The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1916-03-17
KENTUCKY BOYS
READY TO MARCH
THREE REGIMENTS OF X. N. g.
PREPARED FOR SERVICE
n IN MEXICO.
co. H MAY HAVE CALL


l,SHHf'
II state troops are called to the
Mexican border for garrison duty,
and probabilities are that number
of regiments will be needed. Ken
tucky's brigade will be in the first
draft.
And. should an order to mobilize
eume q any hour today, three
REGIMENTS recruited above inspection
strexth could entrain for the south
west before noon tomorrow. Furth-
ermore, this brigade would be one OF
the few In the United States which
would have army equipment from
mess cups to escort wagons ready to
be loaded.
The best national guard OF any
state Of the south. the Kentucky mil
ttia has been regarded rs an emer-
gency dependence ever since the Mex
lean problem has involved possible
invasion. Two years ago, when the
situation became acute, It was re-
garded as q certainty that should any
state troops be sent, the Kentucky
outfit would be included in the first
order. 1t was pointed out then that
the complete equipment for Q brigade
at Fort Thomas would be available
for its use.
Inspection Significant.
Inspections of the last year or
more have been significant Of q taci'
understanding Mt Washington that
Kentuckians would be FIRST called
TO the colors'' IL the national guard
should be required for patrol duty or
to supplement expeditions across the
Rio Grande. Oficers have not been
asked what equipment they had, but
have been asked to show 1t. The IN
spections have embraced the minutia
of even watches and compasses.
As a result OF these inspections
there is no doubt but what the Wal
Department Is advised of Kentucky's
readiness to mobilize and move on
short notice. Assuming that need
for garrison forces will be an i'm.
mediate consequence Of the punitive
expeditions into Mexico, probabilities
are strong that the three regiments
will be transported at once tc
Brownsville, Texas, or some Other
border post. This dispatch would be
possible in this state because of the
Suitability of equipment, and In
most states the lack Of present equip
msnt would force troops into mo-
billxatioa camp until 1t could be pro-
-wided.
Assembly Points.
The Third regiment probably would
be assembled at Paducah. Bowling
Green or Hopkinsville. and the First
and Second. would be modified In
Lexington. As soon as they were
ON their way .recruiting officers would
be opened here and at one or more
other centers. and rockies would be
sent to the front in groups as fast
as they were equipped.
Those who are familiar with the
situation estimate that eighty-fve
per cent of the present strength
would be ready to shoulder arms for
an indefinite period. and ninety-nine
per cent of impediments could be ad-
justed. The brigade's efficiency Is far
above the average, and the rating
which army officers give Kentucky
timber would AFFORD these troops
prestige that few contingents would
expect. There has for many years
been big welcome sign for army
recruits from this commonwealth.
Another distinguishing character
istic of the Kentucky guard Is that q
very large percentage Of the soldiers
are former regulars. In companies
from the eastern part of the state
the veterans are In the majority and
there is liberal sprinkling OF them
in every company. Once in the army
thee average man il content only
when he can still have a connection
with the military. Former service
would put those men on q footing
with seasoned troops.
In addition to Brigsdier General
Roger d. williams. who has been In
the service thirty years. there are
sieht other officers who have been