Evening star., 1915-06-06


general, N G.. D. c., and Lieut.. Gunior
grade) Harrison E. Knauss, U. S. NJ,
Inspector r-instructor assigned to the
local naval organization, were made
known to the men last Thursday night
by Commander Joseph A. Dempf, COM
manding the organization.
Both officers and men were marked
excellent for their appearance in uni
form, quickness in drill and prompt
ness in responding to orders
The report Of Maj. Coope particularly
complmented the organization for the
improvement it had shown during the
past year, declaring that appearances
at the annual inspection showed that
every one was working for the better
ment of the organization, and up to the
date of the inspection were successful.
Commander Dempf. in commenting
upon the report, declared that it was
ever had. He complimented the men
upon this report, and declared that it
was they who were responsible for
the good showing made and the fine
impression made upon the inspecting
officers.
While discussing the inspection re-
ports. Commander Dempf also took oc-
casion to talk upon the present moral
standing of the battalion, which. he
said, could not be better. He declared
him to weed out the undesirable men,
but that it had been done successfully.
Some of the men had been allowed to
remain, he said, but only upon the
themselves. So far they had succeed
ed, he asserted, but if they fell once
they would follow the others who had
gone out.
He made it plain that he would not
have in the organization any men
whose character was questioned. There
are too many desirable men who have
expressed a desire to enlist in the or
ganization, and there is not room for
the undesirables and drones.
nights that remained before the bat
talon leaves for Hampton roads to
board a battleship of the Atlantic re-
serve fleet for it's annual practice
must be ready by Friday night. July 2.
Any man who is not properly equip
ped by that time will not be permitted
to leave Washington with the bat
talon, he asserted.
In order to allow the men time to
get their white uniforms clean and to
make other preparations. he declared
that they would not be required to
the drill nights between now and the
time for embarkation
Efforts are being made BY Com
partment give the men OF the or
ganization four days liberty at New
York city instead of only two days at
New York and two at Newport, r. L
He declares that the four days will
give the men more time to see the
metropolis
During the week he wrote a letter to
Capt. Bradham. commanding the naval
militia of North Carolina. asking that
officer If the proposal for change in
the schedule would be satisfactory to
him. If Capt. Bradham's reply is
favorable the request then will be
forwarded to the Navy Department
Should Capt. Bradham approve the
request there seems to be little doubt
that the department will grant the
wishes of the two naval militia or
ganiZations.
Division officers of the battalion are
sending out notices to their men in
forming them that unless they appear
next Thursday night with their full
dition and inform the officers whether
or not they will he able to make the
cruise they will not be permitted to
Orders have been issued by the Navy
Department requiring Commander
Dempf to submit to the department not
later than the morning of July Is
roster of the men who will make the
cruise. After that date no alterations
will be permitted, it is declared
Commander Dempf explained that un-
der no circumstances will he permit
men to leave Washington with the
battalion whose names do not appear
on the list submitted to the department
the morning of the 18th.
Hammocks and mattresses were
brought out of their storage place last
Thursday night and now are being
fumigated so that they can be served
out to the men for the cruise.
Lieut.. Frank w. Sigourney has been
ordered to return to the command of
the Sd Division, which he reorganized
some time ago. This duty is in addi-
tion to that as executive officer of the
organization.
Ensign Wflbert E. Locklin has been
relieved of command of the Sd Division
and placed on detached service.
Lieut.. Sigourney has been relieved OF
duty as aid de camp to the commanding
officer. The position has been ahoIe
ished. in accordance with naval reguIa-
tions.