Evening star., 1933-07-02

Onicials Of the National Guard Of
the District of Columbia are looking to
the emergency funds with a view to
obtaining some for the construction of
an armory for the training Of the local
troops. A specially constructed build
ing, including large drill hall for the
Winter training of the troops, has been
sought by local Guard officials for many
years, and, for nearly quarter Of q
century, the matter has been before
Congress at almost every session. But
today the local militia finds itself in
make-shift buildings, the larger part
of the force being billeted in the old
National Hotel Building, at Sixth street
and Pennsylvania avenue.
Maj. Gen. Anton Stephan has written
to the Federal Employment Stabiliza-
ton Board, recommending an allotment
of $2,5O0, 900 for the construction OF an
armory here, but as yet no reply has
been received to the communication.
It was said to be probable that the
communication Is being held to be con-
sidered in connection with other sug-
gestions for projects which are coming
from various parts of the country. -.
Gen. Stephan, who is still confined
to Mount Alto Hospital, suggested that
the construction plan cover period OF
six years, from 1885 to 1910, and also
pointed out that site could be OBJ
tanned for 100000, or the District or
Federal governments could assign a site
on Government property without cost
No details as to site or suggestions for
q location were recommended at this
time.
The attention of the Federal board
was invited to several congressional
documents which cover the situation In
detail and to the plans which were
made some years ago.:
It has been repeatedly pointed out to
CONGRESS, according to Guard omc1als,
that the local National Guard is seri-
ously hampered, and has been for some
years. in its training facilities. 1t has
frequently been forced to move from
one rented building to another, ana
finally 1t has moved from one anan-
doned Government building to another.
These moves have been expensive, not
only in the cost of moving the equip
ment. but because OF the necessary re-
modelling which has to be done in each
building to suit the requirements OF the
various units.
The local militia. It was said, Is the
only Federal unit in the country. The
War Department has always urged the
States to build adequate armories Tor
their troops, primarily for the proper
protection of Federal Government prop
erty which is loaned for training pur-
poses. The War Department also has
urged that Congress provide adequate
armory facilities for the local troops,
and from time to time has pointed out
that it does not have adequate facilities
for the protection of Government prop
erty which is required of the States. :.
As the local militia is federalized
organization, the fact was pointed out
that the National Government should
set an example for the States by pro-
viding funds with which to construct
q model armory. After having MADE
many unsuccessful efforts to obtain
funds with which to construct a new
building, the Guard officials for q time
gave up this line of attack and set in
motion plans to have assigned to the
organization as an armory the Pension
once Building In Judiciary Square.
This structure now Is occupied by the
General Accounting Once, provision for
which Is to be made In the Pennsylvania
avenue triangle construction.
This building, It is said, would be en-
tirely suitable for the purpose Of the
Guard, the first floor being well planned
for use as a drill hall In which the or
CARNATIONS could be trained during In
clement weather and during Winter
months. It was pointed out that it
would be ideal use for the structure,
which Is memorial to the fighters Of
the Civil War, and the move received
the support Of the g. A. r.
The building which the Guard now
occupies was purchased by the Govern
ment as part Of the site Of the pro-
posed municipal center, and when funds
are provided for this construction, It
viii b peceaGaxY 10 Ta5a tha building