Evening star., 1935-11-03
TINE National Guard Association
Of the United States at its
annual convention, Just ended,

Of the United States at its
annual convention, just ended,
L has again gone on record in
favor Of the Federal Government
providing adequate armory and train
ing facilities for the National Guard
of the District of Columbia. The re-
port Of the action Of the body was
brought to the attention of the Guard
officials here by Maj. Walter w. Burns,
commanding the 260th Coast Artillery,
who was sent there as delegate from
the local organization. The associa-
tion Is composed of militia officers
from all parts Of the country.
Although Maj. Burns has not filed
his formal report on the action taken
at the convention, he has made a pre-
liminary statement to officials at head
quarters. He addressed the members
Of the convention and during the
course of his remarks he explained
that the Federal militia here had for
years been trying to have Congress
provide building for the training of
the local militia which was suitable
to be called an armory. He told the
delegates, from all parts of the country,
that the local militia at the present
time was housed under the worst con-
ditions in its military history, and in
these buildings officers were expected
to train the men during the greater
part of the year for field service in
time Of national emergency.
Maj. Burns told the visiting dele
gates that the largest unit of the
Guard was quartered in an abandoned
hotel building which had been taken
over by the District of Columbia gov
ernment and eventually was to form
site for a proposed municipal CEN
ter. At any time notice may be
given the Guard to find other quarters.
He called attention to the fact that
there are not available in the city any
buildings suitable for the training of
the militia, except the Pension Office
Building in Judiciary Square, which
the Guard for years has been trying
to obtain. However, it appeared now
that the Government had other plans
for the use of this building when it
is vacated by the General Accounting
Office.
Plans have been drawn for a new
building. They were submitted to
the Public Works Administration in
connection with an application for
a loan with which to begin construc-
tion. but it died natural death there
as have the efforts of the Guard for
the past quarter of a century to get
funds direct from Congress with which
to provide facilities for training.
1t appears now that the militiamen
will have to make direct appeal to
Congress, primarily because of the
fact that that body will have to pro-
vide a site for a building. if it can
be prevailed upon to furnish the
funds with which to begin construc-
ton. The site tentatively selected
at the eastern end Of East Capitol
street, on the banks Of the Anacostia
River, has been ruled out by the
Planning Commission, which has de-
cided that this land will be needed
for the proposed development Of a
national stadium.
The National Guard convention,
following the address of Maj. Burns,
passed a resolution, providing for the
appointment of committee to work
for the provision of an armory for
the District troops which would be a
model for the remainer Of the militia
units Of the country. However, local
Guard officials are awaiting now to
ascertain just how far this commit
tee will 60 in pressing for funds for
such purpose. Last year the organi-
zation directed its Legislative Com
mittee to take an active part in the
plans to obtain an armory here, but
that committee did little or nothing,
SO far as the local Guard officials
could ascertain.
Plans are being made by the local
Guard officials to make a drive on
the coming Congress for an arnory,
and it is expected that they will call
on the National Guard Association
Committee to put the power of its
political influence behind members OF
Congress to bring to success such
purpose.
Company A. 12lst Engineers, held a
split drill on the rifle range last Sum-
day. Ten men fired the required
course, but there were no qualiflca-
tions.
Company B. same regiment, also
held a split drill and qualified the fol-
lowing men, all privates: Elmer w.
Watkins, score, 209; Dee B. Thomp-
son. 200; George U. Freeland. 1893;
Isadore Frank, 207; George H. Clarke,
jr, 204.
At meeting of representatives from
the several organizations, it was de-
cided to organize basket ball team
to represent the local Guard during
the coming season. Sergt. Steven l..
Roskos, Company A. 121st Engineers,
was elected manager Details of the
organization and schedule will be
announced later.
The officers of the 121st Regiment
gave a dance at the armory last week.
The ball room was decorated with
flags and Autumn leaves Lieut.. COL
Julian s. Oliff. executive officer, was
master of ceremonies.
The 29th Division Military Police
Company, for the sixth consecutive
time, was declared the winner of the
trophy donated by the local depart
ment of the Veterans of Foreign Wars,
to be awarded each year to the COM
pany having the best performance for
the year. The trophy will be awarded
at appropriate ceremonies in the near
future.
Mai. william T. Roy. commanding
the Special Troops. sent the follow
ing letter to the commander OF the
military police unit:
"The commanding officer, Special
Troops, takes this opportunity to con-
eratulate the personnel of the 29th
Military Police Company on its morale
and soldierly conduct which has
merited the award of the Veterans OF
Foreign Wars Attendance Trophy and
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