The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-04-19
NEW MILITARY LAW
IT IS A DRASTIC AND FAR
 REACHING MEASURE.
Ten Millions of Men Will Be Subject to Call to Military Duty by Order of the Presi-
 dent. ..

military footing than ever DSIOre III its history. Some idea of the immensity of this force can be appreciated when it is realized that this number would make eleven armies as large as the magnificent host of seasoned veterans under the com- mand of Grant at the close of the war betwce en the States.
 Could Not Be Equaled in the Wirld. European nations may well ponder over the significant fact that in the twinkling of an eye Uncle Sam could place an army in the field which could not be duplicated and which would challenge the admiration of the civilized world. While the idea of a large standing army is repugnant to the American mind, 1t is true, nevertheless, that the United States has approached nearer to a standing army than ever before. It is prepared to defend the Monroe Doctrine. the main- tenance of which many leading states men believe will precipitate the next war Under the new law this vast army thoroughly armed, equipped and train- ed for the serious business of war, can be mustered almost instantly. At pres ent the naval force of the United States is exceeded only by that of Great Britain and France.
 Nearly Eleven Millions of Men.
 According to the recent reports of the Adjutant-Generals of the States to the Secretary of War the exact available strength of the United States is 1O,S53, ,396. Of the number. 11S.25s are organized. The regular army consists of $500 men. Thus there are 153,259 men actually under arms, and this force forms a nucleus which is susceptible of indefinite expansion.
 A thorough understanding of the ex- cellent military position of the United States will be had when 1t is known that the new law provides for equippng the National Guard with modern arms; for practice marches; for field maneu- vers with the regular troops; for target practice; for the same formation and tactics now in force in the regular es- tablishment. and for generous appropria- tions to be expended in carrying the new law into effect. Wonders are ex- pected of it, and the mistakes of the Spanish war will be avoided. The laws providing for rotation in the stan de- partments and the new general staff of the army will also contribute largely to- ward bringing about these excellent re- suits.
 The New National Guard Law. A brief review of the salient features of the new National Guard law will show exactly what Congress has done for the defense or the nation. It provides that
  bodied citizen who is more than eighteen and less than forty-five years of age. Government officials and members of any well-recognized religious sect or organ iZation at present organized whose creed forbids it's members to participate in war are exempt from military service. The organization, armament and disci- pline of the militia will be the same as that of the regular army. When the United States is invaded or in danger of invasion from. any foreign nation or of rebellion against the authority of the United States or the President Is unable | with other forces at his command to exc | cute the laws of the Union, 1t is lawful for the President to call forth, for a pe- riod of not exceeding nine months, the militia force deemed necessary to repel the invasion, suppress a rebellion or en- able him to execute the laws. He is vested with authority to send troops from one State to another to suppress riots which the local authorities cannot control.
 Apportioned Among the States. When the militia of more tha: one | State is needed the President may. in his | discretion, c apportion the force among the | States When in actual service the mili- tia will receive the same pay as the reg ulars Every officer or man who is found l fit for duty after the President calls the | troops in the field will be courtmartialed | if he refuses to present himself. There will be appointed an adjutant- general for every State, who will report to the Secretary of War the condition of the militia and make observations for the | information of Congress-. The Secretary of War Is authorized to issue, on the acquisitions of the Governors, standard xrifn nav nd other accoutrements used by the regu- | lars for the equipment of the militia in exchange for the antiquated arms. Am munition will also be provided. To pro- vide for arming the troops an appropria- ton of $500 OOO 900 is made.
 Militia in Regular Army Practice. Authority is given to the Secretary of War to provide for the participation of | the militia, on the request of the Gov | ernors, in the encampment maneuvers | and the field instruction of the regular army at or near any military post, camp lake or seacoast defenses of the United States The militia will also participate in practice marches for a period of five
 days each year, and in rifle practice not | less than twenty-four times with the | regular army. When thus engaged they
 will receive the same pay as he"fegular | force, and will be provided with subsist-
 ence and tf transportation.
 | Officers of the organized militia, when
 authorized by the President may attend l and pursue a regular course of study ! at any military school or college of the | United States, and they will receive | travel allowances, quarters, or commu-
 tation of quarters.
 War Material at Cost Price.
 Military publications. stores supplies,
 and material of war will be furnished to | State troops at the cost price. Officers | of the regular army may be detailed to duty with the militia for purposes of in- i struction. Troops of the militia encamp ed at any military post or camp in the l United States may be furnished with ann | munition for instruction in firing and tar- get practice and this instruction will be l carried on under the direction of an of | ficer selected for the purpose by the pI roper military commander.
 When an officer, non-commissioned O. private, of the militia is disabled by req son of wounds or disease received or in- cured in the service of the United States he will be entitled to all the bene- fits of the pension laws existing at the time of his service and if dc" n e-'-'~ from wounds or disabilities. the widow and children will be entitled to the bene- fits of the pension laws.
 Bestowal of Commissions.
 For the purpose of obtaining a list of persons specially qualified to hold com missions in any volunteer force which hereafter may be authorized, other than force composed of organized militia,