Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-07-17
IBy Associated Press.l

: WASHINGTON, July 16.-Mobiliza-
ton of the National Guard for war
service began to-day While no orders
for embarkation OF State troops for
France will be given until after Au-
gust S. when the entire force will be
formally drafted into the United States
army, there are indications that some
divisions will be regarded as ready to
board transports soon after that date.
The first clause OF President Will
sons proclamation providing for the
liberalization of the National Guard
for the war became effective yesterday.
Under il. all guard units from New
York. Pennsylvania. Ohio, West Vir-
ginia. Michigan. Wisconsin. Minnesota,
Iowa, North and South Dakota and Ne
braska. went on the Federal pay roll
from that date.
ACTUAL CONCENTRATIONS
OF TROOPS UNDER WAY
Actual concentration OF troops in
their home armories or State camps
began to-day approximately one-half
of the total strength of the National
Guard. or more than l25.oO0 men, is in
cluded in the force assembling.
The first step in their preparation has
been TO send to the armories additional
clothing for their trip to the divisional
training camps. Full campaign equip
mcnt will he issued at the big camps.
reducing the amount OF materials 10
be transported with the troops. Sup
plies for the divisions are being con-
centrated in the depots established in
the South to feed the guard units
Rapid progress is being made in
relieving guard regiments which have
been in the Federal service since the
declaration Of war guarding property.
This work Will be taken over largely
by civilian watchmen. and many States
already have built UP the guarding ma
chinery. Department comma ndcrs have
been authorized to abandon the guard
ing of any point where they believe
1t unnecessary to employ soldiers. They
VIII mold such troops. however, as they
deem necessary for protection of Ger.
tain big munition works and other
property. vital TO the conduct of the
war.
DIVISIONS WILL BE SENT
TO CAMPS SELECTED
The next step in the general mobili-
cation Will be the ordering of divisions
10 the camp sites already selected for
them a full supply of tentaEe ia
available department reports show, and
the divisions will cntrain as rapidly
as the commanders OF the departments
from which they come and Of those
in which their camps are located agree
as TO dates
The most serious shortage OF war
equipment for the guard is In the ar.
tiiiery For training purposes, the big
gun regiments undoubtedly will con-
tinue to use their present equipment.
supplemented by such additional ord.
nance as the regular service can spar.
II IS regarded as practically certain
however. that if the guard divisions are
sent TO France at an early date, they
VIII be equipped with French artillery
on their arrival there. Presumably
their first war work will be with the
famous French "75's."
Departure OF the guardsmen fo,
! France. 1t was indicated TODAY will
DC governed by the shipping problem
war Department officials regard MANY
divisions OF the State troops as yir.
tuaily ready for the intensive training
behind the hGhting line in France
There is no reason why some element,
could not go forward at once, excen,
lack OF transportation and the suh.
| arine menace