New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-03-15
SWORD GUARDS
NATIONAL GUARD AFFAIRS.

THE RIDICULOUS AFFAIR IN THE SIXTY -NINTH'S
ARMORY-THE QUESTION OF UNIFORMS.
The incident which has caused more talk In National
Guard circles than any other for a long time was tho
fact that some deemed it necessary to have hve
policemen at the Goth Regiment arnory on Wednes-
day while Company was holding a meeting. Those
who were opposed to Captain Leonard clearly did not
want the policemen present, and they denounced tho
presence of the officers outrage After the meet
ing Captain Leonard told the policemen that
their services longer needed. This was IN
to question By of the policemen. Captain
Leonard declared that he did not ask for tile officers
and that he net responsible fG their presence In
the armory.
II was certainly the most ridiculous piece Of business
that has happened I'm connection with the National
Guard in this city for long time. No necessity exists
Of going any further than the word National Guard
itself 10 Show how much ont of place the policemen
were. The National Guard is supposed TO be the re-
serve power which stands behind and above tie police
forces TO give assistance In supppssing public dis
turbances when the police are oyerpowered. With
this fact in view. what sorry spectacle it is when tho
police have TO be called in to prevent violence in the
ranks Of the defenders of the public peace.
The action IF calling in the policemen seems still
ridiculous when il Is remembered that he only
affair which called for their presence civil meet
ing in single company at which there were only
thirty igllt Nesent all told. The more the
is examined in fact, the ridiculous il becomes.
Some one made bad blunler II acknowledge
ment of weakness which would unquestiOnaby have
great weight if proceedings. which have been threat
ened should be taken to have company two In the
regiment disbanded Just how those responsible for
the presence OF the officers could explain her action
would interest number OF National Guard men.
When the rank and file OF the regiment consd-
cred. il seem, pity that there should be any trouble
in the organization. such lot Of good natured. jolly,
robust, strong and hearty sons OF the Emerald Isle
yQre ol,abl hpf brouo in
association in this country. II an officer in whom
they have confidence should tell of them 10 arrest
the President of the United States he would do il in
spite OF all circumstances from outside sources. In
fact, the whole regiment would make glorious lot Of
fighter, The trouble has been that a certain element
in the regiment has entered into entanelus alliances of
political nature. and all, nearly all. the recent
trouble has been caused by this fact. When the Icc
ment 10 be Influenced by the leaders IN Tam
maly Hall doubt the troubles will all disappear.
The fact that there is strong clement in the organza
ton which is opposed 10 the political influence which
is being exercised In the regiment for the
troubles The regiment will probably be entirely
free from the dsPracefu contentious which have marked
its recent history until either the political the anti
political element gains tho complete mastery Of the
situation
noticeable change of feeling las developed within
the last year the question of distinctive uni
forms When the bitter fight began I'm the I'D Regl-
mcnt two years ago the main bone of contention
the question whether or not the white dresscOats
should be retained. IL looked at time If those
in favor of the adoption Of the state service uniform
exclusively would win but gradual change of feel
ing took place and to-day there are only few officers
IN the regiment who would vote for the adjustment
Of the distinctive uniform. They may say what they
please about the economy and pIaCtiCab.tty of tho
dress which is furnished by the state but the fact
remains that the mark of distinction which the white
colts give secures more recruits than any other
factor IN the regiment. IL l. significant fact, well
worth noting thai the best regiments in this state arc
Is supplied by the state
All this, Of course IS opposed 10 what might APP.
propriately be called barbarsn,' but 50, too is tho
increase Of the social features of the National Guard.
BrIgader General Barber has been az the head OF
the Department for abou, years,
and his part Of the Adutant rliS yearly report has
contained recommendations which were extremely rdl-
cal in their nature He has done his best 10 put the
National Guard on basis with the Regular Army IN
many respects But the great increase in the social
has shown that General Barber has not been
entirely successful in his effort "a this direction b,
undergo in the sherman parade has resulted In one
the 69th Regiment, died at his home. No. 3oi East
Tvelfth-st.. on Tuesday from Pneumonia He caught
s s1 bns been III ever snce sergeant Higgins Served
in a Rhode Island regiment during the Rebellion. and
he was member OF sheldS fost' w. a. L. lie was
O' The board for the examination Of noncommlssioned
officers in the I'D Regiment will hold meeting to-
conpsay G. OF the Goth Regiment will give ball
at Tammany Hall on Tuesday evening.
The l2th Reeiment will parade on Wednesday
marlSmen's badges General Robbins will review the
4 military mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral
ST. Patrcls Day. The 69th Regiment will attend
and Company will compose the guard Of honor.
The athletic canes and ball Of the 9Th Regiment
will be held on March 81.
The athletic OF the 9Th Regiment will be held
The annual meeting of the 10Th Regiment Rife Club
will be held on Monday. April g.
The eth Regiment veterans will have celebration
on Tuesday. April T.