Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-12-22
THE STATE MILITIA.
The Biennial Report of Adjutant-Genera


Cosby.
has just been issued from the office of the
State Printer. He says:
A large part of the rifles issued to the
companies of the National Guard are not
of the latest patterns, and have been in
service for long time, are much worn and
lacking in the necessary appurtenarces,
such as extra parts, etc. These will be SUI
piled upon acquisitions made upon the
Chief of Ordnance, United States Army;
but a large part of these rifles cannot be
placed in first-class condition, and should
be replaced by entirely new arms of the
latest patterns. The cartridge boxes are of
varied patterns, lack uniformity, and are
not such as at present are issued to the
United States Army. These should also
be replaced by new ones of last model.
The greatest need of our National Guard
is uniforms. Except in the case of few
companies these are old and shabby. I'm
less the United States makes some appro-
priation they must be replaced by private
purchase. Many most excellent and de-
sirable young men would join the service
were they not deferred by the expense at
tendant upon the purchase of uniforms. 1t
is most earnestly hoped that the Legisla.
ture will act favorably upon the application
of the National Guard Association for an
especial appropriation to uniform the Ma
tional Guard of California.
SUCH ACTION WILL INFUsE NEW LIFE
And greatly increase enlistments. Itseems
but mere justice to those men that the
State should relieve them from the ex-
pense of buying clothes only worn in its
service. A continued refusal to supply
this most pressing need of our National
Guard shows a lack of appreciation of its
services, and tends to seriously depress
those already enrolled, and to discourage
others from enlisting, and to crush out any
military spirit they possess. The exhibit
made in the circular sent to members of
the Legislature by the National Guard
Association of the State, taken in con-
nection with the reports of the Adjutant-
Generals of the different States, shows
clearly that the efficiency, spirit and
strength of their volunteer militia is in the
exact ratio of their generous recognition
by those States. Were these men armed,
uniformed and equipped, at the expense of
the State and General Government, as in
common justice they ought to be, with the
admirable material available at hand
we would have an efficient body of
citize soldiery, who could be fully relied
upon in any emergency, and of which
every good citizen of the State would be
justly proud.
CONDITION OF THE N. C. c.
During this administration the number
of companies of the National Guard has
been increased by the mastering in OF ten
companies of infantry, inclusive of two
cadet companies Professionally attached to
the Sixth and Seventh Infantry Battalions,
also two cadet companies attached to the
First and Fifth Infantry Regiments, re-
spectively being the maximum allowed by
law. These with the general officers and
their stats, make the total strength of the
National Guard of California, at the last
annual muster, on-commissioned officers,
musicians and privates, thirty-two hundred
and eight, and, in addition, sixty mine Off
GERS on the retired list subject to military
duty in certain improbable emergencies.
Its general condition as regards member
ship, discipline, instruction, and attend
ance is fair. The arms issued are breech-
loading rifles, caliber As. Those lately
supplied to three companies are new and of
the latest pattern the major portion of the
other rifles, as before stated, are not in good
condition. The uniforms also of these
companies lately mustered in are new, but
were paid for by the wearers; this is also
true of Companies A and B, located at
Stockton.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
A practically efficient brigade or regi-
mental organization can only be main
tanned at populous centers. In view, how
ever of the rapid increase of cities outside
of San Francisco. especially in Los An
geles, which can maintain four instead of
one, the number of companies should be
increased. A distribution of ten additional
companies in different parts of the State
would enhance interest in military matters
and dispel any sectional feeling of jealousy
that may exist. That this number of COM
panies could readily be added is evidenced
by the fact that there are now on file at
these headquarters number of petitions,
| signed by the best citizens of their respect
i've localities, asking to be mustered into
the service, and if they could be admitted,
would be valuable additions to the strength
and personnel of our National Guard.
The future of the volunteer militia looks
bright, and there is every reason to hope
that in recognition of its usefulness. ma
| terial financial aid will be given, and its
condition greatly improved.