Evening star., 1928-06-10

buildings in the area between the Cap
ttol grounds and the Union Station Is
being considered in an effort to carry
out the plans for improvements, the
matter Of ousting the National Guard
from Its armory has again come Up.
However, 1t is believed that steps will
not be taken at this time. because OF
the fact that the buildings occupied by
the arnory have been so changed III
construction that it would be expensive
to again put them back in condition
again for use as Government hotels.
The plan was being considered. 1t was
said, of ousting the National Guard, ard
then removing the occupants OF tSe
buildings on B street to the buildings on
ID street, where the Guard Is located.
and thus releasing the southern end or
the proposed new parkway for improve
ment, including the placement OF
large garage for the use OF Senators
and Representatives.
Representatives Of the Office OF super
vising architect of the Capitol inspected
the buildings occupied by the Guard
several DAYS ago, and made some m
ouirieS as to when the Guard could get
out. They were told that the Guard
had no place to go. and that builc-
ing could not be found suitable for the
organization. The question then was
asked as TO what would happen If they
were told to get out, and the inspectors
were informed that the Attorney Gen
eral of the United States had rendered
an opinion that the Guard was such
Federal activity as TO require the Pub
lie Buildings Commission TO provide
home, and that such question was one
for the consideration of that body. It
also was pointed out that the matter
of inadequate armory facilities had been
brought to the attention of Congress
several times, but that 10 action was
taken, leaving the Guard still without
O permanent home.
It also was pointed out that the build
ing had been considerably changed since
the Guard had taken possession. All
OF the plumbing facilities in the inci-
vidual rooms had been removed. and
doors cut in the partitions. making the
rooms in many instances communicat-
ing. The opinion was expressed that
the cost of putting the structure back
in condition for Government hotel use
would be too expensive and there the
matter will rest for some time.
The board of inquiry appointed fol-
lowing the death of Pvt. Lake OF the
2eth Military Police Company at the
ermory to investigate the clrcum-
stances has not prepared its report.
The board. according to Lieut.. Col.
Peyton @. hewitt, its president, is await
ing the perfection of certain afhdavlts,
covering testimony already taken. and
as soon as these are in, 1t was SAID, the
whole matter will be considered and
formal report prepared for submission
to the commanding general
To- an aeFort 70 oncourooa uoarnhcrr
OF the Guard to maintain perfect at
tendance at drills and ceremonies dui-
ing their enlistments, consideration is
being given to a recommendation that
special medals be struck of for pres
entation each year to the men having
perfect drill attendance during the
prior period of one year. tentative
medal design which has been sub
mitted with the recommendation Is
sterling silver, with medallion hang
ing to a bar by a small chain. The
medal shows an infantryman standing
at port arms"
There is belief in some circles that
the provision of the medals woclc
serve to keep the men coming regularly
to the drills, but, on the other hand.
there is group Of officers who believe
that cash bonuses would serve more ~
attract the men than the medals.
Two officers Of the local Guard were
In the graduating class at the Engi-
neer School at Fort Humphreys, Va,
which concluded its course last week,
It was announced at brigade headquar-
ters The graduation exercises were
held on Wednesday and the two local
officers were First Lieut.. Hugh Everett,
jr., Company A. 12iSt Engineers, and
Second Lieut.. Joseph r. Fitzgerald OF
the Headquarters and Service Company.
i2lst Engineers.
Prizes were awarded last Tuesday
night By the 29th Division Headquar-
terS troops to the men who brought In
the most recruits during the three
months campaign Of this organization.
which had for its slogan, 80 recruits
BY May 30." Maj. Gen. Anton Ste
phan, commanding the local Guard,
presented the prizes at formation OF
the outfit In the courtyard at the ar
mory, during which, in brief address,
he praised the men for the work they
had done and the right spirit shown
during the entire campaign. He ex-
pressed the hope that other organiza-
tons Of the Guard would take up the
practice and bring their organizations
20 the full authorized strength.
Technical Sergt. John A. Edwards
was awarded first prize by bringing In
six recruits: Pvt. First Class George r.
Callahan. second prize, for three re-
crliits; Master Sergt. James M Lynch
third prize, for three recruits, and
Corpl Percy z. Pool fourth prize, for
three recruits. 1t might be explained
that higher credits were given those
men who brought IN recruits early in
the campaign.
Following the ceremonies the Head
quarters Detachment served q buffet
supper In the arnlory lobby. and had az
its other guests the officers and men Of
the 29th Military Police Company, the
drill night Of which has just been
changed from Wednesday TO Tuesday
nights, when the other troops Of the
Guard are in attendance.
The Gold Brick, official publication
Of the Headquarters Detachment. men
tons the name OF the following men as
having helped materially ia the cam
paign: John A. Edwards. George r.
Callahan, John r. Policy. James VI.
gan. Clifford r. Kettler, william s..
Phillips. Charles s. East, Percy T.
Pool, Jack Ward, william A. Adams,
James II. Eenn, William II. Morey and
Lee n. Wilson.
The organization now has a total
strength Of 90 men, ita allowance being
81, and IL Is quite certain that this one
recruit will be obtained before leaving
for the annual field training encamp-
uaent in August.
Pvt. Elmer " ShUltz, Battery E,
260tn Coast Artillery has been dropped
a. d deeerter aE Of August 20, 1925. the
soldier having failed 10 report for drill
since that date and all efforts 10 locate
him having failed.
Pvt James w. Murray, Battery &,
1s0th Coast Artillery. has been honor
ably discharged on account NJ physical
d!ssbiiity incurred while not on active