Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-07-17

fa1try companies that are supplemented by
Calling guns, and two infantry companies
with heavy artillery, one being at Nevada
City and one at Carnptonville. The Ma
tional Guard of California musters $500
men, exclusive of cadets, all of whom have
been brought up to an excellent standing
in drill and familiarity with arms. The
enrolled militia, liable to be called out and
cluster about the organized nucleus, num-
bers from 95, 600 to 100, 600 men. If We
abate from the higher figure $4,000 for
the disabled who have been improperly
enrolled for the enrolment is not based on
physical examination, we have IS, 900 men
to be added to the 800 in companies, or
nearly $4,000 citizen soldiers who can be
called to the support of the laws, the pre-
servation OF the public peace, or the defense
of the State. Probably one of the best
organized regiments in the country is that
with its headquarters at Sacramento. 1t
is our only artillery regiment, has heavier
battery than any in use in the regular
army, and its companies have the highest
maximum of membership. In this regi-
nent, Also exists the only cadet company
yet formed under the new law. 1t is COM
posed of youths who are regularly enlisted
for three years, and are bound to serve at
least one year thereafter in some company
- NJ H,,,rI Of fb, CT,
est habits of life are exacted, and in moral
uprightness, personal cleanliness, genteel
demeanor and sobriety they are expected
to be models, and that their daily walks
may be known of all men, they are to be
required to constantly wear a distinguish
ing badge.
The companies are armed with the
Springfield breech-loading rife, caliber 40,
carbines and pistols of similar caliber, and
Calling guns of like character. Under the
present administration 1000 new rifles
have been distributed, and two new Cat
ling guns and several pieces of heavy
artillery. The militia of California
now receives as it's share of the $780,
600 given by the National Government
So, 900 annually. Should the new bill now
in the House, and favorably reported upon,
pass, $500, 600 will be appropriated, and
our share will be $500 per year. Under
this bill there will be greater efficiency
secured, and the Military Department of
the United States will, at request OF the
Governor of any State, detail Regular
Army officer to each regimental brigade
and division, who may act as adju-
tant or assistant adjutant, and must de-
vote his whole time to the instruction of
the militia. Such assignments will enable
uniformity to be secured and will relieve
the Guard officers from much wearisome
study. California now accords to her
National Guard $50, 900 per annum. She
permits and requires annual regimental
encampments to be held, and allows GER
stain sums per company to aid in defray-
ing the expenses thereof. The Legislature
has recognized that to make the militia
effective, its system should as nearly as
possible conform to that of the army of
the United States hence the law permits
the Commander int Chief to draw up and
prescribe code OF. regulations which have
all the force of legislative enactment.
These have been drawn from the regula-
far 4ln <f{ no TTnifad Sfofa
and issued in neat volume for study by
every citizen soldier.
The military instinct should be educated
to proper degree; familiarity in the use
of arms should be encouraged, for officers
all testify that the one great difficulty with
the raw recruit is his fear of his rife, and
his lack OF knowledge of its powers. For
physical development, and as wholesome
recreation, militia service has its value, but
above all is the qualification of the military
taste, and the keeping alive of the military
spirit which is so essential to the we'll
being of a nation. The National Guards
man therefore should be encouraged by the
man for whom he works. When on duty
he should be allowed his time by his
business master. Fathers should encourage
sons to training in arms and all citizens
should show by manner, act and contribu
ton that they respect the guardsman and
honor his self.sacrifce.
We say self-sacrifce. He enlists for
three years, and is sworn to serve it out.
He is bound to attend all drills, parades, in
spections and various gatherings. He must
give days and evenings in number to the
business. He must study and labor. He
must disbnrse his private means to aid his
company lit is estimated at So per year
per mani. He oftener than not loses his
wages when on duty, and this is an addi-
tional expense. The private guardsmau,
indeed, is entitled to the highest credit for
his self-sacriice. The officer must uniform
himself, and expect to expend money with
liberality. He must study the laws and
regulations governing the Guard. In
manual and exercise he must labor TO be
model for his men. He cannot well be ex-
cused from any drill of the command. He
must, in short, give fully of time, means
and energy. The guardsman is liable to
the first call, and must march on command,
while the enrolled nnilitiaman looks on
and awaits greater emergencies. And
for these services the guards.
man is repaid with no money,
no emoluments, small honors, no
tokens of the States regard his only
recompense is exemption from jury duty
and road-tax. 1t is, therefore, the mill
tary spirit chiefly that animates him, and