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ity and efficiency in time of war; and, furthermore, to help in every way the national guard in time of peace. The militia law enacted by the Congress marks the first long step ever taken in this direction by the National Government. The general-staff law is of immense importance and benefit to the Regular Army. Individually, I would not admit that the American regular, either officer or enlisted man, is inferior to any other regular soldier in the world. In fact, if it were worth while to boast, I should be tempted to say that he was the best. But there must be proper training, proper organization and administration, in order to get the best service out of even the best troops. This is particularly the case with such a small army as ours, scattered over so vast a country. We do not need a large Regular Army, but we do need to have our small Regular Army the very best that can possibly be produced. Under the worn-out and ineffective organization which has hitherto existed, a sudden strain is absolutely certain to produce the

dislocation and confusion we saw at the outbreak of the war with Spain; and when such dislocation and confusion occurs it is easy and natural, but entirely improper, to blame the men who happen to be in office, instead of the system which is really responsible. Under the law just enacted by Congress this system will be changed immensely for the better, and every patriotic American ought to rejoice; for when we come to the Army and the Navy we deal with the honor and interests of all our people; and when such is the case party lines are as nothing, and we all stand shoulder to shoulder as Americans, moved only by pride in and love for our common country.

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From Stereograph, copyright by Underwood & Underwood, N. Y.

THE PRESIDENT IN NEW MEXICO

At Albuquerque, President Roosevelt made a speech dwelling mostly on the importance of irrigation in the development of the state.

CHAPTER VI.

FARGO TO ST. LOUIS.

The train left Fargo at 10 a. m., and during the day the President traveled through familiar country, receiving hearty greetings wherever a stop was made. At many places he recognized old friends. At Jamestown and Bismarck short speeches were made on the Philippines, the tariff and general prosperity. Stops were also made at Casselton, Power, Valley City and Medora. At Bismarck the President was introduced to a number of Indian chiefs, some of whom had fought against Custer. They presented him with with an address and a pipe of peace. At Medora, where the President at one time owned a ranch and which was his postoffice address sixteen years ago, when he was sheriff of Billings County, the ranchmen from the surrounding country gave him a truly Western reception.

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