The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-01-15

not vote a small amount of the state
FUNDS for their support? When one
looks around the Union and sees COM
monwealths appropriating from $50 to
500 per capita on the men and then
comes back TO Utah with its $3.50 per
capita. it looks insignificant.
The governor has made recommends
tons for an appropriation for the use
of the guard, which is smaller than 1t
was hoped he would suggest, but the
organizations will feel greatly encour-
aged if even that sum is set aside for
their use The message of the COVER
nor on this point is as follows:
Owing to insufficient provisions of
the military code TO compel attendance
to drills and other military duties, to
a woeful deficiency in armory facilities
and TO a general lack of public recogni-
ton and encourag cement, l regret TO
say the National Guard of Utah has
deteriorated during the year. One of
the three troops of cavalry has been
mustered out of service, having fallen
below the standard of efficiency. OF
the IS companies of infantry, four will
doubtless soon be mustered out of the
service. Before another year the terms
of enlistment of the various organiZa-
tons will have expired, and, unless
greater financial aid is extended to the
guard, it is in danger of disintegration.
that the legislature shall provide by
law for the organization, equipment
and discipline of the militia. If we are
to have a militia at all, we ought to
have a good one. Though the reputa-
ton of the people of Utah is peaceable
and peace-loving, and the riots and
instructions which have occurred in
other states are practically unknown
here, nevertheless, experience has dem
onstrated that it is wise and prudent
policy for each state to keep in con-
slant readiness for action we'll
equipped and Well-trained militia. The
mission of a militia is not only to sup
press organized opposition TO law, but
the fact of its existence acts as pre-
ventive OF riot and disorder, and there
in lies an essential part of its value
TO the state. 1t would not be good
economy TO drain the financial re-
sources by maintaining large stand
ing army, and such a proposition is
not contemplated. In this state the
organization is not large and its re-
quirements may be easily met. The
guard is composed of young men for
the most part. who have enlisted from
patriotic motives, and who, in any case
of call to arms, would render the state
efficient service. Such devotionto public
interests should be appreciated by the
public and by you. No encouragement
that could be extended to the guard
and no discipline that could be i'm
parted would be productive of such
beneficial results as to provide for an
annual encampment. This was demon
Strated last summer, when, by Volun-
teering their time and with the aid
given by citizens, six companies of
infantry and the First battery were
enabled to have short en- eampments.
The benefits derived therefrom were
more decided than all the rest of their
drilling. II it should be determined
by you that an encampnent may be
had this year in connection with the
celebration OF Utah's Pioneer Jubilee
or otherwise. l am satisfied that II
would hold the organization together
and awaken a new life and hope in
the Guard that could be accomplished
in no other way. 1t is my earnest de-
sire that you will not permit this i'm
portant adjunct to the executive
power of this state TO go into decay.
\ we'll organized militia is the custo-
dian of the lives and liberty of the
citizens. If insured ton, the tyranny
of mobS, conspiracieS against personal
and property rights, or invasion of a.
foreign foe should call it to the de-
Tense of the commonwealth, or to as
sist in maintaining the honor Of our
country and the glory of our flag, at
the supreme moment it should never
be found wanting. The body of the
National Guard Of Utah is ardent,
spirited and loyal, and ever ready for
service It's needs
should be supplied. I recommend the
of the following sums:
Necessary expenses of y COM
panies of infantry and two
troops of cavalry, at SIS each
per annum .....--....S :, 100
Two batteries of artillery at 500
each per annum .............. 400
Signal corps 100
Rent of armory .............. 1900
Adjutant-General's salary, $500
per annum Observation-Disclosures. 1000
Incidental expenses ......... 1000
s rrn1LaI ..rnc.a r111A1,a ants g nnn each