The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-27
THE VOLUNTEER ARMY.
Correction of Some Errors as to Re-
quirements of the New Law.


Washington Special to Chicago Tribune.
There has been an unfortunate confusion
among military officials in the sending out
OF notices to the Governors of States in re-
lation to volunteers Despite the clear terms
of the law authorizing this volunteer army
there has been a general misrepresentation
in regard to the act. It has been persist
entity maintained in the War Department
that the militia, as a State organization
was to be used. In interviews with the Ma
tional Guard officers this same view was
communicated to them. The result has
been that in many States national guards
men and officers have resigned, under the
assumption that if they retain their places
In the State organization they would be LA
BILE to duty in Cuba, and that the call for
troops in the Presidents proclamation was
equivalent to summoning out the militia.
Strange as it may appear this impression
prevailed in many responsible quarters in
the War Department until Saturday and
Sunday, when the letters to the Governors
Of States were prepared. These letters
stated in so many words that the militia
organizations were to be used, and the idea
was conveyed in no unmistakable terms
that officers at present with the militia
were to be retained. The error was discov-
to draft another form of communication.
This letter advises the Governors that the
quota apportioned to each State does not
refer to militia. The volunteers from State
organizations who desire to respond 10 the
call for troops must resign their places in
the National Guard, and both officers and
men must formally enlist in the regular
army. Under the misrepresentation already
described the War Department had made
arrangements for mastering in troops, and
officers for this duty had been selected.
These must now be changed, and recruiting
rendezvous established at stated points.
go to Cuba must apply for enlistment.
These recruits will be taken to the place of
concentration within each State and the re-
organization into companies of infantry,
troops of cavalry and batteries of artillery
will be effected. When regiment of cav
aiIy, LOT instance, mas oeen comp!eted, the
Governor of State will be advised that
under the provisions of the volunteer army
law he is permitted 10 appoint the regi-
mental and company officers; Should but
half company or regiment be raised in a
state the regimental strength will be COM
pleted by those from other States. This
Will place the appointment of regimental
officers with the President, but the Gov
errors will be allowed to appoint company
othcers SO far as the troops composing such
companies are made up from their respect
This letter to the Governors was not made
public to-day, Secretary Alger taking the
ground it was an act Of courtesy to allow
the communication to reach its source be-
fore it was given out at Washington But
the giSt Of the letter is outlined in this dis
patch. The War Department officials hope
that 1t will straighten out the very general
misunderstanding which prevailed through
out the country, and which has led to no
little i'll feeling and prejudice in many quar-
ters
Army officers on the active list will be
detailed as mustering-in officers Volunteers
will be enlisted at rendezvous which are
hereafter to be designated. Companies,
troops and batteries, each of which will be
composed of 1O1 men, or parts of such, may
be formed in any town or village, and on
their enlistment individually will proceed to
the point selected for concentration. There
they will be organized in regiments so far
as possible, and, as explained in Secretary
Ayers letter, each Governor will be re-
quested to appoint regimental and company
officers. Twelve companies, or 1918 men,
will form a regiment, according to the pres
ent plan. A battalion is one-third of a regi-
meat, or four companies