Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1919-09-23
A FEW QUESTIONS TO ANSWER

A FEW QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
While the great mass OF Americans
were somnolently listening 10 the siren
song OF the official pacifists, which In
cluded President Wilson and practi-
cally all OF his cabinet members, and
the unofficial or professional pacifisfs
whose blubbarings sentimental and pue-
rile peace effusfons filled the ears OF
Americans that had neither the time
nor the inclination TO prepare Tor war
which was sure TO come, a small per
centage OF patriotic Americans gave
what time they could TO the building
up of a democratic army. This army
was 10 furnish the bulk OF the shock
troops for the battle fields OF France
and from those red fields they came
home with honor, OF hav-
ing served their country fully In Its
need. The men that composed that
army were popularity known as TIN
soldiers" But no one hears that
scornful epithet now. For these rea-
sons the National Guard deserves a
hearing. Fortunately their testimony
can be taken, as their unselfish SER
vices were taken, as being 100 per
cent American In patriotic view point.
The National Guard Association Is
about to draft an army reorganiza-
zion bill and, while they have very de-
cided opinions based ON their own SER
vice. they are going straight TO the
people for suggestions. The ASSOCIATION
isn't serving purely military interests
and ambitions. What II wants Is an
army capable of upholding American
institutions against all corners and one
that isn't going to burden the country
with unnecessary taxes and parasitic
military cast headed by the sychophant
of the general staff.
Recently the Graphic received a cir
cular letter from the National Guard
Association which has been sent out 10
nil the editors OF America as well as
other leaders OF American Thought.
They ask some questions that are per-
tinent to the present situation, when
bids fair TO saddle the citizens with
standing army Of more than 0OO,OO0
men and a CONSUMPTION law masqae-
riding under the popular title OF
Universal Service" Even Gen. Wood,
who placed the best draft division,
and as good one as any other. In
France. saws Il IL all wrong. Read
these questions and answer them with
out partisan bias, II you can.
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE
OF the National Guard Association Oh
the United States
Col. John Il. Rose Chairman
100 East 3ith Street.
n. Y. City, Aug. %, 1913.
Do the people want large standing
armyY III so, with the knowledge that
the standing army at the outbreak OF
the war was about 125,OOO. do they
consider a standing army OF 2JO,OOO or
100000 a large armyg
Do they believe that standing ar
my Of sufficient size TO garrison the
Philippines. Hawaii, Canal Zone ami
Army Posts, could take care OF the
situation, provided we had strong
body OF citizen soldiers, veterans eth
or OF State or National servicey
Do they believe in compulsory uni
versal military service, with draft
boards and the enormous expense In
yolyed In the maintenance Of the de-
plrtments necessary for handling such
organizationy Or,
Would they favor universal military
trimming. where the public school sys-
TEN. state armories II there be any,
or trimming grounds IN centers OF popu-
lation could he used for the education
of boys. say Of seventeen, and then CIV
en- a tour OF duty in vacation time IN
the field. where they might learn the
rudiments OF military service, under
the supervision OF officers chosen
from local organizations with whom
they are acquaintedf
DO you believe that. instead OF the
expensive draft system, the present
system, where jurors are selected,
might he used for the selection OF boys
for military trainlngl
DO You believe that, with four mil
lion veterans Of the great war In the
Country. there Is any necessity, In view
Of what we are told about the League
Of Nations doing away with war, for
the creation Of an expensive military
training system in the CountryY
Do you believe that the citizen sol
dlers who bore the brunt OF fighting
as shock troops in the war, and who
came from all walks OF life: from the
fields. the workbench, the office. from
the heads OF firms and corporations
and from the various professions who
have had experience, are qualified to
pass upon a military policy for the
Country?
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE.
OF the National Guard Asso-
- Na1