The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1913-07-11
Mich. NATIONAL GUARD
Mai. VandercOOk Tells Of Its ImpOr'
tance to the State.
Building Of a Good Armorv Urged
Conditional Subscription Of So, 500
Announced.

Accepting an invitation extended by
committee from the Association,
Major Roy q. Vandercook of Lansing,
adjutant general of the Michigan Ma
tional Guard, was present Tuesday at
the luncheon of the Owosso Improve
ment Association and gave most
entertaining talk on the work of the
Michigan National Guard, making it
really patriotic appeal to all Owosso
citizens to stand by and encourage the
local military company in every way
possible. He referred briefly to the
military strength of other nations,
showing how much greater it is than
in this country, how much better
prepared they are for any emergency
which may arise, impressed the thought
that Germany had kept free from any
trouble for quarter of century be-
cause of lis well.known preparedness
for wanzs Peace he declared, was
sought by every country and expressed
the belief that it was more likely to
come through we'll trained and equip
ed militia than in any other way. The
services in the past of the National
Guard to the state were pointed out in
specific cases in which work of great
value had been done, and where suffer.
ing and untold disaster might have
resulted had it not been for the organ.
izations detailed to take charge. Maj.
Vandercook said the training the Young
men received while in camp made them
better citizens, better employees, better
leaders in everyday life where they
have to face responsibilities. He urged
for these and other good reasons that
Owosso citizens lend their influence to
the upbuilding of Company b, insisting
that it be well -officered. that the moral
and social surroundings be such that
any father would gladly consent to his
con becoming member.
Taking up the question of the erection
of ansarmory in the city, Maj Wander
cook said the $4,000 appropriated by
the state was now available, that IL
must be used within one year or that
it would 90 to some other city; gave
figures showing what armories in other
cities had cost and how much of the
amounts had been donated by the COM
munities he said that it might be
possible to house Company 81 in a BALD
ing erected with the state appropriation
but that it would not be suitable
armory, neither would it be credit to
the city or county. To provide well
appointed armory with . large drill
room which could be used for public
gatherings at least $4,000 or $50, 1000
should be expended.
Following the address of Maj Van
dercook, Maj. NJ. J. Phillips was called
on by DR.. J. o. Parker, who presided
in the absence of Pres. Stur tevant.
Mr. Phillips said the address was 90
complete that but little was left to be
said save to emphasize what had been
said. He spoke of the splendid site
selected for the new armory and urged
that steps be taken to secure the money
needed to erect building which would
be satisfaction to the entire county
and an inspiration to the members Of
the Company. Remarks along a simi
lar line were made by d. M. Christian,
w. E. Hall, DR.. j. o. Parker and E. o.
Dewey, the latter stating that if the
meeting should decide to attempt to
raise $4,000 by subscription to be added
to the IS, 600 which it is hoped the city
will give, that one subscription o1
$2,500 had been promised by an Owos
so citizen. After CO si d cradle dis
cussion, during which it was ascer
tanned that the board of supervisors has
authority to raise funds to assist il
building armories, committee consist
ing OF, Rev. c. 81. Hanks, w. A. Seeg
miller, E. y. Dewey and o. L. Spragu,
was named to present this question t.
the board and secure financial assist
ance If it was possible to do SO.
Before the meeting adjourned a ris
ing vote of thanks was rendered Maj
Vandercook for his patriotic an,
/ thoughtful talk.
A $50. 900 armory would give a larg
auditorium for public gatherings o
every nature, such as industrial exhibi
tions, political gatherings, meetings o
the farmers clubs and oranges, pei
manent home for the Grand Army Q
the sRepublic and Womens Relie
Corps, the Daughters of the America
Revolution and other public and ps
triotic organizations 1t would ais
afford an opportunity to invite to th
city state gatherings of various organ
izstions.