The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-05-10


IN mo TO explain the status Of the National
Guard and our object in giving series Of
military balls in this armory. The drill
ind associated matters of the National
Guard quite generally, is now being con-
lucted on proper lines, namely, aiming at
conformity with the standard and practices
y the National army, an organization that
lie, no less than it's relation to the state
troops it sustains by virtue of statute, is
and properly model to all stu
tents of the military art.
That it being unequivocally declared in
The second amendment to the constitution
as one OF the fundamental theories on
which our government is based, that "A
militia is necessary to the
security of free state" and that theory
having been affirmed by all the early
statesmen of our country, and given ex-
preston in the declaration of Jefferson,
That 'For people who are free, and who
propose TO remain SO, well-organized and
armed militia is their best security"
! II is stated in the preamble to the con-
Btitution that one of the principle reasons
tor forming the federation of the states
was ito provide for the common Defense"
and the provisions for such defense were
blear!y committed to the military training
pf the whole body of the people rather than
10 standing army.
militia as reserve to its standing army,
Ind the smaller the standing army the
kreater the necessity that the militia be
thoroughly organized and efficiently
krained. Under our form of government
ehe militia has two distinct functions: For
Fhe states separately, it is their reserve
police for the preservation of order, the
Support of civil authority and the enforce
|ment Of law; for the states collectively. it
WAS intended by the constitution to be
military force trained to be reserve or
tupport to the regular army in sudden
Emergencies, and a school of instruction in
which the youth of the country should
Receive sufficient amount Of military
instruction to enable the the country to
raise efficient volunteer armies when
needed.
These two distinct objects of the militia
Ire skillfully provided for in the constitu-
kion, which delegates to congress the power
lisciplnina the militia,'' and reserves to
he states the appointment of the officers
Ind the authority to train the militia, but
Ibis latter reservation is carefully limited
By the proviso that they shall train them
according to the discipline prescribed by
tongress."
government, and the necessity of carrying
tut their theories by maintaining an eff
fcient militia is clearly demonstrated by
he condition of our country to day. Rich,
prosperous, devoted to agriculture, manu-
actures and commerce, we apparently have
10 danger threatening US. But in case of
threatened danger, foreign or domestic, the
mall body of regular troops We could sum-
non to our defense would be wholly made
uate, and the mass of patriotic citizens
hat might volunteer for defense would
imply become victims OF ignorant zeal, and
heir lives and treasure be wasted. It is
Eise and it is necessary to the future secur-
~ of our country that we maintain such an
material element in our means of ma
fonal defense and thereby secure us against
ttack.
Washington said in his annual message
b congress in 1894 that 1.-The devising and
Establishing of a we'll regulated militia
Fould be genuine source of legislative
onor and perfect title to public gratitude,
recommendations of measure on which
he honor, safety, and we'll being of our
puntry SO evidently and SO essentially
epend."
In 1872 President Monroe said: ST have
, add that in proportion as our regular
proe is small, should the instruction and
fscipline of the militia, the great resource
s which we rely, be pushed to the utmost
ktent that circumstances will admit
The National Guard of America has
Folved from the old militia with its fuss
hd feathers, and is an earnest, hardwork-
kg body Of soldiers who have won for
themselves the respect of the country, and
Icretary of war and the most distinguished
bldiers in America-the army's right hand.
The National Guard of Montana is oom-
bsed of ten companies of Infantry, two
oops Of cavalry and one battery.
Colonel Q. F. Lloyd, commanding. is
lest Point graduate. true gentleman and
Is Wise instruction, is fast becoming a
ell drilled and disciplined body of men,
kady at short notice to defend the honor
the flag or protect the people in the
saceful possession of their liberties and
3mes.
So much in explxuation of the aims and
piects Of the militia. This arsenal was
ound and Sls, 600 for the building, the
oend story not being finished. The
Hiding is used for the double purpose of
arsenal for the storage of military sup
ies, and also az an armOry for the three
|mpanies stationed at Helena, each COM
eny paying the state a yearly rental of
~: Flooring and plastering the upper
Ply. putting IN appliances for heating and
ghting the building, lockers and appli-
hces tor the care and safety of company
ID state property, water and the neces
~ fixtures and furniture, will entail an
ditional outlay of several thousand dol
u. The state failing to meet the last
yment Of $5.9Sl.75 duo the contractor,
companies were obliged to Dor
y the money. and are obligated
pay interest on the above
m until relieved by an act of the legisla-
Re authorizing the payment Of the bal
90 due. At present there are NO funds
ailable for putting the arsenal in habita-
shape-what then is to be done? The
rec Helena companies have decided to
ke the matter in hand, devise vays and
bans to raise funds to finish and furnish
building 90 that it may be habitabIe
d convenient for themselves, and com
able for the friends who ON oct ssions
Ee the present, honor us with their COM
~.
70 meet the lack Of funds it has been de-
led give series Of miitar. balls, un-
The auspices Of the three oompanies-
suTing our fFiends and patrons Of strict
q eentlsmanly propeisty ON our part, and
nfteoas attention p the comfort and