The Monticellonian., 1917-02-15


 lars on the border recently sit up and eat humble pie.
 There are more civilian aviators than there are regular army aviators, and from present indications the former are more experienced.
 The European war has shown that it does not take long to instruct mili- tary aerial observers and these could be trained in short time.
 Transport Difficulties Small.
 As for transport and quartermaster corps there would be little or no diff culty in finding plenty of business men who would be capable of handling these branches of service In fitting manner. The system of supply and transportation might be slow at first, but when one is acquainted with the fact that in New York state alone there are 310,457 automobiles, fully half of which could be utilized as light or heavy transport trucks, and re- mainder converted into cars faf off cers and for courier service, it Will 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 at first, but without doubt could be remedied with great speed.
 The mobilization of the manufaetur- ing industries of the nation has already been worked out by the authorities at 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 as were formed in France could be quick ly put into commission dnd would un- doubtedlF do good service.
 The militia of the country is prob ably in better shape from Il military standpoint than it ever was i'll the his tory of it's organization. If enough regular army officers were available to distribute among the various com mands, it would be a fairly efficient fighting force. Unfortunately there are many officers in the militia of the country who have no right from mili- tary or mental qualifications to wear shoulder straps.
 American Legion Intact.
 The American Legion, while official ly disbanded, is still intact. On the books of the organization, which have been preserved, are the names of some 1S,O0O men who have seen active serv- ice in various parts of the world ei- ther as officers or enlisted men. Cata- logued under proper headings are about 33,000 men or boys who are experts at some trade necessary to the 4rmy. There are telegraph operators, miners, high explosive men, railroad engineers, civil engineers, ammunition makers, draughtsmen, wagon makers. automo- bile mechanics and drivers, cowboys, hotel stewards, men in all branches of life suitable for the commissary de- partments, electricians, etc. This list should be of decided value to the war department.
 These are but few of the ways, man. ners, men and materials which can be called into play If the country finds it 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, I am sure would rise to the emergency in the same plueky 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 and can do it in the future.
 To mobilize all the industries, men, organizations, etc., would of course re- qulre more time than 1t has in the countries of Europe, but it would be done. The American people have habit of taking lot for granted but when an emergency arises they gen. orally are able to meet it.