he had been
very anxious to have that officer on the
team, did not either hold up the ten
dered resignation or request the Off
Ger to withdraw it until after the shoot.
but declared that the officer has
thrun me down, and I'll get square
with him." and rushed the document 50
that the resignation could be accepted.
and il was, in much less time than is
generally the rule at superior head
quarters.
Now this commissioned officer who
resigned had not been long enough in
service to allow him to be placed on
the retired list, but he had a certain
period ia which he might return with
out losing time in continuous service.
A few days before that time lapsed the
eN-officer was named for a position on
battalion staff and the selection was
forwarded to the colonel who at one
time held the same position and was
aware of the fact that the individual
selected was as competent for the po-
sition as he had been. AS soon as he
discovered the import of the military
communication he saw a chance to get
even with the man who had 'thrun"
him down. He sent the communication
back 10 the writer with the indorse-
ment Not approved"
The ex-Oficer lost an opportunity to
return to the guard, the battalion has
been deprived of one who is an enthu-
siast in national guard matters and the
state the service of one of the few Of
ficers who are up to what is expected
of a national guard officer The colonel,
however. has had his revenge.
Fall goods just in. Koenig Shoe Co.,