The Washington herald., 1917-03-27
MAY SOON CALL
ENTIRE MILITIA
Guardsmen to Watch Water
Supply, Bridges and Cow
ernment Buildings.

The First Separate Battalion, District
National Guard, was last night nobtlized
at the three armories In this city, the
men to be quartered there until designst-
ed to duty, orders for which are ex-
pected today from the headquarters Of
the Eastern Department at Governors
Island, New York.
Companies and B were Quartered at
the L. street armory. Company c at the
battalion's armory at Twelfth and u
Streets and Company d at the battery
armory in First street.
Brig. Gen. William z. Harvey. in COM
mand OF the local militia, and Maj.
James E. Walker. commanding the First
Separate Battalion, had a busy night
whipping the men into shape and look
Ing over the ground where the militia
men will likely be stationed for guarG
duty.
With the exception OF a commiSsarv
department the armories were completely
equipped to take care OF the men. Each
man was furnished with a comfortable
cot and their new home otherwise made
attractive. For the present the men are
receiving compensation from the govern
ment for their rations and are getting
their meals at places convenient TO their
armories.
May Soon BE FederaIIEed.
MAJ. Walker expects orders almost
hourly to place his men in actual service.
II was unofficially learned early this
morning that the militiamen will guard
washington's water supply. railway and
highway bridges in this vicinity and take
up the work of the guard of civilian
watchmen at the government buildings.
Troop B, Second United States Cav
airy, was last night called into action to
augment the men of Troop d, OF the cav
airy from Fort Myer, who have been
on guard along Conduit road. beneath
which is located the aqueduct bringing
the water TO this city from Great Falls.
Detachments OF these troopers were also
stationed at the Long Bridge and the
Highway Bridge.
Late yesterday afternoon the cavalry
men established q base at the District
line and sent out pxSrols in either direc-
ton
The infsntrymen Of the First Separate
Battalion will take the places OF these
regulars. It is understood, as soon as Off
cial orders are received.
All Other Guards frightened.
The military and civilian guards IN
and about Washington were every
where yesterday, as this country ap-
pears to be drawn more nearly to the
point where hostilities vii! be declared
The guard at the Navy Yard was
greatly increased last night, when a
company Of marines arrived there for
duty. A company OF marines were also
sent TO Indian Head. Nd. TO guard the
government powder plant located
Barracks was strengthened by the ar
rival Of another detachment or ma
rines. 1t could not be learned where
these marines came from.
The private guard at the steel plant
at Giesboro Point was more than tre-
bled last night Vulnerable points
everywhere in this locality were de-
or fanatics which may accompany a
decla ra tion OF war.
Commissioners Newman, Brownlow and
Kutz called at the War Department yes
terday and spent about Is minutes in con-
ference with Secretary Baker assuring
him Of their desire 10 cooperate 10 tn
fullest extent with the government in the
protection OF the National Capital.
Valuable service can be given in this
respect The Metropolitan police force
has about 500 well trained men. more than
Ealf Of whom have seen military service.
and from four to five hundred firemen
who could be counted on for first class
service under all conditions. Aside from
these men there are about $500 employees
in the District service who could be de-
pended on for service in an emergency.
Gen. Harvey UninfOrmed.
Gen. Harvey had no information last
night as TO the calling of other COM
panies Of his command. although there
appeared to be a general likelihood that
the entire unit would soon be asked out.
Aside from the Quartering OF the First
Separate Battalion. there was a general
hustle at the armories last night Regi-
mental Inspection was held at the L
Street Armory. Company G. in chsrge-oS
c, pt. Thomas FawCett. was inspected
and made a first-Class showing. Other
companies will be inspected on various
nights OF this week.
Hundreds of Guardsmcn gathered and
showed an easerness again to be called
for duty.
1t was announced at the War Depart
ment late last night that the total num-
her OF militia called out in the last forty
eight hours was 5000.