The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-04-18

gade. officers are not expected 10 bring
every case Of dereliction Of duty before a
court for trial. but are urged 10 prevent
their recurrence by adnonitious. with
holding Of privileges and other steps for
the explicit enforcement OF orders. Be
fore forwarding charges against members
OF the brigade officers are cautioned 20
make a fun and careful personal investi-
cation Of them. and 20 resort 20 a court
martial only after other means OF enforc-
ing discipline have proved Intellectual
VIII Disfribute order.
Every commanding officer n the guard
IS instructed 70 furnish copy or order
No 10 each enlisted man IN his CON-
mand and 10 obtain his receipt for t.
TO be kept on file among the company
records officers are 70 make a special
effort 20 see that the enlisted men under
stand clearly what their obligations are
and what penalties their violations viii
entail, so that any man who violates his
oath Of enlistment viii be doing so with
full knowledge Of the consequences.
The officers Of the Guard who already
have seen a copy Of General orders, No
s, fully appreciate its significance. and
are enthusiastic in praise Of its pro-
visions They say Il gives the Officer
a firm hold on the man who is derelici
in his duIy. and yet contains no hard
ships for those who are willing 70 make
an honest effort 10 live Up 20 the duties
voluntarily assumed BY their oath Of en-
Estment-
Summary courts win be appointed in
each regiment and separate organization
Maj. William < Harvey. comma nding
the Third Battalion. IS the summary
court officer for the Second Regiment
but the others have not yet been ap-
pointed.
Reorganization Plans.
Proposed regulations providing for the
reorganization Of the National Guard
have been nearly completed by the off,
GERS OF the militia headquarters. There
have been numerous informal discus
sions and conferences with officers OF the
War Department on different portions OF
The regulations 20 be submitted for the
approval OF the President and when
they are completed, the final approval
VIII probably take place al once.
There has been much speculation during
the past few weeks among National
Guard officers as 10 who viii receive the
numerous promotions resulting from the
Tatirements. reorganization OF present
commands. and the formation OF new
ones, but an statements that certain Of
ficers have been slated for certain Do
sitions are pure guess work 40 informa-
ton has been given out from militia
headquarters on this subject. except that
The spirit OF The new law VIII be strictly
adhered 70. even az the reorganization
and all promotions in the line VIII be
given only 20 members OF the regiment
or separate organization In which the va
CauCy OCCurs. i has been stated OF
highest authority that no outsiders WI
BE considered for these positions
u was said positively AZ headquarters
yesterday that in future. efficiency as
demonstrated by actual service and com
petitive examination win be the sole con
sideration IN making promotions Out
side influence and company elections are
a thing OF the past. and O. per cent o,
the officers Of the Guard are glad 20 see
them go. The new law gives every pos
sible advantage 20 the ambitious en-
listed man. who IS willing 90 make q seri-
Gus study OF his military duties.
Officers VIII he Examined.
Before the reorganization takes place
any officer Of the brigade. whose eff
cheney IS a matter OF doubt. either by
brigade headquarters or by ais imme-
diate sUperiOrs. viii be called before an
examining board which VIII pass upon
his general fitness 20 retain his commits
sion In this examination the officer WI
be tested upon his familiarity with al
The important orders issued from militia
headquarters. as well as upon general
military matters. This examining board
viii be convened Al any time when doubt
arises as 10 the fitness Of any officer tC
retain his command.
Members Of the Naval Battalion viii be
paid on Thursday night on beard The
Puritan for services rendered on The
cruise last July. This payment was
delayed because the amended Dick bill
restricted the funds available 10 pay
ment Of troops Of the land forces Of the
organized militia A. -he last session Of
Congress 81 .5S5 was included In the genera
deficiency bin for the payment OF the
Naval Battalion.
Copies OF the new militia law OF The
District are now being distributed % the
oHcers OF the Guard. who are urged q
study them carefully A thorough kn0WI-
edge of this act viii be expected OF every
officer Of the brigade and IL VIII form
a part Of all examinations for commits
siOns for promotions. Copies Of the field
service regulations. on information and
orders. as used IN the school at Fort
LeavenworJh, were also distributed 70
each 0fTfar