The Daily Citizen

THE STATE GUARD—REPORT OF COL. DODGE.

On our first page will be found extracts from the report of Col. Richard J. Dodge, Eleventh United States infantry, assigned to inspect the movement of the camp of instruction at Wrightsville in July last.

We must ascribe to Col. Dodge unusual frankness in his criticism of defects in the State Guard of North Carolina. A knowledge of these shortcomings so mercilessly exposed and so freely commented on is well calculated to mortify the natural vanity of companies, which, in their isolation and deprivation of the means of comparison with other companies, or knowledge of the systems of other States are apt to conclude that they have attained perfection and are above reproof.

When shortcomings are judiciously pointed out by one whose experience qualifies him to speak with authority to overcome them, and make the effort the effort will be made by reasonable men to reach that standard of excellence which is the only right and effective one.

Col. Dodge is generous enough to admit the causes of imperfection which under existing conditions are unavoidable; and he is gratifyingly flattering in his views of the patriotic self-denial and ardent patriotism of the young North Carolina soldier who is willing to make this yearly sacrifice of time and money and service to meet the duty required by the State.

It is the State, Col. Dodge charges, that is primarily responsible for the defects of the system, and the inadequate results of these schools of instruction; for it is the penuriousness of the State which throws upon officer and private alike all the burden of the expense of the encampments and of company maintenance, all except the meagre allowance of $7,500 divided among thirty companies, the government providing the rifles and accoutrements and overcoats, the State furnishing the cloth for uniforms, which are made up at the expense of the soldier.

Considering that the State guards of the several States make up to great extent the immediately available military force of the United States, saving the expense of an otherwise necessarily large standing army, we think it inappropriate in Col. Dodge to say that these arms, equipments, etc., are provided 'through the munificence of the general government.' The government is effectively serving itself in making this provision and saves money by doing it in this way.

The State Guard is not the idol of the legislature of North Carolina or of the people. It is not understood. The companies are distrusted or despised as mere holiday organizations. There is no greater or more unjust error. That these companies are capable of real, hard, willing service, has had ample proof in the recent history of all the Southern and some of the Northern States. They constitute the cheap and ready defence of the State against those sudden and menacing outbursts so apt to grow out of the disturbed relations between the races, in some States, between classes. It would be madness to disarm in the face of dangers which may disclose themselves at most unexpected hours; it is almost equal madness to maintain the State Guard in existence, yet maintain it in a condition of distrust and inefficiency. The State cannot do without it; yet it has no claim upon voluntary or half paid service from any men or body of men. Let the suggestions of Col. Dodge to the State authorities have an intelligent consideration.