The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-11-08
NAVAL BATTALION.
Why 1t Was Organized-Its Pur-
poses Explained.


The following is copy of circular eX-
planning the purpose OF the recently organ
lied Naval Battalion. and which has been
addressed to the business men of this city:
1t has been recommended that letter be
addressed 10 you through tile medium OF the
press, giving certain facts relative TO one OF the
most important organizations ever established
upon Tins Coast, and one in which every inhabi-
tant Is interested 10 II greater OF less degree.
A careful perusal OF the following. which has
not before been published. is. therefore. re-
Quested.
Last March, through the efforts OF the Chamber
OF Commerce OF this city. the Legislature OF
california passed an act providing for
Naval Battalion. or reserve for tile United States
Navy.
Immediately upon The passage of this act steps
were taken for the organization OF the four com
panies, OF over ninety men eacn. in conformity
With the law. Tie efforts OF the promoters
proved very successful and there are now three
companies in this city and one in San Diego.
The Naval Battalion Is all mustered into
vice, and, SO far as the quantity and the quality
OF the men Is concerned they are all that could
be desired, but the providing of these men with
suitable quarters. arms, equipments and cloth
ing forms series of important questions though
moi OF so difficult nature but that they may he
met fairly, and result atlSfactOry TO all OBJ
tanned.
Frst-The matter OF quarters. AT present the
three San francisco companies are using tenn
porarily, and by courtesy of kindred organiZa-
lions. for Infantry driil and m citing purposes,
couple OF armory halls which answer the lmme.
dlate requirements the men paying the attend
ant expenses Out Of their own pockets. The act
makes no provision for expenses OF any kind.
The advantages that would accrue By reason
OF having The San Francisco companies together
in one suitable armory cannot be overestlmated.
and 1t Is hoped that some wealthy property
owner Will see his way clear 10 erect tor the
Naval Battalion an armory which will be always
known as a naval headquarters. The question
OF income As an Investment we think, could be
satisfactorily arranged. Ii Is not for this pur-
pose, however. that this letter IS written.
SecOnd-0wing to the nature OF this battalion
II Is necessary that war ship be prov ided which
shall be properly equipped with modern guns
and small arms as well as torpedo aud boating
outfits. All OF these. we have good reason TO
expect Will be furnished by The Federal Govern.
ment in a very short time. Several of the Cali
fornia Senators and Representatives have been
given detailed lists OF what Is needed, aJd all
have promised 10 do their utmost In luTtheTing
the interests OF the battalion. Congress has al
ready made an appropriation for arms and equip
ments, and the Navy Department is disposed to
render every possible aid to have the battalion
become proficient IN the science OF naval warfare.
The proper unltorming OF the men, which must
be ACCOMPLISHED 10 comply with The law, Is The
one serious problem now presented and IN
which you, as the heads of the families 10 b.
protected aud the owners OF property TO be de,
tended. are vitality interested, and IN solving aud
accomplishing the object for which tie Naval
Reserve was created
We do not pretend by this to say that there is
going 10 be war, or IN case OF any conflict but
that the regular army and navy could success
fully handle it, but war some day may come and
nerded. The records IN the Navy Department
al Washington speak for themselves ia howng
that, owing 10 the scarcity OF men during The
Civil Var 10 man naval vessels, months OF vaiu-
able lime were lost III delay causing consequent
expenditures and damage amounting 10 millions
OF dollars. III II was difficult then to get men
for lie old style OF vessels, which were comDara-
lively easily handled, what would be The case III
the iulure when the time might come 10 fully
man The complicated hghtiug machine that go TO
ma Ike up q modern navy?
Tie naval battalion is composed of ex-petty
| Of In IAh
eugiue-rs, machinists, eiectrclapS yachtsmen
aud young business men. Is IL not well To hold
sucn men together in an organized body, so they
may be educated and prepared for possible
| future service, ana who are ready at moments
notice 10 20 on board a mau OF war and intel
ligentiy execute any orders The cover nment may
d. em fiji to give?
III. The intention that The naval reserve man
shall not only b come proficient IN certain In
| fantry tactics, but shall also receive thorough
| instI uciion in seamanshlp, navigation, gunnery,
| engineering and torpedo practice. under :he su
| peIvision oil officers detailed from the United
| Siales Navy.
Different successive Secretaries OF the Navy
| have recommended The proper establishment OF
| the naval reserve, Naval officers themselves are
| In hearty sympathy with the movement, and the
| sentiment OF tie business community of the
! country generally is that It solves an effective
| and economical support OF the nations naval
strength.
Inc .resent condition of affairs is thus:
fhst-California. by her Legislature, wanted
| reserve for the navy In the shape OF battalion
That has been provided, The men are all enlisted
| ana undergoing weekly drills.
| Second-The men were obliged 10 have drill
room. They put their hands into their pockets
and proyld that
| IhlTd-Ihe seanen require practice ship
| The Federal Government promises one.
| Fuurth-Ihe ship must be properly equipped.
| The Congressional delegation from California
| VIII their earnest efforts In securing Such
| equipment.
| inh-The men are obliged By law to hav'
| uniforms The same as In he United States Navy
Ii may be well 10 here explain that The uniforms
| for the commissioned officers are provided Tor BY
| themselves. 1t Is Tor the enlisted men only tina
| This appeal for financial aid In procuring suct
| uniforms Is made, and these we are now making
| earnest, united effort TO secure, and therefore
ask you who may feel SO disposed to assist II
| providing them.
| The Naval Battalion has received any quantity
| OF good wishes: .Glad 10 see you organized
| iii is good idea; II heartily approve OF IL,
| etc; but good words, write very encouraging,
| viii not purchase uniforms, nor pay armory REM
| and expenses.
! Subscription lists are now in the hands OF eacl
| commissioned officer CT the Naval Battalion, aLt
! a HIST has also been placed In each OF tile news
| paper offices Of this city.
| Soliciting your favorable consideration OF tht
question. We have the honor TO remain. gentle
| men, your obedient servants,
| FREDERIC b. CHANDLER.
| Lieutenant Commanded, Commanding Naval Bat
TALON. n. q. G.
FRANK A. BROOKS, Lii Htenant and Adjutanl