The chronicle=news., 1914-07-07
MAk.. Lee May
FACE sERlbL
BY COURT
MARTIAL

uouUuU . Uu~
Denver, Colo, July 7.-Impetus to
the movement to determine the cause
of dissatisfaction in the ranks OF the
Colorado National guard was added
today by the return to the city Of
Capt. Phillip Van Cise. AS chairman
OF special committee appointed q
week ago at meeting of ranking of.
ficers held at the rifle range Cap
tain Van Cise said today a definite
plan of procedure would be consum-
mated at meeting of all officers to
be held at the capitol next Monday.
At the same time the faction of
the Gunrd represented by Mai. II. NJ.
Randolph and several others all
nounced its intention ct toining fore
es with the Van Cise following In
the gathering of evidence to prefer
actual charges for court marital pro-
ceedings against Assistant Adjutant
General Lee.
Instead of calling a meeting to be
held at the same hour in another
place Major Randolph said he would
present what Information he had in
writing at the meeting of the Van
Cise following for Endorsement.
Written charges are to follow, ac-
cording to Major Randolph and the
charges alleged by certain officers.
including Lieut.. r. X. Linderfelt,
will be substantiated. it is claimed.
A formal letter containing more
than fifty questions of a general and
specific nature was sent to each onH
of the active and retired officials o
the guard by the committee com-
posed of Captain Van Cise, Capt. r.
w. Dorm and Lieut.. G. S. Lawrence.
With the letter has gone the re-
quest for an immediate reply in order
that definite plan for the increased
up at Mondays meeting.
"Thc recommendations of the Gen.
mittee will be along general lines for
the absolute good OF the guard said
Captain Van Cise. "The expression
of the opinion of the majority will
prevail. The organization needs the
support of the public, and we intend
to see that this is accomplished.
Because of military rules no
names will be mentioned in the final
report to be submitted at the meet
ing. But any charges based upon I
foundation that merits investigation
may be presented. iai iaI
eve intend to get supporters foI
the betterment of the service where
ever weican. OF course, this does not
mean that we will be bound by any
factiona1 issue that may come up for
Endorsement, nor that we will sup
port 1t unless there is justification
for such action II
The fact that credited rumor to-
day was to the effect that the major
ity of the twenty-three officers and
men of the ranks who were court
martialed were cleared Of blame for
the Ludlow disaster or Of duty un-
becoming an officer stirred the diff
ferent factions to immediate action.
But two Of the officers are held
accountable in the court findings. ac-
cording to report. Members of the
guard aligned with the Van Cise fol-
lowing a1le~ that these officers
found guilty have brought to bear
sufficient pressure upon their super
ior officers to result in the report be-
ing withheld from Governor Ammons
indefinitely. .....,
In the meantime the reflection of
the. movements of the militia ques-
toned by opposing forces, PARTICULAR
ly by the miners union. is uniustly
hurting the cause because of this de-
lay. certain officers maintain.
Both the Van Cise and the Ran
dolph factions today claimed the al
most unanimous support of the 200
active and retired officers. Each
faction is agreed upon the issue to
Ego to the bottom Of the matter and
learn the reason for the general dis
content manifest within the ranks"
as the letters declare.
The Van Cise faction, which de-
clares it is acting independently Of
personal grievances or political as
pirations, believes that certain Of
ficers are responsible for the way
the militia failed in the field during
certain maneuvers."
The Randolph faction comes out
openly, following tilt between Lieu
tenant Bigelow and Colonel Lee, and
demands the removal of the assistant
adjutant general upon grounds which
n claims will he. n non nced Monday.