Bismarck daily tribune., 1915-10-14
Readers Column
BOOSTS COMPANY A.
. - Oct. II, 1915.


Editor Bismarck Tribune. ".~rf
Dear Sir: Is it worth while to
bother about Company A of the N. D.
N. G.?
The average citizen of Bismarck
appears to give but little thought to
our militia. The condition of the
armory and the company seems to
concern him only in some remote
way. The fact Is that Company E
needs public support. Is it worth
while to give it to them?
Perhaps the last time the assessor
called on you he made notation to-
the effect that you we're fit and
proper person to perform military
duty. If he did, then you are a
member of the reserve militia, and In
case of insurrection, invasion, tumult.
riot, or break of the peace, of immi-
nent danger thereof, the governor
may order you out for service. I'm
less you can claim some exemption
under the laws of this state or of the
United States, your failure to report
for duty within twenty-four hours at
the time and place designated will
constitute desertion and will be dealt
with as prescribed in the articles Of
war of the United States. OF course,
such a situation couldn't possibly hap
pen. The local organized militia,
with a large membership and being
well trained, could handle any situa-
ton that might arise. This is men-
toned only for the purpose OF re-
minding the able bodied male citizen
of this town that, being members of
the militia themselves, they ought to
take a little interest in it if for no
other reason.
The volume of work which goes on
at, the armory. every year is hard to
imagine. This is done without pay
by the members of Company A. True
they are paid for few days every
year while in camp, but the pay Is
small and in no sense a recompense
for the time and labor they give to
the state. Very often the members
have to donate money for, some ur.
gent expense in connection with the
maintenance of the armory. If they
are willing to give their time, labor
and money, why not boost a little
yourself? Our militia men are the
poorest paid and most patriotic SOL
diers in the world.
Company A owes money to. certain
business men in town. These are
long standing debts for maintenance
and improvements, and no reflection
upon recent or present officers Of the
company. These debts have been car
led for so long that it has become un,
fair to ask for further extension OF
credit. and it is now the ambition OF
the enlisted militia men to pay them
up. To this end they have rented the
hall of the armory on every occasion
that has offered. They have also IN
stituted series of dances and have
engaged excellent music. These
dances are now open to the public
and, advertised from day to day. --s
soon as funds permit the gymnasium
will be equipped and become a source
OF revenue.
The, building has been cleaned and
ranaireI throughout. This work has
hoen done by the members of Com
pany A without pay. NO member
will receive or expect a dollar for his
work in connection with the rental
OF the armory. the dances, or gym
nasium. From this source of revenue
current expenses, such as coal, lights,
water, telephone, etc., have been paid,
and payments have also been made on
the old debts mentioned.
It may be little far fetched in this
connection to say that recent his
torv teaches US that modern combat
demands the highest order Of train.
| ing and morale on the part of the IN
! fantry-that modern war requires