Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-11-25
OUR CITIZEN SoLDIERY


of war land capable of comprehend
ing the disposition of the American
people with respect to the mainte-
nance of standing army during
peace times, formulated the National
Defense Act Of 1920. 1t met with the
approval of the practical minds of
the country. 1t cleared the way for
development of a citizen soldiery
without thought of conquest, to be
trained for purposes of defense and
as the nucleus around which an army
might be raised should occasion re-
quire. There is about that act no in
ducement to military pomp or con-
troll. nothing tending to make us a
warlike people. 1t deserves support
and encouragement. Is it receiving
these as it should and what is the
public's attitude toward the citizen
soldiery of which the National Guard
and Reserve are composed?
The local chapter of the Laymen's
League has been endeavorinS to
secure speakers conversant with sub
jects pertaining to Maine, and at the
last meeting the question: What the
National Guard Means to Maine" was
discussed following an address by
by Major Philoon, the senior in
fantry instructor of the Guard in
Maine. The comments which follow
ed were of especial interest as af-
fording an insight into the public's
attitude toward the Guard. as COM
pared with what it used to be.
The desire prevailing among those,
who have the work of building up
+, the Guard, naturally is to secure a
high grade membership and COMPARE
son between the experiences with the
Guard Of today and with the militia
Of a generation or more ago are de-
cidedly encouraging; not that there
was dearth of good material in the
old militia, rather because of i'm
provement in methods of training
and conditions which have notice.
ably modified the morale. The con-
duct of the 103rd Infantry during
its encampment here this year and
on it's march to Lewiston without
occasion for an arrest was cited as
un illustration not only Of the kind
or men In the service but OF the
serious respect they have for the
training from which they seek 10
profit.
Thescomment that was made at the
meeting following the address of
Major Philoon evinced an encourag-
ing interest in the subject. This. we
believe. may be regarded typical
attitude of the understanding public.
This is gratifying. 1t is important
to have a law. which deserves re-
spect:. it is even more important
that such respect be given freely
and effectively. In this instance
there are ways in plenty for showing
our appreciation.
Our young men are subjecting
themselves to training and discipline,
r very laudable effort ON their part.
We should appreciate this and one
way is to show an interest in their
work., attend their drills, provide
facilities for their training. COM
mend their work when it is COM
mendable. Let them know we are
trying to comprehend, as they do.
the value of their service. 1t will
help us and them to acquaint our
selves with the ways in which they
afford insurance to their community,
an organized body Of men within
call by the authorities. trained in
obedience. for cooperation in emer-
gencies, in time of riot, of confia-
grafton and catastrophes where
disciplined men, accustomed to obey
commands from trusted commanders
can be and often are Of inestimable
service.
The National Guard Of Maine and
of all States is designed for an i'm
portant function in self government.
We should not become unmindful of
this, IL we would have the function
ing worth while.