The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-11-18
Why Is the
Occidental Hotel
Cigar Stand
The best place to buy Cigars?
Because you can get them at
COST-I-GAN.
MILITIA OF THE NAVY
LIEUTENANT NIDLACK's REPORT ON
ONE YEARS OPERATIONS.
Great Work of the Life-saving serv-
fec as Detailed ny Superintend-
ent kfmbaII.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17.-Assistant Sec
retary McAdoo has transmitted to Secre-
tary Herbert the report of Lieutenant Nib
lack on the operations of the naval militia
during the past year. In indorsing the re-
port Mr.. McAdoo says that the organiza-
tions are growing rapidly in favor and the
interest of the public in them is steadily in
creasing. This organization, founded on
patriotic zeal. is entitled to every encour-
agement at the hands OF the government
Speaking OF the result of his own inspec-
tion OF the vapous battalions last sum-
mer, he says that above all things they
need national encouragement and sufficient
boats to perfect themselves in drill.
Lieutenant Niblacks report shows that
New Jersey and Georgia were the only new
States to make returns and share in the
allotment of funds during the year. Under
the present system of allotments an undue
share OF the money goes to the older or
ganizations, which Lieutenant Niblack sug-
gests might be corrected by dividing only
one-half Of the total appropriation among the
militia pro rata and then using the re-
naming half TO aid the new organizations
and those which have not yet received the
loan OF ship or boats and arms. He
shows that the supply OF ships for militia
purposes is now exhausted. and touching the
experiences of the California militia on
tnelr last. cruises ABOARD government YES
sells, he says that such short cruises are
the hot and debiiitating weather OF the
Southern summers, he suggests that the
time OF cruises OF the North Carolina, South
Carolina and Georgia militia should be
changed to spring or fall
In the line Of Improvement of the militia
important recommends tions to make He
says that there has been considerable dim
mutton in the enthusiasm of the older or
ganizations. due largely to uncertainty as
to the real purposes and aims OF the naval
militia, sas is indicated by the number of
designations. Unless II Is desired that the
movement should drift on in an uncertain
failure, vigorous State and national
initiative should be taken at once. The
state laws should be made uniform and the
Naval Department should be empowered to
bring three or four different State organ
1zations together In camp. which, with the
suit In increased efficiency and give definite
ness or purpose. The appropriation for she
naval militia should be Increased from
$1,000 to $4,000 annually. As boat work is
OF the utmost Importance the battalions
should be provided with good navy cutters
with all equipments necessary, and to insure
uniformity in methods. signalling outfits
ious divisions should be standardized. and
to this end Lieutenant Niblack indicates
just what suitable outfit should consit of
steps should be taken to organize a naval
reserve OF officers, seamen and ships under
national auspices. In tnis ex-officers of the
navy and former enlisted men. naval mill
itiamen VINO have served a specified term
and seafaring men generally can make up
the personnel and yachts and merchant
steamers the material.