The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-12-28
National Guard Association Max.
ing Efforts to Improve.
LEGISLATION IS IMPORTANT
Laws to be Suggested Looking to the
Betterment Of the Militia Of the
Nation--New Rifle Range for Navy
May be Placed in California.

| WASHINGTON. Dec. s0-At III,
coming meeting Of the National Guar,
Association In Boston. January 10 /,
10, the most important legislation sug
sested since the enactment OF the Dicl
'aw i've years ago. will come betor,
the association for discussion. A meet
ing OF the executive committee of IN.
association was held in Washington re
Gently with Acting Secretary OF Wa,
Oliver and members of the General Statl
at which the provisions Of bill wer,
agreed upon which will take the plae,
of the Dick act. II is a very comprehen,
siye measure and is believed BY IL
authors to obviate many OF the diff.
cnltics which have heretofore prevented
the miEtis from complying with the re.
qnircments OF the Dick act rs TO con,
formation Amcng important modifiea
tions ia one allowing cach organized
division OF the militia one in.
spector OF small arms practice
fantry or cavalry one with the rank of
fantry or avalry one with the rank OF
captain. and each separat, battalion or
squadron, one with the rank OF first
lientnaat. The Presideat il TO be EN-,
powered to specify in hiG call the period
OF service, when the organized militia is
called into service to repcl invasion or
suppress insurrection, and the militia
shall be so called into service in advance
OF any volunteer force which it may b.
determined to raise Another important
change is in Sec. s. which now directs
that courts martial for the trial of
officers and men of the militia, when
In service OF the United States shall be
composed o. militia officers only. This
is to be amended so as to make il read
the majority membership" of such
oourts'martial shall be composed oi
militia officers, Probably the most i'm.
portant change Is in See. l3, which now
empowers the Secretary OF War TO issue
standard magazine guns. bayonets. etc.
to arm the militia as the army is armed.
1t is proposed to amend this section by
authorizing the Secretary OF War to
issue from time to time under such
regulations as he may prescribe, such
OF the United States service
arms and all accessories and such other
equipagc and military stores
Of all kinds required for the Army OF
the United States as are necessary to
arm. uniform and equip all the organ.
ICED militia in the several States, Terri.
tories and the District of Columbia, in
accordance with the Requirements OF
this act without charging the cost or
value therof against the allotments OF
said state, etc, or requiring payment !.
therefore. "1he Secretary is also auth
)rized % exchange ammunition for the
Iew guns for ammunition for the Krags, ,
md old equipment thus replaced is to
,e turned in to the War Department /
md the new equipment accounted for
~ the governors as provided by law.
rhe Secretary is further authorized to
tx an annual clothing allowance to each
tate for each enlisted man TO issue
clothing annually in accordance with
'uch allowance, and the governors are
to drop from their returns
Is expended, clothing corresponding in
value to such allowance. Finally, the
Secretary ia empowered to issue small
AIMS and field artillery ammunition
lpon the requisition of governors, in
,he proportion Of fifty per cent of the
corresponding Regular Army allowance
Without charge to the states allotment.
This is most important section as It
in effect, for the arming and
Of the militia so as TO conform
o the army at the expense Of the
United States, and the regular issue Of
'lothing without expense to the state
n territory. The provision as TO am.
nunition will GREATLY stimulate rifle
'ractice and leave more money available
or the construction of ranges and
alleries.
Section Is is amended to provide for
he payment Of expenses Of the militia
joint maneuvers out of the money
pecifically appropriated for that pur-
ose, the Secretary TO furnish Congress :
ith n detailed statement of such ex.
entitures. The last section authorizes +,
le Secretary to appoint board of five
ficers Of the militia selected as far
possible to represent all sections Of o
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