The San Francisco call., 1896-07-26
Action Recommended on Disap-
pearance of Rifles and
Clothing.
OFFICERS ARE RESPONSIBLE.
Armories Rented by the State Are
for Dancing, Not for
Drilling.


vision inspector, n. G. C., has submitted
his annual report on the National Guard
of California to Colonel a. E. Castle, as
sistant adiutant-general. division n. 6. c.,
San Francisco.
The report comprehends the annual in
spection and muster of the Division Ma
ticnAl Guard. One year ago the division
consisted of three brigades, ten regiments,
sixty-nine companies, representing total
strength of ALI, officers and men. By the
consolidation under general orders Nos. IL
and 1s, dated December and 8, 1895, the
organizations have been reduced TO fifty
seven companies, consisting of one dlvis-
ion organized into three brigades, five
regiments, four troops of cavalry, five di-
visions of naval reserve, having a total
strength of 1929 The numerical reduc-
ton, therefore, in the National Guard has
been only 1S2 men.
throughout the division by Brigade In
spectors Major j. w. f. Diss of the First
Brigade, Major Charles Jansen, Second
Brigade, and Major Frank S. Rice, Third
Brigade, in connection with Captain Car
rington, First Infantry, q. S. A., detailed
as inspector and instructor of the staff of
the commander-in-chief; and also by
Colonel Currier. The adjutant-geneIal of
the State was present at large mum ber of
inspections. Every company in the State
was inspected by one of these officers, and
in most cases by three-the division and
brigade inspectors and Captain Caring
ton, u. s. A. Inspections began March i5
and ended Nav 26. Every company was
given some exercises in drilling, company
movements, in the manual or arms and
extended order. This was done princi-
pally in the streets, for the reason as stated
in the report:
"The armories in most instances were too
small and being used for entertainments
and dancing asse m blies, the floor was fre-
Quently found to be so smooth as to render
marching very difficult" On this point
the following recommendation Is made:
Wherever it is possible the streets should be
used for drilling instead of the armories; it
would not only give greater freedom of move
ment and admit OF greater precision in drill, but
would enable the troops 10 execute the turn
ings in quick and double time without danger
of falling, giving the men greater confidence
in themselves, thereby better fitting them fer
actual service.
The First Brigage comprises the Seventh
Infantry-twelVe companies stationed in
Los Angeles, San Diego and vicinity and
two companies of cavalry at Los Angeles
and Salinas respectively. In the Seventh
Company B of San Diego grades 4.80, the
highest in order of merit of any company
in the State, and the largest in numerical
Company A of Los Angeles grades the
lowest In order of merit, due largely to the
disappearance of its captain, which de-
moraliZed the company.
The other infantry companies of the
Seventh are up to the average. Troop D
of Los Angeles, in the language of the re-
port, presented rather an unsatisfactory
appearance; they showed lack of discipline
and knowledge of duties, carelessneSs IN
their company movements and sabre exer-
else. Their arms and equipments were in
good condition. The muster rolls were inn
properly made out, were returned for cor
rection, and much delay was experienced
in recovering them. Since the day of in
spection both the captain and first lieuten-
ant have resigned"
Since the inspection a second examina-
ton of the troop was made and much i'm
provement noted in drill, discipline and
appearance.
Troop G of Salinas under Captain Burke
turned out sixty mounted men, nearly all
OF whom own their own horses. In disci-
pline, drill, sabre exercise, etc., they rank
well, and have impressed the inspectors
favorably.
The consolidation of the regiments in
Southern California produced beneficial
effects and materially lessened expenses of
the command.
The Second Brigade consists of the First
and Fifth Infantry, Signal Corps and
y
First in San Francisco ranks highest in
order of merit. 1t had eighty-seyen on
the rolls at the time of inspection The
lowest In order of merit is COMPANY E.
Companies d, G, l and K had 100 per
centum at inspection. Out of 935 men
9o6 were present at inspection, and the
average merit OF the entire regiment is
4.28, few points higher than any other
regiment in the division. The report re-
views the First as follows:
This regiment since its reorganization has
had some difficulties to contend with in the
way Oh harmonlzlng the various interests
thrown together under new Gficers losing
their old company letters, under which many
OF them had marched and served so many years.
changing OF armories and training of recruits
ETC.; bnt with a true solderly spirit thew ac
cepted the situation and are almost univer-
sally adapting themselves to their new con-
ditioD, and loyal to their new commanding
officer, Colonel Mcdonald, and are RAPIDLY be-
coming strong and efficient regiment, in
whicn the City OF San Francisco can have con-
fidence and should be proud.
Acting on TIE suggestion of Major JAM
sen, the Division Inspector says:
invite your attention TO his recommends
tiod as to the armory, corner Page and Cough
streets. 1t should be made secure against sud
den attack by mob. In a city like San Fran
cisco, where there is such large floating pop
ulation and unruly element, the armories
should be made difficult of access by an un-
authorized body of men, and the windows on
the ground floor barred.
The report adds that there are serious
deficits IN several companies of the First.
particularly with regard to hats, panta-
looms lecgings, blouses and canteens
The Fifth Regiment, stationed in San
Jose, Oakland, Petaluma, San Rafael, Santa
Rosa and Napa was not affected to any ex-
tent by the reorganization and retains its
old high standard and esprit du corps.
Company F of Oakland ranks highest in
order of merit. Company e of Santa Rosa
ranks lowest, 1856. The report says OF the
Fifth:
The personnel OF this regiment is excellent;
the men q rule are healthy and strong and
take pride in their respective companies. The
towns in which they are situated warmly sup
port them, although the town of Napa could
exhibit more commendable pride and interest
in their young company, which is struggling
TO maintain itself.
The signal corps is reported as of very
high standard of excellence.
Cavalry Troop A of San Francisco is
criticized for not having shown the
efficiency expected of it. Its company