The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-07-14
The Militia and tho Laws.

Three States at this moment are furnish
ing in their experience an impressive lesson
on the value OF an organized and efficient
militia. In Pennsylvania the mere calling
out OF its well-trained and well-equipped
National Guard. $500 strong. broke up
the dangerous conspiracy against order.
liberty. and law at Homestead. and
brought peace and responsible government
where before there had been bloodshed and
anarchy. In Idaho. at the same time the
mining riots in the Cnur d'Alene district
have found encouragement In the weak
ness Of the State military forces. The Gov
ernor was compelled to call for Federal aid.
although the armed mob was only few
hundred strong. But his despatch to
the President acknowledged that tho i'm
mediately available military force of the
Idaho National Guard numbers only 1876
men," and accordingly large body Of reg
ular cavalry and infantry was sent to the
scene Of disturbance from Fort Sherman
and Fort Missoua. In Wyoming there also
appears to have been no attempt to rely on
the militia in the recent rioting between the
cattle owners and tho rustlers. and regu-
lars were asked for at once.
Labor troubles and other troubles may
occur at any time in any part OF the coun-
try. Indeed, the States that have not been
forced to call out their citizen soldiers re-
peatedly for preserving order and execut-
ing the laws. during the last twenty years.
have had an exceptional experience. The
organized militia have a double function
in our political system. They are. to be-
gin with. the substitute for larger
standing army. furnishing u trained force
Immediately available in case Of foreign In
vasion. In addition. they form tho military
strength Of their respective Common
weaths and the source of reliance for put
ting down armed and organized resistance
to the laws. Tho legislation declaring that
tho army shall not be used as posse COM
ifatus has made it all the more imperative
on the militiu to be ready to support the
civil authorities of the State.
Fifteen years ago Pennsylvania expended
more than 500. 900 in calling out upward OF
| 5000 troops during the railroad and mining
| riots but Is there any doubt that this
| money was well laid out And Is there
| any doubt to-day that all the cost Of keep
ingup the National Guard OF that State has
been repaid by tho security 1t affords to life
and property. as illustrated at Home
stead2 JEFFERSON well declared that
for people who are free and
mean to remain 3d. well organized and
armed militia Is their best security" MApI-
SON styled this 1.-THE safeguard OF free
State;" MONROE held that " the defence and
even the liberties OF the country must de-
pend In times OF imminent danger on the
militia" The examples of Idaho and
Wyoming show the risk State runs in
having no adequate military force with
In Its limits to support tho law, for the
regulars might be occupied in suppressing
Indian disturbances or in other duty.
The great reliance in organizing and
maintaining an effective militia force must
be the States themselves. This is evident
from considering how small proportion OF
tho total cost Of the troops Is furnished by
the annual appropriation OF Congress. The
difference between the States in this matter
Is remarkable. Thus. Rhode Island
supports as largo militia force as
Kentucky. while New Jersey has fully
twice as many troops as Indiana. II
the legislation OF Congress can accomplish
anything toward bringing up the negligent
States to greater militia efficiency. 1t will
be benefit to the whole country. One gain
that may be expected In the near future ID
the supply Of better arms to the Natlona