The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-11
MUCH CONCERN is FELT
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION OF THE
NEW NATIONAL GUARD.
Governor Mount and Adjutant Gem
eral Gore Feel that Progress Is
SIow-Dearth of Martial Spirit.

Much concern is felt in State military
circles over the difficulty that is being ex-
perienced in organizing a new National
Guard. The Spanish-American war caused
a revival of the martial spirit among the
young men Of the State, which had almost
reached its lowest point prior to that event.
1t is well known that the old guard was,
in many particulars, highly unsatisfactory.
Drills were few and far between, and the
companies were maintained only at the
minimum allowed by the military laws of
the State.
Then the quality of the men enrolled was
low, viewed from the standpoint of physi-
cal requirements. About all the former
militia organizations were maintained for
was to provide meeting places for young
men and allow of their wearing uniforms
at stated periods for the delectation and
admiration of the young ladies. When the
recent war resulted in the absorption of the
Indiana National Guard into the army Of
the United States. thus leaving the State
without any force with which to quell pub
lie disturbances, the Governor and his mill
itary advisers Immediately began holding
a series of conferences with the object in
view of effecting the formation of an en-
tirely new body of militia. One point that
was definitely settled as a result of these
consultations was that the standard of the
new National Guard should be that MAIN
tanned by the regular army kept up by In
Gle Sam.
1t was determined to admit no young
| men to any of the new companies who
| could not pass a physical examination as
| rigid as that required when entrance into
| the regular army is sought Another fixed
purpose that was announced was that no
CUTTERS would knowingly be accepted.
The Governor was greatly chagrined at the
| large number of members of the old Ma
| tional Guard who came to Camp Mount at
| the outbreak of the Spanish war, only to
| remain a few days at the expense of the
| State. and then make various excuses to
get back home. The Governor has little
| use for this kind OF man, and is determined
that as few as possible of that variety
| shall be enrolled in his new armed force.
| Ever since the close of the war, or as
| soon afterward as the extraordinary
| amount Of business created on account of
1T could be cleared away the adjutant gen.
| eral has been making strenuous efforts to
| raise a new lot of regiments to constitute
| National Guard. Although many months
| have passed, thus far full regiment has
/ not been secured. Towns which were con-
Il
| have reported that ii is slow work, in some
| cases, and absolutely impossible, in others
| to get together the requisite number and
| kind of men.
| Frankfort is one of the places where un.
| usual trouble has been found in recruiting
| a company of the Guard. The reason fol-
| this is that Capt. David f. Allen took with
| him to the Philippines the pick of Frank.
| forts young men, and about all who were
| fired with genuine military zeal. Hence
| Frankfort has, perforce. been marked of
| the list. General Gore says 1t is unlikely
| that more than three regiments will be or
ganiZed. A militia organization of thi:
| size, he thinks, will be all that can be prop
| erly equipped and provided for by the
amount appropriated by the last Legisla
| ture.
Meanwhile much spirited work is beins
done by the men who want Official position:
| in the new National Guard. Application:
for commissions are pouring in upon tn,
Governor and adjutant general. If all could
be colonies, majors, captains or lieutenant:
the raising OF Guard would be an easy
matter. 1t is, therefore, certain that one,
got together, the State regiments will b,
quickly fitted out with a full complement
of field, staff and line officers.