Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1917 — BIG SHAKEUP IN INDIANA GUARD [ARTICLE]

BIG SHAKEUP IN INDIANA GUARD

Seven Officers Asked to Resign In Interest of Higher Efficiency— Kuhlman and Naftzger Hit. In the interest of higher efficiency in the Indiana National Guard, Adj. Gen. Harry B. Smith Friday askec for the resignation of seven of the higher guard offioere in the state. Several of the officers are well known to many people of Rensselaer and the asking of their resignations came as . a surprise. The removal of these men and the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Freyermuth, of South Bend, and other officers to higher positions means that in all probability some of the local officers are due for a boost in rank. Th at things were not going as they in command desired has. been known for some time and the removal of some of the officers who have been in the service for a long time is without a doubt better for all concerned. '• Lieutenant Colonel Freyermuth was formerly major of the Third regiment and when he vyas advanced to the position of Lieutenant Colonel, Geo. H. Healey, then captain of the local militia company, was advanced to the rank of major. Now that Mr. Freyermuth will advance to the rank of Colonel, Major Healey should naturally step into his shoes and rank as Lieutenant Colonel. We certainly think that Major Healey deserves this promotion and are sure he would fill the office splendidly, as he is considered very efficient in all guard matters by those who know in Indiana. Those asked to tender their resignations to the governor are Col. Aubrey L. Kuhlman, of Auburn, commander of the Third Infantry regiment; Col. Leslie R. Naftzger, of Indianapolis, commander of the First Infantry regiment; Maj. Gustav C. Groll, Elkhart, commander of the third battalion, Third Infantry regiment; Capt. Charles G. Davis, of Winchester, commander of Company F, Second Infantry; Capt. Harvey E. Daines, of Vincennes, commander of Company A, Hecondlnfantry—. According to advices from Auburn, Col. Kuhlman, who was senior colonel of the Indiana brigade, forwarded his resignation to the governor today. He first entered the national " guard twenty-four years ago and was a major in the Spanish-American war. Col. Naf zger and Major Groll have not yet responded to the demand of ’ the adjutant general. They are en-

titled tz> a~ hearing before an efficiency board composd of army officers, should they refuse to resign. Capt Daines and Capt. Davis have tendered . their resignations and it is understood they will be accepted. Lieut Col. George W. Freyermuth, of the Third infantry, whose home is at South Bend, will be promoted to colonel, it is understood, althoughhis commission has not yet been prepared and will fill the command surrendered by Col. Kuhlman.