Polk County Observer

Compares Favorably with Others in the State

Militia Organizations Are All in Precarious Condition—Universal Training Recommended.

Company L was, is, and shall be as long as there is a single commissioned officer and a private on the local active list.

Captain Conrad Stafrin reports that Company L, even with its one-half minimum strength, stacks up mighty well with the other national guard companies of the state. The officers' convention in Portland Sunday promised Captain Stafrin that his company was in no danger. There are companies in Portland operating with but five or six men. National guard companies are universally in a precarious condition. Realizing this, the convention in Portland passed resolutions favoring universal training, with one year under the colors and two in reserve. They were also agreed that unless aid came from congress soon, that the foundation would likely fall from under the whole system. At present militia officers are asked to do practically as much work as officers in the regular army.

The minimum for a company under the federal act is 65; Company L has 33. But two men have been recruited since the return from the border four months ago. However, the local officers have several prospects in view, and hope to increase the strength, appreciably, before long.

Lieutenant O. I. Chenoweth was unable to attend the Portland meeting. Captain Stafrin returned Monday evening. He intends to ask for another 40 days' furlough to start Monday.