Evening journal., 1916-06-28
Colonel READY
TO HEAD Division
Roosevelt viii Ask PermiS-
sion TO Take Field if
War Comes
WOULD ORGANIZE
$1,000 FIGHTING MEN

NEW YORK, June 2S.-Colonel
Roosevelt will ask President Wilson.
in the event Of a declaration OF war
on Mexico for permission to put into
the field a division of troops fully
equipped for practically immediate
service.
While details OF the plans are be-
ing kept carefully guarded as yet. it
is understood that in making the re-
quest Of the government that it ap-
point him a maior-general and ac-
cept his offer of 10000 fighting men.
the colonel will ask that little iati-
tude be allowed him in the enroll
ment Of his division. Instead Of the
usual grouping Of three hrigades Of
infantry with its cavalry and artil-
lery compliments, this division, it is
| reported, will consist of four bri-
/ gades, two of cavalry, one Of in
| fantry and one of field artillery.
| There will be the customary engi-
neer battalions and signal corps, and
a full quota Of the most modern ma
chine guns. High-powered armored
aeroplanes will be attached for ser
vice with the artillery.
It was learned that recruiting fol
this body OF troops had been going
along quietly for the last ten days
Many OF the Colonels former assistants
in military life have been apprised o
the scheme and have been working hare
towards its completion. The details %
the plan have all been worked out. i
was said, and if war is declared Colone
Roosevelt will give the country a dem
onstration of quiclSness N organization
and equipment of soldiers for field ser
vice
For the last few weeks his mail lit
orally has been flooded, it is asserted
with applications from men who wan
TO 60 10 war under his command. Man,
of them have been single application
only. but there have been also mann
from persons representing organiza
tions of ex-guardsmen, Spanish Wa
veterans, rifle and riding clubs
II IS declared that horses for th
/ mounted men are even now listed an
can be secured by telegraph message.
Draft horses have been promised by con
tractors for artillery and the heav
work. Motor vehicles, autos and trucl<i
it is said. have been generously Offered
The officers Of this prospective divi
sion will come, in the main, from th
regular army. The four brigade
generals and every one Of the - o
Is colonels. II is stated positively
will be veterans now in the activ
service of the United States In fac
the plan as It stands Is said TO hay
d the Endorsement of the highest officer
It in the army.
The headquarters Of the division
4 is believed here, will be sOmewher
$ in Texas where the Rough Rider
= prepared for service There vii
p probably be q recruiting depot in thi
8 city, as we'll as in others. when tn
e enrolment starts. although In
b nucleus Of the force. II is understood
% has been notified and Is now alread
p TO proceed wherever the Colonel ma.
y direct.
e The enlisted personnel of the di
e vision, it is said, will be much tn
same as that of the Rough Riders
- The soldiers will he recruited chief,
Z from the Southwest and the Wesi
and there will be a number OF youn
@ men from the Eastern States. In fact
4 the call will be sent forth as II wa
1 when Roosevelt and Wood organize
4 the Rough Riders in 1S9S-"We wan
4 men who can ride, shoot take car
4 Of themselves and their horses i
: the field"
The aeroplanes with Roosevelt
command, It Is reported, will be high
powered machines capable Of attain
ing the maximum speed.