Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1918 — GUARD OFFICERS MAKE PROTESTS [ARTICLE]

GUARD OFFICERS MAKE PROTESTS

OBJECT TO ATTITUDE OF REGULARS IN COMMAND AT K CAMP SHELBY. Complaints are beginning to reach Washington in regard to the manner in which officers of the Indiana national guard have been treated since the guard was called into the Federal service last June. Some officers have sent complaints to Senator Watson of Indiana that the regular army officers on duty at Camp Shelby have refused utterly to co-operate with the national guard officers and refuse to help them in any way, adopting a superior and aloof attitude which the national guard officers find hard to bear. Complaints have also been made in regard to the lack of equipment in Hattiesburg and in regard to the fact that one Indiana regiment bought much of its equipment at the outset of the war for which it has never been reimbursed.

“I am not speaking for myself, said the complaint of one officer, received through the Indiana man,” but the spirit of the men and the pfficers of the regiment and entire Indiana brigade is depressed. Just now when the spirit ought to be the best, and when every man that has had military experience ought to be utilized to get the army ready for the great conflict, every discouragement that the regular officers can throw in the way of the national guard is being thrown. This officer also complained in regard to the officers in charge of the camp, saying, “Getting ready to go to France seems to be the least of the thoughts of those in charge of this camp. It seems rather that getting rid of the national guard officers or worrying them by calling on them to resign is uppermost in their minds.”

The officer also directed attention to the equipment shortage, saying: “Here we are, nearly a year, after the war has been declared, and this entire regiment has not enough harness to pull one battery to the range. The regiment cannot even get curry combs and brushes with which to attend the horses. The regiment has only two field pieces. Just think of the monotony of trying to drill for months without material.” Another officer complained that one Indiana unit was supplied with equipment by the state when the war broke out, the state getting the money from the men. The total amount was SI,BOO, which has nearly been paid back to the state by the men, but the government has never reimbursed the men. The officer also complained at some length in regard to the fact that Kentucky officers were being placed in command of the Indiana troops. One of these officers is Major-General Gordan, who is a cousin of Senator Ollie James, according to the officer.