Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-16

LOH Tue eulKe. we 90 uOt PuIpOoe 70 con-
slider this phase Of the matter in the present
srticle. It il sufficient to say that there
vas not, is not, sud cannot be any possible
justification for their high-handed attempt
&, ignore and subvert law and order.
With arms in their hands. and closely or
gsnized by interruptions men intent upon
the furtherance of selfish ends, these miners
were = menace to the peace Of the COM
munity. The regular civil authorities we're
powerless to cope-~ith them. and had it not
been for . well organized militia force full
ly equipped for work in the field anar-
chy would have prevailed. The State
Of Maine has always been remarkably free
from domestic disturbances; but neverthe-
Less it must be source of no little satis-
faction to thoughtful people that it, laws
have, back of the civil authorities, well
organized, thoroughly equipped, force of
citizen soldiers ready to take the field at
short notice. 1t should be the aim of all
who have connection with this service to do
everything in their power to improve its per-
sonnet. and build up its efficiency in
every possible way. The complaint has
sometimes been made, and perhaps not a.
together without cause, that the people of
the State do not take sufficient interest in
the militia. We have heard the same thing
alleged in reference to our local company.
We think, however, that one reason for this
may, possibly be found in the fact that, aside
from the work of muster week the company
is rarely seen in public. Now the Capital
Guards are in every way credit to Angus
ia, and the efficient officers who have SO
faithfully drilled them. The personnel of
the company was never better than it is at
the present time. The men are taking an
interest in their work and the fine show
ing which they made upon Memorial
day, speaks volumes for the efficiency of
their drill. We believe that it would both
he pleasure to our citizens and benefit
to the company, il the company were to
give public drill on the State grounds in
front of the Cspitol. ta3 "a. r.. i
So long as our citizens have little or no
opportunity to watch the work of the COM
pany, they can scarcely be expected to take
any great interest in its affairs. We are
confident, however, that public drills once
a week, on pleasant evenings, on the State
grounds, would call out large attendance
of citizens, and would be of great practical
benefit to the company. Indeed
we are thoroughly of the opin-
ion that it would be an excellent
thing for the efficiency of the service if
all the militia companies in the State were
to give such out door drills during the sum
mer months. Give the people of Maine
chance to see its citizen soldiery, and we be-
lieve that our militia will never have cause
to complain of any lack of public interest
in its work. An officer Of the Capital Guards
speaking of this matter to the Journal,
said: Il am confident that the company
would be glad to give frequent public drills
through the summer, if they thought it would
be agreeable to the citizens of Augusta.
Such out door drill would be very bene-
fetal. OF course you know it is necessary
for company to secure the permission of the
adjutant general of the State and the mayor
Of the city in order to parade the streets
under arms. do not imagine, however,
that any objections would be made"
BY all means let the Capital Guards be
seen in public drills the present summer.
Our citizens will not fail to turn out in
large numbers to witness them, and the
company will find that public interest in
its work will be awakened that will not fail
to be at once gratifying and helpful.