The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1917-05-03
NO HELP FOR HOME GUARDS.
No Provision, Says Senator Brady
Arms for Rifle Clubs.

The war department cannot give
assistance to home guard 0rgan2za-
lions, but may be made possible later,
according to a letter written by Sem
ator James II. Brady In response TO
an inquiry received by him from the
Coeur d'Alene Home Guard. In his
letter Senator Brady says:
Up With Attorney General
II have discussed the matter refer
red to in your letter of some days
ago relative to the organization Of
Home Guard at Occur d'Alene city
with the adjutant general of the army
General Mccain, and find that pend
ing action by congress the federal
government is without authority to
authorize any forces other than those
OF the regular army and the national
guard. Furthermore, until congress
shall have expressed its will with re-
spect to the matter Of preparedness,
| 1t Is deemed unwise to attempt even
the provisional organization Of forces,
which might not coordinate with the
plans of congress. However, as you
probably know, the department has
| taken steps already to provide for
the protection of bridges and other
important points.
Il also discussed with the general
the matter Of furnishing rifles or
equipment to independent organiza-
tions of the character formed at Coeur
d'Alene, and find under the existing
law Lnat the war department is I'M
able to do this and cannot assist anv
ORGANIZATIONS that are not part of
the Land forces OF the United States
OF organized under existing statutes.
!! am sending to you volunteer or
ganization circular issued by the war
department on April 6, 1917, which
may be of aid to you.
hegretting that the situation is
sucn that no aid can be extended al
TINS particular time, but with the hone
that the situation will clarity itself
Ia Ine very near future, and that the
department will be enabled through
an act OF congress to formal recog.
nltlon TO volunteer organization, and
Win personal regards, l remain, etc.
Gan Form Rifle Clubs.
Inc circular which Senator Brady
est:
Many requests for authority to raise
organizations of volunteers and FL,
the recognition of bodies of men n
process OF organization are being ro
ceived In the war department. an5
wnile the military authorities are du
appreclative Of the patriotism q
nose VINO wish to aid in this wa,
throughout the country, yet there i,
at the present time no law unda,
when these requests can be favor
ably considered.
The war department IL natura,,,
anxious TO pormote interest IN tha M
.ional DEFENSE movement In anv We,
.nat IL reasonably can, but pendin,
the enactment of additional legisia
.loh the only way in which yolunfea
orsainzatlons already formed or /,
!, process OF formation can receive =,
D assistance from the general gove,,,
' ment Is through the medium az re,
3 cluos organized in accordance Wit,
3 rules promulgated by tina nat,oaa
9 BOARD Tor the promotion of rifla n,ae
4 .lce 70 which the war dena rtp, q, :,
- authorized, under existing law !
furnish such arms and accasso,.,s !
as may be necessary to carry ont ~
aims OF such clubs. Inanirv ~ =.
i've TO forming such n cInh sh,i,
De addressed to General Fred n p's
iips' Jr., secretary. National Rir
ASSOCIATION of America. 11os WI
ward building Washington. r. c''Vo'
. Inc war department has no ant,,a :,
iy 10 furnish drill rponiat,os.s
similar military publications 10 ~ J
! Ills not IN the active miIitary "a,
wee OF the United States. but m. M, ),
I matter OF that Character con vs
. soay De purchased practically at 90
nom the superintendent of do,
/, Wash;n.stS government n printing one
AN TNTEREsTrNC r-.,..