Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-03-30
MAINE MILITIA.
Reports of the Adtutant General, Inspee-
tor General and Other 0meers.


From the annual report of the Adjutsnt
General of Maine for the year 1884. re gather
the following information relative to our
militia:
The number of enrolled militia, between
the ages Of IS and 45, liable to do military
duty IS 1852. The militia consists of "A
commissioned officers and 1876 enlisted men.
organized as follows Two regiments Of in-
fantry of eight companies each, one unat-
tached infantry company (Fronter Guards
Of Eastport) and one four-gun battery OF
light artillery, composed of two plato0ns-
the whole constituting the First Brigade OF
volunteer militia
The second platoon of the battery located
at Portland, was disbanded Nav II, 1884
and reorganized at Bruins wick, and is now
composed Of a good class of active young
men.
The reserve militia consists OF FIVE COM
panies OF infantry, ii officers and 230 enlist
ed mer. The term Of service of three COM
panies expired during the year, as follows
Saco Rifles. Calais Light Infantry, The
''Leavitt Guards Eastport, term of service
expired February, 1883. The reserve militia
are supplied with arms and equipments only
by the State, uniformed at their own ex-
pense.
The Brigade organization, which was per-
fected in 1888, upon the recommendation OF
General Chamberlain, was a good one, and
establishes the fact that the compact form of
the organization i. the best and only one that
should govern the Volunteer Militia of the
State. The total amount expended for mill
tary purposes during the year 1884 was
SIS 2I60l.
The INSPECTOR GENERAL
of the Governors staff, General Richards,
after noticing the location and arrangement
OF the camp during the muster of 1884,
makes number of recomme ndations. He
recommends that guard mounting and the
duties of sentnels, be more thoroughly taught
in srmory instructions, also. that there be
established for each regiment and battery a
regimental or battery kitchen, and that a
competent cook be employed by the State,
and the rations issued for each meal in cook
ed form. He thinks better food and more of
it can be obtained from the rations with saw
ing to the State. He suggested that brigade
drills should be taken up. He calls attention
TO the lack of proper respect for superior Of
fcers and the neglect Of the proper salute.
No inspection Of arms, equipments, clothing
and quarters was made. He thinks MANY
improvements have been made in rifle prac-
tice, and that more value be attached to the
marksman's badges, by making them less
common compliments.
Ia the armory inspection he finds much to
criticise. In very few instances are the books
and papers properly kept. State property is
shamefully neglected in some cases. Com
manding officers of companies do not realize
their responsibilities. He thinks company
clerks should be allowed S25 year for their
S.I,, -
be changed from five to two years, that COM
pany commanders be allowed $50 year and
be required to give bond with sureties for
the proper care and safe return of all proper.
tv belonging to the State, intrusted to their
care.
Cor. +. C.. HARRINGTON,
Inspector of Rife Practice on the Governor
staff, in his report saws:
Almost every company has maintained suf-
ficient practice to secure an increased eff
cheney among its marksmen. The number
of men qualifying as sharp-shooters exceed
ed his expectations and convinces him that
in the near future our companies will attain a
high standard of exc Hence
Following the rife Inspector report is
GEN CHAMBERLAINs REPORT
and recommendations. He points out some
ADVERTISEMENTS IN consequence of peculiar
! orders relating to the annual encampment of
1884. He thinks it was the Major Generals
provinces, under the law to order the encamp-
ment He says We cannot hold officers re-
sponsible unless we respect that responsible
ty.
Gen. Chamberlain says: II am satisfied
that our present organization of the militia is
upon the best basis for economy and efficien-
cy and all other practical results. The aunu
al encampment should be made more and
more the occasion for systematic Instruction,
and the State, have no doubt will readily
grant the necessary means therefor"