Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-07-30
Third Regiment, District Ma
tionaI Guard, Now Above
Minimum Peace Strength.
PROSPECTS ARE BRIGHT
FOR MOVE TO BORDER
Only Deficiencies in Supplies for
Men Delaying Departure for
Bisbee, Ariz.

Prospects for the departure of the Sd
Infantry and the other troops in Camp
Ordway for Bisbee. Ariz.. were brighter
last night than at any other time since
the mobilization order came. The Off
night that the regiment now is above
minimum strength by eighteen men.
This excluded the names of all men who
will be discharged on account of de-
pendents, physical disability or other
causes.
The fact that the regiment is above
minimum was developed following re-
ceipt of a telegram from the Depart
ment of the East yesterday afternoon.
It asked for figures as to the number
of men necessary to bring the organi-
cations up to minimum strength
whether the organization was fully
equipped, including machine guns, but
exclusive of animals and sterilizing wa
ter bags, and what important deficien-
cies in equipment existed, and esti-
mate of the date when the organization
would be fully equipped and at mini
mum strength.
Dick Law Used As Basis.
Tho officers of the Sd Infantry have
been figuring their minimum strength
under the new law, but the War De-
partment ruled, following a request for
a decision from Col. Glendie B. Young.
commanding the Sd Infantry, that the
minimum strength of an infantry regi-
ment should be in conformity with the
provisions Of the Dick law. The regi-
mont, according to Col Young, last
-t- y
either in camp or out on pass. Only 918
mon are needed in a regiment of in
fantry to make 1t a minimum peace
strength organization. From the ISL
discharged. but after making this de-
duction 1t still leaves eighteen more
than that number, according to Col.
Young.
cerned. then. the regiment Is ready. But
the matter of equipment is holding 1t
back. There still are some DEFICIENCIES
in this regard, but this cannot be
blamed on the organization. The de-
fciencies were discovered soon after ar
rival in camp. and acquisitions for the
necessary property were made out
July 10. but they have not been filed.
These needs, as outlined to the mus
tering officer, include $50 canteens,
cups and covers, to replace the old
style: spare parts for % escort wagons;
25 pairs of field glasses, 66 pistols. IL
arms repair chests. 30 horse equip
ments, 700 frst-aid packets and 700
blankets. Every man in camp now has
a blanket and some have two. The 700
additional are needed to supply all of
the men with two blankets.
Regiment Somewhat Depleted.
The Sd Infantry reported that the regi-
ment had been somewhat depleted since
its arrival in camp and that recruiting
had been difficult owing to the prevailing
belief that the regiment was not going to
the front. despite the fact that it had
been pushed with advertisements, news
paper articles and support of the Board
Of Trade. Chamber Of Commerce and
metropolitan police.
As soon as the equipment arrives, the
Officers believe. the regiment will be Or
dered to the front without any further
delay. in view Of the fact that it is above
pected to be along within a short time
Today will be big holiday in
camp. Fifty per cent Of the troops
viii be out on pass, and the remainder
will be allowed to receive visitors all
day. There will be little work to do,
except on the part of the cooks, ali
Of whom will try to Guido themselves
Chaplain Smith will conduct his
nrst services in the camp at o'clock
today,
Tomorrow the troops will go out in
tho Held and pitch shelter tent camu
by battalions to be inspected by the
inspector general
Most of the officers took the oppor-
tuity to go out of camp last night
Col Stephan was in command of the