The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1913-07-04
Secretary Garrison Suggests Plan
Whereby Federal Aid May Be
Continued to State Militia and
Encampments Held as Sched-
uled-SenatOr Tillman Makes
Illuminating Comment on Sit
uatiOn.

Julius E. Cogswell of Charleston
came to Washington today and i'm
mediately got in touch with the men,
bers of the South Carolina delegation
in congress regarding the future of
the militia. The senators with sew
eral members of the house imme-
diately held conference with Messrs
Cogswell and Jones and afterwards
went to see Secretary Garrison about
the matter.
AS the following story shows the
4:estion of an encampment is square
ly up the the Governor of South Car
olina, as, indeed, appears to be the
future of the South Carolina State
troops.
Senator Tilman said: "The South
Carolina delegation in Congress went
to the war department and after ex-
planning the purpose of our visit to
Secretary Garrison and talking over
the whole situation, he dictated the
letter below He was courteous and
pleasant, as he always is, and seemed
desirous, as we knew he would be,
to do anything that it reasonable and
lawful to accomplish the purpose we
had in view. In every way he showed
willingness to do whatever he could
to bring about the end we sought.
General Mills, who is in charge of
the militia disvision of the war de-
partment, also, seemed very anxious
to facilitate the purpose for which
we went. General Willie Jones and
Col. Cogswell, of the South Carolina
militia, who was present, expressed
themselves as being highly pleased
with what was said and done at the
conference, and at the results at
tanned.
Letter to Congressman.
"June, 80, 1913-"Hon, Benjamin
r. Tillman, Hon. Ellison D. Smith,
(Senators from South Carolina) Hon.
r, S, Whaley, Hon James F. Ryrnes,
Hon. Wyatt Aiken, Hon. Joseph T.
Johnson, Hon. David E. Finley, Hon.
j. Willard Ragsdale, Hon Asbury
Francis Lever, Representatives
from South Carolina)
Gentlemen:
In pursuance of our conference of
today, held in the presence of Cener-
al Jones and Colonel Cogswell, I am
writing this letter to the South Car
olina delegation. There was handed
me, as you know, at that interview,
a communication from the Governor
addressed to General Jones and COL
onel Cogswell. A copy of this was
left with me and I herewith attach
copy thereof. The only interest that
the war department has in the mat
ter is that the militia of South Caro-
lima sholl do those things which the
law requires in order to make it
proper for me under the law to ex-
tend the federal aid. AS you know,
this department did not order the
mastering out of any companies, and
does not now so order AS you know
certain companies were found def
clent in various particulars, and the
adJutant general of the, State sug-
gested the mastering of them out as
the only remedy. 1t is now proposed
that these companies after this warn
ing, be given an opportunity to show
that they have profited, and are now
in such condition as would make it
proper for them to continue in the
service and pass inspection.
: will do the following with res
pect to the South Carolina situation.
" the governor of South Carolina
will resume proper relations towards
this department by proper COM
munication addressed to this depart
ment the militia of South Carolina
will have it's transportation paid, to
the extent that federal aid is used
for that purpose, to the various en-
campments this summer. They will
have subsistence while they are paid
under similar conditions.
The companies which passed the
last inspection will have their paw
paid under similar conditions. The
pay for the deficient companies will
be retained. The deficient companies
will be given another opportunity to
measure up to the test, at an inspec-
tion to be held at least three months
from this date, If at that time they
pass the inspection, they will then
(Continuad on last na0el