The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-08-09
The National Guard

Can regular army discipline be en-
forced in the national guard?" is a
subject that has received much dis
cusSlon since the late annual encamp-
ments, and has brought out many fine
points which tend to prove that too
much care cannot be taken by a COM
pany in choosing its officers An at
tempt was made by one regiment to
enforce this discipline little stronger
perhaps than the other two and
whether OF not the men or the officers
were to blame in certain cases is one
to be determined. The success of a
company depends greatly on the level
headedness of the commanding officer.
When the word was passed down the
line that officers were not to mingle
with the men during the encamp-
ment different methods were used by
the captains in conveying this intelli-
gence to their men. Some simply gave
positive orders to the men that they
were to remain away from the officers
tents entirely and when communica-
ton was desired it should come
through the first sergeant, and that
all respect due the officer should be
shown. Other captains called their
men together and explained to them
in a pleasant way that military eti-.
uniform it was necessary for him to
cease personal associations not be-
cause that as a man he was any better
than they, but because his rank forbade
their close association. and the stand
ing OF the company in which they all
had pride would be elevated by a close
observance of the rule; "but when my
uniform is off and in civilian clothes
then will be one of YOU"
The hardest position in a national
guard regiment to fill is that of a COM
pany commander, and too much diplo-
macy cannot be used. A captain can
be one of the boys up to the time he
puts on his uniform, but then personal
friendship must be overlooked and all
men treated alike. His military dig
nifty must be upheld, but not in an
everbearing way. He must do it in
manner not to offend the men. Many
Of those under him are his equals in
civil life and some far above him. He
must treat all alike and a deviation
from this policy is sure to cause Of
Tense
The rigid discipline of the regular
army can never be enforced in the
national guard, where all men are
equals and simply volunteers. When
a man has become dissatisfied and
stays away from drill the best thing
that can be done with him is to get
him out of the company, for he is no
longer a good soldier, apd often creates
diScord.
1t is probable that this matter will
receive serious discussion as to best
plans at the next officers convention
The national. guard is sure 20 become
more aristocratic now that federal as
sistance has been made SO liberal, and
great care must be taken.
Great concern is felt over the report
made by Capt. DWyer, Twenty first U.
S. infantry, who conducted the camp
inspection this summer. His report
has been in the hands of Gen. Libbey
: for several days, but has not been made
public. 1t is said that the report is
most favorable and speaks we'll for the
guard. There were also several i'm
portant recommendations which the
zadjutant general expects to have pub
lished later.
Gen. Libbey has been in Lake City
several days this week getting things
in readiness for work on the new rifle
pit, the contract for which has been
let to David Mckenzie of Wabasha. A
condition of the contract is that the
work must all be completed by Sept 8.
Col. Reeve will entertain the officers
of the old Thirteenth regiment at his
Lake Harriet home, Sunny Side, Aug
1S, ~Whena the fourth reunion of the
battle of Manila will be celebrated
Those eofficers of the First regiment
who served in the Thirteenth in the
Philippines have also been invited.
: THE resignation of First Lieut.. J. c.
SStsaeban, Company B., has been ac-
yfapted. 1t was the intention of the
members of the company to tender the
Vacancy to Capt. c. E. Metz, who is
now residing in Minneapolis but not
connected with the guard. Capt. Metz
has refused the offer, and Lieut.. Pratt
will be made first lieutenant, and
second lieutenant chosen from the
company.
Lieut.. r. M. Whyte, Company FL,
has also rendered his resignation for
business reasons.
The Illinois national guard has been
equipped with new dress and service
uniforms.
is to be given in Indiana
for employment in the state institu-
lions to members of the national guard
who lose their positions through ser
vice.
Among the late promotions In the
Minnesota national guard are the fol-
lowing:
Governors Staff-John S. Spargo,
Minneapolis, to be colonel and aid-de-
camp; Michael J. Donnelly, st. Paul,
colonel and aid-de-camp; Thomas H.
Girling, Minneapolis, colonel and aid
aid-de-camp.
Second Infantry-Albert G. Chase,
of Faribault, major; Nicholas Nichol-
sen, Of Austin, major; John S. Brand,