The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-23
GUARD TO MOBILIZE
ON STATEN ISLAND
site Near Fort WadswOrth
selected for Camp for
state Troops.
MILITIA AWAITS THE CALL
Acknowledgement Walton and
Officers From Governors ISL
and Decide on Location.

Nosular army officers and officers of
'hc National Guard visited Staten Island
Yesterday and picked out a site near
rirgerboard road. not far from Fort
Wadsworth. as the spot for the mobiliza =
ton Of the four brigades OF the New
York National Guard the moment Presi-
dent Wilson issues his proclamation ask
ing for volunteers to go to Mexico
In the absence of Major-Gen John
= Organ. commander OF the New York
National Guard. who Is in Washington
confcrring with army officers. Col II. F..
Walton, Adjutant-Ge nerai took the active
steps OF preparing for mobilization. No
body had much to say. but there was a
great deal doing throughout the day, for
not only in this city but throughout the
State word had gone forth to every rcgi-
mcnt TO be ready to move on a few hours
notice.
Much Of the work accomplished yestcr.
dag undoubtedly WIS the result OF Major
Gen. Organs visit to this city and
his hurried departure for Washington.
He had n conference with Gov. Glynn and
with Henry u. Hamilton. Adjutant Cen
plans OF the War Board in Washington in
regard to the use of the State militia were
discussed.
Visit 10 Gen. Evans.
Preparedness was the keynote of that
conference. Consequently Col. Walton and
several of his assistants visited Gov
ornors Island yesterday, where they had a
conference with Gen. X. X. Evans. L. s. A.,
commander OF the Department Of the
East. and Col. W. G.. Ham. chief Of STAFF.
The question Of picking a site for the
encampment of the troops preliminary
10 their being enlisted in the Federal SER
vice was discussed and it was arranged
that visit should be made In tile after.
noon to Staten Island-that being re-.
Garded as the most convenient spot
10 look over the ground
Col Ham, accompanied by Capt An
anderson and Capt. Cory, both of the reuu
lar army: Col Walton. with Lieut. Col.
f. Townsend. chief quartermaster /:
Lieut. Col. H. 5. Sternberger. chief of the
cOmmissary. and Major William weicel
l =. ~. attached to the Quartermas ste r. 3
department. started in automobiles for
staten Island at o'clock. They went to
the ground near Fingerboard road.
The place is large enough for the en-
campment OF $4,000 troops. II was de-
c'ded. however. that the members Of the
ned artillery should be shipped from
the temporary mobilization grounds to
Montauk Point. where they can have
plenty of practice without disturbing the
citizens OF New York. The grounds
looked suitable 10 the officers and seemed
satisfactory TO Col Ham. who went along
merely in an advisory capacity.
The troops will be called out by Gov
t!ynn provided President Wilson issues a
call Tor volunteers In his proclamation
II 10 expected that the President will desIg-
rate the troops lie wishes first. II was
said Yesterday that the National Guard
81 New York and of Pennsylvania were
ltely to b. the first mentioned
New York has more than a full dvi-
son. consisting OF four brigades includ-
iug two IN Manhattan and Brooklyn.
H'd the brigade with headqua rtcrs In Al.
hany and The fourth with headquarters in
Buffalo
When the call comes the troops will be
inob'lized on Staten Island. There the
militia will be- mustered out and tho men
who Wish can enlist for service m Fed
'rsl troops
Gen. O'Ryan's Telegram.
The urgency OF the situation was en-.
rnasized by telegram from Gen Organ
TO COL Walton. In that telegram, which
'oi Walton made pubic, Gen. Organ said
Washington said In time OF peace
prepare for war" This refers not
only 10 the Governor. but to ind,-
vlduals. Therefore II Is wise pre-
caution for young men seeking mill
tary service In time OF war to join a
military organization before the COM
nencement Of war. The preliminary
service received by them will insure
better health. better physical fitness,
happier state of mind quicker pro-
HiotIUn and a higher state Of military
t'hcioncN for the organization and the
Government than II they wait for the
actual declaration of war.
Col Walton said yesterday that at least
1000 horses and mules would be needed
heiore the volunteer army of the State
,ould be placed on a sound war footing.
Inc National Guard has no money In re-
s'rNe and II is expected that In the event
81 necessity money would be appropriated
ny Inc state for that purpose as more than
100000 was voted in the Spanish
. american war for the State troops.