The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-07-02

Of the law, but that he was ac-
tuated and prompted by an endeavor
To act for the best interests of the
militia of the State, and therefore de-
clined to carry into effect the pre-
emptory suggestion that these com
panies, without further opportunity
TO attempt to comply with the law, be
mustered out Of service and thus
sweep away one-third Of our entire
body Of National Guards.
Fourth AS we understand, the Ma
uonal Government has made an ap-
preparation of so much money for the
State militia of which the citizens of
the state Of South Carolina are COM
PEELED to contribute their part. We
do not understand with what sense of
justice the money of the people of
the state of South Carolina, which
they have contributed for this pur-
pose, can be so heavily withdrawn
from her cl,.len militia who have
In every respect compiled with the
law, whatever may ue the question as
TO other companies involved. AS Off
GERS of the militia, who have devoted
our time, at much sacrifice to main
tain and uphold the militia of our
State, and to perform such duties as
are encumbent upon us, we think that
an earnest effort should be made by
our representatives in congress to see
that such injustice is not done.
Fifth: We think, therefore. that
Gen. Jones, as brigade commander,
should present this paper to the Gov
ernOr and Commander-in- Chief of the
National Guard of South Carolina. and
ASK that If it should meet with
his approval, he will forward copy
OF the same to our Representatives i'm
congress and urge them that they
take such steps as they may think
proper to see that the militia Of the
state who have complied with the law
are not deprived Of such support as
the National Government is due them
upon their compliance, as they have |
complied with the law and the militia
code; and further we urge, in behalf !
of the companies which have not
strictly complied Herewith, that fur |
ther time should be given them to at
tempt to do so, and that if they can
not and will not, by a certain fixed
time. comply with all the require
ments, then to recommend to the |
Governor and Commander-in- Chief |
that they do be mustered out Of SER
vice.
I'VE shall be very glad to confer |
with the Governor if it be his desire !
to talk to us upon the subject, and |
we also recommend in view of the |
situation that has arisen. and i'm view !
of the act that the officials sent to
this State by the war department have |
already been recalled, and that it Will |
be no reflection upon any personal ac-
ton of theirs that others may be sent !
in their places.
I'VE again reiterate that We feel |
that the action of the Governor in
refusing to disband the companies
suggested by the Adjutant General, |
without further attempt in. their be-
fn I'm
law, was proper and for the best in
terests of the National Guard service,
and that there is no disposition what
ever may be our private opinion-and |
we believe it to be so with all Of the |
officers from the Commander in Chief |
down--wilfully to set at naught The |
regulations prescribed in our military |
code and we feel that we cannot, fer !
the reasons above stated, consider il |
consistent with fairness to have our |
citizen soldiers, who have volunteered |
for this arduous service. summary |
it is being sought to be done, espe- |
cially in view Of their previous long
and good service.
1--WE further recommend that in the
future the Adjutant General fix the
time of his inspections at such time
as may best suit our volunteer soldiers
who have their business affairs to
look after and many Of whom are not
abel financially to disregard their bus
mess
Blcasc Backs Water.
Columbia, June 2S.--In state
ment issued today, bearing upon the
military situation, Governor Bleasc
says that he is willing for the Adiu-
tant General. Secretary of War Cav
rison, or anybody else who has au-
thority, to set Il limit say 90 days or
8 months on and give the military