Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-11-01

What would have Boston have
done at the time ofthe police strike
without the National Guardsmen?
The importance of the National
guardsmen to the vital interests of
our nation was brought out most
forcibly in an eloquent and mastery
address given by Adjutant General
George Mel. Presson at the regular
meeting of the Augusta Rotary Club
on Friday evening at the Augusta
House. His summary of the general
situation in the United States today
and the necessity for a large and
efficient National Guard organiza-
ton, was a message and a challenge
and revealed many startling facts.
There was a large attendance of
Rotarians and the importance Of
Adjutant General Presson's message
was Immediately grasped. The ad-
jutant general who is also a men,
Der of Augusta Rotary, stated that
he would like the club right then
and there to select committee to do
all in its power toward bringing the
Augusta company up to war strength
and keeping it there. He pointed out
that in the company should be the
best men in the city. The matter
was given immediate attention by
the club. Hon. Guy p. Gannett
moved that President Viles appoint
Rotarian committee of five for this
purpose. and his motion was unan-
imously carried. Mr.. Viles appointed
on the committee: Fred Belyea. Del
bert w. Adams. John E. Hanson,
George Williams and Joseph Kicker
Adjutant General Presson in open
ing his address pointed out that the
status of the world today leaves
nothing to the imagination as far as
forecasting events. In the great
World War the unseen Hand of God
drove the enemy forward to destruc-
ton. The task of conquering the
world is to big for any man or ma
ton. When men fight for their homes
and their families they fight like an
gels and devils. The barbarians
made Roadway. but the Allies gath
cred fresh strength with every dis
appointment. The Germans had
provinces to draw from, but the AL
lies had the world. On April, 6. 1918.
America renewed the Battle of Lex
ington. America fought. and this
country will never forget a man who
died in defense of the Stars and
Stripes.
The speaker called attention to the
man who closes his eyes and says that
war is over and that all will now be
perfect peace, and he showed how un-
likely it is that the dream of universal.
peace will come in our day. The coun-
try may be at war again with % yaarc
1t is clear that Germany is aching
for revenge for it's defeat and vii,
scheme for di-eord between the United
States and the other allied natio.s.
What the future may bring forth u,
one knows. One can only jujg. the
future by the past. and we know what
that means.
The patriotism and bravery of the
men who served in the great wa. was
emphasized by the adjutant general.
That is patriotism. but there is another
Kind Of patriotism which is shown by
the men who enroll in the National
Guard and fit themselves for war in the
race OF ridicule, unfavorable comment
or persecution. Some have called .hem
tin soldiers But when called upoo
they Cid wonderful job in the great
war as is seen by the report of the
Secretary of War and the Adjutaat
General. OF the IS divisions that went
to France. Is were made I'D OF the
six divisions of shock troops were conf
posed Of the National Guard.
The situation in our own country WIS
then dwelt upon by the speaker For
eisn war Is one thing and war at
home is quite another. Congress voted
to reduce the army to 100000 men in
this country and in Europe. The adj
jutant general stated that he was ret
talking politics at all in regard t.
that. The fact was that he has been
asked by Washington to talk before
men and seen what they can do to brig
the companies Of the National Guard
up to full strength. In the state of1
new York the Guard has been recruit.
Cd to full war strength.
We have our laws. but what d, thew
amount to if there is no force behind
them? The people must depen1 u,on
the National Guard in the case OF any
uprising. What would Boetor have
done without the Guard? 1t is the on,y
organization equipped with guns and
PREPARED to do the work. Of cours.
there are criticisms However. the
Maine National Guard Is growing bet
ter and it is fortunate in having the
finest military Instructor in the United
ates today. Col. Farnum. And that
training Is the. best thing that can hap
pen to the young men.
The fact that We should not depend
too much on the men who have seryed
overseas. was brought out. They have
served and have faced the risk OF
death.
In closing his talk. Adjutant General
Presson emphas'zed the fact that pre-.
paredness 10 the best protection asainst
war. riot and instruction.
His address won warm applause from
the Rotarians and he was given a ris-
ing ovation. 49,.
President Files read a letter from
the Augusta Post. American Lesion,
inviting the Rotarians to join them
In the big parade to be held in the
forenoon of Nov. IL as q part Of the
celebrati ton Of Armistice Day, and to
appoint a committee to confer with
the Post regarding the matter.
President Viles anr,oinfed an %h,.