, 1924-08-06
SEPTEMBER IL, 1924,
NATIONAL DEFENSE DAY
Uncle Sam to Make Showing of his
Ability to Assemble his Sinews
of War Without Unneces-
sary Delay

49, io-f mas DttU
designated by the War Department
of the United States as National De-
Tense Day. On this day Uncle Sam
Will make a demonstration of his
ability to assemble in the quickest
possible time the war strength of
the nation. President Coolidge has
authorized and approved this pro-
ject. and Governor Ross is giving
his hearty cooperation.
Wyoming has never failed to re-
spond to a national call, and in
every instance has made a record
unsurpassed by my state in the
union. 1t now has a national guard
that is recognized as one of the
best military organizations in the
country. During the World war
In men and money Wyoming stood
easily first among the states. No
call went unheeded; over the top
was the rule.
From the time of Colonial Indian
wars, the Revolutionary war, thru
the War of 1912, the Mexican war,
the Spanish-American war, and up
to and including the World war.
we had no systematic plans for the
development of the necessary fight
ing forces, no adequate plans to
gain victory rel the adversary; we
nave been forced to depend upon
hastily conceived plans, and have
suffered extreme confusion incident
to such expansion. Unpreparedness
mas ever entailed an extraordinary
expenditure of men and money. 1t
is the purpose on September 18th to
assemble in a single day, so far as
may be possible, the military
strength of the nation. Every cit
iZen is appealed to to lend such
aid as is expected, and as his ability
may permit.
This action On the part of the
war department. and in which the
states are cooperating is virtually
a showing of u sinews of war. 1t
is provided for by act of congress.
IN which it is made the duty of the
war department Ito prepare plans
for national defense and the use of
military forces both separately and
in conjunction with naval forces
for the mobilization of the manhood
or the nation, and it's material re-
sources in an emergency" 1t is
now the purpose of the war deaprt-
ment to take stock. The defense
test September 18th should picture
clearly how Americans will mobilize
in the event of a call to arms 1t
will be a demonstration of the
army's plans to the army owners
the citizens of the United States
OF America. The proposition is to
call a meeting of the stockholders
on September 18th, such as the
board of directors of any business
concern calls from time to time. and
inform the American people of the
plans and methods by which Amer
lean armies will be raised and main
tanned in the even of future ma
tional emergencies. This can be
done without fear or prejudice be-
u we have no hostile attitude
toward any nation or people.
The program for Defense day is
left entirely in the hands of the
local committees headed by the
mayor, but it is suggested that the
following subjects should be GOV,
cred:
l. Patriotic music.
2. Prayer for national welfare.
3. Address upon Constitution and
provision for national defense.
4. Organization, recreation and
military sports.
Military Druan ;1at ,,otonoz -.
CARNATIONS, civic business oragniza-
lions, labor and patriotic organiza-
ions n high school boys should
assemble at a stated hour and par
ade thru the town to the point
selected for the exercises of the day.
Kitchens should be established for
field dinners, and citizens should be
invited to participate in the picnic
dinner.
Let it be distinctly understood by
all citizens hat the defense test is
not a mobilization. but an explana-
ton and test of mobilization plans.
Enrolment for the defense test
carries no obligation. 1t is not en-
rollment for future war. Enroll
ment for the defense test day is
the same as saying 81 believe in
national Defense" The citizens of
the United States have a right to
know the plans made by the war
department to meet any future
emergency. The defense test is not
militaristic. but democratic. The
success of the demonstration in each
community will depend upon the
interest, support and cooperation of
the citizens. Let's make it a grand
success and keep up the record of
the state that never falters and is