Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-29
RIVALRY HOLDS UP
DEFENSE LEAGUERS
Work of Tenth Precinct Unit
Delayed by Jealousy Over
Selection of Captain.
BLAME FOR ASSOCIATIONS

Some of the difficulties the Home
Defense League has experienced in or
ganizing Unexpectedly came to light
last night at meeting of the Mount
Pleasant Citizens Association when Of
ncers OF the league defended it against
criticism OF alleged dilatory procedure
IN forming the tenth precinct. unit
This association is in the tenth pre-
cinct, the last to be organized, and it
held special meeting in the Powell
school in Hiatt place last night to give
impetus to the carrying out of the DO
lice auxiliary plans.
William Henry White. former assist
ant corporation counsel of the District
sa1d IT had been three months since the
nome DEFENSE League was started; that
the tenth precinct unit had not yet
held meeting and that he would like
delay.
Accuses Associations.
Instantly Lieut.. George Markward Of
the tenth unit was on his feet with the
retort that the citizens associations
themselves were to blame. He stated
that considerable jealousy had devel-
oped among certain of the associations
as to the appointment of a captain,
which had threatened to become so
serious that 1t was found necessary to
take time to select an official who
would be acceptable to all factions
Odell S. Smith. deputy director of the
league. answered Mr.. Whites criticism
also. He said that there were fourteen
a associations In the territory covered by
them had their feelings hurt over pros
pective appointments for captain. it be-
came necessary to proceed cautiously in
oroer 10 work out an arrangement that
would be satisfactory to every one.
After listening to these explanations,
reiterated hal Of
delay was absolutely inexcusable" He
expressed satisfaction. however. that
the organization Of the tenth precinct
was actively in progress and pledged
his cooperation.
To March to High School.
George Pitt, civilian captain of the
tenth precinct: Capt: Judge of the met
force. assigned to that pre-
cinct: Odell Smith and Lieut.. Nfarkward
spoke at length on the work to be done
by the defense league. 1t was decided
that members living in the territory
covered by the Mount Pleasant Associa-
ton. known as division No. OF precinct
10. should meet at the Powell Schoo. We'd
nesday evening, when they will march in
body to the Central High School.
where the first full meeting Of the tenth
precinct unit Is to be held. Many of
those attending last nights meeting in
dicated that they desired to become act
i've members Of the police second line
OF defense. and it is expected that
large company will assemble Wednes-
day night for the march to Central
High School.
In addition to considering defense
league questions. the association also
last night gave consideration to the ad-
Of establishing a community
center and electlng community center
secretary. President Caldwell was au
thorized to appoint a special commit
tee. which will take the matter up with
the board of education and the Column
bia Heights Citizens Association These
two associations will be a part of the
same center and will operate under the
same secretary. according to the plans
in contemplation.