The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1915-07-29

hN&aNs 'tRNftW N@ttAftf INV HAbaNtAA
business, IS big. bringing with Il the
problem or bigncss And the one big
problem for US is that Of meeting the
attack Of any or several great powers
with stronger defence
Cleary we cannot depend solely on
our excellent navy or on 10000 reg
ulars scattered from Maine to Porto
Rico, from Alaska to Panama, Hawaii
and the Philippines, or on 270. 900 state
militia, if that number should be au-
thorized, enrolled and equipped by the
states--a very doubtful proposition.
We must 90 farther than that and es-
tablish dependable second line, sub
ject to call in emergency. 1t should
consist of a considerable part of the
able-bodied manhood oS the nation
We believe in short compulsory gen
eral military training for young men,
sufficient to impart a good working
knowledge and experience, followed by
enrolment in an organized reserve, at
all times kept ready for service and
fully equipped, and freshened bya few
days annual drill until the retirement
age. If the initial service were six
months, taken at an age of eighteen
to twenty-five, at the soldiers conven-
fence, and if the retirement age were
six years later, we should have cit
izen soldiery that would mean some
thing. 1t would give US perhaps five
million men in the prime Of life, train
ed and ready for service. From the
standpoint Of the young man himself
it would be a distinct benefit, both
and as preparation for
civil life. 1t should and would be q
patriotic service, tending to make him
feel his kinship with the nation. Were
such plan adopted, in five years there
would be little complain Of its burden,
and its beneficial effects would be felt
IN all avenues of life.
The state militia, or so-called Ma
.ional Guard, does not count for
great deal, as we have observed it. In
some of the larger states it attains
Measure Of efficiency. In most states
is value as prepared fighting force
S questionable. For the national de-
ence it cannot be depended upon, as
is members are not enlisted to go be-
'ond the borders Of their own state.
n organization, equipment and train
ng it does not approach the regular
rmy. As it stands now it cannot
be regarded as a part of the
rst line. Beyond it there is absolute
Y nothing save the millions Of I'M
rained citizens who cannot be trans
ormed into soldiers, armed, organized
nd equipped, short Of six months un-
err the most favorable circumstances.
Inder the stress of sudden invasion,
all it full year. But if from the
Dung merican manhood there could
e five million freshly trained men at
weeks notice, ready to take the
cid, what difference We should
e absolutely unassailable.
The proposed increase in the regular
rmy is warranted, for under general
ervice there will be need of it. This
rmy should provide the professional
nd permanent branches and the skel-
ton organization for the second line.
he two should coordinate and har-
lonize and both should be distinctly
,deral arms. Let the states do what
icy please with the militia; the gov
-nment should turn it's attention to
lie great second line. If compulsory
,rvice is deemed too drastic a step,
t there be adopted system Of volun-
Try service embodying the same gen.
al idea. But general service prom
es the best results and should be
,tained if possible. Until we have
more than mob for our
,cond line of defence we cannot view
e future with assurance. Randolph
erald and News.