The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-20
STRONG MILITARY POSITION OF u s. Facts About Army That Make
 Nations Ponder STRENGTH OF THE N. G. Salient Features of the New Law Show That Congress Has Done Much
 for the Militia-our
 Naval Force.
STRENGTH OF THE N. G.
BY HENRY c. BlGoS.

Eleven million intelligent anu Coui "SN ous men is the military strength oi the United States, and with the enactment or the National Guard law the country, dur ing the time of peace, is placed on q stronger military footing than ever De- fore in It's history. Some idea of the i'm mensity of this force can be appreciated when it Is realized that this number would make eleven armies as large as that magnificent host of seasoned Yeter- ans under the command of the indomlta- ble and matchless Grant at the close or the war between the states.
 European nations may well ponder over the significant fact that in the twinklins of an eye Uncle Sam could place an army in the field which could not be duplicated and which would challenge the admira- tion of the civilized world While the idea of d large standing army is repug- nant to the American mind, it is never theless true that the United States has approached nearer standing army thdh ever before It Is prepared to delend the Monroe doctrine, the maintenance or which many leading statesmen peheye will precipltate the next war. Under the new law this vast army can be mustered almost instantly
 The naval force of the United states is only exceeded by that of Great Brltah' and France. According to the recent re- ports of the adjutant generals ot the limited States to the secretary of war, the exact available strength of the United States is 1OS53, 39G. Of this number ll5z zoS is organized. The regular army consists of 33000 men. Thus, there are l46'2o9 men actually under arms and this force forms the nucleus which is susceptible of lndeh- mite expansion.
 A thorough understanding Of the eNcel- lent military position of the united States will be had when it is known that the law provides for the equipping of the Ma tional Guard with modern arms for prac- tice marches, for field maneuyers with the regular troops, for target practice Tor the same formation and tactics now Ill force by the regular establishment, and for generous appropriations to De eN- pended in carrying the new law into ef- feet. Wonders are expected Of It. ana the discreditable mistakes of the span ish war will be avoided.
 The law providing for rotation in the staff departments and the new general staff of the army will also contribute largely toward bringing about these ex- cellent results.
 Features of New Law.
 A brief review of the salient features of the new national law will show exactly what congress has done for the defense or the nation. It provides that the militia shall consist of every able-bodied citizen who is more than eighteen and less than forty-nve years of age. Government offl- cials and members of any well recognized religious sect or organization at present organized whose creed forbids It's mem bers to participate in war are exempt from military service. The organization, armament and dicipline 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 na- ton, or of rebellion against the authority of the United States, or the President Is unable with the forces at his command to execute the laws of the union, IL is lawful for the President to call torlh TOT a period of not exceeding nine months the militia force deemed necessary to re- pei the invasion suppress rebellion or enable him to execute the laws. He IS given authority to send troops from one state to another to suppress riots which the local authorities can not control When the militia of more than one state is needed the President may, at ms discretion aportion the force among the states When in actual service the mill tia will be given the same pay as the regular troops. Every officer or man found fit for duty after the President calls the troops in the field will be court martialed if he refuses to present himself There will be appointed an adjutant- gem eral for every state who will report to the secretary of war the condition Of the militia and make observations for the in- formation of congress- The secretary of war is authorized to issue on the requisl- tion of the governors standard magazine arms with bayonets and other accoutre- ments used by the regulars for the equip ment of the militia in exchange for the antiuuated arms. Ammunition will also be provided. To provide means for arm ing the troops an appropriation of five million dollars is made.
 Authority Is given the secretary of war to provide for the participation of the militia on the request of governors in the eneampment maneuvers and the field in struction of the regular army at or near any military post, camp, lake or coast de- lenses 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 the regular force and will be provided With subsistence and transportation.
 Militia Officers.
 officers of the organized militia, when authorized by the President, may attend and pursue regular course of study at any military school or college of the uyil1 hp