The San Francisco call., 1896-12-28

The best marksmen of the First In
fantry Regim ent, n. G. c., will be sent TO
the front to win the trophy to be COM
peted for by 100 picked men of the Ha-
waiian National Guard and an equal num-
ber of men belonging to the California
Guard. The challenge emanated from
the First Regiment of California troops
and was readily accepted by the repre-
sentatives oi the Hawaiian soldiery. Re-
ports recently received from Honolulu
represent that the coming contest is en-
gaging the attention Of the public mind
there.
To see that every thing is properly con-
Quoted and all the conditions of the match
fairly observed at the islands the officers
of the United States ship Alert will at
tend the firing at the Honolulu range. At
the Shell Mound range, where the Califor-
MIA soldiers will shoot, Consul Wilder
and six or seven assistants will perform
observation duty for the Hawaiian team.
The cost of the trophy is limited to 500.
This agreement was made in advance OF
the shooting to prevent the winners from
saying, "lf We had lost we would have
presented something worth at least $500. !"
1t is the general opinion in National
Guard circles that the Californians viii
capture tn trophy, but the men OF Colonel
sMacdonald'S regiment are not boastlng.
No one seems to know exactly how well
the Hawaiians can shoot. 1t Is considered
also that the island soldiers are permitted
to shoot with Lee Remington rifles. Some
of the guardsmen there are equipped with
Springhelds and others with Lee-Reming-
tons, and so the soldier is permitted to
use the gun which he is accustomed to
handle. Colonel Macdonald and his Off
GERS made this concession when the match
was agreed upon.
At the armories the question is asked:
"What will the Legislature do for the
National Guard2" IL is now known that
an effort will be made to have the mum ber
of com panies increased. The reorganiza-
ton left more than one prominent town
of the State without a company, and so
representatives from localities thus de-
prIved OF military recognition Will ask
that the old order be re-established.
The National Guard Officers Associa-
ton, or rather many of the active men,
bers of this body, have resolved to with
hold their support from measures asking
for an increase of the force. They propose
to "stand pat" on the existing organiza-
ton and to give it a fair trial. They will
ask for a Just allowance Tor field equip
ments, cam. target practice and armory
rents. The plans and purposes of the
association are not discussed on the streets,
but at the proper time the legislative COM
mittees will be enlightened if light is
desired.
1t Is an open question whether the
proposition to admit another mounted
company from San Francisco will receive
much encouragement from the San Fran
cisco delegation. An officer holding a
high position on the active list said yes
terday: What Is the use of two compa-
jerks has accom- pllshed great work al
ready in the organization of the present
company and he should be sustained. He
had many obstacles to encounter, many
old debts TO pay and many difficult prob
lens 10 solve. The troop is now in good
form, so what is the sense of bringing an
other mounted company into the guard !?
Captain Jenks' troop assumed the obliga-
tions of the old light battery and has
therefore had hard row to hoe. The
captain deserves the encouragement and
support of the whole guard
Adjutant-General Barrett has submitted
his biennial report to the Governor In
this document he reviews the require
ments OF the guard. He asserts that
blankets, overcoats and new uniforms are
needed by the troops. He ought to know
what soldiers need, for he carried q
musket in the Third Iowa Infantry
through many a hard campaign. He
figures the cost of equipment in this re-
spect at $58, $50, and recon- mends an ap-
preparation of that amount. He also
recommends an allowance of $4,000 for
battalion, rcgimental or brigade encamp-
ments. Obviously the Acknowledgement
entertains III regard to division encamp-
ments views similar to those expressed by
Captain Carrlngton, q. S. A, for no men,
tion is made of an encampment of more
than brigade. 1t is suggested that the
troops should go into camp annually.
1t is recommended that the State con-
struct armorles in San Francisco, Oak
land, Los Angeles, Sacramento and her
cities. Figures are adduced 10 show that
the sums paid for armory rents would
more than pay the interest on bonds to
build armories. The suggestion is not
new one. The bill authorizing the issue
of bonds to build armories is introduced
at every session of the Legi lature, but
the idea of creating an obligation of
81, 000, 900 causes each Legislature to trans
Ter the responsibility to its successor.
The amounts paid for armory rents
during the past twenty years would have
paid tie interest on bonds for building
State armor es and have provided a sink
ing fund ample for the redemption of the
bonds.
The suggestion of the adjutant-genera
to appropriate money to defray the funeral
expenses OF National Guard officers and
State officials is not likely to secure much
favorable attention. The public will ask
why not appropriate public money for
funerals OF enlisted men and ordinary citi-
zens if commissioned officers and State
officials are to be recognized. Again, it
would be quite unnecessary to provide for
State officials, for according to the adage
they seldom die and never resign"
1t IS the opinion of enlightened men
who have given of their time and means
to support the National Guard that an
effective and useful organization can be
maintained il the Legislature will limit the
number of companies to fifty and provide
the troops With proper arms, clothing ami
camp equipment for active service in the
field.
At the meeting of the new cavalry troop
held last Monday evening the committee
on permanent organization submitted a
draft of the proposed constitution and by
laws which was read for the first Tina