Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-09
Oar lGllitla Organisation.

4 AAk1n10190
| To the Editor of the Journal.
I desire through the columns of your pa
per to make some suggestions in regard to
the militia, and the best means of sustaining
the organization. The constitution recog-
lies the importance Of . military force in that
it provides for calling out the militia to ex-
ecute the laws suppress Instruction and repel
invasion. The laws are respected and obeyed
from the fact that, if necessary, the entire
military force may be employed to enforce
them. Washington, in his annual message
in 1894, said; s'The devising and establishing
of we'll regulated militia, would be gen.
uine source of legislative honor, and per-
feet title to public gratitude" General
Knox, when Secretary of War, conceived =
plan for the organization of an efficient mil
irary force, and in a letter accompanying his
report in 1880, urged the subject in . very
forcible manner. President Jefferson, in his
message to Congress, ''importuned" them to
take some decisive action in regard to the
matter In 1908, Congress appropriated
5000. 600 to provide arms and equipments for
the militia. Madison, in his annual message
in 1910, suggested the importance of assem-
bling the commissioned and non-commis-
stoned officers in camp annually for instruc-
ton, at the expense of the general govern
ment. In 1916, in his final message, he ur-
gently recommended the reOrganiza-
ton and classifying of the militia accord
ing to age. Little was done until 1925,
when Barbour, then Secretary Of War. ad-
dressed circular letter to the Governors of
all the States and many leading citizens ac-
lively interested in military matters, urging
suitable changes in the military law. He
assembled board Of distinguished military
men, which was presided over by Gen. Win
field Scott. Their report, recommending
that the officers of the militia assemble an
nually in camp for instruction at the expense
of the general government, was transmitted
to Congress. The importance Of an efficient
military force was continually agitated by
Congress and leading citizens until 1885,
| when President Jackson, in his fOrcible man.
ner, called the attention of Congress to the
Importance of the matter, and among other
things urgently recommended the organiza-
ton of volunteer militia, and that proper
inducements be held out to encourage it.
Gen. Cass, then Secretary Of War, called at
tention to the necessity of appropriate legis-
laton in aid Of such organization. In 1916,
bill was reported providing for the forma-
ton of military force in each State, the Of
icers of which should annually receive in
struction in camp at the expense of the gov
eminent. During all this time necessity had
| compelled each State to maintain some sort
| of military organization, which gave great
efficiency to our arms in the Mexican war.
effort was made in the House of Representa-
tves during the session Of Congress for a
more liberal appropriation in aid of the mi
| litia.
effort was made to organize and sustain a
suitable military organization. At the break
| ing out of the rebellion, Maine had mill
tarv organization composed of about ID COM
panies which had received little encourage.
ment and had had but little advantage BY
way of instruction in camp or otherwise, and
it is stated. on good authority. that many of
the members of these companies rad never
so much as fred a rife and we're entirely ig-
norant of the proper use of arms. These
companies responded promptly when called
upon, and saved the State thousands of dol
lars in responding to the call of the general
government for men. The proper discipline
of the militia is as important as the exist
ence of the organization. The entire CON-
| munity share alike the benefits resulting from
the proper organization and support of the
militia. and it would seem but equitable, to
say the least, that the expense be borne by the
State government, and the arms be furnished
by the general government The efficiency of
the active militia is in proportion to the in
struction and discipline which they receive. an
; important part of which is in the use of arms
In order to enlist the better class of men
in the militia. it is necessary to give the or
ganizaton stability and character, which
can only be done BY fixed annual appropria-
tion to be expended as required and in &C.
cordance with army regulations so that there
may be no unnecessary delay or trouble in
the payment OF bills properly incurred. At
this time the active militia of the State con-
sists of II companies and one battery Of light
artillery, making in all about 954 men and n
officers. By appropriating n certain sum.
such as may be necessary, all the arms and
equipments are kept in good condition and
much saved on that account. Everything is
being done by the officers of the military de-
partment within their reach to perfect the or
ganzation and make it efficient for all pur-
pose in time of peace, and form nucleus for
the formation of an efficient defensive force
il needed. New Hampshire appropriates for
this pupose, $4,000; Connecticut 65 900.
(aside from uniform Rhode Island sls 900
Massachusetts expended in 1879. sl22,42s.
for the same purpose. These appropriations
are all for sums to be expended annually. 1t is
to be hoped that the legislature will favorably
consider this matter and make such appro-
priations as will suitably encourage and pro-
mote this object.