Evening star., 1918-01-27
ARE EL|G|b[EF FOR
new D. c. GUARDS
Draft Classes | and 2 May
Enlist for Home
Defense.
MEN 1s TO As WANTED

Men of the District of Columbia
placed in classes 1 and in the selec-
tive draft by their local exemption
boards may. now be enlisted IN the
new National Guard, according to an
announcement sent out yesterday py
Brig. Gen. Richard D. Simms. COM
mander of the new District unit.
The announcement, the first formal
call by the new commanding omcer'
states that men of class 3 will De
expected to enroll and attend drills as
directed by the commanding omcer
pending action by the War Department
permitting special enlistments for the
period of the war. Men in class D. pre-
sumably placed in that class on ac-
count of dependents. will be expected
to do only home guard duty.
Will Be Thoroughly Trained.
Those who enroll in the new unit
whose names are in class l IN tne Sc
lectiye draft, will receive thorough
course of preliminary training, In order
to fit them for non-comm1ssloned ON
cerships when they are called LOT .ne
National Army and to supply them VIII
the proper technical training to take
command Oh d SQudu VI ihSAA -
struct them in rudimentary military
training.
issued yesterday follows:
urgent necessity demands the I'M.
mediate formation of a National Guare
for the nations capital, to be composed
mainly of citizens who are in civil en-
ploy, but who will volunteer their serV'
ices and undergo training in an or
ganization that may be ready and car
hi a M
efficient military service in the even
of any emergency arising.
Patriotic Duty Of Able-Bodied Men
"It is considered the patriotic duty OF
all able bodied men, who for good ane
sufficient reasons cannot be in the active
military service of our country. to fl
themselves to give such service. If need
ed, in org nizations created for home
defense purposes.
"1.Jout 900 men of oNr city have gont
to the fighting forces.
ITO those who cannot go into active
service is left the honorable duty oi
aiding in protecting the national CAPT
tai. the lives and property of its citi
zens, the government establishments Of
great Importance and large business In
stitutions, which must be safeguarded IL
every possible manner.
Those who have gone have gone tt
fight.
For Those Who Stay at Home.
'"rhose who stay at home must work
and must be prepared to fight also. II
their services are needed.
The rifle clubs of the District are
being called upon to furnish military
units wherever practicable.
''It is desired to encourage enlist
ments in the bureaus of the executive
departments of the government and II
large business houses If possible, ane
in such manner as not to conflict will
civil employment. Drills to be con
Quoted in the evenings. or outside
usual office hours.
Experienced men will be designated
as far as possible as officers Where al
Individual, however. is possessed o
such qualifications and business ex
periences as to fit him for position o
command, due consideration will b.
given such qualifications and will hav'
weight in the selection of officers.
Assemblies for drill by differen
units will take place every evening
except Sunday. at the National Guart
Armory, 472 l. street northwest.
Na,, Ero,,, 10 RI dS Wan+ad