On Monday afternoon a general meeting of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps was held in the Municipal Board Room for the purpose of electing a commanding officer in the place of Major Morrison, who resigned on his departure for home.
Captain Brodie A. Clarke, who presided, said that upon the retirement of Major Morrison the command of the Corps devolved upon him, and, at a meeting of officers held recently he was asked to allow himself to be nominated for the command. He agreed to do so on the distinct understanding that if the Corps wished for anybody else he was quite ready to remain in his present post in command of the artillery. If, however, the Corps elected hin he could only say that, as in the past, he would do what he could to forward its interests.
Captain Dudgeon proposed that Captain Clarke should he asked to take the command of the Corps. (Hear, hear.) He had been connected with the Corps for fully thirty years and on several occasions had been in command of it, as senior Captain and shown every ability. He was quite sure they could not do better than elect Captain Clarke.
Captain Dowdall seconded the proposal, and there being no other nomination, it was put to the meeting and carried unanimously.
Captain Clarke in acknowledging his election hoped that the good fellowship prevailing in the Corps would continue, and assured the members that he would be only too anxious to do anything in his power to further its interests. He took advantage of the occasion to mention that it had been suggested to have a few drills during the off-season, as well as a proper summer khaki uniform which would improve the appearance of the force when on parade in summer. The cost would be about $3 for each uniform. He hoped that the new drill-hall would be ready before the next training, and, in reply to Lieut. Rex, said the new rifle range was positively secured and he trusted would be ready for shooting in a comparatively short time.
The proceedings then terminated.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.