Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-31
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE.
To Strengthen the Available Mill
tary and Naval Force.
Washington Starr

washington Starr
1t is proposed to create a national vol
unteer reserve whose objects shall be to
strengthen the available military and
naval forces of the United States by the
organization of the citizens soldierly of
patriotic volunteers of proper age and
physical qualifications 10 bear arms.
They shall sign an enlistment blank.
agreeing in the event of war between the
United States and any foreign Power,
to take Up arms, if called upon by the
constituted authorities Of their State of
the United States through the lawful eX-
listing channels.
Headquarters of the National Volunteer
Reserve have been established in New
York, from which enlistment blanks are
sent out to where they will be best
thought available. William OH. Wash
ington is president of the reserve The
plan is highly commended by MAJOR
Generals o. o. Howard A. Med. McCook'
Daniel r.. Sickles, Joshua l.. Chamber
lain. Adelbert Ames, James Longstreet,
Brigadier-Generals Thomas j. Wood, o.
b. Wilcox, James Grant Wilson, j. Fred.
Pterson. and Northumberland John NJ.
Schofeld.
1t is believed that such an organization
would bring out from 100000 70 5,OOO,Wo
volunteers. The statement has been MADE
that one volunteer, patriotic and loyal
and fighting for principle, is more valu-
able than two conscripts.
1t is intended that the permanent or
ganization will include the President or
the United States, the ex-ofiicio COM
mander-in-chief; the Secretary OF war 70
be ex-otiicio vice-commander OF the mhl-
tary forces. and the general Of the army,
h. of N1VW
ex-offfcio vice-commander of the naval
forces and the admiral of the navy TO be
ex-officio commander; the Governor OF
each State to be ex-officio commander or
ALL the reserve of his own Commonwealth,
and the Acknowledgement Of each state
TO be ex-otficio vice-commander of the
| State.
4 record and address of all men enlisted
| shall be kept at the headquarters. ana
the original rolls transmitted direct TO
the War and Navy departments. there TO
be included and recognized in the sum
mary of the military forces of the United
| States. and copy shall also be He'd
with the Governor of each state or the
volunteers in his Commonwealth.
There shall also be a military commit
tee of 100 veteran generals and admirals
| 10 govern the National Volunteer Reserve,
and to give it proper standing and in
dorsement before the country as prac-
| tical, patriotic, and desirable branch or
| the military establishment.
| The Following statement was made in
n circular sent out from the National Re-
| serve headquarters.
TT is an opportunity for this important
| factor in our affairs TO show its influence
and power for the public good, and they
should unseltshly take up the movement
and become thoroughly aroused and in
terested, and thus bring about the object
| TO be accomplished by publishing on soma
national holiday. or at a time of crisis, in
| every newspaper throughout the United
States, enlistment blanks, which would
thus be placed in the hands Of every
| man These will be cut out, and, being
| signed VIII become enllstments, when
could either be sent TO the newspapers
| for transmission 10 the War or Navy
| department. or 10 the central headquar-
| ters OF the National Volunteer Reserve.
| Certainly many patriotic and loyal
] citizens. who would lend their ala in
time of war for defence. would assist in
| the formation of a bulwark Tor the ma
ton and write their names in the tenn
pie Of liberty and place their lives at
the service OF their country. Thus Will
be accomplished the magnificent support
| of a Grand Army OF lnulNluudl AIHetl-
| cans, who would be ready and willing 10
| support the Constitution and defead their
1 country's flag"
| Major General o. o. Howard. to whom
| the matter was submitted, said:
| Il think the plan excellent An I'M
| armed reserve Of such large proportions
| will have conservative effect In its
| influence abroad and prevent panics at
home. There will result nothing especial
| " of a military or warlike character,
but simply the order and comradeship
which will bind men together and in
! crease their efforts to preserve a per-
| petual peace. But should our cities and
towns be exposed TO destruction by any
foe, or the life OF our beloved country
be threatened. these quotas would be
| raised and offered To our administration
without uncertainty or delay"
In commencing the plan. Major-General
| Daniel T.. Sckles. of the United States
| army, retired. says:
1T is a patriotic undertaking, which
will touch sympathetic chord every
where. / can't help thinking that the
scheme. to be of practical utility should
have the sanction OF Congress- and be
| placed under the direction Of the War
! and Navy Departments. l should be
happy TO join you and your associates In
commenting the plan to the consideration
| OF Congress"