Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-02-13
Provision OF the Bill Drafted
for Federalizing the
State Troops.
LIMITATION IS PUT ON
FEDERAL PAY FEATURE
Measure Placed Before Senate Com
mittee by Representatives Of
National Guard Association.

The proposals OF the National Guard
Association for liberalization Of IN"
state troops were before the military
committees of Congress Yesterday "a
the form of n bill drafted by repre-
sentatives of the association at the re-
quest of the Senate committee. The
regulations contemplated are given
force by a provision limiting partic,-
patton in the federal pay feature to Of
ficers. men or organizations complying
with certain specified requirements
The scale of annual pay proposed IL
as follows: Major generals, $500; brig
adiers. $500: colonies. $500: lieutenant
colonies. $3.50: majors. $525; captains.
$500: first lieutenants. $500: second
lieutenants $3.50. Enlisted men would
be paid on the basis or IS per cent OF
the pay rates of the regular army. :.
private receiving approximately si5 a
year.
Maximum Number of Troops.
The maximum number Of troops pro-
vided for by the bill is 500 for each
congressional district. or total peace
strength of approximately 100000. an
increase of 10000 over the present
strength of the National Guard. They
regular army in time of war. when
called into the federal service. The act
would take effect July l.. 1916.
The bill provides also for organization
tween twelve and eighteen. available
for active service only after every
other class of militia had been called
out. The juniors would be divided into
ClaSGaS-radafG those
years old and above. and cadets of the
second class. those less than fifteen.
An enlistment contract would be re-
quired under which the soldier would
bind himself to serve the federal gov
eminent within or without the con-
tinental limits of the United States
charged. should the guard be called out
at any time during his three-year en-
listment period. The enlistment period
of any soldier whose time was close to
expiration when his regiment was CALL
ed out would be extended automatical-
ly.
Limitation Of Commissions.
It is proposed to do away with choice
Of officers by election. and commissions
would be limited to specified classes
and granted only after examinations by
the War Department. Promotions dur
ing active service would be made by
the President from the commissioned
force or ranks of the organization, de-
pendent upon the grade to be filled.
This clause is aimed at appointments
from civil life.
At least forty-eight drills a year
and participation in annual field ma
neuvers would be required. An elab-
crate system of regulations for train
ing and discipline has been worked
out.
Members of both the Senate and
House committees who had looked over
the measure said last night it would
require radical amendment. in their
opinion, before it would be acceptable"
to Congress. 1t will be discussed sec
ton by section this week by the House
committee, which probably will frame
the National Guard measure to be
acted by both houses, while the SEN
ate committee works out the regular
army feature of preparedness plans.
Interest in Reports.
Members of both committees have
displayed keen interest in reports
reaching them that 10000 professional
men, students and others already had
been enrolled to take a month of in
tensive military training this summer
at civilian camps. Suggestions have
been made that some definite plan be
adopted for insuring the services of
these men in war time. that they be
organized into regiments or purely feo-
eral volunteers. having many of the
aspects of former Secretary Garrison
continental army plan.
The committees have been Informed
that more than 100000 men could ne
secured for training if some financial
spend a month annually at military
education