New-York tribune., 1908-01-02
TO REORG4NIZE MILITIA.
Bill Introduced scith Wain1c1ght
Commission Report.

Albany Jan. IA bill to reorganize the national
guard and naval militia in harmony with the or
ganization Of the United States army. under the
provisions of the so-called Dick law of 1so3 was
introduced in both houses of the Legislature to-
GAY 1t was accompanied by preliminary report
Of the so-called Wainwright commission appointed
under of the last Legislature TO investigate
tie condition of the national guard and naval
militia and recommend amendments to the mill
tary code The measure embodies the recon-
nsendations of this commission this subject
TT has been the purpose of the state, says the
report. that the organization equipment and dis
cipne OF the national guard should conform TO the
usage of the United States army, but in the alb
sence OF closer relations between the state and
fsaeral forces this conformity has never been
cemplete. and when the New York troops voun-
teered for service in the Spanish War costly and
wastefui dislocation of the regiments was neces-
sary before they could be mustered into the United
States service
The report recites the passage of the Dick militia
law by Congress in 1903. under which il was pro-
vided that military organizations conforming
10 the federal system should participate in federal
support This law made effective for five
years. and expires January p of this year The
report continues:
In accordance with this and other laws of Con-
the STATE OF New York has been credited an,
nually with large sums, which have been received
partly in cash and partly in military stores. and
sre oeem de'oIeu lo the mlalitieahve co ,le nd
nolai suard- arms, ammunition: UNIFORMS anu
equipment have been drawn from the general gov
ernnent
This commission strongly recommends that the
Legislature take the steps lessary TO make the
organization Of the national guard uniform with
mat the army.
Ar attempt by the State of New York to disTe-
gard the legislation of Congress and to ignore the
federal law in the regulation of its militia is not
10 be thought Of Such course would be unpatrl-
otic and in violation of the constitutional obliga-
ton. and it would merely result in increasing
the financial burdens of the state by reason of its
failure TO ACCEPT share Of the federal militia ap-
national guard state force would be gravely
compromised.
A portion Of the militia separated from the rest
Of the militia Of the United States and refusing to
take part in tho drill and instruction Of the United
common defence would to be fit for any pur
pose Military spirit would decay. pride in the
would become valueless for the task of pre-
serving order within the state.
The commission presents bill amending certain
sections of the military code to conform the
organization Of the national guard to that of the
United States army. far as necessary to permit
the state 10 share in the appropriations made for
the militia 10y Congress.
The bill provides minutely for changes In the
national guard organization. including composition
and strength. division and brigades. staff depart
rIents corps of engineers. signal corps, infantry.
caVal.y. field artillery, coast artillery corps and
civilian cookr.
In the Assembly Mr. Wainwright. Of Westches-
ter member Of the special commission. explained
that IL necessary 20 have the bill enacted into
law before January q. the date when the Dick bill
IL 10 become effective. It the only measure in
rrcduced from the floor of the House. objection
being made others taking this
Mr Frisbie. Of Schenectady. introduced bill
similar 10 that which he fathered last year to
pei She state. instead Of counties. bear the
pense Of maintaining armories.