Evening star., 1939-02-26
Care of Teeth Important
To Continued Militia Duty
War Department Orders Discharge Of Men
Falling to Hove Dental Work Done

Lack Of care Of the teeth Is forc-
ing some Of the members of the
District National Guard to give up
their training, at least, Until such
time as they care to give more at
tention to that part Of their health.
The War Department Is insisting
that If they intend to stay In the
militia they must keep good teeth;
otherwise they might prove to be q
liability rather than an asset in the
field.
During the course of physical ex-
aminations last summer in connec-
ton with the mobilization tests, the
teeth of all members were examined,
and those needing dental work were
reported for this. It was explained
that they we're warned at that time
that they must have the defects cor
rected, but some Of them did not
take the matter seriously, while
others delayed because of the cost
involved, an expense which some of
them were unable to bear at the
time.
Quarters for the constantly in
creasing number of units being
added to the local militia are be-
coming a serious problem, with no
immediate relief in sight, although
officials are hoping that the Govern
ment officials and Congress will be
able to work out a program for a
new armory here to relieve the
situation.
Only last week there was an effort
to have one of the schoolrooms
turned into an office for one Of the
units, but it was decided that the
classroom was more important, espe-
cially in view of the fact that during
the armory drill period which covers
the greater part Of the year most
OF the time must be devoted to class
room work, because Of the fact that
the troops do not have a drill hall.
On drill nights, when the weather
is too bad for outdoor drilling, the
work has to be done in the small
troop quarters and in the class
rooms. What was once used as a
drill hall has disappeared, the space
being used for lockers for the large
increase in the number of troops
that have been taken into the Guard
in forming the new units.
The armory in the old National
Hotel Building, structure built
more than century ago, is literally
bulging with troops. The water front
armory, assigned to the 26oth Coast
Artillery, which has just grown into
full regimental status, is too small
for all the units and some of them
are housed in the Pennsylvania ave-
nue. structure, which further COM
plicates the conditions there. Officials
are moving as best they can toward
obtaining a correction of these
serious housing conditions. but they
can do nothing without the aid and
support Of Congress, which. Of
course. means the provision Of funds
with which to construct building
to house the Guard-permanent
quarters from which 1t will not be
kicked from time to time as 1t has
been during all the years of its
existence.
All during the depression and re-
cession periods, various officials OF
the militia have tried in every source
to get public funds, but have made
no headway. until it now appears
that the only hope is in Congress.
The first matter to be settled is
one of a site, and this problem is
before the National Capital Park
and Planning Commission. When
and if this point is finally decided
in connection with the plans for
a stadium and auditorium, legis-
lative discussions then may turn to
the question of providing funds for
a building. However, 1t is the hope
of the officials, that the matter of
a site and building will be locked
up in the same legislation, so that
there will be no delay once real
start is made toward the solution
of the problem.
Not all of the units will partici-
pate in the maneuvers. August S
to 10, to be held in Northern Vir-
ginia this summer. when the mi
litia of the Third Army Corps area
will be assembled with units of the
regular Army to battle over the
fields made famous during the war
between the States. Company A,
372d Infantry, the colored conting-
ent. will not be taken. Therefore,
it will become necessary for the
local officials to make arrangements
for them to take their field train
ing at a fixed camp. Brigade head
quarters has written to the Mary
land militia authorities asking what
dates will be open at Camp Albert
c. Ritchie at Cascade, Nd, so that
one may be picked for the local
colored troops to go there.
1t has not been learned yet
whether the 26Oth Coast Artillery
Regiment will be considered in the