Evening journal., 1916-06-26

NcNhNtoN Aoi lno proposed lnlfu Ddl-
talon. There is no doubt that there
are many more young men both in
Wilmington and rural New Castle
county who would enlist if the move
ment for a third battalion takes con-
crete shape
Some Refuse 10 Take Oath.
The officers at State Rife Range
have encountered a proposition which
was wholly unexpected. Some mili-
tiamen have signihed their refusal
to take the new oath for going into
the government service. and this has
caused much concern among the Of
ficers. AS to why the men will de-
cline TO take the new oath is not ex-
actly clear, but il is believed that
many do not fully understand II, and
when Il is explained they will be will
ing to he sworn in. The three-year
enlistment clause causes some 10
balk. Should the men persist in their
refusal Il Is not known what
course will be taken When the
work OF swearing in the militiamen
will be started is not known, but II
Is expected 20 begin within a short
time.
other States have encountered the
same difficulty A number have refused
pointblank to take the new oath in
Maryland.
Men Being Mustered In.
With the Organized Militia being
mustered into the United States serviceI
at State Rifle Range today, recruitingI
continued at the State Armory. Lieu
tenant J. Danforth Bush and corps Of
assistants enlisted five men before IL
o'clock. These men will be sent to the
camp this afternoon 10 Join the recruit
squad of seven sent down yesterday
Adjutant General Wickersham held
a long conference with Colonel Theo-
dore Townsend. colonel OF the regi-
ment. relative to equipping the men.
Requsition for needed supplies was
sent TO the quartermaster's depart
ment, u. S. A., this morning by tele-
graph
When Adjutsnt General Wlckersham
was spoken TO this morning about the
refusal OF some OF the soldiers to take
the oath Of allegiance TO the United
States Government he said he had
heard of the mems action. but no re-
port had reached him as yet.
Lieutenant Bernard J. McEntee Of |
this city. who has been stationed at
!
which will be accepted.
Captain r. M. Carswell, OF Com |
pany F. who is at the camp. rendered |
his resignation prior 60 the call for
the militia from President Wilson |
When the call went out Captain Cars /
well hurried to this city from Haskell,
n. j., where he had taken a place as
civil engineer with the DUPONT Pow
der Company and offered his services
The resignation had not been acted
on and Captain Carswell continues at
he head of his company.
Await Word 10 March.
Expectantly awaiting orders from
Washington to proceed TO the Mexican
border, the 4S1 militiamen at Rifle
Range resumed their routine this
morning after day of rest yesterday
The spirit and readiness with which
they perform their duties and their
Willingness reflects credit upon the
men and the State There is no music
AZ the camp to spur on the soldiers in
their daily drills.
The militlamen are enjoying the
most fascinating part of the work. |
That is the rifle shooting. The work |
was started on Saturday when Com |
pany G, under the command OF Can.
tain ]. Austin Ellison, went TO the |
traps. Rifle practice was resumed this |
morning. Out of the 65 men in Com
pany G but four men failed to quali- |
fy on Saturday.
With each dawn there is a new
rumor Some have Il that the troops |
will move on the morrow, others have
II that within two or three days and \
longer. Some say that the regiment |
will first proceed to Mt Gretna, /
others to Sea Girt. No definite word
has been received by Adjustant Gen |
eral Wickersham. The fact that the
Delaware soldiers cannot. from pres
ent Indications, go as a complete reg
iment is regretted by the citizens.
This morning Captain Snyder. Of
the United States Army Medical
Corps. started the second physical
examination OF the soldiers. An
other reduction in the regiment will
IN all likelihood be caused by this.
Recruiting stations report compafa-
lively few emhstments or applica-
tions for enlistments. What men
have been enlisted have been sent
TO the Rife Range.
Troops Lack Army Shoes.
The Delaware boys lack the regu-
lation shoes. but yesterday the meas
urements OF all the soldiers were
taken. and the orders telegraphed so
that this equipment will arrive here. !
II is expected, some time this week |
General Wickersham admits that he /
has been given official orders TO rush /
preparation OF the regiment.
All day yesterday visitors we're al
lowed within the grounds, and there |
were thousands OF callers. The mill \
uamen were besieged by their faith
ers and mothers, children and
s~eethearts. and their relatives and
friends. The rain in the morning
marred the day for the visitors
orenching the grounds and forming
POOLS. However. this rain did not
make the men hesitate in GOING
tneir rounds. The soldiers enioved
mat day OF leisure The clouds
passed In the afternoon, and the sun
shone and visitors focked To tbe !
grounds.
Religious services were held YES
terday afternoon by the Rev r K
Stephenson, Of Milford. regimental
chaplain, who has the rank of cantain
His sermon bubbled over with patriot-
sim and a call for spiritual as we'll
as martial preparedness.
The militiamen of the Roman Cath
olic faith went TO New Castle and at
tended services at St. Peters Church