The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-03-26

Members Of the National Guard IN this
city are considerably worked up over the
decision Of the state military board TO cut
down the militia force OF the state AZ least
one-ha1. and possibly more. They realize
that one local company will surely have
10 be dropped. but which one that viii be
they feel delicacy in prophesying. for the
reason that Il may be the very company
to which they belong.
Considerable speculation Is being in
dulged in as 10 the probable plan OF re-
organization-that Is whether the COM
panies west of the mountains will be con-
tinued as a regiment. which IS allowable
under the law. or whether they will be
formed into q battalion. such as at present
exists east Of the mountains. Should the
companies remaining in the guard west OF
the mountains desire TO retain their regi-
mental organization. which the law pro-
vides can be done. even though the num-
Der falls below. the minimum, Col. Joseph
Green would still remain In command, but
should the state military board desire 10
form the companies into a battalion, then
Mai. Rosenberg, OF Whatcom. would be
In command. according 10 law. In case
the companies in the state were cut down
to six, it would leave nothing to be done
but TO organize them into two battalions.
as the law expressly provides that there
shall not be less than eight companies in
a regiment.
There is a weiI-founded rumor about
military circles that IL is the intention
OF the state board 10 cut down the num-
Der 10 six, In fact several were expecting
an order TO that effect yesterday. With
the guard cut to that number of com
pantes In the state. IL is quite probable
that an organization could be continued
for two years that could present quite
respectable appearance on the appropria
ton made by the late legislature, 5000.
and enable Gov. Rogers TO go before the
next session without deficiency, as he
has expressed himself in favor OF doing.
With six companies this can be done but
with eight or more il would be almost i'm
possible without seriously affecting the
service. OF course there is an appropria
ton Of s. 900 for such emergencies as riots.
etc. but this can only be used in such
events.
prominent member of the guard. in
speaking OF the proposed cut yesterday.
said:
This proposed reduction has been ex-
tensively discussed in military circles for
a number Of days. AZ first there was con-
siderable adverse criticism OF the action
of the legislature in cutting the appropria-
ton from $4,000 to s. 900. but this finally
quieted down when the boys realized that
all the talk in the world would no5 help
matters. II was then that the discussion
would probably be done In reducing the
military force OF the state, so that IL could
maintain organization and live within the
appropriation In doing this II was real
ICED that the most rigid economy must be
practiced. as clerk hire had to come out
Of this amount. also $500 a year for the
maintenance OF the storehouse at Olympia
With eight companies al SIS a month each
and the other expenses have mentioned
there would be deficit AT the end Of the
two years. II the state board cuts the
number OF companies down 10 six. there
is a good chance 10 keep within the appro-
priatiou.
According 20 the United States Law there
mus be 80 active men I'm the guard 20
draw the allowance from the general gov
eminent OF $1,000.
which company will be dropped in this
city9 Wen. now. / don't like TO answer
that question, as IL might be the one TO
which / belong. However. II they took
up the matter OF efficiency OF the different
companies the lowest would proban,y be
dropped In case this was done. the other
companies could be recruited 70 their fun
complement BY members Of the dishanded
company.
do I think x advisable 10 form all Of
The companies In the state Into one reg,-
mcnt2 No. do not. principally because Il
would put some Of the ecraraa mics zoo FAR
away from the colonel. With the guard
formed Into two battalions. the same de-
gree 81 efficiency could be maintained and
with less fear Of complica tons The order
from state headquarters should be re-
cc!Ted either today or tomorrow"