Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-08-07

two largest units of the District Ma
tional Guard will return to begin
another long period Of armory drills
and exercises in quarters entirely un-
suitable for training or for mobiliza-
ton. This was clearly demonstrated
as they made preparations for their
departure to the mobilization center at
Camp Simms last week. They went
through all of the routine which
would be expected Of them should the
units ever be called into the Federal
service in the event Of an emergency.
Heavy equipment was jamming the
passageways and company rooms, and
men with full packs on their backs
struggled to get to and from their
quarters. impeded at every step. Con-
ditions prevailed that no IRE marshal
would permit in any building occupied
for civil purposes, yet had this mis-
fortune dropped on the old building
at such q time 1t Is dificult to fore
see how loss Of life or serious in
jury could be avoided.
Year after year Congress turns
deaf ear to the pleadings Of the local
militiamen for some kind Of perma-
nent quarters which would permit
them to get the maximum result from
their weekly work and at least In an
atmosphere Of safety to life and limb.
It is hoped that plans now being
considered to provide them with q
building through the medium Of Pub
lie Works funds will bring to an end
more than a quarter Of q century Of
effort on the part Of q. long line Of
commanding generals who have head
ed the local outfit. Even If funds
were to be provided within the next
few months, it would be a year or two
before the building could be con-
structed and occupied.
The National Guard Association
convention is to be held at San Fran
cisco. Calf, the latter part Of next
month, and If funds are not pro-
vided by that time the matter I'M
doubleday will be again laid before the
convention in the hope OF keeping the
influence Of that body behind the
project.
Although the local militia has been
represented each year at the conven-
ton 1t has not yet been determined
whether any delegates will be sent this
year. as the funds for transportation Of
officers are very limited. If 1t Is de-
cided to send a delegate it is probable
that only one will be able to 60 because
of the distance and the limitation Of
funs. There Is a probability that Brig
Gen. Albert Cox, the newly appoint
ed commanding general, may repre-
sent the local Guard.
Machinery has already been pro-
vided by the local guard for handling
any claims for damages by troops while
at the field training camps, in order
that prompt Investigation may be made
by the officers on the scene should any
claims be made by residents in the
areas used by the troops while engaged
in their field operations. Each claim
must be thoroughly investigated by
the board, before any action is taken
by headquarters.
The board is composed of First It.
Harold w. Leach, 12lst Engineers;
First 1t. Herbert F. Mitchell, 260th
Coast Artillery; Capt Hugh Everett,
jr., Special Troops, goth Division; Sec
ond 1t. Edward D. Mulvanity. LIST Bat
talon, 1O4th Quartermaster Regiment,
and Second 1t. Sylvester F. Blackwell,
Company A, 372d Infantry.
Pvt. Calvin F. Wittmayer, inactive
list. Battery E, 26Oth Coast Artillery,
has been honorably discharged because
of removal from the city.
Pvts. Herbert j. Derat and Steve
Coto, jr.. both Of Battery A, and
Pvts. John D. Cason and Frank j. Rea-
gan. both of Battery F, 260th Coast
Artillery, have been ordered to the
inactive lists because of business inter-
ference.
Pvt. Stephen J. Devind has been
placed on the active list Of Battery A,
260th Coast Artillery.
Pvt. Claude T. Johnston, Company
B. 104th Quartermaster Regiment, has
been honorably discharged upon his