Publisher's Synopsis
"The Washington State National Guard has a long history, but it has only existed continuously since the 1880s. Until the Spanish-American War, the Guard served as a police force, but under Adjutant General James A. Drain, the focus of the Guard shifted toward a military mission. The periond from 1901 to 1917 was very important in the evolution of the Washington National Guard to a modern force. From 1901 to 1906 Drain initiated reforms at the state level aimed at transforming the Guard into a proficient military force. These reforms preceded action at the national level. When the Dick Act was passed in 1903, the Washington National Guard was already in compliance with federal regulations. The permanence of Drain's reforms was tested during the years 1906 to 1909. The Guard was hurt by Adjutant General Ortis Hamilton's actions--embezzling $37,000. His successor, George Lamping, was unable to control Guard officers and a factional fight e
