Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-07-06
SHALL THE Law BE RESPECTED 2

Three regimental bands in San Fran
CISCO refused on Thursday to parade,
though regularly ordered to do so. These
bands preferred to obey the orders of the
Musicians Union and join in the boycott of
the Fourth of July than to stand true to
their oaths, assumed with due solemnity
when they enlisted as National Guards
men. The members of the bands should
be promptly courtmartialed and duly pun
ished. 1t makes no sort of difference
whatever that their society commanded
them to mutiny. 1t is of no earthly con-
Germ what their detailed excuse may be,
so long as it is grounded on the late strike
against the Fourth of July Committee
Insubordination is insubordination no
matter what gliding it may receive If
the National Guard is to be maintained in
efficiency, discipline must be insisted upon.
If these mutinous bands are permitted to
go free of punishment, we might as well
disband the organized militia and save to
the State the sum it annually expends for
Its maintenance. The eyes of every en-
listed man in the State will now be fixed
upon the Second Brigade to observe if the
organization of the National Guard in
California is reality or sham. In fact.
the matter is so serious that the integrity
of our whole militia service may be said
to hinge upon its determination. The
bands in question were sworn in as parts
of the regimental organizations of the bri-
gade. Under the enlistment the men en-
Joy certain exemptions and privileges, and
the bands gain prestige and business dis
tinction. Under the enlistment they are
by contract or regulation entitled to So
per day each for service when called to ap-
pear IN their capacity as guardsmen. That
the parade ordered occurred on the day
when civic procession moved, or that the
military and civic professions we're min
gled, makes no sort of difference. What
the soldier who respects his oath has to do
is to obey orders, and the guardsman who
does not respect his oath should be tried
at the drumhead and sent TO lock-up TO
reflect upon his conrse and reason out the
truth that enlistment in the service of the
State Of California is Just as binding, hon.
orable, and carries with it just as serious OBJ
legations and as strict penalties for violation
as apply In the case Of Federal enlistment.
The question now to be settled is not
whether the musicians on the Fourth of
July we're paid enough, or too little, but
whether the sovereign State Of California
can be successfully de6ed by the officials of !
a private organization. The issue is MOTT |
never was-between laborers and employ |
ers, nor yet one in which capital has any !
concern whatever. Capital, therefore, is
entirely out Of this contention. All there |
Is in 1t is this, that certain body of men
enlisted in the service OF the
State under regulations that they well
knew obliged them to publicly parade I'M
der chosen officers of the State on the 4th
day of July and the 9th day of September,
and at such other times as their command
ing officers direct. They knew when they
to secure the privileges and
benefits accruing, that the payment per
nan for such parades was fixed at SIS. and
could not be more, except some one donated
hem sum Of money as a gratuity for
heir service. They were not therefore in
ignorance Of the law. On the contrary.
hey were warned in advance of the day
What the law is, and what its penalties,
'ut they mutinied because in the same
procession in which they were ordered to
march other musicians were permitted to