The Washington herald., 1910-05-29

Active steps have been taken by
militia headquarters in compiling an es-
innate Of the numerical strength Of the
District brigade 10 be IN attendance at
the annual camp this summer at Gettys-
burg, Pa.
This estimate, which will give the
names OF officers and the number OF
enlisted men. is called for by general
orders No. 8, issued yesterday. Regi-
mental and separate organization COM
manders and heads Of staff departments
are directed to submit TO militia head
quarters by noon, Saturday, June T. as
close an estimate as possible. Changes
in estimates must be Immediately report
ed to regimental and first separate head
quarters, as a revised estimate viii be
called for shortly before camp. the date
Of which will be July Is 20 81. inclusive.
Neglect Pointed Out.
In issuing these general orders. Brig.
Gen. George II. Harries, commanding,
and Lieut. Col. 5. f. Smiley. adjutant
general Of the District militia, have taken
occasion TO bring strongly TO the atten-
ton of officers and enlisted men neglect
shown by them in not promptly notify
ing their employers. whether the govern
ment or private, Of desired leaves OF
absence incident 10 military duty.
Much trouble has been Occasioned
through this laxness, not only in the
recent annual parade. but at the COM
pany target practice now going on at
the Congress Heights range. With THIS
experience, steps have been taken 10
avoid similar difficulties in connection
with the annual encampment. Under this
head. the general orders Of yesterday
say:
Every officer and enlisted man should apply
now 10 his employer OF other proper authority for
permission to attend the camp. Officers and en-
listed men should apply 10 proper authority for
permission 20 attend any ordered military duty
Immediately upon notice Of said duty, in order
that arrangements can be made for said attend
ance.
1T has come TO the attention Of these headluar
ers that certain members Of oreanizaticI ordered
10 duty on the target range did not apply for per
mission 10 attend this duty until the day before
said duty although the target practice order was
published over a month prior 10 their duty on the
target range.
men and was mauifestly unfair 70 their employer
who could not, on one days notice. provide men
10 take their places"
Entitled TO Absence.
To government employees it is pointed
out that while the provisions of the act
providing for the organization of the
District Guard and subsequent appro-
pri2ton acts make it plain that officers
and enlisted men who are employees Of
the government are entitled to leaves Of
absence without loss OF time or pay on
all days Of service ordered By the COM
manding general there is a correspond
ing obligation on the part of every officer
and enlisted man of the guard 20 see
that this privilege is not abused and that
timely application is made to the proper
authority for leaves Of absence when
authorized.
In conclusion il is said:
1T is, and has been. the plan Of these
headquarters to stop any abuse Of this
privilege and 70 have Cancelled any serv-
ice card whic' has been given without
proper authority or for an improper time
All officers viii carefully investigate all
applications for service cards. and will
sign them only when they are satisfied