Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-09-07
HOUSE DE[AYSP
FOR D. C.'S GUARD
New Military Organization
During War Has Presi-
dents Approval.

Is the District to have a National
Guard during the war?
This question is being asked by
officials of the local government as a
result of apparent apathy in Con-
gress concerning the matter.
The Senate has passed a bill pro-
viding for enlistments in the District
National Guard for the period of the
war, and the House committee on
military affairs has reported favor
ably on the measure. At this point.
to all appearances, the legislative
wheels have ceased to grind.
1t had been expected that. immedi-
ately following the congressional re-
cess. the bill would be passed by the
House and sent to the Senate for final
ratification. as the House committee
not change 1t in any material respect,
This has not been done, however. and
there is no indication as to when ac-
ton may be expected
President Approves.
President Wilson in interested in the
proposed legislation, having written to
Chairman Dent of the House military
affairs committee. under date OF June
10. as follows: ''Will you not pardon me
If express an interest in S. 1885? The
police force of the District are not ade-
ouate for more than the ordinary police
duties. and ! feel that it is perhaps a
matter of rather critical Importance that
a resident military force should be avail
able in the District
The District Commissioners also are
interested, and Commissioner Gardiner
has announced his intention of existing
as private in the guard, if the bill be-
comes law.
In approving the proposed legislation
the House committee, in its report, in
serted this language:
while not affecting the enlistment Of
such men as are able to volunteer for
the full period Of six years, nor the ap-
pointment to permanent commissions Of
officers qualified under the present law,
the proposed law will enable men who
are employed in government departments.
or who are engaged in large business
affairs or who have families to support
to enter the National Guard of the
District for the period Of the war. I'M
derso military training, and hold them
se.ves in readiness to respond to a call
in an emergency for the protection of
the city of Washington or of any i'm
portant points in nearby territory"
Gen. Simms' Plans,
Anticipating favorable action on the
Simms. commanding the District
Guard. practically has completed ar
engagements for recruiting the organ
iZation to it's former normal strength
of 5000. Many applications for en-
listment have been received, and this
enrolment Is believed to be possible,
If Congress enacts the bill.
The present organization command
ed by Gen. Simms has more than $50
men enlisted under the regular Ma
tional Guard contract. these men
being eligible for service anywhere.
Drills are held regularly at the 1.
street armory, and have been Of tre-
mendous assistance to selective serv-
ice men, who have taken this train
ing prior to being called into the Ma
tional Army.
If the organization is expanded for
the period of the war. as proposed, it
will provide an opportunity for mill
tary service at home for men of ma
ture years who would not be accepted
for foreign service.