Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1916-08-30

same soldierly spirit. Please permit it
to be said that, without undue Opt
mism, this is believed to be entirely
possible andpracticable under the in
fuence of a well organized propagan-
da; with uniform state statutes, regu-
lations, courts and procedure, inter-
preted by regular army officers, the
efficiency of which is assured by fed
eral and state governmental contribu-
lions sufficient to meet the necessary
expense incident to such service.
This contribution is suggested be-
cause patriotism may go a long way
in inspiring service in the rank and
file, and all the way in actual hostil-
tiles, but, like mercy as an element in
justice, it may be strained beyond the
point of usefulness and become dang
erous. Discipline is not a boon COM
panion of lengthy and hard, uncom-
pensated peace service. The soldierly
spirit weakens from the gnawing de-
sire for freedom from drills and study
and the oppression of restraint volun-
tarily undergone in the presence of
others refusing or ignoring the same
burden. Familiarity soon dulls the
glamor of untasted military pomp, and
it is not depndable element in dis
cipline or contentment. This is the
psychology of the disciplinarian's chef
trouble, but his main obstacle is a re-
luctance to fine or imprison a recall
citrant under these circumstances.
There is no such condition in the reg
ular army, and it is hard for their offic-
ers to see the viewpoint. They some
times interpret result as the influ-
ence of friendship or of politics when
it is enither.
1T would be an intrusion upon the
sensibilities of highly trained, sup
erbly educated, patriotic and earnest
group of men to suggest in what man
ner, in view of the conditions named,
that the army officer may go about ac-
complishing the end desired. That
they will succeed is the belief of the
national guard. 1t is most timely to
remark that his experienced and badly
neglected brother in the state uniform,
feeling the need of instruction and
training, looks to him as his exemplar,
an instructor and guide in the difficult
effort to qualify in the service and full
fill his destiny. The statement / am
sure will be permitted that the indom-
table spirit and patriotism that have
held together the nucleus of the Con-
st;tutional volunteer army for all
these years, without reward or suitable
recognition and in spite of ridicule and
neglect must inspire the regular, as it
will command the admiration of gen.
erations yet unborn. They will be so
generous as to agree that, aside from
its Constitutional status, the Guard de-
serves the best preparation and con-
sideration at the command of a rich
and powerful Government and hose
more favored in military training ana
discipline.
Let us as patriotic and practical
men, observing and accepting a dual
status-a difficult governmental situa-
ton impossible of alteration to suit in
dividual fancy, calling for wise, earn
est and unselfish coordinated effort
/ set to work to achieve a suitable prac-
tical result and it is difficult to con-
ceive of more important public duty
| if America shall be prepared. That
this can be done only through uniform
ity amongst the states is apparent.
That this uniformity cannot be accom-
lplished save through an organized,
authenticated propaganda is sufficient
| ly obvious to justify the serious
thought of this national organization,
and possibly the creation of an official
commission.
Speaking generally, wherever state