The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-05-19
NO THIRD REGIMENT.
IMPOSSIBLE TO
MEET REQUIREMENTS OF
FEDERAL WAR DE.
PARTNIENT.
GOV. Manning Announces Conditions
Set Forth i'm Letter Received From
Militia Bureau.

Guard of South Carolina will be
raised. This decision was reached to-
day by Governor Manning after he
had considered the entire problem in
conference with military officials of
the State and other officers, in whose
Judgment he has great confidence.
The conference was the result of
cent letter from the chief of
Militia Bureau in Washington, which
gave in detail the requirements of
he formation of new units, and
which set forth conditions that. in
the unanimous opinion Of the confer
ees. are practically impossible for this
State to meet.
While the Militia Bureau gives the
;hief executive his discretion in or
ganizing new units it's attitude is dis
tinctly discouraging. The war de-
Dartment believes that troops can be
organized as purely federal forces
more expeditiously and with greater
efficiency in accordance with the plan
proposed by the president"
II have had under consideration for
'ome time the organization of q third
egiment of infantry and three addi-
cional troops Of cavalry" said Gov
arnor Manning today. "It was my de-
sire to organize them i'm order to al
ow those who volunteer or who are
called into the service to serve in
tate organizations under their own
officers. I had postponed final decis-
on until I could be fully advised by
he war department of the conditions
Which would be imposed. These con-
litions, recently received force me to
he conclusion that it will be imprac-
ical, if not impossible, to meet the
'equirements.
THE third regiment cannot be or
,anized now, as under the ruling Of
he war department existing units in
he National Guard must be brought
% maximum war strength and other
important conditions complied with
before any additional units can be
'aised. I will, however, keep in close
ouch with the situation. In case
.nything transpires that would mate
tally change the situation and make
to the advantage of South Carolina
have third regiment I will hold
myself in position TO take advantage
If it.
Some of the requirements set forth
n the letter from Brig. Gen. Mann,
lated May 5, are:
A States organization existing as
organized militia or National Guard
IN April 6, 1916, or recognized as such
since that date, must first be raised
full war strength.
Suitable armories and facilities
or the care of equipment must be
provided for all new organizations.
The members of new organiza-
lions shall be so located that the ne
'essary drills and instructions NAV he
lad.
There must be some prospect of
>ermanency of organization.
The war strength required for
inits of the regular army will be re.
luired for federal recognition.
Considerable time must elapse
between the recognition of n new
init and its equipment for entry into
'ederal service. The men compos-
ng these units cannot be clothed. ra-
noned and and sheltered at federal
expense until they enter the federal
service.
The State authorities should
make requisition for arms, equipment
md clothing for the new orpaniza
lions contained herein. AS these SUD-
pies become available they will be
w tuC suites us prom ntlv
is possible. The extraordinary de.
mands upon the government at this
time must necessarily give rise to un-
avoidable delays.
Bodies of men cannot he accent.
ed into federal service and sent TO
camps without adeuuate
provisions for sheltering. snbsisting
ana training them. No definite an
houncement can be made of the ex-
act time that will elapse between fed
eral recognition and call or draft |
INTO federal service, nor is il possible |
10 announce with any degree of accu-
racy approximately what this time
will be-
From the above quotations." said