Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-14
sHoulD BE NO LET.UP


the National Guard and the Organ
lied Reserves are the first compre-
hensive and most nearly adequate
effort ever made by this country Tor
the proper training OF its citizens.
Such efforts as Pre- viously had been
made did not prove effective and the
money expended was pracucaily
wasted. The country found war on
its hands with only inexperienced,
unframed men to fight its battles.
This was soon seen to be catas-
trophe for which our lawmakers in
the past were responsible, not
pleasant or creditable conclusion
either for the lawmakers, the eoun-
try or for the poor fellows who were
railroaded to war without opportun-
i,v to learn how to handle a gun or
care for themselves.
In view of this the report that
Maine is not meeting the require
mcnts of that law is not agreeable to
those who would have the State sus-
tain it's reputation for doing its part.
It surely aroused no enthusiasm at
the dinner given in this city to the
members of the Loyal Legion: on the
contrary it aroused criticism. The
law provides that on June 80. 1924.
the quota should be filled. Today
only about As per cent Of the ma
tional guard has been organized and
the work of organization has been
stopped. AS Colonel Hadley re-
marked in the course of his address.
Maine cannot stand still; it must go
ahead or go backward.
Much is said and written about the
flag. The theme is worn, but for
that matter SO are some of the tat
tered flags. This country has none
to whom our national emblem makes
stronger appeal than to those who
have followed the flag; none with a
clearer understanding of its signifi-
canoe or who could more clearly
comprehend and quickly resent any
blot upon it; none who would better
understand that aggression on the
weak or lootng the strong would be
a blot.
In their hands the flag is safer be-
cause better appreciated than in
those of any other considerable body
Of our citizens.
That was true of the Grand Army
OF the Republic in its days Of
strength. It's best traditions are
handed down to those who served in
the Spanish and World Wars. Be-
tween them all is a common bond, a
love for the Stars and Stripes.
That is a sentiment to be kept
alive and educated into the full
knowledge that the flag of this coun-
try must never lead where honor does
not call, shall not be made the
emblem of any unrighteous cause.
How may that love and loyalty be
best perpetuated? Various expedi-
ents are suggested. Those which
may prove successful must appeal
not only to the imagination but to
the good sense, must touch the heart
as we'll as gladden. the eye and en-
tighten understanding.
Training in respect for the flag,
discipline under its folds, learning
obedience to the authority of govern
ment and the laws Of health, surely
this has been we'll proven method.
Those who have been privileged to
experience it have been made better
citizens because Of It.
AS an educative and stimulating
factor it has been proved invaluable.
II must not be abandoned. There
should be no "let-up" because we
happen to be absorbed in something
else or because we are feeling b,r-
fened by taxes or because we NAV
nave had a dream that now is the
psychological moment when il will
be entirely safe for the lamb to seek
the lion for a bed fellow and for
those having spears to beat them into
pruning hooks regardless Of mutual
agreement with other possessors OF
prunin: hooks.