The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-21
NATIONAL GUARD CONFERENCE.


During this week some Of the officers
Of the National Guard in the different
States will meet in this city to consider
what is necessary to insure its better
organization, which was so shattered in
most States by the Spanish war. Such a
meeting is of great Importance, because
there are few really intelligent people
who do not hold the views of the fathers
of a well-organized and thoroughly dis
ciplned militia in times Of peace. 1t is
probable that most of the officers OF the
National Guard who will attend this con-
ference participated in some measure in
the organization or the command of troops
which were called into the field by the
war with Spain. Well prepared as were
the regiments in some States for actual
service, doubtless most of the officers of
the National Guard now see that the best
of the commands were poorly fitted for
the actual service to which they were
called. Many of the officers understand
these defects far better than one who
was not of them. TO the outsider who
recalls the period of preparation for actual
service. the present system of organization
is defective. One of the defects which
tends to defeat the efficiency which comes
from discipline is the election of officers
by the men whom they are to command.
The most popular man is not sure to be the
best fitted for command. If the company
officer secures his election by soliciting the
votes of the men who constitute it, the
chances are that he will not be in a po-
sition to enforce discipline. At the very
outset, change appears to be necessary
in the method of selecting officers. In the
organization of the excellent volunteer regf-
ments which have been sent to the Phil
ippines the President commissioned all
of the line officers after their qualifications
had been ascertained. Most of these Of
ficers were appointed before the recruiting
of the regiments to which they were as
signed was completed. Why would 1t not
be better for the Governors of States in
which new companies of National Guards
are to be formed to appoint officers who
have passed satisfactory examinations
and give them power to recruit companies?
This course would insure efficient Of
ficers, and an efficient National Guard can
not be secured without corps of skill
full officers, no matter how good the en-
listed men may be.
Much of the loss of life and sickness
in the regiments called out at the be-
ignorance Of officers and men respecting
camp duties, which should have been.
taught in the State musters. Men did not
know how to cook their rations because
they had not been taught as they should
have been in the annual assemblages for
drill. If the guard is to be useful re-
serve it must be taught the secret of liv-
ing in camp by practical experience.
knowledge of the preparation Of
food is quite important as instruction
in the use of arms. There is also a very
general opinion that the National Guard
should have a closer connection with the
government of the United States. To the
end that arms, clothing and equipage shall
be uniform, the Federal government should
supply all these. The general instruction
in camps might well be under the su-
pervision Of the inspector generals depart
ment of the United States army. There
are those~who have had experience who
believe that enlistment should be made
with the clear understanding that those
enlisting can be called into the service
of the United States when there should
be a call upon. the States for troops This
would seem to be necessary to make it
a national guard.
The conference will probably consider
these and otker important matters regard
ing organization. a fact which makes the
meeting very important.