Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-02-17
MILITARY AFFAIRS

The Committee on Military Affairs
met Wednesday afternoon in the Ju-
dietary room, with a list of nine mea-
sures to hear.
Senator Garcelon, who introduced
it, explained the act amending the
law relating to the unauthorized use
of insignia of war veterans. saying it
simply added to the Grand Army of
the Republic and Sons of Veterans,
the latter organization of the same
nature. Rep. Nadeau of Biddeford
asked that the Veterans of Foreign
Wars be added. No opposition to
act.
Rep. Maxwell of East Livermore
appeared in favor of the repeal of
the act authorizing a draft for the
National Guard in time of peace, say
ing that he thought it wrong in ev-
cry particular. Make the Guard so
attractive that the men would enlist
without compulsion. which was dis
tasteful to them. He spoke for the
American Federation of Labor and
called on Cortez Smith of Fairfield.
who said:
zone thing doesn't look right in
time of peace is to have compulsory
service. 1t would take boys out of
school and make other difficulties.
President Jos. .. Poulin, Livermore
Falls, of the Federation of Labor,
said the compulsory feature was very
unpopular with the labor men. They
are not opposed to the National
Guard; would help it in every way
in time of need, but keep it where it
belongs. They don't believe in COM
pulsory law or a draft in times of
peace.
Martin Newburg of Livermore
Falls said he had long been militia
ry man and it didn't take in the old
days any compulsion to get men in
to the Guard. Believed no need of
compulsion now.
Adjutant General George Mel.
Presson said he was responsible for
the section being discussed, it being
copied after Connecticut, Pennsylva-
mia, Ohio and other state laws. The
Craft law is one of the best we have
today and it is now on the United
States statutes and if we had to fill
the Guard today. we could use it. 1t
shows no favorS; takes everyone
alike. And in Maine it has been a law
for over 60 years. Consulted one Of
best lawyers and he said he thought
it could be used, but suggested hav-
ing this law, to be sure of action
wi, en- necessary.
Maine must raise 1900 men before
any one town. When time comes and
a company is not FULL, it will be told
to get busy and if not the law will
step in and fill it, when it Is needed
in emergency. The Guard is the on
ly great police force we have. What
would have Boston done in the police
strike, without the Guard? And
Massachusetts is to have just such
law.
The idea of volunteering when
trouble comes is wrong. Men don't
want to face bullets. Congress said
wait for volunteers when the war
broke out, but it was five months be-
fore we got man. Nothing can be
said against the Selective Service
law; it was fair to all, rich and poor.
Most states have a.similar law.
Sen. Cobb-You feeljt will do men
a physical good?
Presson-I do. It would only be
used in. time Of trouble, when the
companies are not filled.
Pres. Poulin-Gen. Presson, can we
use the old law? Being told yes, he
said that was satisfactory to the la
Dor men and If trouble comes, the Ia
Dor men will be as ready as ever to
come to the front. In peace though,
we don't want the compulsory sword
over us.
Rep. Gardiner--Is your real reason
for objection the interference with
your personal liberty or interference
with time given to the Guard?
Porlin-The first is one. We be-
lieve in peace we should live our own
lives: we're ready in emergency
Rep. Granville Shouldn't the Guard
lie in force and trained in peace tim IS
to be ready in an emergency?
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