New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-17
COL. DAVIS ESCORT
FOR COL. THURSTON
Turns 18th Regiment, c A.,
Over to Its New
Commander.
LEAVES $4,000 FUND
IN IT'S TREASURY
Although Disp!eased, Field OFF,
GERS Stick TO Posts-New
Orders Issued.

Colonel Nathaniel y Thurston. chief
ordnance officer. " G. y. T., assumed
formal command OF the 18th provisional
regiment Of coast artillery at the armory.
Sumner and jefferson avs. Brooklyn, last
night. He replaces Colonel Charles o.
Davis who was summarily retired after
he had refused TO accept the promotion 10
chief OF coast artillery. with the rank
Of brisadier general. and then retire vol
unfairly.
Although some OF the officers OF the
18Th are displeased that an outside ON
GER should be selected TO command, even
temporarily. the assertion that half the
officers would send in their designations
was not borne out last night, az no off,
Ger, it was said, had put in his resignation
then
Colonel Thurston arrived at the armory
with Captain Harry J. Watson. OF the
coast artillery Of the United States army,
who is on duty with the national guard
coast artillery. Colonel Davis escorted
Colonel Thurston to his room, and then
all the officers assembled in the council
room, where meeting was held behind
closed doors
1t was learned that Colonel Davis, in
introducing Colonel Thnrston, pledged the
latter the unanimous support Of the OFF,
GERS. Colonel Thurston, IL is said, told
the officers what was expected OF them,
and that he looked 10 them to perform
their duties thoroughly and increase the
efficiency OF the Thirteenth. The report
of the regimental treasurer showed that
Colonel Davis had retired leaving $4,000
of available funds in the treasury and
in the hands of the City Chamberlain.
Colonel Davis refused to make any
comment on his retirement except TO say
he had received the order yesterday. A
close friend. however, said that Colonel
Davis had not officially said that he
preferred TO remain as colonel Of the 18th
rather than accept the brigadier general
ship and then retire.
When the colonel was offered the pro-
motion he merely declined It without
comment said the officer. II also be-
leve that Colonel Davis could legally
test the validity Of the order retiring
him. Although the Governor has the
right under the military law 10 retire an
officer who has served twenty-five years,
on the recommendation OF the major gen
eral commanding, there are features OF
an official report alleging inefilcieRcy,
which the recommendation for retirement
OF the colonel is based on, which I am
sure would raise a strong legal point.
Colonel Davis, however. desires to step
out gracefully and without qnibble, With
the respect OF all"
Another officer OF the regiment who
would not permit his name TO be used
said:
"The situation in the 18th Regiment
demanded a radical change, and the re-
tirement of Colonel Davis. and the de-
tail of Colonel Thurston, was the only
logical solution, in my opinion. and also
in the opinion Of the majority of officers.
who have the regiments interests In
view.
"If there are any officers who do not
like the change. they can resign II they
desire, and / do not think they will be
greatly missed do not believe there
will he any large number of designations,
however. as has been limited.
I'VE all respect our former commander,
Colonel Charles o. Davis. plan 10
present to him suitable testimonial, to
which the entire regiment shall con-
tribute, has already been put forward"
Colonel Thurston issued his first order
to the regiment last night II referred
to his appointment He also issued a
second order, also dated June Is.
The order directs the regiment. or 18th
Artillery District, as 1t is officially desig-
mated to assemble in the armory at $50
o'clock a. m. Sunday, June 3, TO pro-
coed TO Fort II. G. Wright, Fishers ISL
and. New York. to perform tour OF
field service and participate In coast de-
fence exercises for two weeks from juno
% to July r.
Many officers OF the regiment expressed
to Colonel Davis their regret at his forced
retirement.