The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-03-29
THE VOLUNTEER GUARD
EXTRACT FROM THE ADJUTANT
GENERALS REPORT.
tween the state Government
and the Militia Companies.

Austin, Texas. March 27.-The following
extract from the report oi the adjutant OF
Texas shows the implied contract between
the State government and the Texas Vol
untecr Guard.
Under the conditions the legislature is
asked to make an appropriation for camps
OF instruction to enable the volunteer guard
to become proficient in duties to which 1t
is called. under this implied contract:
The constitution provides for a militia
force-its organization and discipline; and
the law is. that all able-bod male citi-
zens between the ages OF is and As years
unless specially exempted, are liable to
military duty Therefore. under this law
there can be but two systems-one, COM
pulsory. requiring all male citizens liable
under the law to perform this duty; the
other, voluntary. whereby few may fulfill
the conditions required by law" But be-
cause OF business demands and its obliga-
tons, and other potent reasons. the great
body Of our citizens do not find II protita-
BILE. or do not wish to perform this service
subject to draft on every great emergency.
when they can be relieved of it by the pay
ment OF mere nominal tax to be applied
to the announcement OF a few who will
voluntarily undertake TO perform all mil
itary duty under certain conditions. This
is evidenced by laws passed by their legal
representatives. embodying such an agree-
ment. and an appropriation for carrying
INTO effect this agreement is but utilizing
this tax.
In the execution of this implied trade
or contract. the following law was enacted.
viz; Articles 3242 to 1861, inclusive. Thus
the volunteer guard is authorized by law
for reasons and purposes therein named.
and provisions made for their organiza-
ton. discipline and maintenance. l will
quote here the articles specifically bearing
upon the agreement above mentioned,
Article 32i2. The militia OF this State
shall be divided into two classes, to be
known and DESIGNATED as follows:
u. Tho reserved militia" (as author
lied by the constitutional
y. The volunteer guard Gas per i'm
piled agreement.)
Articles S2i3 and 32ii respectively de-
scribe what the reserve militia and the
volunteer guard shall consist of-the latter
ov voluntary enlistment Now note the
following language Article s292. The
volunteer guard shall constitute the active
militia OF the State. and when necessary
10 resist invasion, quell insurrecwons or to
aid the civil authorities In the suppression
OF riots aud the execution OF the laws
shall be the first called into service.
The contract is made binding by statu-
tory enactment. and in good faith pro-
visions ought to be made for It's execution
sufficient appropriation should be made
TO properly equip, maintain. and train the
volunteer guards. SO that they can effec-
lively perform every duty which ,he state
may impose.
To determine whether the volunteer
suards execute well their part. visit their
annual camps of instruction and their mr..
mories at home, and note the lf-imposea
duties performed under the Restraints n,
personal liberty TO enable them TO intellI.
gently and effectively serve the state in
times o; danger :"
=" Memory of Hon. :. G. Graham,
Austin. Texas, March 27.--The follow.
ing appears In this mornings issue of the
house Journal:
Hon. L. T. Dashlell, Speaker OF the House,
Committee Room. Austin, Texas, March
~ Your committee appointed to draft
ana submit resolutions in memory Of the