The record-union., 1896-08-18

| In the matter of drill itself all possi-
bic variety should be given-not dwell
ing so long on any one movement as to
render it monotonous and tiresome. I
would suggest five or ten minutes set
ting-up exercise; ten minutes manual,
including bayonet exercise; occasionally
the school of the soldier, and little
squad drill, which not only teaches the
details of drill, but also gives the nom
commissioned officers an opportunity to
test their knowledge of the drill book:
and enough of extended order to enable
the Corporals, at least, to learn their
duties in the armory. When practica-
ble drills should be held outside the
armory. 1t not only has the benefit of
giving the men confidence under OBJ
servation, and imbues them with a de-
sire to excel, but also gives the public
an opportunity of seeing the citizen SOL
diery, and increases interest in, and re-
spect for, this arm of the State Govern
ment Practical exercises in guard duty
should also be held in every armory,
as well as the rudiments of advance and
rear guard, and outpost duty.
PICNIC SOLDIERS.
regret to find that quite a large pro-
portion of the men do not have a proper
appreciation of the aim and object of
their association as National Guards
men. While many understand the obli-
cation of their oath, and are duly i'm
pressed with the duty they owe to the
State and Nation, many more seem to
have no definite object In enlisting be-
yond the social or picnic advantages.
The Articles of War are rarely read to
the companies. and the status of Ma
tional Guardsmen, and their relation as
such to the civil authority, but little
explained 1t cannot be expected that
the recruit, coming from the farm,
desk or workshop, will intuitively learn
these things, and every company officer
should thoroughly inform himself and
properly instruct his men. The Articles
of War should be read to every recruit
before he enlists, and to the entire COM
pany occasionally about twice a year.
For this purpose one of the regular drill
nights each month might be devoted
entirely to this sort of instruction, and
the officers should lose no opportunity to
impress upon the men the dignity and
Importance of their duties, and the fact
that the occasion may arise at any time,
as it did in 1884, when the stern and
trying obligations of their oaths as SOL
diers will be put to the test. l strongly
urge short practice marches wherever
| practicable.
| 1t is equally gratifying to report that
| there is well-developed spirit of emu
| lation, and a. strong desire to learn,
and to do the proper thing. Men, when
| in the ranks, seem to understand that
| they should be attentive and respectful,
but they are apparently not taught that
discipline also includes neatness, order
| ly conduct, and respect to Superiors at
all times, especially about the armory
and in camp. They should understand
that the first call for formation means
to get ready, so that, the instant the last
note of the assembly sounds, the ranks
are formed, and the First Sergeant can
proceed at once to call his roll. Their
failure to do so at present, believe, Is
only because they have not been prop
erly instructed.
COMPANY STANDING.
The guard, so far as the ordinary
company drill goes, is generally we'll in
structed, but the proficiency varies very
much in the different companies of each
regiment, especially where they are sep
arated. A number of companies ap-
peared to poor advantage, as will be
seen below. While some companies will
naturally excel others, there should be
no such marked difference as exists be-
| tween the best and poorest companies
of each regiment. After careful consid-
Grafton of the condition in which each
| company was found at the inspection
as to drill, discipline, soldierly appear
ance, ETC., find the infantry companies
stand as follows, assuming the maxi
mum to be
| Excellent Company 3, Seventh In
fantry, 4.S0; Company F, Fifth Infant
ry, AIS; Company K, First Infantry
475; Company F, First Infantry, 4.15;
Company I, Seventh Infantry, 4.15;
Company C. Second Infantry, 4.15; Com
pany NJ, First Infantry AGO; Company
G, First Infantry, AGO; Company c.
First Infantry, AGO.
| Very good-Company B. First Infant
ry, 450; Company Fl, Sixth Infantry
40; Company A, Second Infantry
45O Company K, Seventh Infantry
40; Company E. Sixth Infantry, 4.40;
Company D, First Infantry, 437; Com
pany G, Sixth Infantry, 4.37; Company
G. Fifth Infantry, 437; Company B
Fifth Infantry, 4.37; Company L, First
Infantry, 4.35; Company E, Seventh In
fantry, 4.35; Company F, Sixth Infant
ry. 4.30; Company A, Fifth Infantry
425: Company D, Fifth Infantry, 4.23;
Company G., Second Infantry, 4.23i
Company NJ, Seventh Infantry, 4.2o;
Company c, Fifth Infantry, 4.25; Com
pany II, Second Infantry, 420; Com
pany D, Seventh Infantry, 4.20.
| Good-Company c, Sixth Infantry
400 Company F, Seventh Infantry