The San Francisco call., 1898-07-04

taken to once more place the guard of the State on a footing of efficiency. In view of the fact that not more than one-half of the maximum strength of any of the companies of the National Guard was mustered into the volunteer service, 1t is probable that companies will be re- cruited to the minimum strength, namely fifty, so that when the guardsmen return. and 1t is the hope of every one that they will, they may return to their former station. if they so desire. If that is done 1t will give the State an armed force that may be called upon at any time in case of internal trouble.
 In speaking of the objection that was made to the reorganization Of the guard on the ground that there was no appro- priation for uniforming or equipping the same, a retired officer said on Saturday that that would not be q serious obJec- ton for the reason that the credit or the State is good and that there are a number of citizens who would advance the means to rehabilitate the guard, trusting to the Legislature to reimburse them. He was of the opinion that the State should not be allowed to remain for any length of time without stronger force than now exists as it Is not known at what moment the friends of Spain might create disturbance in portions of California now without military pro- lection. While 1t is true, he admitted. that upon proper representation the vol unteer force could be secured to give such aid as might be required, still there would nave 10 De so much ESu ldpS uli- wound and rewound that in the meantime much damage might be done, While II there was small force. oI National Guard In the vicinity of where such trouble might start it could be checked in its incipiency. But" as the speaker said, that is a matter for the consid- eration of those who are at the head of the State military affairs"
 At Division Headquarters those in charge are receiving the reports of the several captains whose commands or the National Guard have been accepted and these are being arranged in systematic manner so that the exact status Of the men and of the company property may De known. As the State has furnished to the United States great deal of property be- longing to the State, the accounts must pc made up to have a correct debit and cred 1t account with Uncle Sam. This will take some time and will not be completed un- til after the Eighth Regiment shall have been mustered in to the last man.
 It is asserted by those competent to judge that the several companies of the Fifth Infantry of the N. G. C. went be- fore the mastering officer in better condi- ton than the majority of the companies that had preceded them and that when they went into camp at Fruitvale they were Tn 1lrst class condition. It is evident that those who were at the head of the movement prof1ted by the mistakes that were made in the first instance and took the precaution to avoid them.
 The members Of the Seventh Regiment of California Volunteers, recruited from the ranks of the Seventh Regiment of the National Guard. and those of the Eighth Regiment of Volunteers, recruited from the Second and Fifth regiments of the National Guard. feel reasonably sure that they will be sent to the front with the fourth expedition, consequently they are