The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-03-28
AS TO MONTAHA'S MILITIA
Its Equipment the Theme of Dis
cussion by q. A. r. Veterans.
RES0lUTI0NSAR ADOPTED
The Governor Is Respectfully Urged 70
Investigate the Condition OF Affairs
Existing in the Ranks, Which
Are Dwindling Away.

~ e'hNtat ildbtQudCN OF the STATE
militia forces was the theme of discus
sion Saturday night at the meeting Of
George @. Meade post. No. 10, q. A. r.
The present turbulent and uncertain
condition of international affairs has
set the local post ms well as other citi-
zens TO thinking what to do in case OF
an invasion by the enemy or OF a draft
Tor coast defense, or any other defense.
III is well known that the militia of this
state stands far below the average in
point OF numbers and equipment. The
last legislature made a liberal appro-
priation for the militia, but this among
others was cut down. There are many
young men In Montana, the veterans
urge, who are eager to uphold the alg-
nity n honor Of the state. but the
poor clothing. poor arms and other
giaring defects In the militia Depart
ment are not encouraging Inducements
TO men to enlist. The local post last
evening adopted resolution on the in
efficiency OF the department, ask
ing that an Investigation be made by
governor ana the militia Depart
ment one very interesting sentence in
the resolutions is that unless some ac-
ton be taken to properly equip. clothe,
foster and encourage our present small
force, the time Ii close at hand when
the governors military stan VIII be all
that is visible" The resolutions fol-
low:
Whereas. The earnest attention of
all loyal citizens is at this time, in con-
sequence of the complicated state OF
our Foreign relations, jealousy centered
upon the actual condition of our avail
able sources of national defense; and,
Whereas, IL is the general policy of
our country to discourage the mainten-
ance of "A large standing army in times
of peace, and to rely upon that splendid
BODY of citizens. fostered. encourage
and maintained by most of the states
of this republic-the militia-as n nu-
cleus around which we may rally in
times of emergency; and,
Whereas, In calling the roll of the
states of the union, Montana appears
10 be able to answer with but a feeble
force and in point of strength and
efficiency is possibly at the foot Of the
line. therefore,. be IL
Resolved. That we. as survivors of
the last war. realize the immense dis
advantages the state of Montana would
labor under should she be called upon
to furnish troops for national defense
or home INVASION; that we believe our
present militia force to be utterly in
adequate in either spirit. members or
knowledge; that the state of Montana
possesses within her borders thousands
OF young men eager and willing to up
hold her dignity and honor and to
the world that the Montana state mill
tia is "A living reality, fit to march be-
side the best.
Resolved, That we believe the pres
ent inefficient state of our militia force
arises, not from a lack of Original
spirit or sense of duty n loyalty
within the ranks. but entirely from a
want of encouragement N proper rec
.ognition inc care on the part OF the |
state itself; that poor clothing. poor
and penurious appropriations are
not the kind Of inducements which call
men together. nor keep those together
already enrolled.
Resolved, That IL Is the opinion of
George @. Meade post. No. Is. O.. A. |
r., that unless some action be taken |
TO properly equip. clothe, foster and
encourage our present small force, the
time is close at hand when the govern
or's military STAFF will be all that Is |
visible: that Montana, being a border |
state, IL Is within the limits OF posi- |
bility that u may arise on tina |
that IL is but common prudence |
to uphold and maintain a citizen SOL
diery sufficient in numbers and knowl-
edge OF duties to at least furnish drill |
for any ~olunteer force which
an emergency might call for. Expert
has proved that an efficient army
cannot be organized, equipped and
drilled in a few weeks.
Resolved. That we most respectfully
upon the governor and
department OF our
state government the necessity
of investigating the sources of
discomfort and dissatisfaction which
IRE apparent in the different ~organlza-
to the end that proper n
action may be taken TO allay
the same, n that the great state of
may take her place among her
sisters the peer of ALL"
The resolutions were adopted by q
rising vote and II was unanimous.
The post also adopted resolutions on
death of the late Comrade John
Barry.