The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-03-18

fkSttS& Nh6hN u u1lsH Wh1 up W t4lkitAot
the appropriations for the protection
Iof the public health. and other depart:
ments had similar experiences.
K after the appropriations for the
militia had been vetoed some OF these
lobbyists apparently had visions OF
Infatuated mobs wrecking vengeance
upon lives and property, for the extra
Eordlnary session had not progressed
far until the word was passed to me
that the appropriations for the militia
could likely be restored. But this
word was accomplished by the PROPOSE.
tion that certain measures, such as the
bill to impose an inspection tax on
mines and that 10 make the workmen's
compensation fund pay Its own way,
must be killed, Notwithstanding the
fact that these departments are main.
tanned solely for the benefit OF the
lines OF industry affected by these
measures.
TO this my reply was that the In
direct tax measures advocated by the
administration should be adopted, and
that ! preferred going down to defeat
with those measures! to lending assist.
ance to the opposition In the fight
against the people.
Whatever might have been the
effect OF this. my appropriation was
not restored. There Is no question In
my mind as to whose fault II Is, and
the blame will be placed where It be.
longs. l
u would regret exceedingly to see
the National Guard disbanded, but it
cannot exist without finances. Since
It's first encampment "a years ago, 1t
has grown Into an effective military
organization, well.trained and equipped
standing high among the National
Guard organizations Of the United
States. II 1t disbands. 1t will require
years after reorganization to regain
what is lost.
But IL the members OF the leglsla.
ture are Indifferent toward It, as they
seem to be, II the people through their
representatives In the law.making
body no more appreciate the services
rendered by the organized militia Of
this state than to allow its disintegra.
ton because of a lack of revenue in
q state so rich in natural resources
and with a per capita cost for state
government purposes among the very
lowest in the United States, then /
feel sure voice the sentiments Of
every member of the organization
when say We are satisfied to quit
and leave it to all the able.bodied men
in the state to perform their share
OF military duty.
There are in West Virginia, accord.
ling to the last census, 275,0O0 men
available for military service, and
about $500 of us are performing that
duty, about three.tifths OF one per
-cent-six.eleyenths OF one per cent
Ito be axact. Aside from the three
persons employed in the ABUNDANT gen.
erals office there Is not member OF
the organization who does not lose
money as a result OF being such mem.
Der. The average amount OF money
received from both state and federal
government per year Is less than $50
or&spending ten days lin camp and
atteding about 40 drills at their home
stations. -5 ~
"They remain in the organization
because OF patriotic love for the
service, desire TO be ready should
a call TO service come because OF
threatened invasion by foreign foe.
Without murmur they are ready TO
turn out to maintain law and order
and to have heaped upon them the
indignities usually attendant upon
such duty. where mobs arc formed in
defiance of law. And under such cir.
cumstances they have not failed to do
their 1ufV and dp n tpn11 Vat tbana