Evening star., 1933-12-24
Local Militia to Drill
During Holiday Period

Troops OF the National Guard of the
District Of Columbia will drill right on
through the Christmas holiday period,
it was announced at brigade headquar-
be the first time in years that the mill
tiamen have been required to appear for
drills during the Christmas holiday pc
riod, but it was pointed out that many
Of the organizations have drills to make
up and there is no particular reason
for a let down at this time, despite the
probability that the attendance might
be small.
It was pointed out that there is much
work to be done, especially In view Of
the fact that the annual inspections are
soon to begin, and preparation must be
made for these. The property rooms
must be closely checked before the in
spection officers arrive. the records ex-
auined and brought up to date. The
word has gone out from the brigade
headquarters that the reports on the
inspections of last year must be closely
scrutinized, and any defects found by
VIC SO4iCSeCN, oo tAldt Vic odulC iduieo
will not be apparent during the coming
inspections.
The National Guard will begin the
new year with an acting commander,
Col. John w. Oehmann, the command
ing general still being confined to
Mount Alto Hospital. He is on sick
leave from the Guard, which leave of
absence expires some time in the Spring,
but some doubt Is expressed in Guard
circles whether the condition Of Gen.
Stephan will permit his return to duty
at the expiration of the sick leave.
Under the law providing for statutory
retirement at the age of ga years, Gen.
Stephan would be required to retire in
January, 1885, 1t was indicated at bri-
gade headquarters. It is known that
the general desired to remain in the
service until that time, so that he could
retire on account of age On the other
hand, If his illness persists for year,
brigade but the 29th National Guard Di-
vision, composed Of the militia units of
this city and the States of Maryland
and Virginia and part of Pennsyl-
vania, with only acting commanders for
that long period. The command of the
29th National Guard Division since Gen.
Stephan took leave Of absence has de-
volved on Brig Gen. Milton A. Reckord,
commanding the National Guard of
Maryland, and the senior brigadier in
the militia of the States composing the
division.
When Gen. Stephan retires, the COM
mand Of the 29th National Guard Divi-
sion will 60 to either Maryland or Vir-
ginia, under an agreement made about
the time Of the formation Of that divi-
sion that the States composing it should
alternate The officers. It Is probable
that the command will go to Gen. Reck-
division, and his appointment would
bring to him the promotion to the rank
Of major general, the same as now held
by Gen. Stephan. Attendance at the
q problem, although Gen. Stephan at
tended the last annual encampment.
With the division staff in camp, many
problems are worked out which require
the presence Of the commanding gen.
eral.
Any move for the retirement Of Gen.
Stephan for physical disability would
no doubt have to arise in the War De-
partment, Is there Is no ofi1cer here
senior to the general to order such q
board. It was pointed out that II the
general desired to relinquish the heavy
duties incident to directing the affairs
both Of the local brigade and the divi-
sion. he would have to order up his own
board, unless the War Department de-
cided to take the initiative.
No indication, 1t was said, has come
from the general as to what his wishes
are at this time, although 1t was said
that he still takes active interest In the
local organisation.
Not only Il there heavy work incd-
dent 10 training the local uaaltf1qSnsn
but there ars prchlsms coming uw y