Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-01-30
FAuDRS MILITIA Bill
President Roosevelt Favors
Closer Relations Between
Militia and Army.
Congressman Dicks Bill En-.
dorsed by the Secretary OF
War-.Its Objects.
Efficiency of National Guard
Would Be Greatly Increased
by the Measure.

Washington, Jan. 30.-The admins
tration will lend it's influence to the
passage of the bill which has been Of
fered by Congressman Dick, proposing
close cooperation between the regular
army and the national guard or militia
organizations of the various states
This assertion is made on high author
ity. President Roosevelt made ii
the Office of president that he had the
interests of the army at heart and that
he would neglect no opportunity tC
better that means of the country's de-
Tense. The bill which has been pre-
pared and offered to congress does
not embody the full views of the adj
ministration. 1t is not entirely salts
factory to all interests concerned. II
is believed. however, that it comes as
near accomplishing thru its terms
what the administration believes
should be done in securing the nations
defense as can be proposed at this
time with a prospect of favorable ac-
ton.
The lessons taught by the war with
Spain have not been forgotten. Mr..
Root. the secretary of war. knows of
them thru the officers of his depart
ment. The president knows of them
thru his active participation in the
war, both in the field and in the navy
department. Two means are sought
of correcting conditions which at the
beginning of the war threatened to
bring disgrace and defeat upon our
arms. Weeks and months We're spent
in discussing the possibility of war
Not until war was formally declared
and there was congressional action
giving authority We're the president
and the officers of the war department
able to take action looking to the rails
ing of an army to meet the army of
Spain. Conditions then existing in the
militia of the several states made 1t
extremely difficult to secure troops
sufficiently armed and equipped and
trained for field service. Even the
best OF the state organizations We're in
such poor condition that valuable
time had to be wasted in the effort to
prepare them for the field.
The object of the administration at
this time is to so increase the etfic-
iency OF the regular army and of the
militia of the several states and to Sc
cure such cooperation as will make
1t possible in future to raise an effect
i've army on short notice. The bill Of
fered by Congressman Dick embodies
the present. plans of the administration
in this direction. 1t proposes the
of the militia OF the Estates
Guns and equipment will be given
them which can be used against the
trained armies of foreign nations in
the event of such use becoming neces-
sary. The money appropriated by
for the support of the state
will be paid in part In
cash to those organizations which
show such a degree of efficiency as
will warrant the government in Civ
ing them this recognition. A rigid in
pection service is to be instituted.
1t will preclude the possibility of per-
functory reports being made to the
department by regular army officers
sent to inspect the state troops. In
stead, the reports will reflect actual
of efficiency in the various
and upon these reports
government aid to the citizen soldiers
will be extended.
Close cooperation between the reg
ulars and the militia is proposed by
the measure. Regulars and militia will
be sent to common camping grounds.
The men and officers in the militia will
receive the same pay and allowances
as the men In the regular service.
To meet this condition the department
proposes that record shall be made of
all men mustered out of the regular
service A special roll is to be provided
for them IL the bill proposed passes 1t
will perhaps be of sufficient size to
insure to the country maximum
force of 100000 men at all times. The
men will be enrolled for a period OF
five years. They will have no special
service during that period, except that
they will be expected to report annu-
ally to a convenience army post. For
this they will be given $40 annual COM
pensation.
The government can in this way
keep in constant touch with the men
who have had military experience and
in case of emergency can muster them
Into service quickly. Assured of early
active service, In the light of past ex-
perience, 1T is belived they will readily
come forward in the event of threat
ened hostilities.