Evening journal., 1898-04-11
OUR STATE MILITIA.

OUR STATE MILITIA.
In the presen.war crisis theusefulness
of that great body OF citizen soldiery
known as the National Guard is made
clearly manifest to the nation. Those
who lightly scot'cd at It IN the past a5
system devised to allow men to play at
soldiery now see how ill-adyised and
undeserved were their words. From
one end Of the country to the other the
National Guard has eyinced a perfect
willingness. and even eagerness, to be
called to the field in the defence of the
nations honr There has been no de-
sire eyinced upon the part OF the Ma
tlonal Guard Of any state to be left at
home in event OF actual conflict with
Spain which requires the employment
of land forces.
The National Guard of Delaware is
no exception TO the rule. 1t is weak nu-
merically, but those who belong to it,
from the Acknowledgement down to the
meanest private in the ranks, are ready
to respond TO their comtry's call at any
minute. Many Of them are, il anything,
unreasonably eager to see something
OF actual service.
I1 time Of public danger Delaware
has ever furnished more than her fair
quota OF soldiers, and they have always
had the reputation Of being fighters Of
no mean order The blood Of her men
has been spilled on the fields OF the
revolutionary war, war Of 1912. Mexi-
can war and the war OF the rebellion. II
hostilities should occur between this
country and Spain, we have men in the
army and navy who Will lay down their
lives, IL necessary, in the discharge OF
the duty they owe to their flag.
Tne National Guard OF Delaware has
fer years lahored at a disadvantage. It's
efforts to maintain an effective organi-
cation have not been properly appre-
ciated. The financial aid voted to it by
the General Assembly has been wholly
inadequate to the demands OF the SER
vice, barely sunicing to afford fuel anc
shelter, and the most economical ad
ministratiOn Cf the various depart
ments. We have had company drill,
ana battalion drills, but the one grea
thing which was needed, an annual en-
campment, has been denied. The ccm
panies have had absolutely no oppor
tunity TO drill in regimental form, or q
acquaint themselves with and accom-
mOdate themselves to the condition
which would surround them were the
in actual service in the field. Effort al
ter effort has been made 10 bring abou
this desired result, but the members c
the General Assembly have continue
to look upon it with disfavor until tC
day. il the Delaware troops were to t
called cut, they would not be able {
depcrt themselves as they would he
they enjoyed the benefits OF an annu.
encampment
when we consider that the troops
the states Immediately surrounding
are literally provided for in this essel
tial particular, and that its benefit
universally recognized, it is a matter
wonder and regret that the General A
sem oly at present in session has n
taken effective steps to remedy this II
perfection In the legislation governil
the armed branch Of our state servi,
The appropriation Of a few thousan
OF dollars annually to defray the G
penses Ct an encampment would n
subject the General ASSEMBLY to har
criticism, and the pubic intere.
would be greatly served thereby.
The country now sees what an exc
lent thing it is to have the friendsl
Of such a country as England. Z
critics Of Mr.. Bayard will please ten,
their apologies in person or by letter
Bishop Newman was guilty OF
great human crime Of not being able
please everybody.
William J. Bryan's popularity
not vaned IN Cumberland county.
for the Democratic committee has 1
endorsed him for president.
Blanco did not snub Lee. He me-
refused to saw eord-hy-e 10 fla era,,s