The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-10

and superior courts, and believe that
such an increase would be thoroughly en-
dorsed by our citizens in recognition OF
their high standing and the extensive and
responsible nature OF their work.
STATE MILITIA.
A commission cons sting OF officials Of
the state militia is ne engaged I'm pre-
pairing report concerning a law which
will make our militia conform TO the pro-
visions OF the Dick bill The new law
will work complete reorganization OF
our present system. The report in de-
tail has not been finished yet. but Il is
expected TO be ready IN short time and
Will Immediately be submitted 10 the leg
islature.
7 During the year past n distinct de-
parture was made from the practice OF
holding a regular state encampment The
militia performed eight days coast de-
fence service at several forts under the
direction Of United States military Of
ficias. The result. / believe, has been
highly satisfactory. The experience
gained by the troops has been of much
more value than the annual camp man
oeuyres II is expected that last years
experience will be repeated during the
present year. and perhaps for some sub
sequent years. The federal authorities
were thoroughly satisfied with the work
OF the troops. and on more than one oc-
casion saw ht TO commend their efficiency
and the readiness with which they
grasped the details of their new duties.
I believe that the state should render
every possible encouragement TO the
members OF the militia. These men give
their time and lahors to the public with
out any hope of compensat' on or reward,
except the development OF a useful pub
lie department. The weekly drills, as
well as the other services which they are
called upon 10 perform represent in the
aggregate n vast amount of time and
sacrifice OF money and convenience.
The patriotic and unselnsh spirit OF
the mntlamen should be appreciated by
the citizens AT large; but II is matter
OF grave misfortune, If not OF shame.
to note that a few employers refused TO
allow members OF the militia who hap
pen 10 be In their employ leave OF alb
sence from work during the past sum-
mer AS matter OF fact certain Of
these employers discharged their men
outright for leaving work to attend camp.
Such conduct, I believe. Is thoroughly
unpatriotic and deserving OF the severest
criticism and censure. In cast OF riot
disaster and serious disorder, these very
employers would he among the first 10
ask for and 10 expect the services OF
the militia In the defence OF their lives
their property and their vested rights.
They owe IT, therefore. as a duty to
their state, to assist the members OF the
militia to attach sucn efficiency as will
afford proper protection in case OF need.
In this connection 1t is pleasing to note
the fact that great majority OF the
employers OF militiamen gladly extend
the leave OF absence requested. and faciii-
tate i'm every way the work of the state
in endeavoring to maintain an efficient
department
| believe that Rhode Island has not
shown complete justice TO its militiamen
i'm the matter of equipment The pres
cnt uniforms are old. dilapidated and out
of date. Some OF them have been worn
10 or IL years. are utterly unfit for SER
vice and do not make favorable COM
rarison with the up-to-date outfit OF
other states. / am fully aware that the
expense Of an entire new equipment VIII
be so great as to prejudice the assembly
against 1t on the ground OF cost alone.
But I believe that a beginning In the
work should be made at once, and l
therefore heartily recommend that the
legisla turc appropriate such sum as will
be sufficient to purchase some new cloth
ing for the troops the ensuing year. New
overcoats could be purchased one year,
new blouses the next. and so on for
few years until complete outfit has
been procured and our troops made to
present as creditable an appearance as
their efficiency and efforts Justify. II
would. OF course he Impossible to furnish
every newly enlisted man with COM
plete new outfit. but something, at least
should be done TO improve the appear
ance OF the men.