Deming graphic., 1919-07-22
NATIONAL GUARD REORGANIzED


ington last Wednesday, New Mexico's
National Guard forces will consist of
one squadron of cavalry, one machine
gun troop and one battalion OF field
artillery. All Of which sounds very
good, but who Is 10 pay the bill? The
equipment OF cavalry and artillery is
very expensive and includes the main
tanning OF large number of horses.
OF course, New Mexico is agreeable to
"a riding army" il 1t can be main
tanned here because New Mexicans are
primarily riders IL the national ap-
preparation viii cover the cost, well
and good, but New Mexico can't pay
the bill.
A few weeks ago had talk with
Adjutant General James Baca at San
Ia Fe. AT that time he proposed a regi-
ment Of infantry, machine gun bat
talon and battery of artillery for a
short brigade organization. New Mex
leo could maintain this force under an
adequate law. Such law Is con-
templated, as will be seen from the
dispatch given on another page of this
issue.
Evidently the future military force
OF the United States will consist large
ly OF National Guard. This will likely
mean the end of universal service and
a large regular army. Before the
great war, even national guardsmen
had doubts of the efficiency of their
organization and went into il more be-
cause they felt that something was
better than nothing. Pacifists preach
ings succeeded In cutting do@'n appro-
priations until the "iin soldiers
found themselves pretty nearly out of
business. Without pay and without
honor, they plugged away with de-
termination that Justified itself in the
great war Not only were there as
many national guard divisions at the
front as both regular army and Nation
al Army, hut these volunteers acquitted
themselves with entire credit
BY a mistaken policy OF mixing units.
the first regular army divisions were
recruited from the National Guard and
National Guard divisions from the
National Army. The shifting OF local
officers was a part of this policy, now
admitted 10 have been a mistake. IL
was responsible for great deal OF
confusion and loss of morale. The
men work best and more intelligently
under good officers they know and
have confidence i'm and a feeling of
loyalty to. This policy, In my opinion,
was dictated by influential regular
army officers.
Before the war /, In common with
others interested in national defense,
felt that larger professional army was
a necessity. Experience during the
war has convinced me that, while
large professional army tends for ef
it creates a military cast and
Is not desirable. The unfairness and
arrogance shown by a large number Of
regular army officers toward volun-
teers would lead me to say that to In
crease their influence Is unsafe. While
this observation does not apply TO
many Of the regular army Off
GERS of the best type, it does apply to
enough to lead me to this conclusion.
| served number OF years
In the regular establishment, and my
has naturally, always been
with them. II is unnecessary to point
but particulars. My personal relations
with regular army Officers have always
been pleasant and profitable.
The same would apply to universal
service. DO Americans want to deliver
over the youth OF the country TO the in
fluence which might be called "Prus-
sianT While army officers are re-
sponsible for this feeling, many Of
them do not seem to realize II. and. In
urging their interests, have trampled
Du the rights and feelings Of others I'M
iii there is distinct movement to cur
lail their political influence. The
Guard, composed Of citizen
soldiers. is using its influence against
1 large regular army. as nearly as I
an ascertain, for the reasons outlined
lbove. Certainly, the National Guard
has nothing material to win. as II is
)aid only for such services as II per
'orms under federal supervision and
N New Mexico has received nothing
or the time spent with the state or
used Of merclnary motives. nor the
used OF mercenary motives. nor the
lesire to create a machine"
II would seem that the government
las decided ON an enlarged National
;uard. a small regular army and onl
subscription In times Of emergency
rhis has served during the war and
sn. Of properly supported, be depended
ppm for any emergency. II also re
novcs the menace Of milltarisn Z