The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-05-04
GEN. MABRY'S REPLY
A DEFENSE OF HIMSELF AND THE
II. v. q.
H., urnnJs as N Fnlschond the state
ment That the Encnmpmepts are
"Annunl Drunks."

| Austin. Texas, May 3.-AdJutant General
Mahry submits the following 10 the public
| in answer to attacks made ON the leNas
Volunteer Guard, during the discussion OF
the appropriation bill in the house;
Austin. Texas, May 3.-ln the debate on
the appropriation bill when the ad!utant
generals department was under discussion,
| see from the st. Louis Republic and
hear it from other sources that the annual
camps of instruction We're annual drunks'
and that everything from the adjutant
general down was drunk all the time
have great respect for members Of the
legislature. From the fact that they are
truly the representatives of all Of our peo-
ule ! clothe them with all the attributes
of brave manly. honorable and intelligent
men. Therefore. If reported correctly,
am surprised that one member should
stoon to SANDER and falseh0od because he
should be opposed to the small approprla-
ton asked for by this department for
camp OF instruction for the Volunteer
Guard OF Texas. lose none OF the re-
spect due to a member because he should
diner with me as to the utility or neces-
sitv for a camp OF Instruction and have no
comment but that of regret when he OPP
poses it bv a vigorous and manly fight. Hut
II the above quoted assertion is correctly
reported l will not let it pass unchal-
lenged.
70 friends and acauaintances who know
my habits it is not necessary to deny the
accusation. | lHv no claim TO sanity quail
tiles but ! know we'll my responsibilities
when 1000 men are assembled who are IN
accustomed to restraints OF personal liberty
and fully recognize the influence of eN-
ample by those in authority But the
srtN do. lie
as unjust and cruel as 1t is slanderous and
false. not only to myself. but to the officers
and men who under oath of service, as
semble to perform the military duty re-
uuired of them.
These volunteer soldiers are representa-
tive Young men of Texas and take pride
IN their uniform and what 1t symholiIes
As rule they are conscientious in the per
Torrance of every duty and they fully
recognize that these camps of instruc ion
teach them the practical duties of the sol
der. But for the sentiment which clinss
around the uniform of their state the du-
tres would be more onerous than digging
stumps for the same length OF time
Where the 5000 men meet that splendid
comradeshin is found there which is con
ducvc to social intercourse during times
of leisure and that some genial spirit may
imbibe too much is not denied. hut be-
cause this is a fact the camp of instrnc-
tion * no moro an annual drunk than
the conyoniug OF the legislature is a ''hi
ennial drunk" because some genial and
social spirit of that body should look into
the vine cup too often when IL IL red.
In this connection, | will state that while
the above is admitted, as stated. IL does
not cost the State ono cent, nor does the
aholishlng of the camp OF instruction pre-
vent the drinking OF intoxicanis among
those who have formed the unfortunate
habit.
Now. while m this subject. | shah say
some thing of the volunteer soldiers Of
Texas. who are hiennially ridiculcd by
some who may fail to give the subject
study, but today bear the same relation
and feel the same devotion to their state
that animated the heroic and gallant bands
who fought and died in 1886 that We might
enjoy in imperial Texas the liberty and
freedom and civilization OF 1897
While II Is contrary to the spirit OF our
form of government for States to have
standing armies. yet II we propose TO pre-
serve tho autonomy OF State government
some reserve force lis necessary for occa-
s,ons OF extraordinary emergencies, In In
ternnl disorders, and the Volunteer Guard,
formed by volunteer enlistment from
among It's best citizenship. is the most Of
hcent that can be devised. 1t Is unpaid
In all its arduous preparations, because II
is the service which frecmen render, and
therefore no force State can create can
be more effctive. more economical or more
patriotic In the preservation OF guaranteed
right in unfolding the majesty OF the Law
in maintaining public order and in pro-
tectlng the honor of the State
Yet some of our people object and pro-
test against any announcement which
might he given by the state, and forget
when viewed from broadcast craftsmanship,
that The moment the States Of the Union
c, ase TO promote ard encourage their clti-
zen soldiorv, that moment marks the in
crease Of the regular standing army, and
greater burdens. when ono replaces the
other, as surely ms the regular army is
wed to suppress internal dlsor iers In the
various States. that condition marks the
destruction of the foundation stone OF self
government, and the principles OF State
rights ms we now enjoy them, and, with
such a centralized government military des-
potism follows Let but the time arise
when Young men feel and realize that their
State shall expect nothing Of them In up
holding the majesty of their own laws. and
In the maintenance of their guaranteed
rights; that the State uniform symbolizes
no power 10 enforce its DEGREES. nor pro-
lection TO It's citizens. then love Of State