The San Francisco call., 1896-11-09

The proposed emergency Calls the chic
topic of talk at the armories. 1t is said
the troops are not to be called out to as
certain the number of men that can be
rallied within given time, but rather to
show the condition, so far as equipment
is concerned. of the men responding to
the call. Take for example Major Shines
battalion of the First Infantry. When
his troops are formed in line ready for
duty, it may be noted here many OF the
men have serviceable overcoats, blankets,
canteens and haversacks. The same OBJ
servation may be made in the other bat
talions. One would suppose that ordin-
ary inspection of equipment would i'm
part the information desired IN this re-
spect, but the emergency call may pre-
sent the deficiency in the light of an OBJ
ject lesson.
The election of Legislature largely
Republican leads men of the National
Guard TO believe that fair appropriation
of public money for the guard will be
made al Sacramento next winter. What
ever may be the political opinion of the
men IN the guard, it is generally acknowi-
edged that the Republicans are more
liberal in supporting the military arm of
of Democrats and PopulisIs. There does
not seem to be any demand for an increase
in the numerical strength OF the guard,
yet there are many men of good, sound
judgment in military matters who con-
lend that the Second Brigade, located in
San Francisco, should have a battery OF
light artillery. Others still entertain the
notion that the First Infantry should be
organized as an artillery regiment and in
structed in the handling of the modern
guns now mounted in the batteries to de-
fend the harbor
The same idea was in vogue when the
old Second Artillery, n. G. c., was or
ganized, but during the entire existenc ce OF
that organization no instruction was
given in other than infantry drill. 1t is
conceded by many who are we'll posted
in military affairs that mistake was
made VIII the light artillery OF the brig
ade was reorganiZed out OF existence. A
brigade of infantry ought 10 have at least
one battery of field artillery.
Considering that California has been so
libei al in allowance of money to build IN
and sustain creditable division OF State
troops, the Congressional delegation from
this State should manage to procure from
. the War Depart tment five or six OF the new
riled breech-loading guns, such as are
now used by the light batteries in the reg
ular service
Next to New York and Pennsylvania,
California is the most enterprising State
OF the Union in the duty of maintaining a
well-organize military force. The con-
stitution requires this maintenance from
every State. but many have observed the
letter rather than the spirit of the require.
ment. On a proper submission OF the
facts to the War Department, California
should be able TO secure from the Govern.
ment proper equipment of arms for the
National Guard. Concerted action on the
part of the Governor, the United State:
Senators and the Representatives in Con.
gress should be able to obtain what the
guard needs.
Nothing has>been officially transmitted
from Sacramento 10 indicate whether
Governor Budd, the communicating chief
has accented the resignation of Colone
George B. Sperry, inspector-general o
rifle practice.
ColoneI F. S. Chadbourne, paymaster
general on the Governors staff, has re
turned from Chicago and New York. Dur
ing his absence he sustained the loss o
his mustache.