The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-11-01

Secretary Garrison's statement was As
follows:
During the last two days there has
been "A series Of conferences here with a
number Of the leading representatives OF
the National Guard OF the country. In
so Ear as I participated in tHs confer
eaces they were entirely informal that
is, no committee or organization Of the
National Guard was acting nfftcially in
SO far AZ the conferences with me were
concerned Among these representa-
tivcs were. | think. all Of the members
Of the executive committee OF the Ma
tional Guard. Of which committee Gen.
Fueter 81 Florida is chairman. and all
excepting one OF the mber OF the
National Militia Board. OF which Gen.
O'Ryan Is chairman. besides whom there
we're other men prominent among the
National Guardsmen OF the country.
~ elid before thes, gentlemen every
thing tina they desired to and
which would he useful for them 10 know
concerning the plans for national de-
fence 50 far as they related 10 my de-
partmeut. I said TO them. and II was
likewise obvious from every part ~ the
plan which concerned tn" matter, that |
recognized to the full the situation re-
spscing the National Guard.
This body during all the time when
" NhS l'h' W NV ~ 'ah7
country concerning military matters has
been working in 80 far as constitutional
and other limitations would permit them
10 work to do whatever they could do TO
improve the military situation of thls
country. They are absolutely entitled
by virtue OF this fact TO full and proper
recognition in any military system or
policy 10 be proposed by the Wal De-
partment. ] informed them that I pro-
- ...A-l ... ,ht. f.,1t -.----.
ton.
Offers to Guardsmen.
"In my proposition the membership
OF the National Guard is offered alter
natives based upon this full recognition
and meeting every proper point Of view
with respect to their relationship 10
the matter OF military policy. In other
words. I proposed that any and every
organization Of the National Guard tina,
Is free to do so in 50 far as its State
obligations are concerned may come
over into the national force intact and
be accorded exactly the same position
therein that II now holds.
ANY individual who prefers the in
tensxe training IND other features OF
| the National force will he likewise ad.
mitted thereto. rank for rank and q AIDE
for grade, indicated my entire willing
ness and desire In all propositions made
by Inc to SO circumstance the member
ship Of the National Guard with respec,
to the national force as to give 1t full
recognition.
with respect to the National Guard
in the States the plan not only con.
templates continuing the financial and
personal aid on behalf OF the national
Government but largely increases the
sane. practically doubling II the next
fiscal year.
with respect TO a great many de,
tails that were brought up by them We
were not Of course able In the limited
time at our disposal to work them out
but there developed between us the best
spirit OF accommodation. As will be
seen from the statement mad by Gen
Foster appearing in this mornings news.
papers. we found ourselves upon a com.
No ground with a mutual viewpoint
no that In the final capitalization OF
the plan we can all work together 10,
the best results"