The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1913-12-11
State Militia
is Discussed By
War Secretary
IMPORTANCE as NATIONAL RE.
SERVE CANNOT BE. CUES
TONED By ANY0NE s
sEC'Y MAKES NO RECoMMENDA-
TON FOR REARRANGEMENT
r OF ARMY, POSTS. A.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1l,-SetreT
tary Garrison's first annual report to
the president as head of the war de-
partment, makes no recommendations
Tor the gehefally expected re-arrange-
'ment of army posts to distribute
troops in mobile units. The secre-
tary says that other things Of imme-
date importance, particularly an
adequate supply of field artillery"
will postpone his recommendations
to congress, but in the meantime tho
troops will be garrisoned in as prac-
teal a manner for mobilization as is
possible.
Mr.. Garrison discusses tile militia
at some length. He says In part:
THE national importance Of re-
serve system for the organized militia
cannot be questioned. The minimum
strength at which militia Organiza-
lions are maintained in time Of peace
will render necessary great and I'M
mediate, increase in national emer-
gencys ;SRd this fact demands the
preseneespf q system of reserves from
which traine1Sinen may be secured
for this incEesss. Without some such
SYSTEM: n6ts8hly will such increase
be rendered. Exceedingly difficult,
hut.eveT;Ss aeas accomplished the ef-I
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. organizations will
have been reduced to a minimum
by the introduction of an unframed
clement double in number the trained
personnel.
Organization Necessary.
Proper organization as required
by law is absolutely necessary If the
organized militia is to be counted on
as dependable military federal as
set in time of national need, and the
organization existing as such In
name only will be required to conf
plete their component elements or
lose federal recognition Of their
character as such organizations.
while there has been small de-
crease in Officers and enlisted men
In the organized militia during the
past year. this decrease has occurred,
in great part, as the result of til"
elimination Of organizations found
hopelessly inefficient and is Compen-
stated for by an increase in general
efficiency. 1t is regretted that In
target practice the reports show but
slight progress during the year. This
fact is the more serious as rifle prac-
tice is recognized as. one of the most
vital elements in the training Of the
infantry soldier. The present ten
dency to develop rifle teams, compos-
ed mostly OF commissioned officers,
at The expense of target practice for
the enlisted man is opposed to the
federal policy in this matter and
should be discontinued"
Commenting the work Of the gen.
eral staff, the Army War college and
officers generally for their establish
ment of definite national military
policy and the encouragement of mil
ilary training, the secretary says:
Bulwark and Defense,
"As u peaceful and unmilitary peo-
pie engrossed in the settlement anu
upbuilding OF our vast territory. and
in the development of the wonderful
resources with which it abOunds. we
are but dimly impressed with the
fact that just as agriculture and COM
merce are the foundations OF our
great national prosperity, so With.
equal truth our military. and naval
forces its bulwark and defense. Willie
believe there is a worldwide and
growing sentiment for the settlement
without blOodShcd of all disputes be-
tween nations, just as even pow; there.
Is provision Of law for such settle !
ment of difficulties between tndtvtd-
uals, / recognize the fact that the
time has not yet come when nation
can wisely diSarm or slacken its et-
forts for preparedness in case OF war.
The army is not a luXury-it is h
public necessity. A nation that Is
cpulent. enterprising, and unarmed,
as of old. still invites aggression If
not disaster. Speaking for that ele-
ment oil the national forces which
comes under the control Of this de-
partment, hope to see In time OF
peace a growing sentiment of In
creased pride in our army that Will
make the uniform of officer and en-
listed man respected always and ev-
erywhere. and not an object of curl.
osIty or invidOus discrimination"
The Mexican border patrol the sec
retary discusses at some length:
lat the date Of the last annual re-
port there were on duty In connec-
lion with the patrol of the Mexican
border approximately 6,764 officers
and enlisted men. The ;pEessn*1
strength is about the same, butiargeE
ly composed of different organtSa "a;
tons.
IAN extensive patrol has been con-
tinuously maintained by these troops
from the Gulf OF Mexico to Sasabe. 30
miles west OF NogaIes, Aria, ais
lance, following the windingS Of the
frontier Of some 1900 miles.