The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-22
The Inspection .

The spectiOn.
 Speaking of the proposed reorganiza- tion, The National Guard Magazine speaks very plainly and tells the Ma tional Guard that it must be ready for the government test next January. It says:
 "The announcement by the War De- partment ola special inspection of the National Guanl in all States next Jan uary. as published in our Washington letter of last month. Is not unexpect- ed. Those States which took the Dick law seriously in the beginning. and immediately began to comply with its provisions, may. of course. be expected to be farther advanced toward con- forming with the organization, arma- ment and discipline of the regular army than those which have postponed such compliance until the eleventh hour.
 ''The fact that this inspection will be ordered by the War Department indi- cates the Department Is In earnest and intends to give the National Guard of the country an opportunity to make good its boast that 1t Is an efficient army when proper support and en- cement is given.
 "The inspections are likely to result In more or less of reduction in the number of eFganizations-the weedin 2 out process that will not be unwel- come by those adjutants general who have been importuned by politicians and others to maintain in service cer- tain organizations which have nothing to recommend them. There will be good reason indeed for mastering out any organizations on the ground that if they are not efficient enough to re- ceive Federal support they should not receive State support.
 "Compliance with the Dick law means that the National Guard of the several States must be organized pre- clsely as prescribed for the organiza- tion of the army. It means that the equipment of the soldier as well as of the organization must conform in every way to that of the army, and must be sufficient to enable the troops to take the field for active service It means that all disciplined troops should ob- serve the same methods of drill. cour- tesy, customs and use the same general system in paper work as is prescribed for the army. Compliance also means that special efforts must be made to recruit only such men as will be avail able in case of war. and that physical examinations must be more rigid, as prescribed by the War Department for the organized militia.
 "A serious charge has been made against the National Guard-that 1t cannot be depended upon to turn out it's full strength in case of war, and that organizations will refuse to enter the Federal service when put to the test. Friends of the National Guard and those who had experience in it in '9S in those States where the Guard went to the front almost as organized, know this charge ia not well taken and esnecially now that all of the States have had the benefit of over four years under the Dick law,
 At any rate. much needs to be done this summer and autumn to bring the National Guard up to the highest stage of organization equipment and discip- line in order that when 1t Is faced by the inspecting officers it may prove in every way 1t is competent to partici- pate in Federal appropriations. Those State officers who are responsible should make it clear to the organiza- ton that when the day comes for sep arating the sheep from the goats the separation will immediately result in The elimination of the undesirable.