The Delta independent., 1921-03-25
DELTA DESIGNATED y y ocArIon
OF INFANTRY ohuANiZATloN


Delta will soon be back on the mill
tary map of Colorado with another
khaki-clad company of infantry.
When enough men have signed up
tn give the company federal recogni-
tion the building of a new armory,
with all necessary equipment, will
take place.
The Adjutant-General Of Colorado
has selected Delta as the location for
one of the Western Slope infantry
organizations and for participation IN
the armory appropriation made by the
legislature during the past few days.
The new armory is to have swim
ming pool for use Of members. gym
nasium, with billiard and pool table,
and an indoor rifle range for sub
caliber rifle practice. The new COM
pany will be part Of Western
Slope battalion.
It is also contemplated to estab-
lish the battalion headquarters in
Delta. which WILL mean the Battalion
Commander and his staff to be To-
Gated here.
Major Theron d. Harris. OF the
Supply Department, was in Delta last
week representing the Adjutant Gen.
erals office. and. after a three day
conference with the leading military
spirits OF Delta County. the organiza-
ton. with the new armory. was de-
cided upon. The company viii be
made up of two platoons. one at Del
Ia. the other at Paonia. where sub
armory will be provided for.
Sixty five men are required. and.
II is reported that between Delta and
Paonia over thirty have already
signed up. Many OF the ex-service
men are with the movement. The
law provides that Post OF the Amer
lean Legion in a town or city where
an armory is located. the Post shall
have the free use OF the armory as
a place OF meeting, and this will mean
much to Harry A. White Post. No.
65. Of Delta.
When We recall that the former mil
itary organization under the command
Of Captain John r. Charlesworth gave
Delta a proud place in the army dur
ing the world war. the value OF the
new organisation to Delta cannot be
overestimatcd. Out Of the old com.
pany sevsntesn men were given COM
missions IN the ovseseas army. and
this was because OF their practical
military experience through instrue-
ton. It also means that in the event
OF a future war in which the United
States may be involved, members Of
the new organization will be on The
ground floor. as II constitutes n part
OF the second line Of defense and will
be called into service before the draft
Is resorted to.
All the men get pay direct from the
federal government. A private re-
ceives rs much as $500 year. paid
semi-annually. and privates first class.
corporaIs. sergeants. and the commits
stoned officers are paid a higher sum
in proportion to their grade and rank.
The Western Slope battalion will
consist OF three rifle companies and
one machine gun company. The latter
will be stationed at Montrose. The
rifle companies will be located one
At Delta, Grand Junction. and either
Glenwood Springs or Alamosa. II is
rumored that Major John r. Charles.
worth will be appointed the battalion
commander
The former objections to enlistment
in the National Guard. SO far as Colo.
rado is concerned. have been elimin.
ated by the organization Of the State
Rangers. The one objection OF duty
during strikes has been removed as
the Rangers were specially organized
for that service. Young men who ap-
preciate the great value OF a military
training need not now hesitate to
Join hands with the movement.
Business Men OF Delta are asked
TO aid In the organization OF the new
company. by securing at least ond en-.
listment, in the common interest OF
Delta and Delta people. It means a
new building at n cost OF $4,000 and
II also means at least an annual pay
roll coming to Delta from Uncle Sam
Of about $4,000. 1t means n club room
for our young men, with privileges
not heretofore enjoyed There should
be no lack Of interest. Let us all get
together and give combined pull for
the new infantry company.