The record-union., 1896-08-18

purposes and place it in command of
Major or Lieutenant-Co Colonel, who
| should be a man well suited foa the po-
| Sition.
While the probabilities are rather re-
mote that the troops would ever be
united for drill instruction could be
uniform in all, and the fact that they
are one organization would certainly
encourage esprit de corps and engen-
der a healthy spirit of rivalry.
TARGET PRACTICE
Seems to have been prosecuted as we'll
as the limited allowance of ammunition
would permit. The fact that about as
much money is expended by the State
in the purchase of medals as rewards
for workmanship as is paid out for am
munition seems to me to suggest the
necessity for changing the system some
| what. The allowance of ammunition
should be increased as well as the re-
quirements; firing should be held at
longer ranges than 200 yards.
The matter of old and defective rifles
has been made the subject of a previous
report, but it is of such Importance that
1 would be derelict did fail to recon-
mend renewed efforts to acquire SER
viceable arms for the guard. In this
| connection, / desire to call attention to
the fact that public stores, and espe-
! tiaily rifles, are not taken proper care
I Of by the men to whom they are issued
for use, which is entirely inexcusable.
| The practice seems to prevail pretty
generally of having the rifles cared for
by an armorer. While it is we'll enough
| to have an armorer for general super
vision of arms, each man should be re-
! quired to keep his rifles and equipments
In proper condition. 1t consumes but a
little time, and is an important part of
81 soldiers duty; beside, it is q small
amount of personal interest for a SOL
| der to take in the tools of his profess
! sion. While the arms are found in an
| excellent state of cleanliness in num-
| Der of companies, especially in Com
pany H, Second Infantry, at Redding,
none We're in better condition than
| those in the company at Merced Com
pany H, Sixth Infatrny), where each
man is required to care for his own.
OUT AT THE ELBOWS.
The guard is badly in need of proper
field equipment, especially overcoats,
blankets, shelter tents, canteens. haver-
sacks, tin cups, meat ration cans
knives, forks and spoons, as well as
| company field cooking outfits, BuZza-
| cot ovens, or camp kettles, mess pans.
etc. No time should be lost in supply
ing them
The Medical Department needs reor-
ganization, and proper legislation look
ing to it should be invited at the ear
liest moment possible. For State troops,
1 think it is probably better to main~
tain a Regimental rather than a Cen
eral Medical Department. For each reg
iment there should be one surgeon, and
an assistant surgeon for each battalion,
with an adequate number of stewards,
nurses, etc. These should be properly
organized into a regimental hospital
corps. Each company should be pro-
vided with a serviceable ambulance.
Each company should have two hand
litters, and keep four men continually
trained as company litter-bearers. In
struction Of the hospital corps should
be carried on regularly in the armories.
I would recommend that a Board of
Medical Officers, with the present Sur
geon-G General, Colonel VIM. E. Hop
kins, as it's President. be convened to
formulate a suitable bill for this reor-
| ganiZation.
THE ARMORIES.
There are very few armories 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 view to the
comfort and convenience of the troops,
as we'll as security of property. In the
country towns large and expensive ar
mories are entirely unnecessary; a
room only large enough to form in, we'll
secured against fire and thieves, an
swers the purpose, because the salu-
brity of the California climate makes it
practicable to drill out of doors most of
the time, which, as I have before re-
| marked, is much more beneficial than
| drilling in the armory.
| AS I have already submitted a report
covering the inspection of the Naval
| Battalion, it is not included herein.
| In conclusion, L desire to express my
| appreciation of the uniform courtesy
! that has bNn extended to me by the of
| ncers and men of the guard throughout
| the State and the interest they have
manifested in my efforts to aid them.
Very respectfully your obedient SER
want, F. de l.. CARRINGTON,
Contai,, First TT Infantry JpSnoofOr