Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-16
Troops Busily Engaged With Prepa'
rations for a Call;
HAVE MOVED into TIE new ARM0RY
Program to Be Followed in the
Event Peace Prevails.
INSPECTION AT RIFLE RANGE

Perhaps the most business-like order of
the past few weeks as regards the District
of Columbia National Guard, was one is
sued this morning from headquarters pro-
viding for decidedly active work forthwith
on the part of the troops. Until further
notice instruction in the rudimentary
branches Of military work and particularly
in guard duty, will be almost constantly
in order. Every evening the entire brigade
will be engaged, far is possible, in
familiarizing itself along the lines that
will be absolutely essential following call
to arms. The orders provide for no ces-
sation of the work tomorrow.
1t may be stated authoritatively that
detailed plans. to be followed in the event
the brigade is called into the service Of the
United States within the next few days.
have been arranged. For reasons that are
said to be good and sufficient, the powers
that be deem it best not to make public
these plans. The course to be followed
will undoubtedly be surprise to MA
jority of the guardsmen, but all may rest
assured that everybody connected with the
brigade will have his full quota Of work.
In this connection the assurance is ad-
vanced that if a call Is made the District
Of Columbia National Guard will cater
the service of the United States as an en-
tirety, and will maintain its present form
of organiza ton. The indications are that
for the time being, at least, the brigade
will remain on duty at the national capital.
The rather hurried call issued Thursday
afternoon providing for the occupancy
forthwith of the new armory by the troops
proved welcome on all sides. The lack of
quarters has been severely felt by the
majority of the organizations affected as
result of vacating the l. street armcry.
Now that facilities are provided for hold
ing meetings and for issuing clothing and
equipments, the brigade will be able to
respond to call next week, il it should
come, in far better shape than was pos
sble three days ago.
Permanent DishOnorable Dischnrrcs,
conclusion of considerable importance
just reached at headquarters is that here
after the practice Of revoking dishonor-
able discharges will be discontinued. ANY
member of the brigade who in the future
leaves the service dishonorably will do SO
with the understanding that no matter
what concessions he may MAKE or what
influence may be brought to bear, dis
honorable discharge will stand.
A departure Is also to be taken in regard
to the method of ordering dishonora BILE
discharges. The recommendation Of COM
pany commander hereafter will not be suf
ficient. The findings Of battalion courts
martial will prevail.
Troop A Disbanded.
IN the nature VI SURPRISE " uIdiy Will
be the announcement that the LIST Separate
Company-Troop Alias been disbanded.
This organization, it will be remembered,
was mustered in only few months ago.
The order disbandng the troop directs
that the enlisted men be discharged. All
men re-enlisting in other organize tons
within thirty days of the date OF their dis
charge, it is provided, may enlist for the
balance of their uneXpired terms in serv-
ice First Lieut.. Edwin H. Pillsb1-y will
be transferred to the supernume-ary list.
General Staff Sergeant Ben G. Davis and
Brigade Color Sergeant E. g. Wilcox have
been honorably discharged on their own
applications. Both found it absolutely es-
sential, because of purely business reasons,
to sever their connection with the guard.
Sergeant Major G. A. Won Dauchenhausen
has been appointed brigade color sergeant.
To fill one of the vacancies thus created
Private Robert D. Mayer, Company d. 4th
Battalion. has been appointed sergeant
major on the general non-commissioned
staff.
Sergeant Major Mayer is an experienced
soldier. having seen considerable service
in the regular establishment, extending
through ten years. He was for some time