San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-07-25
IDEAS OF ESKRIDGE.
HIS OPINION OF THE TEXAS
VOLUNTEER GUARD.
The Official Government Inspector
Says Texas Has a Fine
Militia Guard


the opinion of Capt. R. 1. Eskridge as
to the work accomplished and success
of the state militia encampment late
ly held at Austin, q reporter visited
him at his residence for that purpose.
Captain Eskridge was appointed by
the secretary of war to inspect the
arms, clothing and work of the state
guard and report same to the War
department.
The reporter was pleasantly well
coined and invited into the study of
the gentleman.
II don't know that have anything
in particular to say" he stated in an.
swer to q question as to what he
thought of the encampment from a
military standpoint. 1T was o sue
cess. l noticed marked improve
ment in the uniform and bearing of
the men. The six cavalry troops were
we'll mounted and equipped. The
three batteries of artillery, horsed,
were also well equipped and in good
shape. All the officers and men took
hold of the work with a great deal of
spirit. In the adoption of the new
drill regulations 1 was surprised at
the proficiency displayed, for the
short time they had to learn them"
"How was the conduct OF the men;
was 1t better than last year,"
much better; it was all that could
be desired. The men were remark.
ably good natured. The facilities for
reaching the city were not good.
There is where, in my opinion, the
good nature of the men was shown,
in putting up with the abominable
railroad facilities"
"Did you notice any improv ement
in the care of arms?n
"a very great Improvement, both
in the care of arms and uniform. They
were all required to wear United
States regulation uniforms. Some
had 'slashed' blouses, for which they
were scored, but not heavily"
Don't you think they ought to
have some amusement at camp?u
"4es, i think they should have
nearly all OF the amusements at camp.
and not hold out in town. The camp
should be self sustaining. There
should be large pavilion erected tor
Gnese entertain ments."
What do you think of the bathing
facilities"
"They were not good. The shower
bath would have been we'll but there
was no water. The water supply was
inadequate"
Don't you think it would be well
20 have more company drilling and
less parading?'
"Nhile the forenoon was occupied
in battalion drilling and company
drilling in extended order, dress
parade has its good features. 1t
teaches the men to get into place and
1t Is good practice in marching. AS
to more drilling and less parading.
that ls for the commanding officer to
decide. have my opinion on the su b.
ject, though"
enough?"
mo, not exactly. AS to q target
range, l think they ought to have
one. The authorities / am sure
would like to have one If they could
get the necessary appropriations. 1t
costs some money and the legislature
Will not make the appropriation, I
would recommend competitive firing,
That would stimulate the men to
practice at home. There should be
something to shoot for, such as med
als.n
Don't you think there ought to be
some money prizes offered for com.
pany drilling?"
81 think there ought to be prizes
offered for company and battalion
drilling. L don't think much of this
competitive company drilling. /
think they ought to have drills in
closed and extended order and IN bat.
TALON; but in the other drilling. a
company will practice a month or six
weeks in getting their hands ut the
exact height. That doesn't learn
them the duties of q soldier, The
companies ought to perfect themselves
in drilling, go that they can get ready