The herald., 1896-08-20
INSPECTION OF THE n. 5. c.
Capt. Carrington's Report to the
Division Commander
DEFICIENCIES POINTED OUT
The Need of Proper Field Equipment
and Better Guns
Recomme nds That Salaries BE Paid Certain
Officers-The Cavalry Troors Come
in fer Criticism

manders, which report was sent to head
quarters ard was printed in the San
Francisco Examiner of Tuesday.
"As the immediate representative OF
the secretary of war" Capt Darlington
says, 'and in compliance with his eX-
pressed wish, l have sought to use eV-
cry endeavor to encourage the feeling in
the national guard that the general gov
ernment desires their welfare and i'm
provement, and that cordial relation
should exist between the regular army
and the state troops. My observation
during this tour Of inspection satisfies
me that the guard is beginning to real
ize and appreciate this attitude of the
general government, and that it is hav'
ing a good effect.
my acquaintance with the national
guard of California dates back eight or
ten years; but not until within the past
year have l been brought into close Off
cial relationship with it. During these
years the condition of the guard has
steadily improved, until today it is far
superior to what it was some years ago.
Il have now visited and carefully in
spected every organization in the state.
1 have talked with officers and men,
pointing out errors and Irregularities
wherever observed, and have sought to
find just what was most needed for their
betterment. have no hesitancy in say
ing that | have found the material good
throughout. Officers are generally intel
ligent, well-informed, and exhibit an
interest in the guard, and as for the en-
listed men, l was struck with their ro-
bust physique, especially those of the
country companies.
THE guard is certainly a necessary
and important part of the state machin-
cry, and should be kept in the best pos
sible condition. This requires the ser
vices of good officers, whose time.is sure
ly worth something, and l would sug-
gest the following as not too much and
entirely earned: Captains and lieuten-
ants (when commanding company, s30
per month; lieutenants with company,
$40 per month; first sergeants. S15 per
month. For the guard, as at present or
ganzed, this would require an annual
appropriation of just SAT $50, which would
increase the tax rate but slightly and
would be money well invested. 4
II do not think the elective method
of obtaining officers is the best-first,
because personal feelings enter so largely
into the choice that fitness Is very likely
to be lost sight of in the desire to elect
good fellow or popular man; and, af-
ter election, such man is obliged to
sacrifice discipline to maintaining pop
ularity and position.
THE three signal corps are all in eX-
| oellent condition and deserve credit for
| their high state of efficiency as to drill
| and proficiency in signaling. They are
| probably equally efficient, made up as
| they are of intelligent, well-informed
r. tn n q
| them in order of merit, because there is
| only distinction without difference.
| have seen the San Francisco corps under
every condition; they are very soldierly
| in bearing. drill we'll mounted and dis
| mounted, and are fine soldiers. I would
put the corps as follows: !, Second bri-
| gade, San Francisco; 2, First brigade,
| Los Angeles; 8, Third brigade, Sacra-
mento.
THE opportunity was not good for
| Judging Of the efficiency of the cavalry
| troops. The inspections were all made
| dismounted. I did not inspect the Sa-
'linas troop, but from the reports of the
| division and brigade inspectors I am of
| the opinion that 1t is in very good condi-
! ton. The Sacramento troop showed to
good advantage dismounted, the San
| Francisco fair and the Los Angeles poor
Il understand that this troop is i'm
| proving since inspection). l have seen
| the San Francisco troop mounted on two
| or three occasions since the muster, ana
| it is improving.
1t is difficult in the national guard to
bring cavalry up to high standard Of
| efficiency, and it is very expensive.
| think it would be of much more benefit
| to the state to maintain less cavalry aud
| more infantry. To that end would rec
| ommend the mastering out Of two Of
| the troops now in existence and the or
paOiZa HIM nf fOl1r n1njpS Of infa =
| ry in their stead; there would be no in
| crease of expense, and then 1t would be
| practicable to organize another eight
! company infantry regiment by taking
| four companies from one of the twelve
| company regiments, preferably the
] Seventh as the First brigade has but one
| regiment, and should have at least two.
| If this is not done l would recommend
| that the Los Angeles troop be disbanded
| and light battery of four guns be or
| ganized and equipped with modern steel
guns, to be located at San Francisco or
Los Angeles. AT present there is no ar
tillery and no serviceable guns, except
Gatlings, and there should undoubtedly
be one well equipped battery as part
| OF the state forces.
IF four troops of cavalry are contin-
ued in service 1t might be we'll to form
them into battalion for administrative
purposes and place it in command ii
should be man we'll suited for the Do
sition.
The matter of old and defective rifles
has been made the subject of a previous
report, but it is Of such Importance that
l would be derelict did l fail to recon-
mend renewed efforts to acquire service
able arms for the guard
THE guard is badly in need of a prop
er field equipment, especially overcoats.
blankets, shelter tents, canteens, hav-
erSackS, tin cups, meat ration cans
knives forks and spoons, as we'll as COM
pany field cooking outfits, Buzzacot
ovens, or camp kettles, mess pans, etc.
No time should be lost in supplying
them.
THE medical department needs reor-
ganization, and proper legislat ation look
ing to 1t should be invited at the earliest
moment possible. 1 would recommend
that board of medical officers, with the
present surgeon general Colonel Will
lam q. Hopkins, as it's president, be con-
vened to formulate suitable bill for this
reorganization.
There are very few armores in the
state at all suited for the housing of the
guard or the public property in their
charge. In San Francisco, at least. I
think the state should own an armory
building constructed with a view to the
comfort and convenience of the troops.
as we'll as security of property"
The Crittenton neetinQs
The Crittenton revival meetings at
PenieI hall are very 1arra1v attended