Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-07-18
THE DICK MILITIA LAW.
Big Problem Now That Has to Be
 Met by Different States.

Washington, July 1S-Serious trou. Die Is impending over the enforcement of what is known as the Dick militia law, an act passed by Congress pro- viding for the reorganization of the militia Of the various states along the lines of the regular army organization. On the assimilation of the state militia in accordance. with this scheme is de. pendent the annual federal appropria- ton for arms and equipment of the national guard for the. several states.
 It is regarded as problematicai whether or not the militia organiza- tions of all of the states can be chang ed in time to conform to the Dick law, which is to become effective on Jau- uary 21, 1908. Several of the states have presented to the war department statements of the organization of their national guard and in majority ot instances they have been found, by the officials of the department, as not ln compliance with the Dick law.
 The author of the law is Senator Charles Dick. of Ohio, who has been identified with the Ohio national guarl for many years and who, now. is the major general commanding the guaru of his state. He is the president of the National Guard associatlon of the country and is regarded as an author ity on militia matters.
 In compliance with the saw. inspect ing officers of the war department aye now engaged in studying the militia organizations of the states with view to determining whether they con form to the proposed statute. The reports received from the inspectors show that in almost every state. changes will have to be made in the organizations in order to meet the re- quirements of the new law. Some ot the changes are radical and several of the states are objecting to them. Lit tie progress has been made in ef- fecting the changes in any of the states. but as the law is clear and mandatory it will he necessary for the change to be made If the states are to obtain the benefit of the federal appropriations.
 To bring the militia up to the stand- ard of the regular army, in its organ ization and equipment. is no easy mar. ter and some of the less populous and less wealthy states are meeting with considerable difficulty. A few of the states, like Massachusetts. New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. already have their militia organizations in good shape. although it win he necessary for them to make some changes in organization in order fully to conform to the requirements of the Dick law A good many of the states. however. maintain only a small militia organl- ton and it will be practically impos- slble for them to maintain. for in- stance. twelye-company regiments. as they nave not the population neces- sary for so large force of militia.
 It has been proposed that. at the opening of congress next December. resolution be passed either postpon- ing the date of the effectiveness of the Dick law. or that a modification of the law be made for the benefit of the smaller states. It Is believed by the WAT department authorities that if the law be So modified as to per- init the small states to do the best they can in their state military organ izaions t would he in line with public policy and would be received with satisfaction by enthusiastic militia officials in the less populous states