Evening star., 1914-04-26

lumbia and moved them to the belief
that they, too, soon would be In the
field. probably along the Mexican hor-
der. Just as soon as the American Op-
erations began in the city of Vera Cruz
when Rear Admiral Fletcher with his
bluejackets and marines seized the Gus
tomhouse and his acts became known in
Washington, officers Of the local National
Guard realized that that step might
mean the calling out of the organized
militia, and they made preparations to
answer any call which the President of
the United States, through the War
Department, might make upon them.
Brig Gen. George H. Harries, COM
manding the District of Columbia mi
litia, arrived in the city shortly after
Admiral FIetcher's movements became
known and discussed with the officers
under him the state OF preparedness Of
the National Guard of the District of
Columbia With the addition Of some
needed equipment. it is known that the
local National Guard could answer any
call made upon it at short notice.
The plans for the mobilization camp
adjoining the regular army post at Fort
Myer were gone over. and Gen. Har-
ries made certain that everything was in
state of preparedness for any advance
movement that might be demanded by
deveiopements.
Many Of the company commanders Of
the National Guard are busily engaged
commands to make certain just what
they will need in order to fit them out
properly to take the field.
1o< Rotf
D. c., 1t was declared, was ordered to
make known its wants, and not to walt
for the mails but to telegraph its requi-
sitions for equipment.
There seems already to be some opinion
among guard officers that the proposed
maneuvers involving an attack and de-
Tense Of Washington. the capital Of the
nation. will not become fact. but that
the District Guard Will see service along
the border. However, at the War De-
partment no step has yet been made to
call upon the citizen soldiery of the coun-
try to come out and assist in the move
ment now being conducted by the United
States to demand reparation from Huerta
for his insult to the nag.
officers are being urged to do every
thing within their power to increase the
enlistments Of the guard. so tnat each
company will have its full quota OF men
in the event 1t Is called out. number
of the organisation commanders have in
serted advertisements in the local papers
In an attempt to obtain men to enlist
in the organizations and receive some
preliminary training before the organiza-
tons are called out, II that course is to
be determined upon
To recruit the organizations up to wal
strength OF 100 men each. IT fs proposed to
use men from the reserve corps OF the
National Guard of the District of Colum-
bia, regulations for the organization OF
which have been approved by the Presi-
dent and the War Department IneS
will be promulgated Immediately ana tnf
enlistment blanks for this corps ALREADY
have been prepared to take care OF any
ex-service men who desire to enlist fol
| the present pending emergency In Mexico
This reserve corps. 1t is explained. Is
to be made up Of men who nave serseo
| at least one enlistment in either the
| Army, Navy. Marine Corps. the National
Guard Of the District Of Colurabia Or the
organized militia Of any state in the
Union. The men In this reserve eoIps
will not have to report for the weekly
drills, as do the members Of the National
Guar d. but will be required % report to
their company commanders at least twice
a year. will have to participate In the
/ Heights. range and will also have to &C
to camp. They will be furnished with
uniforms. (which they must keep ready
| for immediate service. and they also will
be required to keep their company com.
| manders constantly informed of theil
addresses. both home and business.
The officials Of the local Nationa
Guard are hopeful that a large reserve
corps can be Immediately organized from
the ex-service men in Washington, anl
they are particularly anxious to receive
recruits to this organization at th!i
time, when there IL possibility that tn,
guard may be called upon at any mo
ment. The reserve corps would be uset
to recruit. the companies forming tn,
active guard up to war strength
At its regular weekly assembly las
Wednesday evening Company X. ID In
fantry.- had a. good drill In close and ex
tended order. The attendance wa
large and the drill full Of life.
The company was measured for new
uniforms. II having been decided to issu
the cotton khaki for field service.
The deficiency Liii for the District o
lcelumesa has passed Congress and Com