The Washington times., 1916-04-05

Former Secretary Of War Lindley NJ
Garrison IL responsible for the activity
OF the militia officers at the Capitol
so far as there has been any unusual ac-
tivity. according to officers OF the Ma
Uonal Gunrd Association.
Because OF this and because the Ma
tional Guardsmen believe they were not
In any sense lobbyists as that term IL
understood. they will make no reply
as body to the criticism of Senator
Chamberlain.
They regard their presence at the
Capitol as clearly matter OF duty
which was impressed upon them by the
executive officer OF the country charged
with looking out for their affairs.
They consider, therefore. that II any
statement Is to be made regarding Sen
ator Chamberlain charges such a
statement should come from the War
Department and not from them. 49,
This In part Is the answer OF individ-
ual members OF the association TO Sena-
tor Chamberlain's charge that the
militia representatives had been lobby
ing at the Capitol.
Officers in Conference.
The decision to make no statement
was reached after consultation between
the officers OF the National Guard AS
ISOLATION last night and yesterday after
noon. Adjt. Gen. J. c. r. Foster, OF
Florida, chairman OF the executive coun-
ell. arrived In Washington yesterday
He has been In charge of the presenta-
ton OF the national guard affairs to the
mouse ana senate Military Committees
He consulted with Adjutant General
Logan of Iowa, ard AdJutant General
Young of North Carolina. They de-
cided to let the War Department take
care of their Gaze.
An officer of the National Guard As
ISOLATION, who is familiar with the stu
alton, expressed surprise at the charge
Of Senator Chamberlain. Tor the Ieason.
he said, that the amendment Senator
Cummins of Iowa offered, which brougnt
the outburst from the chairman OF the
committee. was practically Part o.
the liberalization bill which Ad)utant
General Foster and his assistants OF tne
executive council rad prepared at the
direct request of Senator Chamberlain
1T Is rather a curious situation. ana
unfair to the national guard officers IN
VOWED" declared this officer. There
guardsmen here.
II h;Ibpen to know personally that
Secretary Garrison two years ago al
vised and urged the Officers OF the ex-
ecutive council to take their annirs per-
sonally before Congress. He said that
national guard legislation was neces-
sary, and that Congress lost sight OF
the militia in the multitude OF matters
coming from the War Department. he
urged the council to have representa-
tive here all the time during ihe ses-
sions of Congress.
Didn't Act at Once.
THE executive council did not avail
itself of the opportunity the Secretsry
offered until this year, when 1t seemed
possible TO obtain some constructive
legislation. They then directed that the
council should maintain an office here
during the sessions OF Congress- and
place itself at the disposal OF the Con-
gresaional committees.
'Ihe National Guard Association has
a membership made up on ratio OF one
member to every 800 ORGANIZED guaras-
men in the country. II mas proVIued
fund for the conduct OF the routlne pusl-
ness OF the council
The council met in Washington early
this year, Just after Congress met IL
used up. all the funds that were avail
able in attending to routine aualrs,
Since then the individual members have
paid their own expenses;
There is not a shadow or persona
interest for the members. OF the coun
Gil 50 far e. 1 can see, except in thi'
one particular Many OF the council arr
adjutants general of their States. They
are In office so long as their govern
or Is in office. most of them, as the!
occupy about the position In the stat
government that the Secretary of Wa
does in the National Government-onlA
very few of them are paid for II.
And 1t Ia a matter of personal prid'
with them to build up and encourage
the national guard In every way pos
, sible. AS they are usually broad gaug'
men and are ~ a position to know ex
actly what Is taking place In nationa
guard affairs. much of the executiv,