The record-union., 1894-06-06
CAMP AT HOME.

1t is said that the military men have
settled upon Vallejo as the place for the
annual encampment of the Second In
fantry Regiment. But this rumor should
not induce relaxation of the effort to have
Sacramento named as the proper place.
1t is the right of the city to have one
encampment at least in a score of years.
The cost of transportation can be saved
by locating the camp here: business in
terests will bematerially conserved there
by, and every good the camp is capable
of be secured with it at Sacramento. The
military men have not been denied at any
time all necessary assistance with means
when our citizens have been called upon;
it is simple reciprocal justice for the regi-
mental officers to now concede to the
citizens what they ask.
The chief reason urged for holding the
camp at Vallejo is that ''the men desire
an outing" that the camp enables them
to take il, and that is not an outing which
is not vacation "abroad." We beg leave
to suggest that the purpose of military
camp is not to afford the Guardsmen an
"outing"; it is not intended as picnic
occasion its true purpose is to so instruct
the Guardsmen as TO render the force
more efficient.
But if for arguments sake it is con-
ceded that camp is largely vacation
function, then the home Guardsmen are
asked to forego the outing abroad for this
one year, since for many years they have
enjoyed camping away from home with
no objection raised. To such a request
we think they ought to graciously accede.
1t is not much the people ask Of the
Guard that costs the State so heavily.
That cost is justified; the Guard is a valu-
able arm of Government; the men are
worthy of all applause for their service
in it, and for patriotic self-sacrifice in its
behalf. But they surely can receive the
outside companies here; set up the camp
of instruction and profit by it. and still
have socially royal time as hosts and
entertainers of the people of sister towns
and cities and have their camp IN far
more agreeable spot than that suggested
in the vicinity of Vallejo
Let them for once become hosts, and
join with the people of their city in en-
tertaining the Guardsmen and their
friends from the other regimental posts.
1t is year of tight times, and that fact
should largely influence the Guardsmen
in their action in the premises. The camp
in Sacramento this year will be worth
make any financial difference TO the out
side commands. Wherever the regiment
goes their expense will be the same, sub
ject only to modification by the distance
travelled. Sacramento is the least distant
point for them; it is headquarters, and
the cost of moving the companies is met
by the State when the movement is to
headquarters, so that there will be actual
saving to the commands by camping at
Sacramento. Excellent grounds can be
secured at several points near this city,
and yet accessible by our people, who
may desire to do social honors. and yet all
camp advantages secured here possible
anywhere.
Frankly pantleuan of the raoinent
the thousands of people of your home
who cannot visit your camp abroad, and
have not had opportunity to see you in
encampment at home for fourteen years,
request you to favor them this time.
They cannot learn of any good reason,
any reason that rises superior to selfish
one, why you should not gracefully yield
to the request.