The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-06-04

sEATTLE. SATURDAY. JUNE =.
A NATURAL ARMY RESERVE.

NATURAL ARMY RESERVE
The call Of the president for volun-
ieers was promptly responded to and
with a genuine patriotic fervor. but the
g0ssrnment has nevertheless been en-
barrassed By the demands OK organiza-
tions Of o military character already
established and which formed the only
adequate reserve from which trained
have usually taken the form OF wish
on the part OF members Of the National
Guard OF the several states 10 con-
tinue the identity Of the bodies OF which
shey formed q part. There IL nothing
discreditable In this local and state
pride, bat 1t has led to condition
which must call for revision Of our
kniire military system.
The National Guard was instituted
not for the purpose OF training soldiers
who could be made available for service
In the regular army. but TO provide a
local system OF militia available for
home defense only. Many men con-
ceived 1t TO be their duty to put t.sem-
selves into condition for home service
whose circumstances would not permit
them TO entertain the idea OF being part
Of the regular army except In a case OF
emergency. when they could be of value
In supporting the state government.
One result OF this 10 that we have found
National Guard organizations refusing
90 become a part Of the regular army.
and this IL accompanied by offers Of
men with no military experience to
raise regiments OF raw recruits In re-
turn for commissions To command them.
while experienced National Guard offl-
GERS have been unable TO secure conn
n,and.
II this country Is to pursue the policy
Of placing Itself during peace In a posi-
tion to resent foreign interference or in
vasion. some provision must be made
for an army reserve. We know that
there are legal obstacles to this. but
nons that cannot be overcome either by
congressional act or. II necessary. by
constitutional amendment. II the Fed
erai government had the power. which
u now possesses in time OF war, TO cali
permanently upon each state 10 furnish
n quota for national army reserve.
we should not be again placed In the
present embarrassing condition. Each
state might be required to raise and
maintain a military body in proportion
20 its population. but formed upon lines
In harmony with tho regular army.
Then, In case ot war. the regiments
would be kept intact
The question Of offering state mill
fary bodies. which forms an Important
part Of such q plan. has been comment
I'd upon and answered by a military
authority. who suggests that all officers
above the rank OF iieasenant-colonel
should he appointed by the president.
IN the nomination of q governor. and
after having passed an examination by
u beard presided ever hy an officer cs
ihs regular army. oHiecrs below the
rank CT coionel could Ne elected by n
sys;srn similar - that now in use,
Such plan. he considers. woGld re-
move all the difficulties now SO prorni-
nens. Companies woaia still be able 70
xlect their own Officers. and regimensai
organizations would be preserved In
case az call fer war service
The SYSTEM Of election fer such posi-
tlons Is oren to some objection, be;
that would he removed x Officers were
compelled 20 PASS an examination ~
military authority, oaee thus ex'an-
ishea. there would re 10 sear q cx-
ser;eacea entiesrs being pashc4 as.ae In
order 10 make way Tor naen With a po-
hiseal pull
one vital difference between the PRES
snt system ard tAa, proposed is TIA:
nsen would enlist in thsse organizations
With She fuE knowledge that IN ease Of
war they wes.1 sNe ordered ous. We do
nss see. however. how such plan eoali
De entirely sgeetaal unless sas men