The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-01-14

their own men, and hence better qualified
to decide upon methods for handling
them. They want commission in which
every state has voice to decide upon
their own, legislation, leaving it to the
president to select a senator, representa-
tive and some officer of the regular army.
If the states are not allowed represen-
tative on the commission in any bill sub
mitted, their guardsmen will urge their
views before congress and the result will
be that as many amendments to the bill
reported by the commission as there are
states disaffected -
National Guard to the Army.
Another feature of the associations
work will be to provide for an amend
ment which shall allow appointments to
the regular army as second lieutenants
of a certain number Of national guards
men each year. Major Lambert has
framed bill which will cover this point
and also allow the national guard the use
of penalty envelopes now provided for in
j. the regular army for official communica-
tons.
Legislation.
Major Lambert, in an interview on the
subject of legislation said:
The time is now ripe for we'll matured and
concerted action. The ever increasing aprro-
priations annually required for the 7nainten-
ance of the regular army, and the continued
demand for it's enlargement, have forced upon
congress comparison OF the cost of tho
national guard and it's relative, strength and
efficiency And when it Is considered that the
regular army composed Of $1,000 men requires
for its maintenance and equipment an annual
expenditure of $3.50, 100000, where national
guard force of 115,0C0 men, equally available
in an emergency, is maintained with the cid
Of a federal appropriation of $1,0O0,0C0, it is
not surprising that legislators should pause
and doubt tho advisability Of further in
crease in the regular establishment.
1t is therefore to be hoped that the inter-
state National Guard association, upon whom
will devolve the task of laying the foundation
for the ultimate success of future legislation,
will not be misled by narrow reasons of ex-
pediency, but realizing the Importance of the
subject, will report bill for a commission
representative Of gil interests affected, which
will command the confidence and active sup
port of every state.
West to Be Ably Represented.
Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois Wisconsin and
most of the Mississippi valley states will
be ably represented at this meeting. Adj
jutant General J. N. Reece. Illinois, presi
dent Of the association, will not be pres
ent, and Adjutant General byers, of Iowa.
is strongly urged for the position of presi-
dent General Byers is looked upon as a.
man of rare executive ability who would
give much attention to the duties Of the
position. He has, however, definitely
stated that he will not allow his name to
be used if it in any way interferes with
the election of Major Lambert as score
tary.
Practice Marches.
Colonel G. A. Van Duzee will undoubted-
ly be called upon to tell of the benefits
derived in substituting practice marches
for the annual encampment. Major Wood
has the interest of rifle practice much at
heart, and will advocate the organization
of western rifle association for the pur-
pose of holding annual rifle competition.
General Libbey will transact business in
connection with his department. and
afterwards leave on trip through New
York, Massachusetts, and to his old home
in Maine The Minnesota delegates will
stop at the Willard hotel in Washington.