The Hartford republican., 1915-03-05
plan ARMY
OF RESERVES
Prominent Citizens Who Be-
lieve Country in Peril.
Roosevelt Says He Will Raise
Nine Regiments For
Organization.

New York, March Formal an
nouncement was made her last nigh,
of the formation of an organization
of first reserves to be known as the
American Legion, to be composed oi
former army. navy and militiamen
which will better insure the nations
preparedness in case of war. Capt
Gordon Johnston, aide-de-camp to
Mai. Gen. Leonard Wood, command.
ing the Department of the East, made
the announcement on behalf of a
group of army and navy men who In
an unofficial capacity are acting with
civilians in promoting the movement
Capt. Johnston said that 1t is planned
to establish within a short time a
first reserve of between 250,000 and
200. 900 former army and navy mil
itiamen for instant call in case of en-
ergency.
Mai. Gen. Wood has already given
the plan his unofficial Endorsement
and former President Roosevelt has
written a lettu. approving the pro-
posal. Numerous other public men
have indorsed the project. and q
statement by the promoters says that
former Secretaries of War and Of the
Navy have indicated their willingness
to act in an advisory capacity. AS
serting that he and his four sons will
become members Of the legion. Col.
Roosevelt in letter to the organizers
says that in the event of war he in
tends to ask Congress for permission
to raise a division of cavalry.
Mr.. Roosevelt's letter in part fol
lows:
81 and my four sons will gladly
become members. l very earnestly
hope and pray that there will be no
war; but the surest way to avoid war
is to be prepared for it; and the only
way to avoid disaster and disgrace
in war is by preparation, both mill
tary and naval. in advance.
I'm the event of war l should ask
permission of Congress to raise d.
vision of cavalry that is, nine regi'
ments. such as the regiment COM
manded in Cuba; and unquestionably
the ranks of these regiments would
largely be filled from the men Of the
legion and would in their entirety be
filled by men such as those in the
legion; 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.
1--WE should as q nation have be-
gun to prepare ourselves the minute
this war broke out seven months tgo
It Is absolutely impossible to be sure
when there is such tremendous war
that we shall not be drawn into II
against our will. The people Of this
country are only beginning to realize
the extent of our military and naval
unpreparedness."
Col. Roosevelt says he will gladly
serve as chairman of the Legions
Board of Honorary Advisors and
hopes that the legion will accomplish
its purpose in organizing a first re-
serve. for he says:
'It is idle for US to trust to arbi'
tration and neutral treaties unbacked
by force. Let us act justly toward
others and let US also be prepared
with stout heart and strong hand
to defend our rights against injustice
from others"
In a formal statement Of the aims
and objects of the legion given out
last night by Capt. Johnston and his
associates. 1t is said that the Legion
now being Incorporated under the
laws of New York State. plans to en-
roll in its membership first, all mer
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 un
able to serve In the army. navy .oI
organized militia In time of peace
but whose special qualifications make
them Immediately valuable.
"It is planned to have two active
branches Of the legion" said Capt
Johnston. "The line will be com
posed exclusively of men who have