The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-11-01
THE NATIONAL GUARD.


inridge for Eficiency-Where It Is Weak.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Oct. Sl.-Inspector-g general
Breckenridge has submitted his annual re-
port to the Secretary of War. The work Of
inspection in the National Guard encamp-
ments. he says, was never 30 completely ac-
complished as during the past year. For
the inspection of encampments fifty-seven
officers were detailed. and forty-nine en-
campments were held in twenty seven
States and Territories All of this years
encampments were for the first time
visited officially by army officers
whose reports show @ great improve
ment in the troops. The report says
1t Is safe to assume that SUBJ
stantial organization of tbs volunteer mill
tia of the Nation is now assured, and with
support from the general government and
from the States themselves an efficiency
would be attained in which all may fell q
just pride.
Ger eral Breckinridge has also submitted
areport to the commanding general OF the
army. In this report he suggests the ad-
visa bility of holding at Chicago during the
worlds fair an encampment of the militia
forces of the Nation and collecting there as
many regulars" as possible. He adds In
this connection that we have no cause to
be ashamed of our army" Speaking OF the
NHblOudk OudIu. uo say tuc oAcIClbco III
which it has had the least experience, and
in which it is naturally the most deficient
are campaigning, skirmishlng through
rough country, field intrenchment and
night work. In the opinion of General
Breckenridge the recently adopted drill
regulations will make field practice more
important than ever.
Articles Made by Convict Labor.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-The United States
consul general at Berlin has informed the
Department Of State that 1t appears to be
q common practice in Germany for persons
who employ convict labor to do so in con-
nection with the manufacture Of articles
by free labor, and the prodaots are so
mucs alike that 1t is impossible to distin-
Ruish them from each other, especially as
they are mingled together in the ware
house. He therefore suggests that con-
sular officers be authorized to refuse to cer-
tify all invoices presented on behalf OF any
manufacturer, contractor, agent or other
person who handles, deals in OF has In his
possession for sale convict wares. The
matter having been referred to the Treasury
Department acting Secretary Spalding has
is authority of law for the course
suggested by the consul general, but that
1t might be well IT n statement OF the facts
were made by the consul on the certified
officers. who would thereppon take measures
to prevent the introduction of such wares
into the United States. He requests that
consular officers be instructed accordingly.
Successful Tests OF smokeIess Powder.
Special TO the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3l.-The ordnance di-
vision of the War Department has recently
made tests of smokeless powder with field
guns, aud obtained very satisfactory re-
suits. The quantity of smokeless powder
used-a half charge-gave the same veloo-
itY as double the amount of black or ordi-
nary powder, while full charge of smoke
less powder gave q velocity of 1850 feet per
second, with perfect safety to the gun,
which is % per cent. moro than can be OBJ
tanned with the same quantity OF ordinary
powder.
The Farmers' National Bank, OF Muncie.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-"The Farmers
National Bank. of MuncIe. Ind, is the title
yesterday reserved for sixty days by the
Farmers Bank proprietors at Muncie the
preliminary papers having been filed at tho
Office of the Controller of the Currency.
The request for the preliminary papers came
from George w. and Carl A. Spilker, Ed
ward Olcott, Milton Hamilton, Edward
Reese. w. III. Long. of Muncle. and ID. B.
Knickerbacker. of Indianapolis. The capi-
tai stock is to be 100000.