The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-12-02
Regarding Universal
MILITARY Training

4 ~ I4t<A4OIb CudlL
~ man of the Senate military COM
mittee, announced two weeks ago that
it was his intention to push his uni
versal training and service measure
this winter with the hope of seeing il
enacted into law before the expiration
of the present Congress; and as the
time draws near for the converting of
the closing session he wishes it known
that he will insist upon the considera-
ton of his bill, despite the pressing
legislative programme that must
needs have right of way. He was eager
to have it included in the military
legislation adopted last August, but
held the proposition in allegiance rath-
er than delay the passage Of the army
reorganization bill.
Senator Chamberlain did not think
well of the plan originating in the
lower house for federalizing the Ma
tional Guard, known as Chairman
Hays pet measure, but consented to
it as an experiment.
Prominent guardsmen had long been
asking that the organized militia be
put on a pay basis, and when the Will
son administration began to formulate
its preparedness policy leaders of the
National Guard readily agreed to the
liberalization scheme-oath of allie
glance to the national. government as
we'll as allegiance to the state gov
eminent 1t was admittedly clumsy
arrangement, but the war department
and the general officers of the army
determined to give the new law fair
trial and make it stick, if possible.
The National Guard is made up, as
rule, of excellent material-young
men of pluck and patriotism-bu aft
er many months of service as United
States soldiers, some of the better
class of guardsmen are expressing
their opinion that liberalization is not
as workable as they thought it would
be; in fact far from desirable.
The Army and Navy Journal, which
is strong advocate for universal
military training and service, said in
referring to Senator Chamberlain 5
measure:
Not only has the lack of trained
men been shown by the mobiliza-
ton of the guard, but the attention
of the country is being called to
the injustice of the volunteer sys-
tenn, in that it keeps men in service
who should be at home supporting
4
| terests From their own
| experiences they can tell Congress
of what great Importance it is to
provide an adequate system of
training for the young men of the
country. Already many members of
the National Guard have made
known their views upon the sub
! iect Some of them in refusing to
take the dual oath of the National
Guard upon returning from the Dor
der, have declared that they are
willing to serve if military duty
is equalized. They have declared
frankly that they do not intend to
volunteer TO discharge military
duties of others who are equally
able 10 render their service
| Only this week the state military
board of Virginia has been discussing
seriously the shrinkage of the forces
due, it is said, to the refusal of the
militia recruits to take the "dual
SGTVlCc OdI1y INV lCduAlCu uIiucT leu
eral law. 1t is further stated tina
several companies may have to bt
disbanded for lack of enlisted men.
There is no CRITICISM on the par
of guardsmen who have seen servic,
on the border of Uncle Sans treat
ment--barring few chronic kicker'
and i'll disposed men. 1t is the princi
pie of the federal plan as they see
: in operation that causes the dissatis
faction.
Senator Chamberlain will hardly b
!. able to get his bill on the calendar a
J the short session, but he can be de