The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26

movements and saber exercise were fairly
we'll executed.
The Third Brigade, comprising the Sixth
Infantry, located il the San Joaquin Val
lev; the staff, signal corps, Troop B. cav
airy, and the Second Infantry, situated in
the Sacramento Valley. were inspected by
Major F. S. Rice, retired United States
army officer. In the Sixth only one COM
pany-C of Fresno-had 100 per cent
present at inspection. The highest In or
der of merit is company ID of Merced, and
the lowest, D of Modesto.
The Second with eight companies had
4S7 men present at inspection. Company
of Nevada City ranks highest in order of
merit, and T of Woodland lowest. This
regiment was somewhat affected by reor-
gsnization and consolidation, but 1T Is
rapidly recoverin z from its temporary en-
uniforms and equipments calls out q
recommendation that the troops should
be properly equipped.
A Recommendation is also made that the
muskets, model of 1873, in the hands of
the National Guard cannot be replaced too
soon by a more modern and effective arm.
Says the report:
ia large proportion of the guns are
worn out and should be condemned. They
are unreliable, and these facts being
known to the men cannot help but create
distrust and uncertainty should they be
called upon to go into active service.
Attention is called to the lack of blank
cts and other articles for field service.
Companies should provide themselves
with a mess outfit for field service of uni
form pattern.
The inspections show that the Naval
Battalion is Sin fair condition, composed
of excellent men, armed with Lee magazine
rifles and Colt revolvers."
The division at San Diego turned out
-
They executed the movements on the
street and in the armory very commend
ably, but the attendance at muster was
not up to the standard of the guard. The
Eureka division, having been changed
within year from an infantry company,
has labored un der some disadvantage, but
it is adapting itself rapidly to its new con-
dition under good officers.
The division at Santa Cruz is reported
in good condition. The men turned out
well at inspection and performed the COM
pany movements well, especially that in
the riot drill. With regard to the San
Francisco divisions the report says that
the books, records and equipments of the
Second Division were neatly stored and
cared for. The bearing of the men was
excellent, and they exhibited considerable
pride and interest in their organization.
This is what is written of the First Di-
vision inspection:
The arms and equipments of this division
were brought TO the boathouse in great disor-
der late, although ample time had been al
lowed.
All its property shows great neglect and care
lessneSs in the handling. In many of the
rifles the sights are broken.
At the inspection and muster in the evening
the men appeared careless and Indifferent,
and seemed to lack respect for their officers.
In both the First and Second divisions there
are very serious deficits, as shown by their
property returns,and their commanders should
be called upon for an Immediate explanation.
These commands have been organized within
three years, and were supplied with the very
best quality of clothing, arms and equipments.
Why there should be deficit of eleven rifles
in one command and seven in another; OF
forty-two uniform pantsloons in one and forty
eight in another; also a serious shortage in
hats, caps, shirts, white pantslooDs, blankets,
neckerchiefs, leggtns, pouches etc.. for which
they are responsible, has not been explained.
recommend that action be taken against the
officers responsib BILE for the serious shortage in
the property for which they are accountable
to the State.
In conclusion, Colonel Currier states he
considers the guard to-day in much bet
ter condition than it was year ago.
1t was recommended that Lieutenant
Colonels Thomas NJ. Cuff, James F.
Smith, Fred +. Folils and George r. Bur-
dick be assigned to positions on the gen.
erals staff