The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-07-11


learned that Ii takes tine to equip and
arm 20o. COO men. TO say nothing OF Pre-
pairing them for use In the field Had
we possessed an army. trained, armed
and disciplined. Of even 10000 men. the
war perhaps by this time would have
been over AS /; is. the condition Of
Spain is so utterly deplorsble and she
is in such profound financial distress
that within another thirty days peace
may be within sight.
But the nation has been put to an
enormous cost. Everything had 10 be
done in hurry and the cost Of fitting
our forces 10 land in Cuba has been
been had the work of preparation for
war been properly sustained In time of
peace.
The National Guard has been a pet Of
most of the states: and IL still has a
duty to perform within the limits for
which It was created. but IL is manifest
that our army must be increased 10 at
least $4,000 men and it must be supple
mented by a reserve force formed upon
the model of military powers. Even
the army must be trained upon modern
lines. In some respects the training OF
the National Guard is superior to that
Of the regular army because there has
been nothing to stir the war department
TO abandonment Of old fashioned no.
tions and the adoption OF drill. tactics
and accoutrement which the present
methods Of warfare demand.
Even the short experience We have
had with our amateur volunteer army
shows that we have splendid material
for soldiers. The people Of the United
States are more intelligent and more
alert than the people OF most European
countries, and especially In those
classes upon which draft Is usually
made for a reserve. The Quickness
with which unframed men have fallen
into military ways and qualified them
selves for movement In large bodies has
been one Of the most gratifying features
OF the mobilization.
Capt. James Parker, writing In the
current issue of the North American
Review on the Differing and Aiming
of the Volunteers" makes some valu-
able suggestions concerning the organi-
cation Of the volunteer army upon
which We must rely for the defense OF
the country. Our policy and our dis
position is opposed to the maintenance
OF IA large standing army but the spirit
which suggested the militia was never
more intense and this is good time to
make IL valuable by the adoption Of
methods which should make US ready
II the necessity should ever arise, to
cope with any other power. an time of
peace prepare for war" Is based upon
the soundest craftsmanship.
Capt. Parker insists that the primary
requirement of an effective volunteer
service for the country il a full compile
ment OF skilled and trained officers
Among many other suggestions he
makes is one which would utilize force
now allowed to go to waste. Probably
LEGO non-commissioned officers, many Of
them excellent drill-masters. are dis
charged from the regular army every
year. He would make these men eligible
TO commissions in the volunteers after
examination showing their competency.
and this could be done by mere order
OF the war department.. In order to re-
move the varying standards of eff
cheney in the guard OF the several states,
Capt Parker would make the National
Guard national body in fact as we'll as
IN name. lie suggests that the Federal
government should equip such portions
Of the National Guard as can pass the
inspection II Federal officers.
The training Of officers is a most i'm
portant matter Patriotism cannot take
the place Of efficiency in leading an
armed body. With all respect 10 the
commendable aspiration Of ambitious
citizens 10 be officers. ne man should be
permitted t. jeopardize the lives Of sol
diers by securing these places through
mere personal or political influence. An
officer needs very different training
- that Of the man who is TO fight in the
Anc II Is Of the first inheritance In any
reorganization Of our military system
that officers shall have the especial
training necessary 10 qualify them FOR
ltRderShip~-not only the capacity to
lead, but the skin to direct so that the
best results may be had n, the least
possible risk of life and limb.
Sampson IS 30 doubt 4 good co.uman'ier