The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-02-22
~ IT aF1
THE NATIONAL GUARD.

In spite of all reports to the con-
trary, there is nothing in the new mill
tia bill which prohibits the state or
CARNATIONS from having, in times of
peace, such extra officers as inspectors
of rife practice, judge advocates, ETC.,
as they may see fit, but when the mill
tia comes under the federal govern
ment and receives pay from the United
States, such officers will not be con-
sidered a part of the state organiza-
tons, In regard to pay, etc, as only
such officers as are provided for the
regular army will be recognized.
The division of militia of the adju-
tant generals Office at Washington, of
which Maj. James Parker is the chief,
is buSily engaged in answering ques-
tons propounded by the militia of the
several states relative to the construc-
ton given the various sections of the
bill. 1t is the intention to send to
each state as soon as possible circu-
lar letter of instruction as to the man
ner in which the provisions Of the new
bill are to be carried out. Some of the
more important points have been clear
ed up by the adjutant general, as it
will be some time before the circular
will be ready.
In the first place, it has been off,
cially held by the war department that
there is nothing in the law which will
prevent any state from having in its
militia company Of infantry, or a
battery of artillery, or troop of cav
airy. In other words, it will be for the
state to decide whether it's units shall
be less than a full regiment of cav
airy or infantry, or a corps of artillary
or a battalion of engineers, etc. The
law does provide, however, and it is
very clear on this point, that If state
organizes a regiment, corps or bat
talon, they must conform in that or
ganiZation to that of the regular army.
In times of peace, however, the presi-
dent may fix the minimum number of
enlisted men in each company, battery
or troop for the militia below that pre-
scribed by law for the regular army.
1t is understood that this minimum
will be fixed at about fifty men. Adjt
Gen. Libbey, in response to a request
from the war department on this sub
! ject, suggested that 1t be fixed at for
| ty-three.
| The bills before the state legislature
are still in the hands of the committee
on appropriation, and their fate has
| not been fully determined 1t is hoped.
however, that all will be satisfactory.
The st. Paul armory bond bill has
been passed by both houses and is now
law. 1t Is more than probable that
the next two weeks will see ground
| broken for the new armory that is to
be erected where the old armory now
| stands.
The First battalion of artillery ana
the Third regiment will go into camp
at the same time, probably early in
June. 1t Is understood that Mai. George
c. Lambert invited Col. Van Duzee
| and his regiment to occupy the reser-
walton at the same time, but Col. Van
Duzee had already selected on the
time. So 1t will be settled later on
which arm had the honor of request
ing the company of the other The
Third is a mighty regiment Of nine
companies, while the artillery is but a
struggling battalion, SO the honors will
undoubtedly be enjoyed by the larger
organization.
The dance given by Company D in
honor of its twenty second year of
existence was one Of the prettiest and
most enjoyable affairs ever given in
| the armory. The company boys car
| ried the honors gracefully and all will
long remember the event. Company