The San Francisco call., 1898-04-09


 portant in the way of change of station Is in contemplation.
 To-day the First Infantry will parade in heavy marching order for inspection, and before night the order to move may come. Officers of the regiment know that secret instructions have been conveyed to the commanding officer, but they can hardly believe that the regiment will be ordered out of the department. The orders against any officer leaving the post without special permission from the command ing officer of the garrison is regarded as significant. This order usually pre- cedes the order for a change of sta- tion. It is known that Colonel Miles would not post such directions if he were not convinced that an order might be received any hour for the regiment to leave the Presidio for a distant station.
 Directions have been received from the Secretary of War enjoining greater secrecy in regard to contemplated movements of the troops. The rule ap- plies to the engineer, ordnance and quartermaster corps and all other de- partments of the military service. The most accurate information obtainable is to the effect that the depot quarter master of San Francisco has already arranged for the transportation of the y, have been conducted without taking the public into army confidence.
 At the Pesidio mounted guards patrol the roads and avenues of approach to the vicinity of the ten and twelve inch guns and the pneumatic dynamite guns of Fort Point. Pedestrians and occu- pants of vehicles are not permitted to haIt Tn front of these immense weapons Of war without being accosted and or dered to move on by the sentinel who slowly walks his post on top of the Notifications. The visitors are ex- oluded from the barracks at Fort Win field Scott. The old fort will shortly be put in repair for the accommodation of artillery troops.
 The impression that the First United States Infantry will soon be ordered to the front Is strengthened by the knowl- edge that Governor Budd has been in communication with the War Depart ment regarding the ability and readi- ness of regiments of the National Guard to take the place of regular troops. Speaking on this topic yester- day, the Governor said that the selec- tion of regiment of State troops for service at the Presdio would rest in a great measure with the adjutant- ral The Governor understands that division of the Naval Reserve will soon
 
 General Barrett, who was in Napa last night, was interviewed by The Call. The announcement that the First United States Infantry would probably be ordered very soon to the scene of active operations was not un- expected by the adjutant- general. When asked if he could now designate the regiment of State troops that would be assigned to duty at the Presidio, he that he would not like to say without consulting Governor Budd, Major General Dickinson and G eneral Warfield. He was sure. however. that one of the regi- ments of the Second Brigade would be chosen. He was convinced that the State troops were fully capable of per forming the infantry duties of the gar rison, and had no doubt that the regi- ment which should be selected would perform the service cheerfully.
 General Barrett's attention was called to the statement from Washing l ton that National Guardsmen would | nave the first opportunity to volunteer Or service at the front and those that | lid not volunteer could remain at home | with their respective militia organiZa- ! ions. He was asked if Naval Reserve l men who should be assigned to duty 1 )n the Monadnock would be permitted | o volunteer for service on the Atlantic. | The adjutant- general said he was not | to answer the question at present, but would have to make in- luiries on that point himself. Re- ponding to other inquiries he said that | he Naval Reserve was well supplied ! with ammunition and that the equip nent of Lee rifles was complete and irSt class.
 To-day Governor Budd, Adjutant- General Barrett and Brigadier- General Narfield will probably confer on the ubject of assigning State troops to luty. Members of the guard fancy hat Colonel Smiths First Infantry, N ]. C., will be assigned to duty at the 'resfdio, although 1t is conceded that 10 regiment is better prepared for inn mediate and active service than the fifth Infantry. commanded by Colonel Fairbanks. Either command would erform the guard and garrison duty at he Presidio.
 General Shafter, L.. s. A., command ng this department, was in Bakersfield 'esterday, where he was interviewed y The Call correspondent. The general ad no information to give out regard ng military movements. It Is known hat his trip to San Diego was made or the purpose of inspecting the forti- cations at Ballast Point
 Lieutenant Rabbit of the Ordnance 'orps Is conducting experiments at Tort Point with powder for the big uns. Target practice of the Fourth 'avairy is in progress at the Presidio ange. Owing to the fog yesterday 1orning firing at the 1000-yard range ould not be conducted in a satisfac- ory manner.