Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-20
The President Will Probably Seek
Volunteers Tomorrow or Friday.
EIGHTY THOUSAND TEE NUMBER
Authority by Which the Executive
VIII Be Guided.
DISTRICT GUARDS STATUS

The call for volunteers will probably be
issued by the President tomorrow or next
day. 1t will probably call for about $1,000
men. The points of general mobilization
for them prior to their departure for Cuba
have not been determined upon. 1t is like
ly they will. at first, be concentrated at
some point in the states to which they be-
long and there be drilled disciplined, and
equipped for active work.
The War Department is anxiousy await
ing action by Congress on the Hull bill,
which provides for the expansion of the
regular army in time of war to 10000 men.
and also the department bill introduced
yesterday for the organization of volun-
teer army in time of war. In advance of
the proposed legislation they feel some deli
cacy in taking the necessary steps for rails
ing the troops that are needed.
Precetients Considered.
During the discussion this morning be-
tween the President. Secretary Alger and
General Miles reference was made to the
acts under which the volunteer army was
raised at the time of the Mexican war; in
1916 and later at the outbreak of the re-
bellon, and in issuing his call for troops it
is expected the President will be guided
somewhat by the authority conferred on
the executive in those cases
Chairman Cannon of the House commit
tee on appropriations says that no war APP
preparations will be made except upon regu-
lar estimates from the various departments.
He says he understands that there is about
$1S,0DO,O00 of the S50,0OO,000 emergency fund
stiI left.
Nc accurate estimate has been made of
the volunteer bill being considered in the
tod hut I ic he
less than $150,O00 a day.
To Call Out Militia.
President Mckinley took a short walk
just before noon and on returning to his
office entered into an important conference
with Secretary Alger and Gen. Miles on
the question of a call for troops.
One particular matter under considera-
ticn. however, was the disposition to be
made of the District National Guari. The
decision arrived al was not given out, but
there was a good deal of talk as to whether
to put the District soldiers in charge of
Fort Myer and other places N place of
regular troops to send them 10 The front
with the regular army.
1t is probable that the President Will
have orders sent out any minute getting
the militia of the different states ready for
action and mobilization, but nothing deh-
mite may be done until authority is con-
ferred by Congress.
The Proclamation
1t is believed the President is now prepar-
ing the procla nation calling for troops. 1t
will probably be issued tomorrow, although
it may be decided to send it out tonight If
Congress at once passes the army bill.
Gen. Miles said this afternoon that he
believed Congress would pass the bill to-
day.
Gen SchofaId is with the President this
afternoon, and is thought to be talking
about the proclamation.
Status of the National Guard.
There has been much speculation as to
the manner in which the National Guard
organiZa lions in the various states and
the District of Columbia will be recognized
by the general government in the call for
volunteers, and the impression has become
widely prevalent that under the existing
conditions it will be necessary to call on
each state and the District for its quota.
This idea, however, is erroneous the
authority conferred on the President pro-
vides that such quota shall be called for
where, in his judgment, it is practicable.
The assurance can be given that the eff
cheney of National Guard organizations will
be primarily considered in filling the ranks
of the new army of volunteers, and the
quota of states not taken into considera-
ton. Arkansas, for instance, has never eX-
pended a dollar on state National Guard,
and several other states have given it little.
If any, more attention.
The District National Guard occupies
distinctive position, being the only organ
ization in the Union of its character under
the control of the commanderin-chief of
the army and navy, and no doubt is felt
in well-informed army and National Guard
circles that the full complement of the
guard will be mustered into service under
the expected call of the comman1er-in-
chief.
President Mckinley will spend this after
noon and this evening getting the procla-
nation ready. Lieut.. Gen. Scnofield, who
was with the President, says he thinks the
varous states can furnish sufficient trained
soldiers not to need raw recruits.
PROMINENT CLERK DEAD.