Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-06-07
URGES EMPLOYERS
TO EXTEND LIBERAL
POLICY TO CUARDSMEN
Adjutant General Hanson Ad-
dresses Letter to Business
and Industries of Maine EN-
phasizing Importance of an
Efficient National Guard and
Value of Summer Training

Adjutant General James w. Han
son is issuing the following letter
addressed to Business and Industries
of Maine, calling attention to the I'M
portance of an efficient National
Guard and asking that liberal pol
icy be extended this year by employ
ers to members of the National
Guard in their employ in regard to
their attendance at the summer
training camps Of the Guard. The
letter reads as follows:
"As the time for the annual sum-
mer training camps approaches your
attention is again invited to an arm
of our National defense. a compon-
ent of which Is located in your town,
viz. the National Guard of the State
of Maine.
For several years past the bust
ness and Industrial interests have
evinced very favorable disposition
and keen interest in the upbuilding
of the National Defense as represent
ed by our National Guard units in
this State. They have given en-
couragement to their employees to
affiliate themselves with the local
units in order that these men may
receive the benefits of training and
thus prepare themselves for better
citizenship and for the defense Of
our institutions in case an emer-
gency confrontS us.
The Regular Army has been so
reduced in strength that it can no
longer be considered as the first line
of the Nations defense. it's primary
function being that of instructor for
the several components Of our
armies, of which the National Guard
forms the first. Therefore the i'm
portance OF our National Guard to
the Nations defense is materially in
creased and of must be necessity
bear the first brunt of an invading
force bent on aggression against our
Nation. Having in mind these facts,
it becomes evident that a strong. well
organized. disciplined and efficient
National Guard is of vital import
ance if our past traditions and
safety of our institutions are to be
assured.
Service in the National Guard is
voluntary and the members enrolled
therein perform their military duty
without interruption to the industrial
life of the Nation. The training Is
continuous throughout the year and
makes Immediately available an
organized, disciplined force in the
different communities. whose SER
vices can be utilized by municipal
tiles thereof in the quelling of dis
turbances in case of fire or any dis
aster. The organization located in
airy town is at the disposal Of the
unicipal offers in case an emer-
gency should arise with which the
local police officers cannot cope. A
force CT this kind insures property
owners of the State against violence
and destruction in their business in
terests and Industrial plants at the
hands of those of radical DISPOSE
ton.
Numerous instances have occur
red in the past in this State where
the National Guard has been used
to protect property and preserve or
der. 1t is recalled to mind the fire
in Bangor in 1911 when the National
Guard unit in that city was on duty
several days in the burned district
preserving order and protecting
property from pillage. Also in 1928
when the State Prison at Thomas
ton burned it was necessary to put