Watauga Democrat. [volume] (Boone, Watauga County, N.C.) 1888-current, 1917-03-01

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these branches of service in fitting
manner The system of supply and
transportation might be slow ut first,
but when one is acquainted with the
fact that in New York state alone there
are 3lO,457 automobiles, fully half of
which could be utilized as light or
heavy transport trucks, and the re-
mninder converted into cars for Off.
GERS and for courier service, it win be
understood that there are no very great
obstacles in the way of supply trains.
Railroad transportation on account
of the length Of our coast line would
present some difficulties ut first, but
without doubt could be rcmcdcd with
great speed.
The mobilization of the manufacture
Ing industries of the nation has already
been worked out by the authorities ut
Washington.
OF men we have plenty. Materials
In the crude state we have sufficient,
but rifles, heavy artillery and ammu.
milton enough, let alone uniforms,
blankets, equipment, medical supplies,
etc, are different story.
The Red Cross has plenty Of nurses
to put on the field for the first line
hospitals. Ambulance corps such us
were formed in France could be- quick.
ly put into commission and would un-
doubtedly do good service.
The militia Of the country is prob.
ably In better shape from II military
standpoint than it ever was in the his
tory Of its organization. If enough
regular army officers were available to
distribute among the various com
mands, 1t would he n fnirly efficient
fighting force. Unfortunately there
are many officers in the militia of the
country who have no right from mill
tary or mental qualifications to wear
shoulder straps.
S'c'iIaH Legion intact.
The American Legion while official
ly diSbandcd, Is still intact. On the
books Of the organization, which have
been preserved, are the names Of some
$4,000 men who have seen active serv-
Ice in various parts of the world, ell
ther as officers or enlisted men. Cuta-
logucd under proper headings are about
$4,000 men or boys who are experts Mt
some trade necessary to the army.
There are telegraph operators. miners,
high explosive men, railroad engineers,
civil engineers, ammunition makers,
draughISmcn, wagon makers, automo-
, bile mechanics and drivers, cowboys,
hotel stewards, men in all branches Of
life suitable for the commisSary de-
partmpnts, electricians, etc. This list
should be of decided value to the war
department.
These are but few of the ways, man
ncrs men and materials which can he
called into play if the country finds ii
necessary.
In conclusion, I would call attention
to the Boy Scouts Of America, who
could help in the event of war In any
number Of ways, and who, | am sure,
would rise to the emergency In the
same plucky manner as their little
brother scouts have done in every cOun.
try in Europe.
That the women Of America would
shoulder their share Of the burden, no
true American for minute doubts !.
they have done 1t in the past anI can
do 1t in the future.
To mobilize all the industries, men,
organizations, etc, would of course re
quire more time than 1t has In the
countries Of Europe, but 1t would be
done. The American people have Il
habit Of taking lot for granted, but
when an emergency arises they gen.
orally are able TO meet it.