Evening star., 1902-03-22

District Of Columbia militia, Is an energetic
member, is doing all in its power to secure
the early enactment of the bill ''to promote
the efficiency Of the militia and for other
purposes" known as the "Dick'' bill 1t pro-
vides for the recognition, In case Of war, of
the National Guard as the second line, af-
ter the regular army, as National Guard
for limited period Of service, as organized d
In the various states In the event Of the
requirement of volunteer forces organiza-
tions OF the National Guard are given the
preference as volunteers, or they may re-
main National Guard as they may elect.
1T provides for arming the guard with the
latest pattern army rifle; gives officers the
opportunity of regular army instruction and
examination; provides for field maneuvers
under service condition either with or with
out regular troops, at the cost of the United
States, and generally raises the National
Guard to the dignity Of a homogeneous and
efficient body Of high-class citizen soldiery,
which will be recognized according to
the friends Of the bill, "as in contrast with
the indefinite and miscellaneous position as
a military force held to be occupied by the
National Guard Of the various states"
"a Good Musket or Firelock."
The United State militia law, which 1t is
now sought to supersede, has remained on
the statute books since 1892. Among other
things it provides for the compulsory en-
rollment Of every able bodied citizen; that
he shall 'be constantly provided with a
good musket or f1relock, Of bore sufficient
for balls the eighteenth part Of pound, q
sufficient bayonet and belt two spare
therein, to contain not less than twenty
four cartridges" or a good rifle knapsack,
shot pouch and powder horn twenty balls
and a quarter pound Of powder" and that
leach commissioned officer shall be armed
with a sword or hanger and spontoon."
Those in favor Of the Dick bill point
out that while the old law exists the Ma
tiOnal Guard can have no legal status nor
recognition as an organized national militia
ry force. When it is repealed and a new
law enacted they say, the likelihood will
be avoided Of a repetition of the confusion
which occurred at the outbreak Of and con-
there will be diminished materially, through
proper uniform training times OF peace
the losses caused by bad camp sanitation
and faulty distribution Of supplies result
ing from inexperience Of officers and men
in practical field work.
Notes.
BY reason Of removal from the District
Private Minar F. Styne, Ambulance Corps
has been honorably discharged.
Private A. w. Seton. jr., Company B
LIST Battalion, has been discharged on sur
geon's certificate Of disability.
On their own applications, Private Victor
Woodbridge. Company A, 1st Battalion, ant
Private Edward L. Currier, Company B. q
Battalion, have been honorably discharged
Private Arthur ]. Damrell, Company A
1st Battalion; Private VIM. F. Boswell
Company d, 9Th Battalion, and Private,
Martin HI. Bray and VIM. NJ. Van Riswick
both of Company D. LIST Battalion, hav,
been discharged in the interest Of the ser
vice.
The resignation of First Lieut.. Charlie.
G. Mortimer, quartermaster, Sd Battalion
has been rendered and accepted. Lieut.
Mortimer leaves the guard to accept com
mission in the Artillery Corps, United States
army. He will depart in a few days fo
his new post Of duty, Key West barracks
Fla.