Evening star., 1902-01-20
GUARDSOF THE UNION
Representatives R bf National Assooia-
tion in Session Here.
LEADING CIVILIAN i ! SOLDIERS PRESENT
WsIcominglAdde by the Assist
ant Secretary Of War.
GEN. DICKS RESI- S E

The annual meeting of the National
Guards Association of the United States,
which convened at the New Willard today,
and will remain in session for several days,
has brought to Washington many of the
leading civilian soldiers of the United
States, men who are interested In
the protection and welfare Of the
country, The adjutants general of two
thirds Of the states were present or repre-
sented, and not few Of them were accom-
panied by their staffs. Clad in their uni
forms, they presented picturesque scene
In the ball room Of the hotel, where their
deliberations began.
Secretary of War Root had planned to ad-
dress the delegates, but he was unavoidabiy
absent from the city. His place was ably
filled by Assistant Secretary Sanger. Gen:
Harrles OF the District of Columbia Guaro
was delegated a committee of one to wait
upon Mr.. Sanger, and the general intro
duced him to his colleagues in arms.
The fore part of the day was spent in re-
newing acquaintanceships and discussing
in an informal way the questions that Will
come before the body for discussion.
The assistant secretary of war was ac-
corded rousing reception when he ap-
peared in the hall in company with Gen
chairman Of the House committee on mill
tia, was among the first to grasp his hand
II wish to say that Secretary Root had
intended being with you today, MT.
Sanger said, ''and l know that he feels
deeply his inability to be here On his be-
half l heartily welcome you. l hope that
your deliberations will accomplish a better
ment Of the National Guard of the country
The experiences of the past few years have
Of necessity prompted a forethought for
fortification in times of peace Throughout
the country the interest in the perpetuation
of the National Guard is SO great as to
warrant the belief that something tangible
will result IN your deliberations feel con-
hdent that something practical will result.
And L desire to assure you that If the
Department of War be of service to
you at any time the Secretary has author
lied me to say that he shall be glad to
meet you. 1 hope that practical and valu-
able results shall be secured by your de-
liberations."
General Dicks Response.
Assistant Secretary Sanger was roundly
cheered General Dick responded.
II am not here in a dual capacity" he
said. "As chairman of the committee on
militia in Congress l know how sincere
Colonel Sanger, is, for he has assured me
from time to time of his interest IN the
National Guard.C Z have always had the
cooperation of; the War Department. This
is a matter Of great Importance, one which
we feel is more than any other of import
ance to the welfare of our country. The
National Guard is now on footing where
it can be of help not only to the states,
but the national government as Well. Con-
gress will be able to do something for the
national militia-something that shall be
tangible and beneficial but let us be care
full not to ask too much, expecting more in
the way of results.
1.-THE Secretary Of War has expressed
desire that the, National Guard shall con-
tinue to be an active, energetic, useful
force There Is thorough helpful senti
ment in both branches of Congress. Col
onel Sangers words are possessed Of pecu-
liar encouragement. I know that the work
of the association cannot be other than
fruitful Of good results.
General Barry the Presiding officer.
General Barry of Nebraska, who served
throughout the civil war and who has only
one arm, presided at today's session. Cen
eral Reese, the president of the associa-
tion was not present, but Is expected to-
morrow. After the conclusion OF General
Dicks remarks one of the delegates moved
that a member from each state present
be appointed a committee to which all
bills and suggestions for legislation in the
interest Of the National Guard Of the coun-
try be referred. There was some discus
sion as to when this committee should re-
port a number of the delegates suggest
Ing that it should not take long, and that
the committee ought to be able to report
by 4 O. clock.
This was conbated by General Dick.
who explained that the questions which
must of necessity come before the COM
mittee were of extraordinary Importance,
and that plenty of time should be given for
thorough discussion and consideration
of the merits of the same. When 1t came
to a vote adjournment was taken until
tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock The COM
nittee on legislation is composed Of the
following persons:
Chairman, General C. w, F. Dick, Ohio;
District of Columbia, General George H.
Harries: Arkansas, General W. H. Haynes;
Colorado, General John Chase; Florida,
General j. c. r. Foster; Illinois, General
H. s. Clark; Iowa, General NJ. H. Byers;
Michigan, General G. H. Brown, Minneso-
ta Major George c: Lambert; New Mexi-
co. General w. H. Whiteman: New York,
Colonel Britton; North Carolina, General
B. s. Royster; North Dakota, General Mil
ler; Oregon, General Calvin w. Ganten-
bein; Pennsylvania, General Charles w.
Miller; South Carolina, General ]. w.
Floyd; South Dakota, Colonel r. W. Stew
art; Vermont, General Gilmore; Washing
erai W. J. NJ. Appleton; Wyoming, Colonel
]. Boardman Cam; Idaho, Colonel E. C.
Young; Massachusetts, General Dalton;
Maryland, General Saunders.
There are number Of importan nt o1es-
tions to be considered by the association.
Congress is'to be asked to grant an appro-
priation of $2,OOO,000 for the benefit of the
militia Of the several states, which is dou-
Die the amount asked OF the last Congress.
Those In Attendance.
Among the prominent civilian soldiers at
tending the convention are: Gen. Samuel
Dalton of Massachusetts, Major Gen. Jas.
Haynes of Arkansas, Gen. ]. c. Oliphant
Of New Jersey, Lieut.. Gov. James P. y.
Goblin Of Pennsylvania, Gen. William Bran
don Of Tennessee, Gen. William Nalle of
Virginia, Gen. James s. Floyd of South
Carolina, Gen. George Gyger of Ohio, Gen.
U. s. Bangham Of Colorado, Gen. George F..
Gardner Of Colorado, Gen. Clifford r. Fos-
ter of Florida. Gen. Horace Clark OF nI1-
nois Gen. John Ward of Indiana, Gen. M.
H. Byers of Iowa, Gen. George b. Brown
of Michigan, Geu.stE. s. Libby of Mime
[ William Henry Of ,MissiSsinni Col j II