The Canon City record with which is consolidated the Canon City cannon., 1915-08-05
BUSINESS MEN INTEREST
ED IN NATIONAL GUARD

has been an increased interest In
military matters since the beginning
of the big European war a year ago
and the national guard Is everywhere
being strengthened and rendered more
efficient. Colorado iE no exception to
the rule and all over the state people
are urging that the militia be prop
erly organized and prepared for pos
sibilities; not for the purpose Of ag-
gression, but for the purpose Of as.
surlng peace by the organization of
an adequate force to defend the coun-
try against any enemy that might
menace it.
At the instance of the military au-
thorities in Denver, who are desirous
that this state shall not be behind
its sister states in the matter OF pre-
paredness. Captain Harry E. Insley of
the First Infantry, Colorado National
guard. was sent here few days ago
to ascertain from the business men
of Canon City how they felt about
the organization of q company of the
national guard here. After Interview
ing most of them he foynd people here
to be distinctly favorable to the prop
osition and he has taken up the mat
ter, and, II sufficient co-operation is
given the movement, as he has every
reason to believe there will be. the
company will be formed II 1t is to
be made a success the citizens of
the community must help make II so.
In fact. it is up to the business men
of the town to contribute to it in
every way. particularly in obtaining
recruits.
The formation Of a company of
the national guard here would be
a splendid thing for the community.
especially to the young men that
would become its members. Military
training is a splendid thing. physical
ly and in other ways. for those who
are privileged to obtain it. Every
young man enlisting in the service is
benefited for 1t and the experience
he gets makes him better citizen
by intensifying his love for the flag
and the country In which he lives.
The members of the national guard
are esteemed and respected for what
they represent by all right-minded
and patriotic citizens as they stand
for law and order and reverence for
"old Glory The duties are not
exacting and should be sought, rath-
er than avoided. The national guards
men have their own sports and amuse
ments and their connection with the
military establishment has in 1t more
Of pleasure than hardship. The men
are provided with uniforms and
equipment without cost. and, once In
every three years. go into camp with
the troops of the regular army of
the United States for Instruction in
military matters There are target
shooting contests among the various
companies. batallions.. and regiments
for cups and other trophies and those
that especially distinguish themselves
as marksmen are selected to COM
pete for prizes with the guardsmen
of other states.
The formation of company OF the
National Guard of Colorado here
would mean the hiring OF a large
building to be used as drill hall
and barracks and would, probably,
result in the establishment by the
state of rife range in Canon City.
There are many things to be said in
favor Of the organization of COM
pany here and nothing against it
The matter has been enthusiastically
taken up by a number Of young men
here and there seems to be no doubt
of its success. People especially con-
cerned in the proposition are request
ed to see Captain Insley or Prof T.
D. Harris. commandant of the Canon
City High School Cadet corps, and
talk the matter over with them.
Prof. Harris is a very ardent advocate
Of the company.
MAIZE rptp Epnna MeonAaHa