War Play Making Soldiers.

New York Times 100 years ago today, September 2, 1912:
Recent Manoeuvres Indicated Increased Strength of Citizen Militia.
    WASHINGTON, Sept 1.— Reports thus far received by officers of the War Department on the recent country-wide army manoeuvres indicate that the militia establishment of the Nation is more enthusiastic and of greater force than has been the case since 1898, when the war with Spain aroused the citizen soldiery.
    Regular army officers attribute the increased interest in the militia arm to the frequent rumors of trouble with Mexico and the unrest in Central America. At such times, say the military authorities, the citizen soldiers always respond promptly.
    "There is undoubtedly another reason also," said Capt. Dana T. Merrill of the militia division of the War Department. "and that is to be found in the more liberal regulations now laid down for duty in the joint manoeuvres. We have endeavored to eliminate the drudgery of these camps, reduce guard duty to the lowest, and do away practically with parades and show affairs. The men now get work and problems enough to keep them interested and enthusiastic."
    The manoeuvres, which lasted throughout eight days, cost close to $2,500,000, of which the Federal Government provided $1,350,000, the various States where militia participated making up the balance. Army officers insist that such a sum annually is not enough to get altogether satisfactory results, and Congress will be asked for a larger appropriation next year.