The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-04-05
The New Militia Act.

In contrast TO the unofficial commenta-
tors who issued their views As to the work
ings Of the new Militia act within . few
days Of it's passage 10 the tentative
opinion Of the Army War College Board
just made public. The Secretary OF War
referred tho matter to the board on
Feb. IS, nearly month after the act was
passed, and nearly q month later that
body reported. Its report has been sent
to the Adjutant- Generals Of the various
States for their comments and criticism;
when those are received, 1t ID possible
that the views OF the board may b modi-
fed. In view, however. Of the exhaus-
tive character Of the report. such modi-
fication does not seem probable.
In reference to the changes required
by the act as whole, the War College
Board says:
Until Jan. q. 1903. the organized militia may
sdop, the organise armament and discipline
Of the Regular and Volunteer armies or not. - II
may see a. on that date the standard must be
realized. and thereafter becomes . requirement.
After the lapse OF ave years. conformity In organ
izatoa viii not permit an eight or ten company
regiment. bu, Il win permi, separate companies
having the standard organ nation. including only
the authorized number Of ofncer-"
The board holds that the War Depart
ment cannot, without the consent OF the
States. prescribe an examination for tho
appointment or promotion Of commits
stoned officers, and that, as the chief
object Of the act Ia to secure uniformity.
a State cannot say that portion Of its
militia will conform to the army stand
ard. All parts Of States militia must
conform before II is entitled 10 any share
Of the annual appropriation for the
National Guard.
The President being authorized to fix
in time Of peace the minimum strength
OF enlisted men in companies, troops
and batteries, the board suggests that
the minimum strength Of the army or
carnations be settled upon. This gives
the infantry companies and cavalry
troops a minimum Of eS men, the field
batteries a minimum Of 10 for elk guns,
the coast artillery companies 10 and
the engineers 100. These figures are
suggested that there may b no tempta-
ton TO multiply regimental organiza-
tons unnecessarily.
A very important expression Of the
opinion Of the War College Board 10 that,
in view Of the great expense TO the Gov.
eminent, to be incurred solely that the
country shall have constantly available
a reliable militia, the physical recruiting
standard Of the Regular army should be
adopted TOR the militia, except - 10 the
age limit. This by tho new law b 10
years for the lower, u years for the SUI
perior, term. Men over the latter age
cannot be held for service against their
will, under any circumstances.
The board holds that though only
standard service magazine arms are
specified a. subjects Of issue 10 the
States, the Law viii permit tho issue OF
revolvers, field guns, gatlines and maya
zine guns As well. and that In arranging
for the participation of militia troops
with Regulars the War Department
should require that the militia CON-
mAnder be subordinate 10 the officer com
manding tho Regular troops, and the
militia subject to the Regular ofAoers.
90 long as troops Of the two services arc
together.
The opinion Of The board emphasizes
the fact that amendments 10 ths oct viii
be needed before the States having the