The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-08-08
HOME GUARD ORGANIZE
MEETING FOR TONIGHT-WlII
NOT GO TO FIGHT, But WILL
FIGHT AT HOME.

OF ages ranging from the minimum
to the maximum, Al men attached
their names to the blank oath accom-
panying the roll for enlistment into
the Home Guard at the courthouse
last night at a mass meeting called
for that purpose. 1t is the expressed
purpose of the men there gathered
to complete a company of 100 men
for home protection after the remov-
al of the former state guard. now
transferred into the federal service.
Mayor Jas. Robertson called the
meeting to order, and called for nom
nations for a temporary chairman.
His name was placed in nomination,
and on being put to a vote, carried
by unanimous reclamation. r. G..
Fuller was nominated and appointed
secretary of the meeting.
Chairman Robertson read instruc-
tions received from Secretary of h
Council of Defense McCaffree, and
had the secretary read still others.
Questions were asked by the embryo
soldiers of home defense and answer
ed by the chairman. explaining the
liabilities. duties and equipment OF
the organization. Speeches were
made by members Of the audience in
support Of the formation of the com
pany for home protection.
AS explained in The Daily Leader
a week ago, the liability OF the or
g|anization consists primarily IN
guarding against mob violence in the
home community, Mr.. Robertson
said. The oath obligates to the state
authorities. and reiterates the com
mon duties of American citizenship
with allegiance to state and nation.
There is no pay authorized for pri-
Yates or officers, and no equipment
guaranteed. The company is n OF
almost wholly local organization,
with little liability or recognition be
yond the home community.
ON motion a standing vote was
Icalled for to express willingness to
ioin such an organization. This ana
the previous discussion made two
things plain. There was a distinct
disposition on The mems part 20 re
sent being called from this county
to do military duty. But if the state
or United States wanted any outland
army whipped to rawlings, if they
will catch them and bring them to
Lake county Wen show them g glor-
ious victory. For every man rose IT.
expression of willingness TO make
one of a force to fight in our own
backyard.
The rolls for signing were opened
and scarcely a man stood back who
could find it possible to train with
the new army. Every kind and con
dition of man and business was rep
resented. Men who could do tricks
with a spade i'm a ditch. with nippers
and wire. with wrench and n 0
stuff pot. right down through the
trades. professions and occupations
to men who could do inscrutable
things with interest tables. know
whether an English verb were in
proper form when he met il in the
street they all appended then
names.
An adjourned meeting is called for
tonight. 1t is hoped hat every man
who Joined last night will bring al
least n mar with him to join. The
company should number 100 men
few gray hairs or a large waistline Is
no bar. And the need for haste wa
urged. in order that the Officers
could be selected, get their applica
lions for commissions before tho
council OF defense and the governor
and get i'm on what equipment nigh
be available to the early bird.