Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-01-26

! 1922 as follows: On June 80, 1918 the
strength required is 2400 men, on June
so, 1912 5000 men, on June 80. 1920,
$500 men, on June 80 1921, 1900 men
until the maximum strength is reached
June 80 1922, 1900 men.
while there is crying need of arm
cries in many places in the state it is
evident that all cannot be relieved
during the present year. This commits
sion in cost considering this matter
decided that the city of Lewiston
should first be supplied on account of
being the second city of size in the
state, that the needs of the city of
Bangor along the same lines then be
cared for with other localities in the
state to receive subsequent attention.
The policy Of state built armories is
now the practice of many of the states
in the Union and is working out we'll
OF the New England states such a pol
icy has been adopted by Massachu-
sets. Connecticut, Rhode Island and
the latest addition to the list is Yer
mont.
''In determining the kind of build
ing which this commission would rec
ommend for erection in the city of
Lewiston plans of similar structures
were studied which have been con-
structed in Ohio. Pennsylvania. Wash
ington, New York and Massachusetts,.
The tentative sketch adopted for rec
concentration and prepared by II. S.
CoombS of Lewiston. architect called
fro two story building with suitable
lockers, storage and assembly rooms
together with a Commodious drill hall
The building as contemplated prac-
tically fills the entire lot offered by the
city of Lewiston. The entrance on the
first floor opens into a lobby from
which open rooms for officers, quar-
termasters also reading and reception
rooms. From a corridor in the rear of
the lobby, entrance is had to the lock-
err rooms on either side and at the end
is reached the big drill hall 75x1OO feet
in size. Each side of the building is
arranged as duplicate of the other to
house in substantially the same way
both of the companies it is planned
will occupy the structure. There is
ample room for guns and equipment
even when the companies are raised
to full war strength. On the second
floor there are officers quarters. rooms
for the non commissioned officers and
company rooms together with card and
reading rooms and ample toilet facil-
lities. A gallery at one end of the
/ drill hall gives view of the entire
floor. In the basement in addition to
the boiler and bunker rooms are kitch-
ems, dining room, storage quarters, rifle
range and bowling alley. Provision is
also made for the base for the big
gun or mortar which would be installed
by the Federal government. The total
estimated cost is $4,000.
BY installing government equipment
the same as is now used by the soldiers
in the regular establishment, soldiers
Of the National Guard will receive
practical instructions. In the Coast
Artillery Corps it is necessary that the
men receive technical training in
high degree. Not only must they be
fully conversant of the theory of their
craft but also they must have practical
knowledge. This latter is secured only
by actually accomplishing the things
taught, if such an armory We're created
at Lewiston the Federal authorities
would install a mortar with the accom-
pansing plotting boards and electrical
equipment. The members of the com
pany would become fully and thor
oughly familiar with the use of these, :!
not only in theory but in practice In
case of call to service the compan MES
would be in readiness to be removed
at once TO coast defense work and