Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1908-01-14
TO IMpRovE NATIONAL GUARD.

TO IMPROVE NATIONAL GUARD.
Boston. Mass. Jan. l3.-Delegates
from nearly every state and terri.
tory OF the Union filled Fanuel Hall
this morning when Gen. Charles Dick
OF Ohio. called TO order the tenth an
nual convention OF the National Guard
Association OF the United States. The
business of the opening session was
chiefly OF routine character. includ.
ing the exchange OF greetings and
the appointment of committees.
The convention will remain In Sos
sion three days, will discuss the most
important Legislation suggested since
the enactment OF the Dick law Ave
years sgo. A meeting OF the Execu-
tive Con.mi,sce OF the association was
held In Washington recently, with
Acting Secretary of War Oliver and
members OF the general stan. at which
the provisions OF bill were agreed
upon. which will take the place OF
the Dick act II IL very compre-
henslye measure, and is believed by
It's authors TO obtiate many OF the
difficulties which have heretofore pie.
vented the militia from complying
with the requirements of the Dick
act as a conformation.
Among the important notifications
suggested. Is one allowing each or
ganized division OF the militia, one
Inspector of small arms practice with
the rank of lieut. colonel: each bril-
gade. one with rank of major: each
regiment of infantry or cavalry, one
with the rank of captain: and each
battalion or squadron. one with the
rank OF firstlieutenant.
The president is 10 be empowered /
TO specify in his call the period of
service. when the organized militia |
is called into service TO repel invasion
or suppress insurrection. and the mi |
litla shall be so called into service |
In advance OF any other volunteer
force which II may be- determined
TO raise.
Another important change Is In Sec.
ton 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 com.
posed of militia officers only. This Is
to be amended so as to make II read,
the majority membership OF such
courts-mar.ial shall be composed OF
militia officers.
Probably the most important change
suggested. Is In Sec. 10, which now
empowers the Secretary OF War TO
issue standard magazine guns, bayo-
nets. etc. to arm the militia as the |
army is armed. II 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 number OF |
the United States service arms and
all accessories and such other accou.
trements. equipments. uniforms. cloth.
ing. equippage and military stores.
OF all kinds, required for the army
OF the United States. as are necessary |
to arm. uniform and equip all the or
ganized militia In the several states.
territories aud the District OF Colum.
bia. In accordance with the require |
ments OF this act. without charging |
the cost or value thereof against the |
allotment of said state. etc. or re-
quiring payment therefor"
IL is expected the convention will
adopt resolution asking the present
congress to appropriate the sam OF |
S5.OOO,OO0 for the purpose OF arming.
equipping and training the National
Guard. At the present time. the APP
preparation of 100000 a year. which
II Is declared is totally inadequate.
The convention will also 20 on record
as opposing the effort OF the War Col.
legc TO have congress 80 amend. the
Dick law that II will be possible TO
send state troops outside OF the Uni. |
ted States for military duty.
BRlckLAYERS ANNUAL SESSION.