The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-03

| but the latter know that it is serious bus
mess, and that in case war is declared
they will be expected to do their duty
There is no wild hurrahing and no blood
thirsty desire for war. 1t is simply
quiet knowledge of the fact on the part of
the men who have studied the duties of
the soldier in time of peace that they will
be expected to put that knowledge into
effect in time of war.
The volunteers are not worrying over the
questions as to whether the President has
the right to order out the organized mill
tia or whether the orders should come
through the Governor, or whether they
will simply be given a chance to volunteer
their services. They take it for granted
that when the government wants troops
it will want them quick, and that the or
ganiZed volunteers as the most available
force, will be promptly ordered into serv-
ice.
Regarding war as an imminent POSSIBLE
ity many of the volunteers, especially the
officers, are getting their affairs in such
shape that they could take their depar
ture on moments notice without serious
inconvenience. Life insurance policies are
being looked after and the necessary ar
engagements for continuing the policies in
case of war entered into or preparations
made to do so in case of necessity. One
of the leading life insurance companies
has generously announced that no extra
charge will be made or restriction imposed
upon policy holders who enter the service
of their country. Other companies have
not acted so generously as yet but the
informa ton sent out by most of them is
that a small extra charge will be made
for military service on account of the ex-
ira risk incurred
Several military officers were seen yes
terday by a Morning News reporter in re-
ference to their preparedness for war.
None of them cared to make public adj
mission that they had been so mindful of
their duties to their country as to be
ready to offer their services at the first
call. 1t was evident that such was the
case, however in some degree at least.
Col. A. r. Lawton of the First Regi-
ment Infantry, when spoken to in refer
ence to these matters, said:
Il do not care to say anything for pub
lication in reference to my personal af-
fairs. All I can say is that l am ready
for any order which may be received. In
case of war 1 expect the Governor to or
der ont my command first and / expect to
CO. In case of war the First Regiment
would doubtless be increased to twelve
companies, up to their full strength. 1t
is much easier to discipline new men
by combining them with men already dis
ciplined."
Speaking of the number of enlisted men
in Savannah, Col. Lawton said: There
are number of enlisted men here who
should not go to the front. | mean men
with families. These men should be al
lowed 10 take their discharges and others
put in their places. There are plenty Of
men who can go who do not have families
dependent upon them for support This
of course does not apply to officers except
in isolated cases"
Col. Lawton holds that the organized
volunteers are simply the active militia
which is the phrase used in paragraph
1904 of the Code of Georgia, and as such
are subject TO the call of the President in
any manner he might see mt, though most
likely the call would be issued through the
Governor.
Capt F. Brooks said that he Is ready
for any emergency that may arise.
II consider it the duty he said. 'of
those who have held commissions from the
state and who have enjoyed the glories
and emoluments of these positions, meager
though they may have been. TO give their
state and their country the benefit Of
whatever military experience they may
have, should the occasion demand it.
believe that the Georgia military will give
a good account of themselves when the
time comes"
Capt. Brooks was not inclined TO discuss
the subject at length, but it was evident
that he had given IL serious consideration.
Lieut.. Col. Garrard of the Guards Bat
TALON was not inclined to discuss the SUBJ
ject from a personal standpoint.
IF war comes" he SAID I'VE shall re-
spond and respond promptly. There need
be no doubt on that score. The volunteer
soldiers viii do their full duty / do not
see any reason for any special personal