The Washington times., 1918-01-17
S|MMS WILL
COMMAND THE
REORGANIzED
D. c. GUARDS
BY BILL PRICE.

Col. r. Douglas Simms, for years
associated with the National Guard Of
this city, retired some time ago with
the rank Of colonel, has received neti-
flcation from the War Department
that he will In a few days receive a
commission as brigadier general of
the National Guard OF the District.
President Wilson has approved the
recommendation by the War Depart
ment that Colonel Slmms be commits
stoned brigadier general, All with the
notice he has received, the new brig
adler general will assume charge of
National Guard affairs in the District
without loss Of time. taking rank over
Major Dapray, u. S. A. retired, who
has been actoing adjutSnt general
since General Harvey was called into
the Federal service with the units OF
the local guard.
Selection Already Forecast.
Colonel Sims selection has already
been forecast in The Times. Repre-
sentatives Of the trade bodies OF the
District. Major z. Lester Jones, OF
the District National Guard, and
other well-wishers OF the orgsniza-
ton, had q conference last week
signed a petition to the War Depart.
ment to have Colonel Simms commits
stoned.
The object Of the appointment Is to
further efforts to create a new MT.
tional guard in the District. These
efforts have been in progress under
Mapor Dapray, and are said to have
made some Roadway. Material for
two coIored companies and oneNwhite
is already pledged to the new organi-
cation, it is said.
VIII Have Hearty Support.
Colonel SiInms will have the active
support OF trade bodies and other I'm
fIuences in Washington DESTROYS Of
having a good national guard organf
zation here that can be used for the
protection OF Washington. To bring
this about plans are on foot for going
TO Congress for such legislation as
will be helpful The plans have not
been fully matured, but Colonel Sims
will have early conferences to de-
termine the steps.
Consideration has been given to ask
Congress to permit the organization
of one regiment OF white men and
one battalion of colored, to be com
posed of men from eighteen to fifty
years of age. At least one unit may
be made up OF men in the draft ago
who are willing to be called into
active service at any time, but the
regiment in the main will be com
posed OF men who volunteer with the
understanding that they are to be
called out only for the protection of
Washington and environs, not to be
sent to the scene of war.
Business men wish q live organiza-
tion, and the opinion is held that the
new national guard will be quickly
formed of men now in the home
guard and OF those who have seen
military service in the past not sub
3ect to call into active service.
Has Distinctive Record.
Colonel Sims has served with dis.
tinction in the infantry, cavalry and
field artillery Of the District National
Guard, holding rank from private to
colonel
During the spanish-American war
he was captain OF the First District
of Columbia Infantry on special de-
tail at Tampa, Fla He also served
as chief quartermaster for the bril-
Eade and at the time troops were
mustered out was quartermaster OF
the second vision OF the Fourth Army
Corps.
His total experience in the District
National Guard covers twenty-five
Years, in which he served as private.
corporal and sergeant OF cavalry
end artillery, first lieutenant. major
and colonel OF infantry. The only