The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-06-07

There are many and various good
reasons why a young man should De-
long to the national guard, but not
single good one that l can recall why
he should not belong, provided he is
morally, mentally and physically
sound. To attempt to give all the rea-
sons why a young man should belong
to the guard would require more time
and space than is now at my disposal,
so I will only give a very few of them
as they occur to me here
1st. Because our national and state
laws make us all between the ages of
F1S and "a years old militiamen, pro-
vided we are of sound mind and body,
and the governor can can us into ser
vice for at least five days each year.
We should, therefore, join the national
guard and learn to do those things we
would be required to do were we sud-
denly called into service
End. Because you will secure an ex-
cellent military training under compe-
tent officers of the national guard, as
sisted by the best trained officers or
the regular army. This training in ad-
dition to making you a better citizen
by the acquisition of a knowledge that
makes you more efficient, should you
be suddenly called on to defend your
country and home, is the best aN-round
development a young man can secure
without paying out large sums of
money in military schools.
Bird. Because congress is making
greater provisions and doing more to
put the national guard on an efficient
basis every year and viii soon pass a
bill putting us on a regular pay basis
that will reimburse US nicely for the
time we devote to it, and we should
show our appreciation of their efforts
by joining the national guard and
doing our part towards making II a
stronger and more efficient organiza-
ton
4th Because it will give you an ex-
cellent mental training. We teach you
to think quickly and act promptly. We
teach you to discipline yourself, one OF
the first things q young man should
learn to do. We are taught that there
are only two ways to do a thing-the
right way and the wrong way. We
are taught to do things only in the
right way. Any other way is wrong.
9Th. Because you will have an OPP
portunity to take several nice trips
each year without expense to you and
you get pay besides. This includes
and trips Of several days on the rife
ranges, where you are taught how to
shoot the powerful military rifle. in
which If you can excel you will be
given a chance to shoot in your state
team in the national rifle match, and
draw pay and expenses for your time
These matches are held every year on
some of the large ranges in the north
or east. We also have state and inter
state matches.
9Th. Because we teach you how tc
take care of yourself under all condi-
lions. We teach you the elements OF
hygiene, how to look after your health
under all circumstances in the field;
how to cook; how to eat and how tc
sleep.
It'll. Because 1t will give you some
thing pleasant to do in your spare
Itime-something that is really worth
while-something that may make you
of great value to your country some
day.
8th. Because It should aid you in
your civil life by teaching you to be
prompt and obedient. 1t is said Of
Germany that her pre-eminence In
business, manufactures and commerce
is directly traceable to her policy OF
enforced military training.
9Th. Because that If you are thor