Los Angeles herald., 1891-09-20

The location OF the camp, from a sani-
tary point of view and for military con-
venience, was Of the best. Subsistence
department Except drains and refuse)
was found orderly, clean and generally
In good condition, apparently OF good
quality, we'll cooked and served and am
pie in quantity. Drains and garbage
were poorly provided for. and would
have caused serious medical trouble ulti
mately but for the location OF the camp
on an open bluff, constantly exposed to
a strong sea breeze. Camp was other
wise very clean and orderly, save sinks,
which were poorly built and located,
and were in most filthy condition.
Guard duty and 4salutes of officers and
men fairly well performed. Guard mount
on the day of inspection was tactically
we'll executed, although the formation
from details were delayed and lengthy
That of one regiment was at right an
giles to the color line, an innovation that
was unexplained and seemingly unnec-
essary. Formations for review were
tardy, and far from showing the neces-
sary acquaintance with tactics, particu-
larly by guides and chiefs of subdivi-
sions. March in review was fairly good,
alignments and distances fair; salutes of
officers generally poor, lacking snap and
failing generally to look to the review
ing officer. No drills were held during
the period of inspection.
The regiments were inspected as thor
oughly as the limited time would per-
nit, with the result above tabulated.
The exceptionally good condition of
uniforms (save gloyes) and equipments
in both regiments merits commenda-
ton, while the rust and dirt accumula-
tions on many pieces, particularly in
the Seventh regiment, showed great lack
of care by men and supervision from
officers.
A large proportion of men in both
regiments were uncleanly, and showed
lack of personal interest in their appear
ance, particularly as to gloves, collars
and boots. AS sufficient notice of this
inspection had been given TO allow am
pie time for preparation, the lack of
effort to make more soldier-like ap-
pearance was noticeable, and should be
charged 10 both officers and men.
Both regiments were faulty and def
cient in the tactics and manual of in
spection, indicating both lack of in
struction and experience. The gem
eral conduct and aspect of officers and
men was orderly and soldierly, although
too much argument and solicitation
took the place of absolute command at
company formations, showing the fail
ure of both to recognize the difference
while on duty. The entire absence of
camp decorations, save of military char
acter, should especially be commended.
The absence of a provost marshal and
guard should be open to the same criti-
cism as that of Camp Markham at Santa
Cruz. Too strong critiscism cannot be
made upon the prevalent custom noticed,
particularly in camp, of quite a per-
centage of men being allowed to be pres
ent at reviews and inspections as spec
tators, instead OF on duty in the ranks.
So long as they are able physically to
be present, both officers and men should
realize the Importance of recognizing
the presence of general officers by pa
rading every one not absolutely on duty.
After careful consideration of the loca-
ton and organization Of the two regi-
ments of this brigade, it is respectfully
recommended that a strict enforcement
of the regulations as to the duties of the
general and regimental stats, as previ-
ously generally recommended by this
department, could be made with the
most beneficial results, as they appear
to have been but little worked in the
past, and to have no lack of field or
opportunity in the future, if properly
directed.
The brigade signal corps was excep-
tionally well organized and equipped,
and gave lengthy practical illustration
OF skill and efficiency in long distance
signaling. Its personnel was excellent,
and the general appearance of its quar-
ters, arms, uniforms and equipments at
inspection was such as to claim the
highest degree of merit allowed by this
department.
respectfully call your attention to the
condition of Company D, Seventh in.
fantry. Unless this company shows al
once that there is hope for great i'm.
provement in attendance at drills, il
should be disbanded. The state has a