New-York tribune., 1903-02-17
CITIZEN SOLDIERS.

The new militia law, which was framed by
experts and indorsed by the best men in the
vice. does not meet with the approval of some
organizations, and its operation is looked for
ward to by them with miSgiying and anxiety.
The dissatisfied ones are the men who object
TO that part of the law which provides for uni
formity in organization and equipment between
the regular establishment and the National
Guard. They recognize the fact that the service
will be improved by the change, but they fear
that the uniformity" regulations will destroy
the distinguishing characteristics of their regi
ments companies.
The International National Guard Associa-
ton in circular on the subject calls attention
10 the following facts:
The annual United States appropriation. di-
vided among the different States, up to 1887,
was but 100000, when it was increased to
$500, 900. IT. 1900 this was increased to 1000,
600, greater sum having been expressly refused
by the leaders In Congress until the National
Guard should be organized similar to the regu-
lar esta blshment and placed a footing Of
greater efficiency. This Congress has given the
States, to provide for complete rearmament and
equipment the aggregate sum of S5,O00,000. i'm
mediately available, and the new act carries
with it annual provision in the future for the
pay, subsistence and transportation of National
Guard troops In field and camp service, which
will be important contribution to the real
efficiency OF the National Guard III all the States
and. through the saving Of State funds for such
purpose. provide for enlargement of armory ac-
commodations for added companies.
The law aims to create force homogeneous
in all respects throughout the country, instead
of what might we'll be termed forty-eight sep
arate armies, each varying from the other
in many respects and to insure degree of prac-
tical usefulness for the purposes for which SOL
diers trained which will justify the liberal
expenditure of public funds made by the State
and ration on the citizen soldiery, all of which
the confusion and friction in mobilization of the
National Guard and In it's general lack of prep
aration in the practical work of the soldier in
camp and field demonstrated by the war
with Spain to be necessity.
The changes in organization drill equipment
etc, must not necessarily be made immedi~
ately. The law provides that they shall be ef-
fected within period of five years from Janu-
ary 81. This arrangement gives the various or
ganizations ample time TO become accustomed
I to the new order of things. But that is no con-
ISOLATION 10 the dissatisfied guardsman. He
wants no change which would bring him. a
member of swell body, n level with his
comrade who has social aspirations. He
looks upon the military body of which he is a
member as a uniformed club organized for
parade duty, and the idea that the government
should dare to introduce stern regular army
regulations and customs, and 1eorardize the club
| features of such body, is looked upon as an
| objectionable impertinence- But fortunately the
| objectors are few. The great majority of Ma
| tional Guardsmen are good soldiers. worthy