The morning call., 1890-10-13
CITIZEN S0LDIERY.
An Army Officers Report OH the
Summer Camps.
Only the States Arms Are Criticized-A Fling
at the n G. C. by Preaeher-0ak-
lands War Correspondent.

Captain John J. O'Connell First. U. S.
Infantry, who was detailed by the Seere-
tary of War, at the request of Governor
Waterman, to inspect and report upon the
summer encampments of the \. G. c., has
presented his report. The document has
proven a DISAPPOINTMENT 1t is luXuriant
in praise and almost sterile in criticism.
After wadiug through the two columns
and half of praise and not emitting men
ton of the Captains happiness ito be able
to bear testimony to the uniform courtesy
and hospitality extended as the representa-
tive of the regular army by all the officers
Of the guard" with whom he came in con-
tact it is found that the report declares re-
gardng the Sixth Infantry Colonel Eugene
Lehe) from the San Joaquin Valley that
the arms were not in good condtion-old
and WON and in many instances almost
wor thless''; ard that 1.-The police of the
camp was good and the company's streets
clean, notwithstanding loose straw in the
hunks of the men,"
sACRAMENTOs MILITARY.
With reference to the First Artillery,
Colonel J. W. Guthrie, the companies To-
Gated in Sacramento were fairly well drilled
Those stationed outside were not so pro-
fcient. In many instances the alignments of
companies were poor and the manual of
arms decidedly ragged" Then that "the
arms of the First Artillery, being equipped
rs infantry, are in no better condition than
those Of the Sixth. The material composing
its rank and file is not up to the standard Of
the Sixth Infantry" ard 1.-THE general police
of the camp was only fair; many tents were
very untidy on account of the loose straw
heaped up in them. Guard duty at first was
very inditfrrently performed The regi-
ment is then dismissed with the following:
A feature OF this encampmeut was the presence
OF many of tie officers iamllles-lving IN camp
This Innovation may have It's advantages but
doubt her military character. do not mink It
advisable that Tie families Of officers should live
with them i'll tents. Tie discipline OF this regt-
ment In camp and ID ihe town OF Santa Cruz was
exceedingly good. | observed no men IN The
guard-bouSe, no drunkenness, no quarreling
Generally the m en- possessed sufficient seif-Ie-
speet TO maintain discipline Without being CO.
eiced by fear Of punishment.
MORE THANKS AND THE FIRST.
After more thanks but to the General of
the Second Brigade, who received the
Captain very cordially" and treated him
with the utmost hospitality" during his
stay in camp attention is called To the
First Infantry Colonel j. II. Dickinson.
lis drill in the main was cummendable" but
-
'the band marched in common time and
c0unterm arched il quick time which prac
tice is obsolete"
COLONEL BARRYS MEN,
The men of the Third Regiment Colonel
Thomas f. Barry engaged in company
skirmish drill were rather awkward in eX-
ecuting the different movements, it being
probably the first exercise they had OF this
kind in the field" Says the report:
Colonel Barry has good material in his regi-
mentr but II needs TO be shaped and nodded. Tie
Meu can stand great deal OF setting up and
careful drilling. More energy In this matter on
the part oil The officers would have very bene-
ncial and gratifying effect, for the men are only
too willing to learn. a little less familiarity be-
tween officers and men would likewise produce
very saluary result. The Third IS a good legi-
meut, but The Colonel requires tie active CO.
operation OF his officers 10 make il better one.
In conclusion again: Arms N better than
these supplied to the rest of the guard,
which / qualify as old, worn and almost
worthless
THEY LACK COHESION.
The Fifth Colonel ID. B. Fairbanks is
disposed OF IN very few words It's internal
economy, arms and equiI ment differing
little from those of the First and Third.
Captain QCCnneil says: Upon investiga-
ton found this regiment TO be composed of
companies scattered in various localities;
that more than two companies could seldom
be brought together for instruction. 1t was
not surprising therefore, tack % co.
Lesion and concert of action was apparent
III the drills Of The first and second days
TIE BOYS IN WHITE HELMETS.
The drill of the Second Regiment Of Ar
tillery Colonel William Macdonaid), which
IS equip ed as infantry, was good" says
the report, with the exception of talking in
the ranks" and 1.-THE military appearance
was very creditable. Notwithstanding the
White helmets, while the rest OF The brigade
wore the regulation black. The police ar
n nf fliS rhDimpnt pSpapi1ilV
noticed i'll the clearly condition u It's streets
and the neatneSs OF the mems tents, might
have been adopted with good results by the
other regiments OF the brigade, for, accord
In to the report, THE tents were models of
tdIneSS; no loose straw TO be seen StreWn
around, but each had a comfortable mat
tress," and There is no reason why all the
other regiments shouldn't have them"
THE BATTERY AND HUssARs.
Captain Hugh T. Shine of the Light Bat
terry is given much credit for the mastery
manner in which he handled il, showing the
effect OF constant devotion 10 his duties III
Tire ia e of much encouragement and almost
overwhelming obstacles to which less de-
teTmincd man would have succumbed";
however. the two guns of this battery are
simply WorthleSs-o.d 10-pCund Parrots of
1868. which it would be dangerous to fire with
a service charge of powder 1t is question
able if cartridges could be obtained for such
Anticipated guns. 1t was also gratifying to
note at the end Of the week-a week Of pa
tent, steady hard work-what really eff
Gent troop OF cavalry Captain G. Z. Keene
Of the San Francisco Hussars succeeded in
forming out of lot of green horses and
men"
THINGS IN GENERAL.
For the inspection and review by the Ad-
General, the parade in line Of masses
IS reported to have been very creditable,
the inspection was thorough and rigid, the
wheelngs and alignments Of companies were
in many instances faultleSs, While in few
cases the proper distance between companies
was not preserved" And again "the line
of masses executed the manual of arms in
perfect unison as one battalion" on the dress
parade preceding the inspection and review
by the Division Commander. A description
follows of the sham battle, in which the
principles of modern attack were illus
traled,' and more praise is ShOwered on
every one and the signal corps.
:. Speaking generally Of Camp Waterman
the report says:
As rule guard duty was very poorly done. l
visited the sentinels al night and examined them
also during the day. Many were on guard Tor
tie first time, and veiy ignorant OF their duties;
however, they appeared anxious to do sentinel
duty 10 lie best Of their ability. On the night of
tie 22d of August / made the grand rounds 10
company with Major Wilson, field officer Of The
day, who showed himself TO be a very capable
officer In the performance OF this duty. lew
stutinels challenged correctly and turned over
their orders intelligently, bur the greater number
appeared TO be at loss what 10 say or DO ms
is not TO be wondered at for my experience is
that il is only by careful aud persistent instruc-
tion that senI0els become familiar with their
duty, and 1t requires lneessant vigilance 10 make
them properly perform IL.
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE.
The report concludes as follows:
Two things made deep impression on me
during my visits to the Camps at Santa Cruz
Eitst, the readiness ard willingness of officers
aud men TO learn their duty aud to do it; sec
oDd The cbeeriulness with which this large body
Of men sacrificed their personal and business in
teTests TO attend The summer encampmeuts
where man accents The Ludest conditions OF q