Evening star., 1924-06-12
D. c. NATIONAL GUARD
TROOPS BREAK CAMP
Troop Trains Leaving for Home
After Inspection of Men and
Equipment.
ASSEMBLY FOR OFFICERS
Stephan Tells Them Work Has
Been Model for Nation.
Ry 8 STAN Correspondent.

Ry STAN Correspondent.
HEADQUARTERS e9th NATION
AL GUARD DIVISION, VIRGINIA
BEACH, Va, June 12.-EXacu
alton of the troops here began today
for Washington and points in vir-
Ginia and Maryland. the geographical
divisions which contained the 29th
Division, after Maj. Gen. Anton Ste
phan, commanding the outfit. had as
Sembled the officers. and in an in
spring address in the Y. NJ. c. A. hut
impressed upon them the Importance
of the work they had been doing
while here and the necessity for going
back to their organizations and bring
ing them up to the highest state of
military efficiency.
This IS the first mobilization of any
of the National Guard divisions In the
country, although others have been
trying to get together" Gen. Stephan
said 1T is the first division to be
assigned definite work of defense
in its home territory in the general
scheme for national protection. The
work you have been doing here is
Just what will be expected of you in
the event OF an impending national
invasion under the gathering clouds
of war.
May Prevent War
ats Importance" Gen. Stephan con-
tinued. cannot be overestimated.
The War Department and the COM
manders of the other divisions of the
country now have their eyes focused
on the work which this division is
doing in what will be its theater of
operation in time of war. Other ma
tions also have their eyes on such
work is heing done here, and di-
visional mobilization of the militia
man power of the United States, well
trained and equipped, will act more
than anything else as war deter
rent.
This camp has Brought together
the officers and some Of the men from
all parts of three states and from
the District of Columbia; brought to-
gether men who will fight together
on the same line should it ever be-
come necessary, and the spirit of CO.
operation and DECENTRALIZATION that
has prevailed the wholeheartedness
your work. deserves the very highest
commendation.
Should Keep Troops Ready.
When you go back to your organi-
cations, I want to admoniSh you to
keep them up 100 per cent, both in
personnel and in the field equipment
for that personnel. Keep them ready
to take the field on the shortest
notice"
Gen. Stephan pointed out that the
corps OF Regular Army inspeCtor-in-
structors had done commendable work
and he spoke most highly of the CO.
operative interest shown. He compli-
mented these officers through Lieut..
Col Townsend. attached to the Mary
land National Guard. senior instruc-
tor here, for the work done by them
throughout the four-day period of the
camp.
The efficiency of the division as. an
organization has been increased ma
terialiy by this first mobilization, and
ii is the belief that when the reports
reach the War Department and IL is
shown what the 29th Division has
done, that the other divisions of the
country will be required to take it as
q pattern.
Have Lenrned Much.
Many things which will improve
tho national defense in general, and
this sector in particular, have been
learned by the troops while operating
in this camp of intensive instruction.
When the officers OF the 121st Regi-
ment of Engineers. National Guard
of the District of Columbia, Col. John
W. Oehmann, commanding. returns to
Washington, Gen. Stephan is expected