Evening star., 1946-09-29
Capital Sidelights
BIZ Will p. Kennedy.

That great citizen soldier organiza-
tion-the National Guard-which for
the past 122 years had done valiant
service in all the Nations wars was so
named in honor of Marquis de La Fay
cite, then commandant of the Guarde
Rationale of Paris. For many years
the name National Guard was proudly
claimed exclusively for four companies
of the original 7th Regiment, New
York, formed in 1906, after a high
handed attack by the British on an
American merchantmen. in which cit
izen of New York was killed. They saw
service in the War of 1812-18,4. garrison
ing the forts in the Harbor Of New
York. In 1852 the State adopted the
name National Guard for its entire uni
formed militia, and subsequently it be-
came the designation of the entire
organized militia Of the United States
Desiring a smart and distinctive dress,
the original National Guard unit adopt
ed the gray uniform which is still, with
slight notifications, the present dress
uniform of the 7th Regiment.
The original National Guard unit was
rushed to the defense of Washington
in the first shock of the War Between
the States, and participated in the con-
struction of Notifications for protec-
tion of the National Capital. Fort
Sumter fell on April II. 1861, President
Lincoln issued his call for volunteers
on April Is, and the 7th Regiment
reached Washington on April 25. In
the War Department records today there
is a document signed by the Adjutant
Of the services then rendered. The
original 7th Regiment constantly was
drawn upon to supply officers for the
Regular Army and for volunteer regi-
ments Of every Northern State 1t again
was called into service in 1862 to garri-
son Fort Federal Hill, Baltimore. and
the following year moved on to Freder-
lex, Md. The Civil War record of the
guard is remarkable, for 557 of its
members received commissions in the
Army, Navy and volunteer services.
Three rose to the rank of major gen.
eral, 10 to brigadier general, 20 to
colonel and As to lieutenant colonel.
Many Republican and progressive par
tisans and certain careful surveyors of
political thought and action are review
ing the record of Theodore Roosevelt's
desertion from the Republican party and
subsequent return to it. An entirely
new Interpretation of the Taft admins
tration and the Republican rump con-
vention splitup in 1912 and an intimate
view of the dramatic three-cornered
fight waged for the nomination that year
by Taft Roosevelt and La Toilette GALL
three of whom now have passed from
the political stage are found in study
of the Progressive movement by George
E. Mowry, professor of American history
in Mills College, published by the Uni
verSity of Wisconsin Press. This volume
also is being consulted during this por-
tentous political year for aftermaths of
the famous Hughes incident in
California which cost Mr. Hughes the
presidency and reelected Woodrow
Wilson; the widely publicized Ballinger-
Pinchot episode; the Roosevelt Wilson
political duel over preparedness, the
prosecution of World War I, and the
League Of Nations-to see what lessons
it may have for today.
Literally thousands OF visitors to
Washington from all parts of the coun-
try, making tours of the Capitol, have
enjoyed tunknowingly) the distinction
of having been conducted about the his
toric building and having its most in
teresting features explained to them by
the biggest man In Congress-Repre-
sentative Lowell Stockman of oregon.
Nearing the completion of his second
term in the House, Representative
Stockman, feet 6 inches tall. since
the Congress recessed has been taking
regular turns on the guide force, as
he explains: ITO improve my public
speaking" His parties invariably are
merry ones, for he has absorbed much
Capitol lore, has keen sense Of humor
and makes a lark out OF his new
experience. Mr.. Stockman Is As years Of
age, was graduated from Oregon State
College, did some rugged pioneer farming
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