The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-05-04
THE BOYS IN BLUE.

1t is the policy of certain class of
people to belittle the militia and to
dub them tin soldiers. With this class
of individuals there is nothing in the
organization except the parade, the
uniforms and the expense.
The public mind to some extent
needs disabusing on this question. The
state militia may be somewhat orna-
mental when on parade, and it may
be slight tax upon the public purse
But it is we'll worth the latter.
The lay mind does not often consider
the relation OF the citizen army to the
preservation to the nation So long
as the accepted methods of settling
disputes between nations is the wager
of battle. SO long will the use of SOL
diers for that purpose be necessary
part of the defense of any nation. 1t
is not necessary to consider what the
future will offer as substitute for
the method which has prevailed since
Amalek fell before the onslaughts of
Joshua's army because of the uplifted
hands of Moses. At the present time
1t is the accepted method of the world,
and being so. it is necessary that we
be prepared for action.
The action OF nation like those of
men have become rather precipitate
in matters of national honor War is
declared without delay and in less
time than was once required to re-
ceive the declaration the armies are
in the field and often the decisive bat
tie has been fought. Under the pres
ent modern methods of communication
there is no time to drill and organize
an army after war is declared. SOL
diers must bs rushed i9 the field and
a we'll drilled and disciplined army
must be available in a days notice.
There are two ways by which this
may be accomplished. One is by
Keeping great standing armies like
England and Germany. and the other
1s by keeping we'll organized a great
army neuclus around which can be
assembled the volunteer army that has
always been the bulwarh of this ma
ton. The former are the methods of
imperial powers. the latter those OF
democracy of the people.
The various state militias are the
foundation of great army, trained in
the arts Of war. and ready at a
moments notice to assume the duties
of the trained soldier. They are drilled
in the routine of army life, are edu-
Gated to act as a part of the great
unit known as an army.
They do not of course, comprise the
entire army, but they form the centre
around which is assembled the volun-
teer material of the armies which have
won the plaudits of the world on
hundred bloody fields.
The citizen soldier on parade is not
a toy, neither is he indulging in any
frivolity for the edification of the pub
lie. He is engaged in a serious BUSH
ness.
The very fact that half million
men can be made to act in unison,
each assisting in carrying out great
general plan Of action, and all obedi-
emit to the touch of one directing mind
10 proof that the present military or
Eanization is the greatest concen-
trated power and force in the worlds
history.
As this centralized directing force
of the commander is distributed
through the various divisions of the
organization, each officer having his
part in the enormous whole, it be-
comes necessary that from general to
corporal there should be an educated
understanding that will enable each to
cooperate with the other.
II this be- done, the private in the
ranks may be directed intelligently so
that his efforts become part of the
plan, of the attack or defense.
This is Just the class of men that
are being trained in the militia of the
several states. From this source will
be drawn. should it be needed, the
material which will constitute the
directing force of the armies of this
country, should 1t ever become neces-
,sary TO use an army for our defense.
Ne may not be q warning nation.
ana the doctrine Of arbitration Of In
ternatlonal, disputes may sometime be-
the accepted law Of nations in their
relation one with the other. But that