New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-17
Preparedness Measure to
Prevent Confusion, Says
War Department
Call Not Coming Soon
Instructions Not To Be Con-
strued as Warlike Step,
Officials Assert

Washington, March 16.-In prepare
ton for any demand upon the army
that may grow out of the German
crisis. the Militia Bureau Of the War
Department has sent instructions to
all state adjutants general outlining
the plan to be followed in the event OF
the calling out of the National Guard
for Federal service.
The intention had been 70 take this
step without publicity. Reports, how
over. from various points indicating
that it was being construed as mean
iLR that mobilization was imminent.
caused department officials TO announce
the instructions with the explanation
that they constituted purely a routine
measure of preparedness, necessary TO
prevent, il call should come, such
confusion as attended the assembling
of guardsmen for border service.
In this connection it WAS pointed out
that the government was going 10 con-
siderable expense TO demobillze regi-
ments returning from the border and
which would be held in the Federal
service if another demand for their
services were expected Immediately.
Avoiding Appearance OF War Move
1t was reiterated that the policy Of
the Administration in the present
status OF the crisis was to make no
move that could be construed as a war
like step. This policy is understood TO
be the reason that mobilization Of the
navy has not been ordered. Many navy
officials have favored that step, but IT
has not been approved by the Admin
istration.
The circular Of instructions advises
the adjutants general specifically OF the
National Guard organizations in each
state which would be summoned in case
Of a call Mobilization under the plan
outlined would be conducted by the
regular army departmental command
ers. who would be authorized to dcslg-
nate sites for mobilization camps other
than those formerly used. If necessary,
and TO make provision for shelter, re-
cruitment and the formation OF the
recruit training battalions in the
eventuality Of war"
"No units except those designated IN
the list sen to each state would be
accepted, and each unit taken into the
Federal service would be required to
have the full maximum authorized at
war strength, as prescribed by the ma
tional defence act. Az the time of the
border mobilization about 10000 men
were held under the old Dick bill pro-
visions, classified as members Of the
organized militia, not of the National
Guard.
To Get Credit for Time Served
Tndividuals who are members of the
organized militia" the circular says,
land who take the prescribed oath.
will be accepted and given proper credit
for the time served in their existing
enlistment contract in the organized
militia"
Provision also is made for taking
into the Federal service a certain pro-
portion of the state administrative
staff Of the National Guard of each
state 10 handle administrative ques-
tons as TO recruiting. organization and
supply. This was not done at the
previous mobilization. Complete Fed
eral control of all recruiting and other
activities of TIE Guard is now con-
templated.
Divisional or brigade commanders OF
the Guard and their staff officers Will
be taken in as was done before. II is
provided, however, that each command
or Of such higher unit or of any unat-
tached brigade, regiment or company,
shall report by telegraph to the de
partmental commander on receipt oil
the call, and await orders. The number
Of officers and enlisted men in each
organization will be telegraphed to de
partment headquarters. accompanied
by reports of all government property
then in possession OF the Guard regi-
ments.
The plan also provides for the i'm
mediate calling out of the National
Guard reserve, both commission and
enlisted, the latter going at once back
to their regiments. Reserve officers
would be assigned TO duty as needed
By the departmental commander.