The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1915-03-02
UNCLE SAM To
HAVE RESERVE
ORGANIZATION
WILL BE COMPOSED OF FORMER
ARMY, NAVY, AND MILITIA MEN,
TO INSURE NATIONS READl-
NESS FOR WAR.

nouncement was made here tonight ol
the formation of an organization OF
first reserves to be known as the
American Legion, to be composed OF
former army, navy and militia men
which will better insure the nation s
preparedness in case of war.
Captain Gordon Johnston, Aid de
Camp to Major General Leonard Wood
commanding the department of the
east, made the announcement on be-
half of IA group of army and navy men,
who in an unofficial capacity are act
ing with civilians in promoting the eX,
tension of American armaments.
Captain Johnston said that it is
planned to establish within a short
time a first reserve OF between 25O,OOO
and 100000 former army, navy and
militia men for instant call in case of
emergency.
Major General Wood already has
given the plan his unofficial indorse-
ment, and former President Roose-
welt has written letter approving
the proposal Numerous other public
| men have indorsed the project, and
statement by the promoters says
that former secretaries of war and
of the navy have indicated their will
| ingness to act in an advisory capaci-
| ty.
Asserting that he and his four sons
will become members of the legion,
Colonel Roosevelt in a letter to the
organizers says that in the event of
war he intends to ask congress for
permission to raise a division Of cav
airy. Mr.. Roosevelt's letter continues.
IL very earnestly hope and pray
that there will be no war, but the
surest way to avert war is to be pre-
pared for it, and the only way to avert
disaster and disgrace in war is by
preparation, both military and naval,
in advance.
I'VE should, as nation, have begun
to prepare ourselves the minute this
war broke out seven months ago 1t
is absolutely impossible to be sure
when there is such tremendous war
that we shall not be drawn into it
against our will. The people of this
country are only beginning to realize
the extent of our military and naval
unpreparedness.'
Force Must Back Neutrality
Colonel Roosevelt says he will glad
ly serve as chairman of the legion's
board of honorary advisers and hopes
that the legion will accomplish its pur-
pose in organizing a first reserve for,
he says, ut is idle for us to trust to
backed by force. Let us act justly to-
ward others and let us be prepared
with stout heart and strong hand to
defend our rights against injustice
from others.
In a formal statement of the aims
and objects of the legion given out to-
night by Captain Johnston and his
associates, it is said that the legion,
now being incorporated under the laws
of New York State, plans to enroll in
its membership first all men who
have had army and naval training
and are therefore equipped for instant
service. But the legion seeks to en-
roll patriotic citizens generally es-
pecially those who have been unable
to serve in the army, navy or or
ganized militia in time of peace, but
whose special qualifications make
them Immediately valuable.
Declaring that the organizers of the
legion do not believe in militarism but
want the country to be prepared for
any emergency. the statement says:
Like lnsuring Property.
NO one can be sure this country
will not be dragged into the war, For
that reason it is only common sense
to provide against that ugly possibility
\ man may be pretty sure his house
will not burn, but he insures it just
the same.
Those who still believe they are
prepared for war can not be convinced
by argument since they have not been
convinced by cold facts recently made
public The rest of us who do accept
the cold facts must act without their
help.
I'VE. don't believe in militarism. But
We do believe in being able to defend
ourselves if we are attacked. There is
vast difference.
Plan Only for Present.
I'VE propose to leave for later set
tlement by the American people even
the conservative suggestions of a
somewhat larger army and navy, of a