The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-02
OUR STATE MILITIA.
Continued from Page 1.

talions was noticeably too great and at
guard nountings the bands were always
at much too great distance from the
guards. The marching TO music was in
variably too slow, the cadence being usu-
ally about 100 to the minute. The hired
bands no doubt caused that fault.
"The drills of The two separate compan-
les were all company drills, particular at
tention being paid to extended order drill.
These two companies appear we'll under
arms and men and officers alike seem
industrious and anxious to learn all
that is possible. The company
movements were all fairly well done, and
the rank and file appear We'll set up and
soldierly in their department.. They were
much in earnest when on guard and could
be depended upon 10 implicitly carry
out their instructions. The two batter
les of artillery are organizations of
which the State is deservedly proud. They
are composed of high grade of men, most
of them practiced mechanics, and their
officers are capable and enthusiastic. AS
would be naturally expected, their work
during the encampment deserves the
highest commendation, being painstaking
careful and thorough.
"rhe two troops of cavalry form well
organized squadron or battalion as il is
called. The fact that there were only five
absentees from the command during camp
shows how earnest and enthusiastic a
command it is as whole, and
their faithful and intelligent labor
while in camp shows its legiti-
mate result. At the Governors
Review this command showed by its
perfect alignmonts of platoon and correct
salutes that the hard work OF its COM
manding officer, Major Strauss, had not
been in vain. 1t is very noticeable that
the men OF the command were we'll set up
and that they were prompt on all occasions
to render the proper salutes to their
officers"
On Thursday, July II, the lieutenant
inspected the End Regt. He found that
some of the company officers did not
know just what TO do with their swords
when approached by the inspector; that
although the uniforms were generally in
good condition, quite large number OF
caps were without ornaments, and a
number of officers wore dress belts with
undress uniforms. The majority of the
men were well set up and of good ply
sique but, about 10 to Is per cent of the en-
listed men were very hollow chested
and seemed to be under age.
The condition OF the arms in
all but one company was extremely
bad, with very few exceptions the great
majority OF the rifles being rusty inside
and outside. The regiment did hard and
faithful work during the encampment
and its discipline appears perfect. 1t is
commanded by capable and experienced
officer, veteran of the civil war.
n,,E EwtA I,.l. la
was inspected and it was found that the
marching, turning and salutes were excel
cent. The companies were well aligned
and the distances well kepN although the
step was too slow. The uniforms were gem
orally In good condition though few
were badly worn, and number of caps
were without ornaments. The arms of
all the companies except one were
in good serviceabie condition and
showed every evidence Of having been
properly cared for. Themen of this regi-
ment were, as rule, we'll set up and well
drilled and very steady in ranks. There
were also numbers of young looking
men with hollow chests and ill, fitting
uniforms. There should undoubtedly be
more care taken as to the physical and
age requirements for enlistment.
Lieutenant Wooley further says;
"The discipline OF the whole command
was remarkably good. There was the
most prompt obedience to every order.
There was no hesitation, impatience nor
discussion about any duty. No liquor
was permitted sold at or near the
camp. saw only one case of
drunkenness during the five days. The
good order after taps was remarkable,
there was no harrassing nor annoyance of
sentinels on post. Military courtesy be-
tween officers and men was generally OBJ
served, and there was little familiarity
between officers and men observable even
when of duty"
His report concludes with the following
recommendations: That the militia law be .
revised, the present law being very defec-
tive; commissioned officers to hold office
during good behavior, with retirement for
age and service; increase Of time OF
encampment; no enlistment be permitted
within three months of an encampment;
gallery practice be required
in all organizations; obsolete
arms and equipments be exchanged for
new; more assistance be provided in
the departments OF the Adjutant General
and Quartermaster General; general SER
vice clerks be enlisted for use at brigade
headquarters during encampments; troops
armory; strict physical examination for
enlistment be required; hospital and am
bulance corps be organized; enforcement
of the law providing fines for non-attend-
ance at drills.