The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-10-14

85, ,000 men the matter of recruiting presented a serious problem. Since the reorganization law calls for about double the number of men that were in service a year ago the recruiting problem is all the more serious.
 The department should allow the National Guard question to rest in abeyance. While the patriotism and morale of the guardsmen, called sud denly to the co1ors when a clash with Mexico was imminent, have been ad- mirable, on the whole, there have been instances of insubordination and oc- casionally of inefficiency, calculated to bring reproach upon the gov- l ernment. Of the thousands of guardsmen performing patrol duty on the border few individuals have tried to make trouble by writing letters home complaining of insufficient food and of bad treat ment in general. The complaints, when investigated, were found to be without the slightest foundation.
 In few cases guardsmen in con- centration camps have been disposed to "cut up" a bit. Only this week some of those stationed at Richmond marched to the state fair, overpowered the gatekeeper and "beat" their way in. Such ruffians disgrace the uni form But the worst breach of disci- pline developed was in the case of a major attached to a Maryland regi- ment who spoke abusively of the United States government. He is awaiting trial by court-martial and if the charges against him are sus- tained he should be severely pun ished.
 The difference between the United States army and the militia, even after the latter were federalized, is that the regulars are not only models in conduct, but take pride in strict discipline, whereas the volunteer or guardsman is disposed to chafe at first under restraint. No one ever hears of a regular soldier kicking" or giving out complaints through the press or through cor- respondence with friends or rela- tives. Nothing could be more sub- versive of discipline.
 After the guardsmen have been federalized while longer there will probably be few if any occasions for court-martial.
 Certain it is that no recruit ac- cepted for enlistment from now on can have the excuse of saying he did not know what was expected of him. The militia used to have a good deal of play along with drill and camp duty. But when guardsmen are in the service of Uncle Sam and become a part of the military establishment of the union they must be soldiers, first, last and all the time.
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 person as remote from the soil as MT. Hughes addressing a crowd of Ken lucky mountaineers, while the women smoked their pipes and the men "chawed," must have been a sight for the gods
 The American Association of Park Commissioners has gone on record as favoring bathing suits with skirts for both male and female bathers What Dame Fashion says about the matter will be final.
 woodpecker was found hammering the chandeliers in the gold banoueting room of the Hotel La Sale, Chicago. As u state of repair.
 No agreement on the submarine aues- ton has been reached in Germany, an- other indication that the Germans have no desire to act in haste and repent at leisure.
 The Minnesota man who committed suicide because he resembled a comic supplement character should have gone on the stage and capitalized the resem- blance
 Billy Sunday will be invited to visit Birmingham. If he accepts. people who feel the need of such exercise will have an opportunity to hit the sawdust trail.
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 An Alabama man who earns a dollar a day contributed s5 to the Hughes cam paign fund. He probably planes Wilson because he doesn't earn s2 a day.
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 Youngsters who don't get their fill of peanuts, popcorn and pink lemonade at the State Fair will have another oppor- tunity when the circus arrives.
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 President Wilson wishes it distinctly understood that he isn't running on his looks Sensible man. Pulchritude is a poor campaign issue.