Evening star., 1927-03-13
District Armory Needed.


The plans of special committee on
military and naval affairs of the
washington Board of Trade to secure
the old Pension Office Building In
judiciary Square for a District Ma.
tienal Guard armory when the forces
of the controller general. now occupy
ing that historic building, are better
housed In a new building OF their own
IN the Mall triangle. again focus at
tention on the very real need In the
Nations Capital for a fitting armory.
Such an armory would be a monu-
rnent to the supreme sacrifice paid by
thousands of District citizen soldiers
In all the Nations wars in the last
175 years, would be an inspiring
memorial to the heroic war record OF
these yet living, training center for
our youth who are being trained
against the day they may be called
upon TO stand In the Nations defense.
II would be visual evidence OF the
pride the people of the National Capt.
tai feel in the valiant forces from
civil life who have borne arms in the
hour OF the Nations need.
II should be a national headquarters
where members of the militia from
every State in the Union could meet
with comrades in arms when they
visit the seat of the Government that
calls them to arms. II should be of a
character to inspire patriotism and
pride in our Government and institu.
tions-in fact, a national monument
IN the Nations Capital.
what have we now Our volunteer
aoldiers from business and profes-
Wional life, who give their own free
time after business and ONCE hours
for military training, under one of the
outstanding capable leaders in the
World War, are quartered in dormi-
tories hastily thrown UP during the
war congestion to house woman work
ers in Government offices. and which
are about to be torn down to make
room for extension and Identification
Of the Capitol grounds.
In the Civil War the District of Co.
iunbia sent 1854 men TO the front, a
number about four.fifths greater than
its share. In the Spanish War the
District sent a number about one
fourth greater than its proper quota.
In the World War the District sup
Piled to the Army. Navy and Marine
Corps more than 1900 men, num-
ber larger than any one OF seven of
the States and only trifie less than
three other States. The proportion of
volunteer enlistments in the District
was greater than that Of every other
state, save Ave, and more than one
third greater than the percentage for
the country as whole.
The citizen soldiers of the District
Of Columbia, therefore, have a just
claim upon the Government for de.
cent home, especially since that home
is TO be used primarily and principally
TO keep the local militia units fit for
service in the Nations defense and at
the Nations command.
THE District ofYicials. under the
leadership of Engineer Commissioners
Bell are thoroughly aware of the need.
The business and civic leaders have al
ready and repeatedly declared their
support Of efforts for decent District
armory. The Public Buildings Com
mission and the committees of Con-
gress are in entire sympathy with the
proposal for an armory. It will be
given careful consideration in the
drafting of an adequate and compre.
hsnsive program of properly housing
and co-ordinatlng all District activi-
ties. which the Commissioners have
been asked 10 have ready for Con.
sTess when the new Congress meets
In December.
The District National Guard should
have new arnory, built especially
for 1t. adapted to its particular needs.
ard not be assigned in a makeshift
way to any building that happens to
be left vacant.