The record-union., 1896-12-23

change of the Springfield rifles, model of
1873, of which we have about 1900
(many of which are obsolete and use
less) for Springfield rifles, model of
1884, as the Government has adopted
the Krag- -Jorgensen rifle, and has a
large number of the improved Spring
fields which are not in use. The Ord
nance Department in Washington in
formed me that it was necessary to
have a special Act of Congress allow
ing the exchange of these guns.
Senator Hawley, at the last session OF
Congress, introduced bill IN the Sen
ate for that purpose, and there was also
a bill introduced in the House by Mr..
Curtis of New York; but neither of
these have yet become law, although
favorably reported on by the Commit
tee on Military Affairs; and L TRUST that
at the next session of Congress we will
be able to get these bills passed, which
will allow the exchange of these arms,
and Will also allow the various States to
purchase from the Government, cloth
ing and other equipments (Which are
menD at manufacturers prices.
The committee of National Guard offi-
GERS, which has this matter IN charge at
Washington, is working earnestly in
this direction, and is being aided by the
Adjutants- General throughout the
United States, who request their mem
bers of Congress to lend all assistance
possible in the passage OF these bllls
and in this connection l Will say that
the Secretary of War and the Chief Of
Ordnance have heartily recommended
the passage of such laws.
EQUIPMENTS.
The National Guard at the present
time is equipped with the Springfield RI
fe models of 1873 and 1884. Those Of
1873 model are in many instances, OBJ
sole'te and useless
The guard is very much in need of
overcoats and blankets. We have this
year received from the United States
Government haversacks, canteenS and
meat cans sufficient to supply the pres
emit members of the guard. l am in
hopes, under our next Government al
lotment, to have all the equipments that
are necessary, except clothing, for the
use of the guard.
Since 1 have taken office there has
been no disturbance in which there has
been any necessity or intimation of the
necessity of calling the guard into
service, and I trust that this State
of affairs may ever continue. But we
must adopt the old maxim, In time of
peace prepare for war"
ENROLLED MILITIA.
The report of theAdjutant- -Generalf for
the year 1895 shows that 2O2, I3o per-
sons of this State are subject to mill
try duty; this is a gain of 14,6 over
1894 I find that it is very difficult to
get the military rolls from the Assess
ors of the several counties of the State,
in accordance with Section 1897 of the
Political Code, and the attention Of the
Brigade Commanders is especially
called to the provisions of Section 1898,
Political Code with the request that
they see that the law relating to these
rolls is complied with.
NAVAL BATTALION.
The Naval Battalion now consists Of
five divisions, one located in San Diego,
one in Santa Cruz, two in San Fran
cisco and one in Eureka, and constitutes
a battalion under command of Lieuten-
ant Commander L. H. Turner
This branch of the service is making
much progress in equipments and effl-
cheney, and during the summer OF 1899
We're permitted a cruise on board the
United States cruiser Olympia, and in
1896 had the advantage of drilling on
board the Philadelphia and MOnad-
mock. Too much praise cannot he given
to the officers of the United States for
the courtesies they have extended to the
National Guard officers of this State,
and especially to those in command OF
the Naval Battalion.
We have the monitor Comanche,
which has been furnished by the Gov
ernlnent for the purpose Of the mems
drilling and exercising aboard Of her.
I would recommend that there be an ap-
preparation of $1,000 for the purpose of
purchasing coal and necessary supplies
and provisions, so that the men may be
able to go aboard of the Comanche and
have a chance to take her around the
bay mad outside for drill purposes, and
then when aboard they may be fed and
taken care of. The HarbOr Commits
sioners have very kindly built a boat
house for the Naval Battalion in San
Francisco, where we have full supply
of boats. We have also received from
the United States Government, and at
tached to the COmanche, the steam
launch formerly belonging to the ship
MOhican-
The Naval Battalion in San Francisco
has light battery of four three-pound
rapid firing guns, in which it is well
drilled and disciplined, and can be made
very efficient in case of emergency.
/ would recommend the passage of a
law that we may have at least two more
divisions of Naval Battalion. The
United States Government, through the
Navy Department, is very liberal in
CHIEFS, INITIALED OR PLAIN, 15c
ED SUSPENDERS.." RS..".....................15 sc