The morning call., 1891-12-08
MILITARY CONVENTION
Eighth Annual Meeting of the
National Guardsmen.
Cuttings Militia Bill Endorsed - Rights Of
Honorary Members - Representation
at Chicago Elected.

Officers of the National Guard of Califor-
MIA assembled lastevening at the regimental
armOry of TIE First Infantry for their
eighth annual convention. General Dickin-
son, the President of the association. was in
the chair. The officers of the Nava! Bat
talon in their natty and attractive uniforms
were conspicuous both for this and for their
large representation. They We're, on III o.
ton, added to the roll of membership
General Dickinson made short address
reviewing the work Of the association, par
ticularly in the interest Of the so-caled
country companies" anu - stress on
the unanimity which now and always has
characterized the affairs of the association
He urged that 1t insist upon the payment by
the State OF all encampment expenses, the
uniforming of the enlisted men-not
OF the officers, because they are
all supposed to be milionares, and
besides the absolutely essential ex-
penses for the existence OF the National
Guard. After eight years more of educa-
ton, the Legislature may perhaps permit
every regiment to have an armory with a
brownstOne front and tower on the cor
ner He criticized in friendly spirit the
action OF some members, who appeared be-
lore the Legislature and almost upset the
work of the association by opposing meas
ures which did not accord with their indi-
yidual opinion, although adopted by the
convention as the action Of the National
Guard officers. and as such should be acqui-
eSced in by all.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP.
Treasurer Bush's report showed receipts
$500 rs Qnciuding balance of S577 75), ex-
penditures $500 Is. cash on hand S2S4 co.
due the association S641, almost entirely by
0Tgani cations outside of the Second Brigade
and those which have been most benefited
by the work of tine association.
Colonel Barry made the report for the
Legislative Committee, emphasizing that
the friendship of Governor Markham, the
C0mmander-n-C Chief, was frequently ex-
erclsed in favor of the appropriations for
the military institution and against the ex-
cisiOn of items which were deemed fair.
The Executive Committee was empowered
to designate officers who shall prepare
essays for reading at the next meeting or
TO be published in the printed proceedings
of the convention.
Major Geary, speaking of the statute
with regard to honorary mem berShip, said
that it had become a dead letter, because a
certain Judge of the Superior Court had
stated that lie would not accept such excuse
from jury duty.
Captain Sine gave the facts of the case
ard urged that something should be done to
preserve the rights OF such members.
General Dickinson replied that such law
Is plain and there can be no question about
the matter. The Judge in question had him
self said that If there were any contest he
would excuse the jurors, so ending the case
REFERRED TO A COMMITTEE.
The matter was referred to the Executive
Committee with power TO act in every case
that may come up.
Captain Tilden declared that the objec-
tons by. the Judges were personal ones to
the law, but they complied with it when
their attention was directly called 10 it.
The Chairman further elucidated that
there are three sections in two of the codes,
and Judges do not read all and seldom the
last, which refers to honorary members.
Major Hughes advocated Il hospital and
ambulance corps by brigades. A committee
was appointed to suggest the scheme Of or
ganlZ ton at the next convention.
Congressman Cuttings bill to promote
the efficiency OF the militia was read 1t
was given in these columns several weeks
ago and its groundwork is based on the
we'll known Henderson bill, which was re-
ported on favOrably in Congress, but did
not become measure. II increases the
national appropriation from $500, 900 to
81 100000, paid pro rata on verified muster
OF organized troops. The bill was indursed
by the convention and kilograms to that
effect ordered sent to the Senate and House
Committees of Congress.
Colonel Henshaw urged the appointment
OF general committee, TO whom all intended
amendments and changes shall be submitted
before action Is asked thereon by the con-
ventlon. He argued that the great majority
attending the convention is from San Fran
cisco and the enormous minority from the
interior, which is notwithstanding asked t O
abide by the decision in which It has no
voice. thereby sustaining the idea that 1t
can never be I'm it,"
FOR GENERAL CONSTELLATION
The subject was discussed at some length
and eventually a motion adopted covering
the point IN dispute that all amendments
and proposed legislative measures be pub
lished and distributed months before the
convention for consideration at large and
finally by special committee, whose report
for action at the convention shall be also
printed and distributed for general consid-
Grafton.
Adjutant- General c. c. Allen made an
effective address in his happy vein. urging
particularly that California will have to
maintain It's reputation at Chicago, and that
committee be appointed at once TO call
upon the California commission to commit
itself to make an appropriation for the n.
q. Z. at the exposition. He promised his aid
to build up and maintain an organization
second to none in the United States BE
also urged more work at the rifle ranges,
motion was carried to appoint a COM
mlttee OF three to carry out the suggestion
of the Adlutant-General with regard to the
Worlds Fair.
Officers were then elected: BrIgadier- Gem
eral John ii. Dickinson, President: Brig
adler Generals Il. w. Sheehan. I. W. r.
Montgomery aud NJ. w. Mueller. Vice
Presidents; Colonel Ii. 2. Bush.
Treasurer; Lieutenant Colonel John A.
Roster, Secretary; Lieutenant Commander
Frederic Is. Chandler. Assistant Secretary.
The reported scheme for a reorganization
of the N. g. G. did not materiaiize. although
the Chairman called for it.