The Washington times., 1917-03-26

and that they were ready to perform
any duty required of them.
Mobilization of the battalion was a
simple task because of the recent bor-
der service. The soldiers, when
ordered to report at the armory,
donned uniforms and went to the
hall, where they reported to Lieut..
Arthur Newman, battalion adjutant.
Early arrivals were Immediately
detailed to visit the homes and places
of employment of other soldiers and
notify them. The result was that be-
fore noon practically the entire per
sonnel of the battalion, in uniform,
had reported.
Rifles Put In shape.
The soldiers Immediately oiled and
polished their rifles and removed COM
bat and field packs from lockers.
1t is probable the battalion will go
into camp, or perhaps several camps,
when orders for specific duty are re-
ceived. Major Walker said only one
company could be quartered at the
armory, which might make it neces-
sary to provide canvas quarters for
the other companies.
The battalion is composed of four
companies Vi " men II was
in service at Nogales and Naco, Ariz.,
last summer and fall 1t was the only
war strength organization either reg
ular or national guard, in the United
States. Each of the companies was
recruited up to maximum strength
of $50 men.
BY reason OF discharges because of
dependent relatives and expiration of
enlistments, the personnel has drop
ped to 396, but Major Walker believes
that with the organization again as
signed to service, the ranks will be
filled again.
The colored battalion has an excel
lent record and has been highly COM
plimented by regular army officers
who have inspected it.
Troop A On Notice.
Members of Troop A, Cavalry, Dis
trict National Guard, were today un-
officially told to be in readiness for
mounted service in Washington.
The troopers expressed eagerness
to "do their Bit" and to see service
beyond the confines of a concentra-
tion camp.
While at Camp Wilson, near San
Antonio, Tex, last fall. Troop 4 was
assigned to mounted police duty and
patrolled the 1,1OO-acre camp.
The command won high compi-
ments from Major General Funston
and Brig. Gen. Henry Greene, com
mander Of the Twelfth Provision di-
vision.
Their experience in mounted patrol
work, and the fact that they are
thoroughly seasoned and hardened to
outdoor life and long hours in the
saddle fit the troops to give a good
account of themselves IL ordered out
for duty.
Third Regiment Alert.
Bustle and activity were observed
at the L street armory, headquarters
of the Third Regiment, today, in an
ticipation OF orders to duty for the
twelve companies of infantry and the
machine gun company.
Ranking officers, who seldom visit
the ermory unless there is some
thing doing" were there today con-
ferring with Major J. c. Cashier, ad-
jutant of the command.
The telephone was constantly
ringing, officers and men in all parts
OF the city inquiring whether orders
for duty had been received.
dl lHe
were Major John c. Whitaker, chief
commissary officer of the District
National Guard; Capt. Louis Wilson,
paymaster, and Lieut.. II. Ralph Fehr,
Third Regiment ordnance officer
Capt. William Chase, commanding the
supply company, and other officers
kept in touch with headquarters by
telephone.
Capt. Horace P. Hobbs, U. S. A,
who mustered the District National
Guard into the Federal service last
summer, also was at the armory. He
said the First Separate Battalion and
all other District soldiers are already
in the Federal service and that only
formal muster, or calling of the
roll, would be necessary.
Major Harry Coop. adjutant gen.
ersl of the guard at Fort Myer last
summer, today returned from No
gales, Ariz., where he served eight
months as assistant adtutant of the