Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-09
BIRMINGHAM BATTALION.

Maj E. L. Higdon has just received a copy of new bill introduced by MT. Cur ts of Iowa in the house of representa- tives in congress in January, which is given below. No doubt the membership of all the companies will increase, as all members of the state troops will receive the benefits of this bill if it becomes a law:
 A New Military Bill.
 militia bill introduced by MT. Curtis of Iowa directs that several states snail organize and maintain in active prepara- ton military companies Of not to exceed forty-two men and three officers, as 1ol- lows: Alabama, California, Georgia Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Wisconsin, each 36 companies; Arkansas Louisiana, Maryland Minnesota, New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia, each 2i companies; Colorado, Idaho, Montana Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Or egon, Vermont Washington, West Vir- gnia and Wyoming, each 12 companies; Connecticut and Maine, each IS compa- nies; Delaware, 4 companies; Florida g companies; North Dakota, companies; Rhode Island, companies; Illinois, S4 companies; Indiana S6 companies; Mis- souri, 60 companies; New York, IA com panies; Ohio, 96 companies; Pennsylva- mia, 120 companies; Iowa, Kentucky, Mas sachusetts, Michigan. Tennessee, Texas, each AS companies
 2. That the commanding officer of each company, duly commissioned by his state shall be paid the sum of $6O, pro vided, first, that said officer shall give his whole time to his state for the organiz- ing and disciplining of the company over which he has command; shall make him. self familiar with military laws and forms, and keep all records and papers as prescribed by law; shall let no other business interfere with military duties, under penalty of stoppage of pay; snail keep at convenient location an office for the transaction of military business; shall, when duly authorized, act as recruiting officer for the United States service. Nothing of this proviso shall prevent any officer from doing business which does not interfere with his mill tary duties.
 3. That each officer and enlisted man be allowed the sum of $7 per month for attendance upon at least four drills each month and 10 cents per hour for all ex- tra drills called by the commanding offi- cer or special duty ordered by said ofii- cer; provided that said officer has been granted permission by the adjutant gen. eral of the army for said extra drills or duty. Any soldier absent from any drill ordered by the company commander as above prescribed shall forfeit 25 cents for each drill missed; provided that two drills missed in one month shall subject the delinquent to forfeiture of pay for two months. Every soldier who fails to at tend two drills in succession must make written excuse to the commanding offi- cer, who shall indorse favorably or un- favorably, as a fair investigation die tates and forward to the adjutant gen. eral of the army, who shall order said soldier stricken from the pay roll. if, In his opinion, the excuse is not sufficient, bi ic 1 iCn a rOa service to the adjutant general of the state. The company commander shall forward a muster and duly report to the adjutant general of the army on the last day of each quarter-March 31 June 3O September 30 and December 31-retain- ing a copy for his own use. Said report shall be examined by the adjutant gen. eral and duly indorsed and an order drawn, which shall be presented to the treasurer of the United States. who shall immediately send a warrant to the com pany commander for the amount due his company. Upon the receipt of said war rant the company commander shall inn mediately receipt for the same and for ward to the treasurer of the United States.
 4. That this act shall take effect in each state as soon as each state has made pro- vision by law for organizing, clothing and equipping and maintaining of the
 
 states where such provision has already been made no further action shall be deemed necessary and the law shall take effect immediately.
 5. That states may maintain other com panies at their own expense.
 Companies c, G, H, K and l. have a lot of condemned uniforms, tentage and blankets, worn out and unfit for service. condemned by board of survey last year. The war department has ordered them sold and notice has been posted accordingly, as follows
 Notice.
 There will be sold at public auction at the armories of the Birmingham Rifles and Jefferson Volunteers in the city Of Birmingham, Ala, on the 22d day of Feb ruary 1896, for cash to the highest bidder. the following described articles. the prop erty of the United States. for which the governor of the state of Alabama is &C., countable: Lot uniform blouses. dam aged; lot uniform trousers. damaged: lot tentage, damaged; lot blankets, dam- aged.
 By command of the governor: E. l.. HIGDON, Major Second Infantry, A. S. T. The Birmingham battalion fig very anxious to organize a drum corps. and of the young gentlemen who will as- | sist in this organization arrange ments have been made to secure the drums and uniforms for the members | All who are willing to give their services | and assist In this organization are re- l quested to send their name to Maj F. L. l Higdon this week.
 Capt. J. K. Warren was appointed q | committee, with power to select as many ! assistants as he desired, to secure funds | to purchase n flag for the Birmingham 1 battalion. and no donibf at The next meef- | ing he will report a sufficient amount tt secure the much needed flag
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