Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-02-07
YOUNG MANHOOD AND THE Ma
TIONAL GUARD.

1t is to be accepted as accomplished that
the Legislature will adjust appropriations
for the National Guard, that the schools in
the field may be resumed by the organized
militia, As advised by the Governor in his
late message. 1t is evident that the Guard
is rapidly improving and its personnel
being much advanced 1t is gratifying
sign of the times that from the flower Of
the young manhood of the State is being
made up the rosters of the companies of
the several regiments. II may not have
been a matter of general reflection, but
should be, in view of the facts that these
military organizations are becoming, as
they should be, powerful conseryators of
good morals and polite manners. Of the
several hundred young men enrolled in the
regiment which has its headquarters in
Sacramento, for instance. it was asserted by
a gentleman of competent knowledge, in a
recent speech, that not one guardsman
can be found at a gaming table, indulging
in poker games, frequenting low places, or
loating about the streets. A high standard
of gentlemanly conduct has been set up,
and ii is not too much to say that from
present indications our military companies
promise to furnish the patterns for well
conducted young manhood. Young bust
ness men, steady mechanics, young profes-
sional men, tradesmen and artisans stand
ing in good repute in the community, are
filling up the companies. Their armories
are made neat and comfortable parlors
adorned by art works, provided with
books and periodicals. and kept with
scrupulous neatness. The code of man
ners observed is that of perfect
proprietv, cleanliness in language and gen
tlemanliness in department, Certainly it
is better for that these young men should
make the armories the headquarters for
their evenings out" than in the saloons,
or on the streets, or in poker dens and pit
falls yawning for impresSionabie youth,
We do not know how it may be elsewhere
we do know how it is here now. Our
information is that in the country COM
panies the same high standard is being set
IN. and we presume it is true to a large
extent among the guardsmen OF San Fran
cisco-we may at least hope so. There
should be on the part Of the general pub
| lie generous and marked aid extended to
make these influences still more potent,
and to divide and tighten the burdens
these Young men have taken upon them
selves, in their efforts to perfect their
several organizations and to make their
| fine property in this city as attractive and
comfortable in its interior fittings as it
should be. The disposition is manifest
throughout the entire Union to elevate the
standard Of the organized militia, and Con-
gress has manifested its lively appreciation
of the suggestion of President Arthur that
legislation TO further the movement should
be prompt and liberal. In the character
/ Of the National Guard resides its efficiency
and reliability; upon Its reliability very
largely depend the liberties we enjoy :;
upon its representative character hinges
its usefulness and conservatism in time of
need, and all these in turn depend upon
the sympathy and support the communities
of the country extend to the organized
militia In these days when anarchists
are marching in the streets of some of our
| cities, communities cannot do better than