The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-06-23
COUNTER ATTACKS
 CHECK RUSSIANS
(Continued from Page one)

conflict in the neighborhood If the 5tokhod river was forced to retire.
 The second group of German forces defending Vladimir Volynski has start ed an advance along the main road leading from Vladimir vo'ynski to Lutsk, while a third group, with head. quarters at Sokla. is likewise joining in the movement to press back the eN- tended northern flank of General Brus- siloff's army.
 On the other points of the frort fur the1 Russian operations are being de- layed by the necessity for consolidat- ing positions already woE
 altered after a conference between Sec retary Baker and Mr. Hay. The resolu- ton provided that incomplete units of the guard may be consolidated and mus tered in.
 Chairman Hay also plans to introduce measure creating fund of $500,0OO to be used for the relief of indigent fam flies of national guardsmen called into active service. A maximum of $50 month for any one family would be au- thorized
 CONFERS WITH WILSON
 Secretary Baker was in conference dur ing the day with President Wilson. It was reported that the possibility of call ing out volunteers in addition to the National Guard, should war with Mex ico come, was discussed. MT. Baker was asked later if this subject was under consideration.
 II believe I will not discuss that" he replied.
 Army officers pointed out that authori- zaton to call volunteers would permit the application of the system used dur ing the Spanish war to recruit regular regiments up to war strength. Enl,st. ment then was accepted for the term of the war; making it possible for a citi- zen to volunteer for service with the regulars without binding himself for the long term of regular army enlistments With the II additional skeleton regiments to be created on the border July 1, it is deemed vital that some method Of fill ing up their ranks as well as those or the old organizations, be provided if war is impending
 The National Guard of California Kan sas and Missouri virtually was under marching orders tonight. The force to- tals at least 10000 men, including three brigades of infantry seven troops of cav airy, seven batteries of field artillery three companies of signal corps troops and ambulance companies and field hos- plLttlS 1ClIHldIluelS Ol LIE SOiieA ehA e,AiN western departments were directed to send the guardsmen as soon as they have been mustered to points on the border to he designated by General Funston.
 Militia division officials had no reports to indicate how soon the troops or these states would start south They were selected. however, because they are the most efficient organizations of consider able strength which can reach quickly the points where General Funston has indicated they are most urgently needed.
 MOBILIZATION IS SLOW
 No general estimate of the progress Of the guards mobilization is available ,r the war department Most of the reports received merely say the men are being assembled. Army officials are we'll satisfied so far, although stiil inclined to believe that the Nationai Guard system at its best falls short ol what could be desired as- means of furnishing first line troops when they are needed in a hurry.
 With the sending of navy ships tu virtually every Mexican port, ready to take off American refugees. another weapon will have been placed in Presl- dent Wilson's hands. The ships will be so disposed that a blockade of Mexico by sea could be set up at moment $ notice. should need arise. Twenty ves' sells of the coast guard service are be ing made ready for possible use as aux illiaries. Mobil zation of the naval mili- tia to man reserve ships and fill ou! compements of the battle fleet with drawn for the present emergency would furnish the means of filling in gaps 1T the patrol line probably without breaking up the fleet organization. The fleet It. self could move on any port 1t nlight be thought expedent to take Congress so far has avoided prolonged discussion of the Mexican crisis. Briel attention was given in the Senate today however, when Senator Works republi- can. of California read his long pend ing resolution to authorize intervention ir Mexico and gave notice that unless the foreign relations committee brought in a report soon, he would seek to force ac- ton on the floor. Chairman Stone oi the committee said he was not in po- sition to state when report would be made.