Evening star., 1899-04-15
THE NATIONAL GUARD
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Requirements Of Headquarters in the
Matter of, Discharges.
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STRICT Disciplinary MEASURES
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Adlutant General Dapray's Letter to
Battalion Commanded
NEW ADJUTANT APPOINTED
NEW ADJUTANT APPOINTED

To make known the requirements of
headquarters in matters of discharges of
enlisted men. and with view to giving
a fuller understanding of the obligations
of membership in the National Guard,
Adjutant General Dapray has addressed a
letter to a battalion commander, of which
the following is an extract:
The commanding general does not in
tend to obstruct the discharges of meritor-
ious men who, either on account of business
or domestic affairs, find it impracticable or
impossible to continue in the service: but
In all such cases the causes leading to the
application for discharge must be fully set
forth and certified to by the immediate e
commander of the man or men In question:
and, furthermore, 1t must also be made to
appear on the approving Endorsement of
the immediate commander that the appIi-
cant is faithful soldier or sailor and. as
such, entitled to the consideration asked
tor All TINS being made satisfactory to
Inese headquarters, the applicant will be
dlscharged honorably as on his own appli-
cation. But in regard to another class of
men, who either refuse or fail to live up
TO ehe requirements of their oaths of en-
listment, including such men usually desig-
mated as dead timber and men who ut
teriy ignore and defy the orders duly an
nounced for the prescribed drills and other
tends that all commanders concerned shall
In the future, be held to strict responsible
ity; that before recommending such men
Tor discharge all proper steps shall have
Deen resorted to in a disciplinary or puni-
tory direction, even to the extent of ar
ra1gnment for trial by proper courts
should such men refuse to appear for trial.
and persist In their attitude of violation of
the oath or enlistment, report Of the facts
to these headquarters will result in dishon-
orable discharge in which event the occu-
patton as well as the post office address of
the dishonored man may be published in
orders, thereby emphasizing the stigma of
dishonorable discharge in a manner which,
1t Is believed, every man of any self-respect
VIII desire to avoid.
''1n the case of men who, though faithful
TO their oaths, are incapable Of becoming
acceptable soldiers or sailors. the COM
mandlng general expects and directs that
all such be made the subject of a special
report and recommendation for summary
discharge in the interest of the service.
1T Is hoped that with these indicated
determinations all commanders in your
convincing members of the battalion that,
like members of the other organizations of
the guard, an OATH Of enlistment is not to
be regarded as cAiid'S play. but, on the
fully considered the responsibilities and
obligations of solemn oath to serve 10y
ally and faithfully in the duly organized
military estabnshi6enu of the District of
Columbia. Efforts ton7the part of ali con-
cerned to assist I'M the better understand
Ing OF the duties and obligations of men,
bers OF the National Guard are not only
desired, but will be hereafter required. to
the end that mudh necessary trouble and
annoyance will bf sated these headquar-
tiers, to say nottAng Of the ns,ch-desired
avoidance of occasions of discreditable
comment"
Adtutant Generals Comment.
Speaking on this subject at headquarters
yesterday. Adjt. Gen. Dapray stated that
the two chief tasks which have been COM
manding his attention Of late are efforts
to give fuller understanding to company
commanders Of their duties In connection