New-York tribune., 1919-01-27
State Militia To
BE Reorganized
On Larger Scale
Gen. O'Ryan May Command;
His Units To Be Perpetu-
ated in New Organization
Berry Drawing Up Plans
Draft Division To Be Includ.
ed; Troops to Retain Des-
ignations Used in France

With the return of the soldiers from
New York State the militia is to be
completely reorganized. Brigadier
General Charles White Berry, the Ad-
jutant General, who assumed office two
weeks ago, is working out the details of
the organization.
The Tribune learned yesterday that
Major General O'Ryan's plea for the
perpetuation Of the units of his divi-
sion that have achieved such distinc-
ton overseas will not go unheeded 1t
is most probable that General Organ
will be given command of the armed
forces of the state. His instructions
VIII be to create new National Guard
organization. Then it is planned to
offer the state troops to the Federal
government on a basis similar to that
of the old National Guard, which was
abolished on August 5, 1917
Units of the old National Guard will
probably retain the designations under
which they served in France. For in
stance, the historic 7th will lose
It's identity as the 9TH and be per
petuated as the l07th. The present
18th Regiment. a purely state organi-
zation, viii be permitted to continue
as q militia body.
Perpctuate Draft Division
The Adjutant Generals plan cen
templates also the perpetuation of the
nth Division, the draft organization
that had its training at Camp Upton
under Major General J. Franklin Bell,
who died recently while serving as
commanding general of the Eastern
Department.
Among the former National Guards
men there has been growing feeling
of resentment over the occupany CT
their armcries by state troops. It. was
reported that one commanding officer
intended to march his men into the
old armory and take possession fore
IDLY, If necessary.
the old National Guard law was pro
tected IN MS Office by . sc9tutcry pro
vision that designated two methods of
release from service and expressly Y pro-
hibited any other methods. Officers
of the old National Guard could be
removed by two-thirds vote Of the
Senate or by court martial.
It is contended by students Of the
military code that the wording of the
Federal draft law conhicted with a
state right, and that the former Ma
tional Guard officers are entitled to
their state commissions
Eager to Give Up Their Places
The situation with the returning
4
one brigade commander, General
George r. Dyer, made a canvass of his
officers to determine what their atti
tude would be toward the returning
guardsmen. Uc found large ma jority
Of them carer to give up their places to
the returning men. Brgadier General
Robb. commanding the I'd Brigade, is
on record as expressing his cagerness
to give up his place TO a man that has
seen Federal service.
Under the terms of one of the plans
being considered by AdJutant General
Berry, it will not he necessary for
any member of the New York Guard
30 give up his commission. 1t is held
by the supporters of this plan that
war condition for which the National
Guard would be created would find
Just as urgent q need for the State
Guard.
If this plan is adopted it will mean
that two complete divisions of troops
for Federal service will be maintained
by the state, in addition to the militia.
Whether the men or the nth Divi-
sion would consent to the plan is not
known. But an opportunity will be
given them to pcrpetuatc their organi-
zatlOn.
Movement for Old Status
1t is not known just what the attitude
of the War Department would be tow
l. ..--4 1 !. ~. n -. y