Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-02-13
READY FOR WAR.
btional Guard Likely to be Sent q
!. Mexico During Revolution.

X
Richmond Feb. 13.-News OF the
erisis in Mexico and the probability OIL
Intervention by the United States
sovernmen recalls the fact that ORDERS
for the mobilization Of the National
Guard, in addition to the regular
hrmy, are on file in the wa Depatt-
nent and ready to be flashed on the
wires at moments notice. In regard
q the militia, the situation IS exact
" what it was one year ago, wilen Az
utant General Sale received thlniy
yelled hints from Washington TO De
-eady for service orders at any tlme'
While the National Guard cannot be
ordered to invade a foreign country
until the militia pay bill becomes law,
militia organizations are subject TO
nstant call for patrol duty on the Dor
der and for fighting on the DEFENSE
| f the occasion demnds. Should Pres
kdent Taft and Congress deeme armed
Intervention in Mexico necessary, mill
ia organizations, particularly those OF
the Southern States, will be called
lpon to bear prominent part in the
activities.
Under the already prepared plan for
the pacifcation of Mexico, the war
Department intends to order lOO,0Uo
hen under arms on the first call. The
(trength is only $1,000 of this force
bnly about 10000 of $4,000 will
be vaailable for service in Mexico, as
he carrisons of the PHILIPPINE Islands,
Porto Rico, Alaska and the Hawlian
Stands have to be maintained at reg
liar strength, regardless of the mil
tary operations of tn ecountry IN
ltber directions. Besides, certain
[rmy posts must remain garrisoned.
The discrepancy between the NO.
loo men to be placed in the field and
he 1000 or $4,000 regulars available
must be supplied from the ranks OF
he National Guard and by Volunteers.
has leaked out from the War Of
ice that 10000 militiamen will be or
Tered under arms the moment the de-
Sartment directs an army division to
ross the Mexican border or sail for
Mexican port on mission Of lnvas-
on. The National Guard numbers
$4,000.
Since the War Department intends
o pick but 10000 of the available
22. 600 National Grardsmen, it is gen
rally understood that regiments from
Inc Southern States will be chosen,
both because of their proximity to the
Gene of fighting and their ability to
tand up under hot weather. One OF
he greatest difficulties OF a Mexican
|ampaign is admitted to be the heat
b be faced by the American soldiers.
Conditions in the Sunny South have
|quipped the Southern militiamen to
best withstand the assaults OF natural!
Conditions in Mexico.
While General Sale has received no
|ficil instruction to have his Vlr-
inia commands ready for action, 1t
regarded as probable that the Viz
Finia volunteers may be called to arms
n the first mobilization order.
From the number of letters pouring
sto the .Adjutant-Generals Office from
lager militiamen all over the State,
would appear that the Virginia VOL
knteers will be ready to seize any OPP
|ortunity Of smelling powder from
fexican guns. Wherever possible, it
understood, the War Department
ill endeavor to have militia organiza-
Ions resign as a unit from State SER
ice and offer themselves as Volun-
GERS. 1t is expected that the bulk OF
Virginia Volunteers will go to Mexico
|nder this provision ,scorning the tame
musement of border patrol.