The morning call., 1893-06-25

The National Guard of the country is an
institution upon which millions of dollars
ase annually expended. The States bear
the main part Of the financial burden AS
matter of fact the Federal treasury
emits only a beggarly allowance for its
support.
The United States army Is regarded by
thoughtful military men as nucleus only
for the latent combatant resources of the
republic.
California does her share in keeping I'D
a military reserve force. Her National
Guard is organized In one division of six
brigades, exclusive of naval battalion.
The total enrolled strength is 4435 Of
these over 80 per cent reported for duty at
the las: inspection and muster. Ten ad-
ditiOnal companies were authorized by the
Legislature at its last session, which will
bring the aggregate number TO at least 5000
men and officers.
II The National Guard Of every State in
the Union were called into the field to-
morrow very formidable army of Volun-
teers could be modified within few days.
1t would be over 100000 strong-40. 600
more soldiers than Sherman led from
Atlanta to the sea.
The National Guard as organized to-day
would outnumher the regular army FIVE to
one
Ii IS only by the exercise OF infinite pains,
and through the enthusiasm of a few
patriotic and pubic-spirited citizens in
every State, that the National Guard is
kept up as an institution.
Where the States expend 81 the indi-
vidual members spend SO for its main
tenance.
The National Guard IS filled with Off
GERS and men who are constantly striving
10 make it more efficient. The agitation
for reform is necessarily maintained
within lis own ranks. A great deal of
enthusiasm is OF course exhausted in
achieving little or nothing. But he who
looks back on what the force was twenty
years ago and reflects on what it is to-day
cannot conceal his admiration at the
progress which has been made.
IheTe Is DO pTetenSe, however, that per-
lection has been attained The men who
are DONG tie most to promote efficiency
ara the most keenlY sensitive to faults and
defects and the most earnest in their de-
sire to improve the service
HE MORNING CALL has invited num-
Der OF nflcers known to be very much in
earnest Ia their efforts to bring the Ma
tiOnal GuarG of California to the highest
degree Of proficiency 70 give their opin ions
as to what military reforms are at this
time the most desirable.
The response has been quite gratifying
and the result is a very instructive svmpo-
SUM of military ideas. a study of which
cannot fail TO be beneficial to the National
Gyard.
It is interesting 10 note how much yet
remains 10 be accomplished before the
IDEAL National Guardsman can be evolved.
There is but little divergence of opinion,
though pleasing variety of suggestions,
embraced IN the consensus which is here
presented.
Among the reforms demanded and ad-
Yocated with much force are these: The
elimination entirely of political control, a
reduction Of the number of companies,
more com pact organization of brigades
the election instead of appointment of
general officers, a higher standard of eX-
aminations for the promotion of commits
stoned officers, the erection of suitable
armores. the securing of rifle-shootng
ranges, the adoption by regiments of dis
unctiVe full-dress uniforms, the recruiting
OF men of maturer age than those now in
the ranks, the ST ting apart portion of
Golden Gate Park for a parade ground,
more frequent lectures Oh military topics,
an increase of the proportion of cavalry
and light artillery. the need for instruction
in the setting-up drill and the Importance
OF making the public understand why the
National Guard exists and of bringing
business men and employees into closer
sympathy with it.
There is mnch other matter adduced be-
sides demands for new things. Existing
defects are very clearly indicated in many
lines. There is a caution against over
zeal and INSTRUCTED enthusiasm, and
much valuable advice to officers who are
ambitious to raise their companies to the
highest standard OF efficiency. The young
men in the ranks will also find much that
is worthy their study in this discussion By
their officers.
Following the rule observed In court
martial and military commissions, where
the officers junior in rank are required to
express their judgments first the contrbu-
tors TO the symposium on National Guard
reforms will be heard in the inverse order