Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-05-20
THE National Guard.

The future OF the national guard
ms never brighter than at present."
dictated Colonel r. s. Dickmai1. ad-
jutant general of Illinois, III an inter-
view recently given out in Washing
ton. The Georgia National Guard
il dead. slain by the regular army"
protested General Walter A. Harris.
ranking ofiicer Of his state militia
when the Mexican war broke out
and commander Of the Slst brigade of
the Dixie Division.
Here We get two different points Of
view. that of the Illinoisan. who
takes into consideration the fact
that our federal Constitution au-
thorixes Congress to raise and sup
port armies" and ito make rules for
the government and regulation of the
land anu naval forces" and ito pro-
vide for Organizing, arffiing. and dis
cip!ining the militia, and for govern
ing such part Of them as may be en-
ployed in the service of the United
States, reserving to the states re-
spectitely, the appointment OF the
6@:cers. and the authority Of train
ing the militia according to the dis
cipline prescribed by Congress-" and
that Of the Gehseiai1 who has become
apathetic toward government by one
necessarily include the GENERALIZATION
of all functions. state and national,
in himself. Under his control the
..onal guard units were robbed Of
their iden';' -'ad and trans
ferred to the national army. The
regular army officers, always jealous
OF the national guard. were assigned
to all the places Of authority, and,
with the approval Of the admins
tration, apportioned the bfunt of the
fighting command to the former Of
hcers of the national guard. The
regulars received the rapid promo,
tions, the guards got occasional
mention in dispatches" The regu-
lars sat at their desks, the guards
stood knee-deep in mud in the
trenches. The regulars got under
cover, the guards went over the top.
There were exceptions on both sides,
but this was the general rule. 4 re-
serve offieer, or former national
zuard officer went without promo
ton. A shave-tail just graduated
from West Point. received desk duty
and majority In a couple of
months. After the armistice was
signed the former guards were re-
]eved Of their commands and regu-
lars hare superseded them who will
march at the heads Of the columns
when the boys come swinging down
the streets back home.
1t Is because Congressional leaders
have learned these things that Col
onel Dickman's prophesy is quite
likely to come true. The Congress
il Republican, and it is going to see
TO it that something is done to re-
habilitate the national guard. rs II
beyond resurrection" asks General
Harris. 1t is not, and it will be
re: ccted. Government by law
will accomplish this. Congress 10 go
ing to provide for the militia, and
hn hn -
ahce with which it will be trained
and the officers will be appointed by
TIE states. The Republican legisla-
tors know full we'll that nothing is
more calculated to create esprit de
corps among our fighting men than
to be able to carry the banners OF
their respective states. The ad.
niin;stration wanted none Of that; 1t
wanted the entire submergance of
all individuality for its own as-
Srandizement.
Tho states should be ENCOURAGED
and assisted to keep up their militia
organizations to full-possibly In
creased-stfsAsth. Federal provi-
sions should 30 made for something
like Olympic games participated by
by representatives from each state,
annually, at sight chosen, say, in
the District Of Columbia. With
laurels for the victors. This is the
way to preserve tho government free
Of military control ana intrigue, to
insure . healthy youth. and an ef-
heient fighting force. And, by the
way. the adoption Of the league Of
nations covenant might interfere
materially with such = program be-
cause Of the authority which It gives
the council to NEEDLE in the military
affairs Of member nations.
II Germany signs the peace treaty
hhe will subscribe to the covenant OF
TIA leaRuA Of nations like France or