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Show I! liEX. J. P. BELL TALKS ! OF TOE NATIONAL GUARD (;?nral J. I". Bell, chief of start of the army, in his annual report to the secretary of war. speakinp of tho number num-ber of army officers on dtarhcd sorv-ie sorv-ie Tina this to say in regard to tho attitude at-titude of the war department towards thr- National CJnard and the detail of reular army officers to the various state organizations "The nature of the duties performed n- the.?' detached officers, as shown in t.io forngoins slatcnjont. Is of gieat importance im-portance to tho army and of material benefit to tho country. Rennets are be-itrc be-itrc constantly received for details of officers, with tho organized militia, with rolleKCi1. and for other important work, which reiincfits tho department e compelled com-pelled to dlrtipprove. The welfare of I nation demands that everything: pos sible for the Improvement of the National Na-tional Guard should be done, when It an h' without serious detriment to th vgulnr sirmy. Tli National Guard must made as cffirlont as posslblo In order to be prepared to tak its place in tlmo of Iron bio nlonRJiido of th mobile contingent con-tingent of tlic rcsulnr army. "It is true, that In a ijreat war the 'ountrj "Will liavo to dopond upon volun- teriT.. Uut tho orsranijiinp:. ti-alninp and wcldinc of volunteer orcn nidations into ru efficient army requires moot Its of aluahlc time. While this is belnr dona, th" ;-f?KiiIar army and the National Guard tr tho only forces upon which tho country can plac any reliance. The nc-"yMty. nc-"yMty. then, for making the National Juanf as efficient as possible Is clearly understood by the war department, but It Is impossible to ,';rant th leanest for tVif. d"toll of ofllcers on the active list with the or?ani;:ed militia without materially mate-rially injuring tho regular service." |