The Hawaiian gazette., 1903-11-10
A UNIFORM
MILITIA LAW
Hawaii Asked to
Pass a New
Bill.

Col. Jones' commanding the Hawai-
ian National Guard, has received from
the War Department copies of a
militia law which the legislature is
asked to pass in Hawaii. This is with
a view to obtaining uniformity Of the
militia law in all states and terrific
ries of the union.
The proposed law is drawn by Gen.
Robert Shaw oliver, assistant secre-
tary of war, and does not differ mate
the islands. The new law passed by
the last legislature was framed by
Col. Jones from copy of the Dick
military bill, and 1t is not believed
that the legislature will need to make
many changes. Copies of the bill
drawn by Secretary oliver were also
sent to Governor Dole.
In a circular accompanying the
copies of the proposed military code,
Acting Secretary oliver explains its
purposes as follows:
I'm view of the fact that the pro-
visions Of section of the Act to pro-
mote the efficiency Of the militia and
for other purposes approved Janu-
airy 81, 1903, which contemplates that
the organization, armament and dis
cipline Of the organized militia in the
several states and territories and in
the District of Columbia should be the
same as that which is now or may
hereafter be prescribed for the regular
and volunteer army of the United
States, within five years from the date
of approval of that act, it is highly
! desirable that the military laws of the
several states should, in certain fun
damental respects, meet the require
ments Of the general militia law in
respect to the organization OF their
several military establishments.
with this idea in view the follow
ing outline of general military law
is suggested as covering the most i'm
portant points in relation to these
questions, the fundamental principles
being embodied in the draft, to which
such additions and notifications
should be made as will be calculated
to fit the varying and peculiar condi-
lions of each state. Certain sections
are given in full, as being of especial
importance ard which 1t would seem
best should be adopted by all states
alike, If they should meet their views.
1t is distinctly to be understood, how
ever, that this outline of the law is
in the nature Of suggestion merely
for the consideration of the various
states as being the first step toward
reaching the end desired in bringing
the general organization and admin
istration of the organized militia in
the several states into substantial har-
mony with that of the army in so far
as it is practicable to do SO.
THE draft which Is inclosed en-
bodies provisions which have been TAX
en- from the military laws of several
states and which represent their work.
ing experience in that regard during
very considerable periods of time;
they have been selected with great
care and it is believed that all of the
sections submitted will meet the test
of practical experience. 1t is conceded
that the needs of no two states in
respect to military legislation are pre-
cistly the same, some codes being
much more comprehensive than 9TH
ers. but the general outline which is
presented is believed to be sufficient
ly comprehensive to meet the needs
of individual states in respect to an
efficient military code. 1t need hardly
be said that when numbers, quanti-
ties, or money amounts are mention
ed in the draft, they are to be regarded
as suggestions merely, and are sub
ject to modification in accordance
with the needs of local administra-
ton"