The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-06-12
SEATTLE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE IL.
OLE NEW MILITIA.

the last legislature goes into effect and our
present state military organization goes
out Of existence. While there are among
the old guardsmcn many excellent officers
and enthusiastic military men, as an Or
ranization the National Guard has lost
great deal OF its efficiency. SO apparent
did this seem to our legislators last winter
that a complete reorganization OF the force
was deemed necessary. and under the new
law VIII be speedily and thoroughly ef-
fected.
There are few volunteer military organ
izations Ia the United States that have
seen moro active service or acquitted
themselves, as rule. more creditably
than tho National Guard Of the state OF
Washington. on numerous occasions
they have been called upon TO assist in the
maintenance OF peace and the preserva-
ton Of order. and invariably the duties
imposed upon them have been performed
cheerfully. faithfully and well Unfor-
tunately. however i'm the recent past
lack OF discipline became noticeable I'm
few isolated cases sufficiently grave 10
enlist the serious attention OF the last leg
islature. with the result that a law was
passed that will remedy existing defects.
put the National Guard on new footing.
aud render the recurrence OF dissensions
or disorder an extremely remote POSSIBLE
fly.
The new law is based on the best fea-
lures of the militia laws In force in New
York and Pennsylvania laws which were
enacted only after receiving the approval
OF the most experienced militia officers in
those commonwealth and which thus far
have proved eminently satisfactory. I'm
der IL the entire guard of this state Is
wiped out of existence and an improved
and more perfect organization created
with new men. new means and new meth
eds. An opportunity is presented for a
thorough overhauling and n chance given
20 build up splendid body of citizen sol
diery upon sound, sure. substantial
foundation. That there is room for inn
provement no one will gainsay, and IL the
right men ara selected and this important
work undertaken In the right spirit the
people OF the state can count upon having
a militia force thai will prove TO be we'll
organized. efficient and always reliable.
In the past the administration of our
National Guard affairs has been unsatis-
factory and important and essen
tiai details have been neglected.
\ lack Of harmony has been noticeable
throughout the entire organization. Petty
politics have wrought more or less mis-
chief and universally adjudgcd dangerous
TO discipline and good order. Although
tho state has been generous in appropria-
tons. large amounts have been uselessly
frittered away and the expenses Of the
guard swollen 20 proportions which war
rantod the calling OF halt by the people
who were paying them.
Some companies have kept full rosters
others have been mcre fragments: com
pany finances have not received the atten-
ton they deserved. and there has been in
numerous instances an utter lack of sys-
tenn in the transaction Of military bust
ness between the different hcadquarters
In fact. radical changes are necessary and
under the new law ought 70 be brought
about. There should be renovation
from top 20 bottom, and the establishment
OF a National Guard on better military
system w!.h a new spirit. higher aims and
better purposes.
While the governor Is commauder-ln
chief ana. lH a measure. responsible for
the efficiency OF our state military force.
the work OF REORGANIZATION and the labor
OF rebuilding upon now foundations viii
fail principally upon the shoulders OF the
new adjutant general The character OF
the militia will be determined largely hy
the character and abilities 81 the new
chief OF sta0. and tt Is Of supreme I'm
portanco that an officer be selected who
has had some military training ana ex-
perscnco, who recognizes tho necessity %
system in the dispatch % business. Is
oo0versaat with ne details 81 the office
and thc pcsssssor q fair amount o.
business ability ana common sense.
VITA 4 happy choice IN the mater Of
nuus the position OF admtsr; general.
wise discrimination IN the appointment
81 field and line officers. close attention
20 The details % REORGANIZATION in all
parts % the state. and unusual care in
looking AFTER expenditures. our new nni.
tia should he founded On . firm. eriurln-
basis aud its affairs D. conducted "a a
way that VIII reflect crc3ig upon IRE ratl-
TIA itself and ne source ~ pride to the
people Who maintain 81,