MILITIA (Lat. military service, sol dier, from miles. 01AI t. soldier). An organized military force. Originally organized for national defense, it has, since the advent of standing armies, become practically the second line of defense in England and in the United States, representing the entire able-bodied part of the population. Specifically the title applies to the purely defensive branch of the national military system of the countries referred to, the mobile and territorial militia of Italy and the opo/tchenie of Russia closely resembling it. The Landirehr and Landsturm of Germany and Austria, and the territorial army of France, may also he regarded as the militia equivalent. In the United States the system differs somewhat from the English in that it is not a Federal or national force, unless called into the service of the Federal Government, it being normally a State organization. From 1775 to 1783 the bulk of the Federal armies consisted of State troops, a condition which continued to exist long after the Revolution itself. The United States militia consists of every able-bodied male citizen of the respective States. Territories, and the District of Columbia, and every able-bodied citizen of foreign birth who has declared his intention to become a citizen, who is more than eighteen and less than forty-five years of age. It is divided into two classes—the organized Militia, known as the National Guards of the State. Territory, or District of Columbia. or by such other desig nation as may be given them by the laws of the respective States or Territories, and the re mainder known as the reserve militia. The or ganization,armament,and discipline are the same as those prescribed for the regular and volunteer armies of the United States. The President may call out, for a period not exceeding Dine months, such numbers of the militia of the States, Ter ritories, or District of Columbia as he may deem necessary. During their period of service they become subject to the same rules and articles of war as the regular forces. Each State and Ter
ritory and the District of Columbia has an adju tant-general, who is charged with the duties as prescribed by the State, and the rendering of regular reports to the Secretary of War regard ing the strength, condition, etc., of the organized militia of the State to which he belongs. See United Mates in the article ARMIES.
The table on the following page is nu abstract of the militia force of the United States (organ ized), according to the returns of the Adjutant General for 1902.
The militia of Great Britain is a constitutional force raised under authority of Parliament for national defense only. It cannot be used on foreign service without. its consent and the au thority of Parliament. Before the Norman Con quest rents for land were paid in body service, the able-bodied men of each family bearing arms in numbers proportionate to the land held by the fancily. This system is attributed to the Saxon King Alfred. The country was organized into dukedoms, hundreds, tailings (ten mak ing the hundred), and families. the number of families in a tithing varying with the necessities of the times. After the decisive battle of Hast ings (1066) the fyrd. as the militia was then called, ceased to exist officially, although continu ing to give the Normans considerable trouble. The national exigencies during the Seven Years' \Vac- rendered imperative the reorganization of 1757. since which period more attention has been devoted to it. In 1871 the War Office assumed control, and the county authorities ceased to have any active interest in it other than the right to nominate officers. It is now (1903) a part of the military territorial system. two or more local militia battalions being attached to each territorial district, and forming the third. fourth, o• fifth battalions (as the case may be) of the regular regiments to which they are attached. See British Empire in the a rtiele Aaxnes.