Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-13
THE NATIONAL GUARD
Expected Radical Action That
Will Affect Naval Battalion.
HOLIDAY SEASON HERE
JERSEYMEN URGE RIFLE PRAC-
TICE LEGISLATION.
Victory Over Police Force-Cal1 for
Annual Reports-Several Elec-
lions and Discharges.

OF chief interest just at present in Dis
trict of Columbia National Guard circles is
a well-defined rumor, that evidently ema-
mated from reliable source, to the effect
that radical action will very likely be taken
soon as regards the Naval Battalion. For
months past it has been limited that all was
not as it should be in connection with the
organization of -jackes, and the prophecy
was made by those in a position to know
that something would be heard to drop Just
as soon as the commanding general and his
confidential assistants could spare the time
for careful consideration of the matter. 1t
is asserted that the time referred to has
been spared. The meetings of the general
staff were resumed last Monday evening,
and as representatives of the Naval Bartal-
ion were present it is assumed that some
thing along the lines indicated was accom-
plished.
The powers that be decline to discuss the
situation in any of its phases, so that no
definite information is obtainable. Those
who are guessing. however, seem inclined
to the opinion that the impending action
will be far-reaching and as effective as any
steps of a similar nature ever taken in the
history of the organized militia of the ma
tional capital.
Holiday Season is at Hand.
Otherwise than as recited in the forego-
ing all is calm and quiet throughout the
brigade. The annual holiday season is now
at hand, and until January National Guard
work, as a rule, will be neglected to some
extent. Many of the soldiers are engaged
in pursuits that will keep them busy day
and night until Christmas shopping is a
thing of the past.
Brig. Cen Bird W. Spencer, inspector
general of rifle practice of the state of New
Jersey and president of the National Rifle
Accn iofi of ms -
Howard of New Jersey, an officer of the
association, arrived in this city last evening
and registered at the Arlington Hotel. They
visited the President and the Secretary of
War today in the interest of rifle practice
matters, including the proposed legislation
that has in view the providing of national
trophy for rife practice
The board of army officers appointed TO
revise the regulations governing small arms
practice spent last Thursday afternoon at
the OrdWay rifle range and made number
of experiments while there.
The guardSmen are well pleased with
their victory over the policemen in the pis-
toll match shot last Monday evening. 1t is
stated that Major Sylvester, superintendent
meeting, and that a match for the Car
mody trophy will be arranged to be shot
within the next ten days
The indications are that the competition
scheduled for next Monday evening, in
which teams representing the list Regi-
ment and the I'd Regiment will compete,
will be closely contested. This competition
is preliminary to the series Of gallery
matches to open in January.
Major James E. Bell, inspector general
of rifle practice, directs attention to the
fact that only few of the annual reports
of rifle practice, which were due November
80 have been received by him. 1t is de-
clared to be most important that these re-
ports should be submitted without delay,
in order that the inspector general of rifle
actice may prepare the list of names of
guardsmen who are entitled to decorations
for good WORK in Workmanship.
Notes.
On his own application Landsman Joseph
w Ogden, I'd Division, Naval Battalion,
has been honorably discharged.
The leave of absence granted 1st Lieuten-
ant Roy B. Hayes, Engineer Corps, has
been extended one month.
Second Lieutenant Harry D. Richardson
has been elected captain of Company c, LIST
Separate Battalion.
The enlisted men of Company A, Sd Bat
taIion have elected 1St Sergeant John B.
Coffman second lieutenant of that organ
iZation.
BY reason of removal from the District of
Columbia Privates Charles N. jerks, Henry
Smith, Joseph Thornton, Charles w. Walker,
and Harry Wilson, all of Company c, list
Separate Battalion, have been honorably
discharged.