Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-13

~ IeCtly concerned refused point
"a blank to discuss the matter,
L situation regarded as serious
affects the Naval Battalion of
the National Guard Of the District of Co.
lumbia- So far as can be learned. friction
Of a pronounced type exists between the
battalion commander on the one hand.
and a majority of the officers. on the
other. The precise cause of the dis
agreement cannot be learned. 1t is I'M
derstood, however. that practically the
entire commissioned personnel is ready
to step down and out. nj other words.
it is not denied that the designations of
all the officers. with possibly one excep-
ton. are now in the hands of Commander
Stratton.
Information, regarded as reliable. is that
at recent assembly of the battalion the
designations Of the officers referred to
were demanded, the fntimation being that
none Of those concerned would be per-
mitted to depart from the II. s. 8. Puri-
tan until the tenders of resignation were
submitted. It is said that the officers de-
| cided to follow the lead of the senior di-
vision commander The latter considered
the matter with care and finally decided
to comply with the demand Of the battal-
ion commander.
1t seems that Commander Stratton has
in mind something in the way of a reor-
ganiZation, of his command and. it is re-
| marked. the call for the designations does
not mean that the entire commissioned
personnel will necessarily be separated
frolh the service. 1t Is added that the COM
mander will probably forward, with rec
ommendation that they be accepted, only
| those tenders of resignation the accept
ance of which he thinks would accrue to
the good of the service.
The entire National Guard seems to be
fv,~r ~ >nA
facts are apparently well known at militia
headquarters.
The approach Of the Christmas holidays
Is apparent in National Guard circles. as
elsewhere. General orders, just issued.
direct that practical and theoretical In
struction be suspended, beginning tomor-
row, until after the holiday season.
Attention is already being given to prep
arattonS for the participation Of the local
brigade In the inaugural parade March A..
1t is directed that during the instruction
ton be given to precision In marching, to
duties as guides and to rendering salutes
while marching with guide left as well
as with right.
Regimental and battalion commanders
Will drill their officers and nOn-cOmmS-
stoned staff officers in manual of the
saber and in rendering properly the sa-
lutte while marching: particular attention
being given to matter of regimental and
battalion STATS saluting at the same time
as their respective commanders when
passing reviewing officer. Report Of these
drills will be made to headquarters.
When necessary to consolidate compa-
MES to obtain an ordered formation, it is
directed. the larger companies should be
retained and the smaller companies di-
yided I'D,
Following the holidays. drill and prac-
teal instruction In the armories and. on
the streets will be resumed January 4.
The course for the second period of the
practical work in the armories and on the
streets will embrace the Infantry Drill
AGO. 474. 4SS to 49S, and 5O7 to 534; Reg
lations for Small Arms, part III, chapters
I, II and ", and the Manual of Guard
Duty.
The regimental commanders and the
commanders of separate organizations are
charged with the preparation of monthly
schedules of drills and practical work for
their commands, which schedules shall
conform to the provisions Of this order.
and shall be submitted to head
quartz. Tor approval not later than the
18th of the previous month.
The course of theoretical instruction for
commissioned officers for the second Pc
riOd of the season, which commences Janu-
airy 4, and will terminate March 81, will
embrace the Infantry Drill Regulations
paragraphs 221 to 400 437 to 465, 474
4S6 to 49S and 5O7 to 534; Field Service
Regulations, United States Army article
II, page q, to article v. page 20, and the
Manual of Court Martial
The instruction in Field Service Regu-
lations will be by lectures and blackboa I'd
demonstrations; that in Manual Of Courts
Martial by lectures.
The course for non commissioned officers
and selected privates will embrace In
fantry Drill Regulations. paragraphs 221
to S4s. 1856 to 434 and 5O7 to 523, and the
Manual of Guard Duty.
Announcement is made that gallery
practice for the ensuing year will be con-
Quoted as follows:
A full score will consist of five shots
each at eco yards standing. 300 yards
kneeling or sitting and 500 yards prone.
Two full scores will be required at each
distance. making thirty shots in ALL
Company commanders will see that all
recruits are thoroughly taught the sight
ing, position and aiming drills before per-
pany for gallery practice, and will con-
tinue this instruction for at least fifteen
minutes each company drill night for
such men as need this instruction, and
until every man is thoroughly instructed
in these drills.
Report will be made of this instruction
on monthly drill and parade reports