Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 176, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 July 1915 — Our Citizen Soldiers. [ARTICLE]

Our Citizen Soldiers.

Indianapolis Star. The Indiana National Guard is now beginning its annual period of special military instruction at Fort Benjamin Harrison and more than usual interest centers in the event because of the possibility, perhaps not seriously considered in former years, that these soldier may yet see active service. Apparently there is a growth of interest among the men themselves, for the companies of the regiment now on the ground show a large increase in enrollment—a sign that a healthy military spirit is not lacking in the community. The National Guard is a military body of importance. In part sustained by the states, in part by the general government, it is an organization of serious purpose and soldierly training. Its work at the encampments which are being held in many states at time is hard and exacting—just such drill as the regular army is accustomed to—and a week of this training, in addition to the home practice at regular intervals during the year, goes far to fit these soldiers for practical duty in case of need. These militia regiments, in Indiana at least, are made up of representative men of all classes —picked men of their several communities. This is well, for the National Guard as a whole will form the nucleus of a volunteer army in case of war and since its ranks now include men who served in the Spanish-American war and in the regular army it will be able to supply many who are well equipped to serve as officers—the greatest first need in a volunteer service. Indiana may well take pride in its militia. It is not a large body, but large enough to keep alive a manly soldier spirit, a will and a purpose to protect our country's interests at the risk of life if need be. Honor is due to our National Guard.