Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-03-01

fBy MORNING JousHAL sPrsiAL LEASED WIRE
New York, Feb. 2S.-Formal an
nouncement was made here tonight
of the formation of an organization
of first reserves to be known as the
American legion, to be composed of
former army, navy and militia men
which viii better insure the nations
preparedness in case of war Capt.
Gordon Johnston, aide de camp to
Major General Leonard Wood, COM
manding the department Of the east.
made the announcement on behalf of
group of army and navy men who
in an unofficial capacity are acting
with civilians in promoting the move
ment. Captain Johnston said that it IS
planned to establish within short
time "a first reserve of between 250.-
600 and 300, ,000 former army and
navy miltamen for instant cali in
case Of emergency.
Endorsed by Big Men.
Major General Wood has already
given the plan his unofficial endorse
mcnt and former President Roosevelt
proposal. Numerous other public men
have endorsed the project and a
statement by the promoters says that
former secretaries of war and of the
navy have Indicated their willingness
to act in an advisory capacity.
Asserting that he and his four sons
viii become members Of the legion,
Colonel Roosevelt, in letter to the
organizers, says that IN the event Of
war he intends to ask congress for
permission to raise division of cav
airy Mr.. Rooscvelts letter in part,
follows
Preparation Necessary.
81 and my four sons will gladly
become members very earnestly
hope and pray that there will be no
war. but the surest way to avert war
is to he prepared for it; and the only
way to avert disaster and disgrace in
war is by preparation, both military
and naval in advance.
"In the event of war should ask
permission of congress to raise di-
vision of cavalry; that is, nine regi-
meuts, such as the regiment ! com
manded in Cuba; and unquestionably
the ranks Of these regiments would
legion and would in their entirety he
filled by men such as those in the lc-
gion for in the event of war there
will be no time to train the men first
called upon in such duties as shoot
ing, riding and taking care of them
selves in the open.
Country Il tnmeparcd.
we should, as a nation, have be
gun to prepare ourselves the minute
this war broke out, seven months ago.
1t is absolutely impossible to be sure
When there is such tremendous
war, that we shall not be drawn into
it against our will The people of this
country are only beginning to realize
the extent OF our military and naval
unpreparedness.
Colonel Roosevelt says he will glad
ly serve as chairman of the legion
board of honorary advisers and hopes
that the legion will accomplish its
purpose IN organizing a first reserve
for, he says:
1t is idle tor us to trust to arbl-
tration and neutrality treaties un-
backed by force. Let MS act justly to-
ward others ana let us also be pre-
pared with stout heart and strong
hand to defend our rights against in
Justice from others.
Want Men Ready for War.
In a formal statement of the aims
and objects of the legion, given out
tonight by Captain Johnston and his
associates, it is said that the legion,
now being Incorporated under the
laws Of New York state, plans to en-
roll in its membership first all men
who have had army and naval train
ing and are therefore equipped for IN
slant service. But the legion seeks
To enroll patriotic citizens generally,
especially those who have been una
pie to serve in the army navy or or
sanized militia in time of peace but
whose special qualifications make
them Immediately valuable.
The integrity and value Of the
American legion is guaranteed by the
character of the prominent men who