Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-04-27
WARNS AGAINST
 STRONG BELIEF
 IN EARLY PEACE
Major Miller, '. z. A., Says None Gan Foretell When
 War Will End.

That no one can fOretell how much longer the European war will last, and that Americans should prepare themselves and their country for the possibility of two or three years more of the conflict, was the injunction given last night by Maj. Harvey W. Miller, U. s. A., addressing a meet ing of about 40 men assembled at the courthouse to discuss the formation of an organization for the purpose of obtaining military training, in prepar- ation for whatever the future may bring
 "We are engaged with the greatest military nation in the world," said Major Miller, referring to our declar- ation of state of war with Germany, and said it is astounding what Ger" many has accomplished. Major Mil Ter pointed out that on January 1 last, Germany controlled 5,0J0 more square miles of territory than she did on January 1, 1916, and intimated that the fiercest part of the gigantic struggle is yet to come, by mention ing that "No nation really begins to fight until she fights on the defensive on her own territory" He recalled Lord Kitchener's prediction at the beginning of the conflict that the war would last three years, and said that at this time none can foretell the length of time before peace will come.
 Major Miller pointed out the ad- vantages of military organization for practice in drilling and rifle shooting, and endorsed the plan to have men past the age of those de. sired in the first call train themselves for guarding industrial plants here, or for possible service in the field should the necessity arise. He said rifles of an obsolete pattern can be obtained from the government, pro- viding request is made made soon, but expected the supply would soon be exhausted because acquisitions for the guns are being made from all parts of the country, many by high schools. Instead of special events to maintain interest in the organization, Major Miller suggested a rifle range and target practice. He pointed out why men of 40 and above are too old for efficient army service, and the reason why only young men arc sought at this time.
 Major Miller warmly commended Pine Bluff people for their offers of assistance, and complimented the city for it's progressiveness. He said he'd travelled all over the world but had not seen a better town of similar size, nor any with hotel like the Pines. He said Little Rock people told him he would find Pine Bluff a progressive city, and Pine Bluffians ''fine people," and that he had found this true.
 Defer Election of Officers. H. l.. Sternberg, who has been the nation of an organization to obtain military training, was selected chair man of the meeting. Capt. s. F. Hilz- helm, chosen drillmaster at the meet ing last week was ill and unable to attend the meeting. Election of off, cers was deferred because Major Miller stated that the number present was too small with which to form I company, and it was agreed that an- other meeting be held at the court house Monday night, when each man present last meeting would attend and bring another with him.
 1 At the suggestion cf George List, who said few understood the purpose of home guards company and that most of those present were there tout of curiosity" Chairman Stern berg was authorized to appoint a pub licity committee to prepare and dis seminate information relative to the plans and scope of the organization. Mr. Sternberg appointed George List, H. l. Holderness, J. s. Wiley and A. G. Whidden
 Considerable enthusiasm was cre- ated at the meeting by the arrival Of a squad of boys, under the leadershl,' of Stanley Williams, who has done his "bt' in the American navy. Williams lined up four or five lads and started marching to the courthous. By the time he reached the temple of justice he had 40 or more in the ranks, and their appearance provoked applause. MICQ DlICV IACKQ uVIDT