New-York tribune., 1916-06-23

again as soon as his states units are
modified
No Orders TO East.
No orders were sent 10 the Eastern
or Southern departments, officials indi-
eating that the troops nearest the bor-
der had been selected as the first 10 90,
because their transportation would re
Quire least time and expense.
The states in the Western depart
ment are California. Utah. Nevada,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washing
ton. The Central department is COM
posed of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri.
Wyoming, North and South
Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin. Iowa,
Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
Secretary Baker conferred at the
War Department until late tonight
with Major General Scott, chief of
staff. and Major General Bliss. assist
ant chief of staff When the Secre
tary left the department al midnight
he said no report from General Fer
shing regarding the CarriZal fight had
been received. IL was indicated that
should any dispatch arrive during the
early morning it would not be given
out until the Secretary returned at .
o'clock.
Congress was called upon to-day 20
do its share toward facilitating the or
ganization of the national guard army
rapidly preparing for service. reso-
luton was introduced by Chairman
HAY of the House Military Committee.
10 be called up for action tomorrow.
the President to draft
into the Federal service all members
Of the guard who take the new enlist
ment oath, and to hold them for the
duration of the emergency for WHICH
they are called out.
The words duration of the war"
were altered after conference be
tween Secretary Baker and Mr.. Hay
The resolution provided that incom-
plete units of the guard may be con-
solidated and mustered in.
Chairman Hay also plans 20 introduce
a measure creating fund OF s5OO,OOO
to be used for the relief OF indigolt
families of national guardsmen called
into active service. A maximum of 500
a month for any one family would De
authorized.
Secretary Baker was in conference
during the day with President Wilson.
1t was reported that the possibility
of calling out volunteers IN addition 10
the national guard. should war with
Mexico come. was discussed. Mr.. Baker
was asked later If this subject was un-
der consideration.
81 believe ! Will not discuss that" ne
replied.
May Expand Regular Regiments.
Army officers pointed out that su-
4
permit the application of the system
used during the Spanish War 10 recruit
regular regiments up 10 war strength.
Enlistment was accepted for the term
of the war, making II possible for
citizen 20 volunteer for service with
the regulars without binding himself
for the long term of regular army en-
listments.
With the eleven additional skeleton
regiments to be created on the border
July l. it is deemed vital that some
method of filing up their ranks, as we'll
as those of the old organizations, be
provided. if war is impending.
The national guard of three states
California. Kansas and Missouri-was
under marching orders tonight. The
force totals al least 10000 men, in
GLIDING three brigades Of infantry,
seven troops of cavalry, seven batteries
Of field artillery, three companies OF
signal corps, troops and ambulance
companies and field hospitals.
Commanders of the Central and
Western departments were directed TO
send the guardsmen as soon as they
have been mustered TO points on the
border to be designated by General
Funston.
Militia division officials had no re
ports to indicate how soon the troops
of these states would start South.
They were selected, however, because
they are the most efficient organiza-
tions Of considerable strength which
can reach quickly the points where
General Funston has indicated they
are most urgently needed.
Mobilization Satisfactory.
No general estimate Of the progress
OF the guards mobilization IS available
at the War Department. Most OF the
reports received merely say the men
are being assembled. Army officials
are we'll satisfied so far. although still
inclined 10 believe that the national
guard system at its best falls short OF
what could be desired as means Of
furnishing first line troops when they
are needed in hurry.
With the sending OF warships 20
virtually every Mexican port, ready 20
take of American refugees. another
weapon will have been placed in Pres
dent Wilson's hands for use in case
war does come. The ships will be so
disposed that blockade Of Mexico by
sea could be set up AT moments no
tice. should need arise.
Twenty vessels OF the coast guard
service are being made ready for pos
sible use as auxiliaries. Mobilization
Of the naval militia 70 man reserve
ships and fiji out compliments Of the
battle feet withdrawn for the present
emergency would furnish the means OF
filling in gaps in the patrol line, prob
ably without breaking up the fleet or
ganization The feet itself could move