The Russellville Democrat., 1892-09-22
THE ARKANSAS MILITIA.
Capt. Thomas Report to Inspector General
Breckinridge at Washington.
MATERIAL FOR SPLENDID SER
VICE.
Capt. Thomas Recommends That the Leg
islature Appropriate $40, 900 for
the State Guard.

Of the Fifth cavalry, who inspected
the Arkansas troops during their re-
cent encampment, was received on
the 18th inst. by Inspector General
Breckenridge. The encampment
was held at Little Rock from Mon
day, August Is, to August 20. The
troops were fortunate in having the
old arsenal grounds quarters for the
scene of their operations. Capt.
Thomas says that the quar-
ters were excellent; bedding,
messing and general conven-
fences in their way perfectly salts
factory. The men left Little Rock
with an agreeable impression of
camp life. This is fortunate thing
for the national guard of Arkansas,
and will cause increased interest
and attendance at the next encamp-
ment. There were in camp the
First Regiment of the national
guard (nine companies), the Stone
Military Academy cadets of Little
Rock, the Eagle Rangers and band
of the First regiment-In all $50
officers and men. About 80 per
cent. Of the state guard took part in
the encampment. A feature OF the
messing and eating was the employ
ment of negro cooks and walters.
Should Arkansas troops be called on
for service in strikes, riots or labor
instructions, Capt, Thomas says
that there is no doubt such cooks
and walters would be then employed.
There was no serious case of sick
ness during the camp. This is par
ticularly worthy of mention because
this was the healthiest and most ro
bust body of troops ever grouped to-
gether, taking into consideration the
time of the year, heat and locality.
The uniforms generally worn were
the regulation United States Army
uniform, with a white duck for sum-
mer. But few of the troops had full
dress uniforms. The latter were
snowy, elegantly fitted and resplend-
ent with gold and silver, but not well
suited for actual service.
The discipline of the men as a
rule was very good, they being
generally orderly and well behaved.
There was very little noise in camp
and no riotous or disorderly conduct
in it's vicinity. The men were re-
spectful to their officers and con-
tented among themselves. The guards
were careless in saluting during the
first day, but were careful in that
particular afterwards. Raw and
undrilled men were trans
formed in three days into fairly
drilled soldiers. The rapidity with
which this was done was wonderful.
The guard mounting was creditable.
Two thirds of the men and large
number of officers were never in
camp before. The officers were at
first somewhat reluctant to enforce
discipline, because they and the men
occupied the same social positions.
This reluctance wore off, however.
There was no target practice, there
being no suitable range. The work
of the camp was preliminary, con-
sisting of instructions in company
and battalion drill, that being all
that could be attempted under the
circumstances.
Capt. Thomas predicts that next
year there will be wonderful i'm,
provement in the numbers, discip-
line, uniform and equipment of the
men in camp. Both officers and
men were full of zeal and enthusi-
asm. They made an earnest body,
which will soon become thoroughly
efficient in all that pertains to mill
tary duty. What they have done
is very praiseworthy. The
state Of Arkansas should do her
part and make something like lib
eral support for the splendid mate
rial within her borders. 1t is ex-
pected that the legislature will, dur
ing the coming winter, lend help
ing hand. The leading public men
of Arkansas recognize that a good
state military organization is essen
iial to the independence of the COM
monwealth. With proper handling
and necessary care the Arkansas
guard will be body of troops equal
to any in the country. Capt. Thomas
recommends that the state make an
appropriation of $4,000 annually
to defray the expenses of an encamp-
ment of ten days. These encamp-
ments should be held as the last one
was, in the arsenal grounds, if they
can be had. Otherwise, the state
should acquire, or obtain possession
by lease of suitable camp ground
near the line Of railroad and good
stream of water, care being taken in
in its selection to see that a rife
range can be had.
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