The San Francisco call., 1896-08-17
SOLDIERS
OF The STATE,

Major General N. T. James. division
resolved to ascertain definitely whether
the ammunition supplied to the troops is
of the highest grade. He has determined
to promote efficiency in rifle practice in
the guard, and, as preliminary step, will
see that ammunition is supplied that can
be relied upon.
Following is copy of an order issued
from division headquarters last Saturday:
Regimental inspectors of rifle practice
and those officers under whose personal
direction and inspection the annual pre-
iiminary rifle practice of this year has
been held (including Naval Battalion,
cavalry troops and Signal Corps) will, as
soon after the receipt of this order as is
practicable, make out lin duplicate) and
submit to these headquarters the report of
such practice under the following head
ings: (A) The kind of ammunition used,
its quality and cost. (B) A summary OF
the number OF men in each organization
who are entitled to shoot, and the number
actually present. (C) A summary of the
number of men who qualified for 60, so
and 80 per cent.
These reports will be accom- panied by
such suggestions as would, in the opinion
of the officers making the reports, benefit
and encourage rifle practice in the Ma
tional Guard. Brigade inspectors will
closely examine these reports and indcrse
thereon such remarks and suggestions as
would, in their opinion, benefit the prac-
tice, and forward the reports to headquar-
ters, with as little delay as possible. 1t is
desired by the division commander that
the above reports shall be full and ex-
haustive and shall contain such recon-
mendations as may be considered neces-
sary to encourage the rifle practice of the
Guard, which is of the most vital i'm
portance.
At Sacramento weekly drills in the Sec
ond Infantry are no longer tasks to be
shirked, and under the existing regula-
tions they command good attendance.
The friendly rivalry existing between the
two companies tend to excite the ambi-
tion of both officers and privates. Out of
mem bership. of eighty Company G.
turned out sixty-five strong at drill on
last Monday night, many being away on
summer vacations. Captain Stearns of
this company having reported Privates
Pierce and Luttrell as having violated the
military rules by non-attendance at
weekly drills, court-martial has been
called by order of Colonel Guthrie, COM
manding the Second Brigade, to be held
on the 18th inst. CAPTAIN Shoemaker of
Company e has been detailed to preside.
Cavalry Troop is considering cam D.
ing trip to be made in regular campaign
ing order, and will settle the question at
its meeting TO be held next Wednesday
evening. 1t is the intention to make a
raid in the direction of Stockton, leaving
Sacramento mounted and conveying full
supplies. The members of the troop are
displaying great interest and pride in
their drills and equipments, and bid fair
to become the banner troop of the State.
But for downright hard work, prom pit
ness at drill and individual interest the
members of the Third Brigade Signal
Corps under the command of Lieutenant
Fred Martin, are entitled to the palm.
The men have laudable ambition to
outrank all the other corps in everything,
and are in fair way to accomplish their
object. 1t Is a rare thing for any member
to miss drill, and it is their intention
to institute a series of monthly field
drills, to be held on the last Sunday of
each month. The mem bers will leave
Sacramento mounted, in light marching
order, and will spend the day in drill and
cutlass practice. They have introduced a
number of telegraph instruments IS into their
headquarters and are practicing assidu-
ously to perfect themselves in the use of
them. This is without doubt one of the
best drilled heliograph corps in the State,
and Lieutenant Martin reports that he
never has to infuse any enthusiasm among
the members, but on the contrary has to
restrain them in their work.
Company B, Fifth Infantry, of San Jose