The San Francisco call., 1898-04-28

1 The selection of companies ought to be made by seniority of captains and age of organization. The designated compa- nies should be put in two regiments and two battalions immediately prior to re- porting for muster.
 "The artillery can come from companies not designated for infantry as a basis. or by enlistment within brigades, as already fixed
 Designated companies, if possible, should be met by the mastering officer, say, at San Francisco, Stockton, Sacra- mento, Fresno and Los Angeles on days when he can muster them, thus saving expense of transportation, subsistence and delay to men reporting for muster
 Colonel James Smith, First Infantry, N. G. C., is an officer of experience and ability. lie is alert and ambitious, and at render gallant service in the field. He has addressed letter to the commander-in- chle1 presenting plan widely different rom the plan submitted by the major general commanding the division. Colo nel SmlthS suggestion may not be prac- tlcaI rom military point of view but it Is readable. His views are thus given: To the Governor of the State of Californian volunteer service of the United States the First Infantry Regiment, its officers and en- services of the First Infantry Regiment we we wish It understood that, mustered In as volunteer organization, it will go wherever United States.
  lment, and at the request of the whole ganization, to earnestly urge that the regi- ment men be taken in Its entirety. The organiza- ton is perfect unit. no inharmonious ele ments within it. and officers and men are anxious that the regiment in which they take pardonable pride shall be given an oppor- tunity to obtain distinction such. The off, cers have worked earnestly and faithfully to reports of the inspector detailed by the War Department and the reports of the brigade in spector will show what earnest and faithful work has been done in that direction.
 The three battalion formation of four com panies each has met the distinct approval of those most skilled in military science and is supposed to be best adapted to the require ments of modern warfare and the changes required by improvements in modern arms and armament Our regiment is organized on that basis. as result of a reorganization which it has taken nearly two years to perfect, and which was initiated by you and calmly thoughtfully and deibera tely made. It seems to us that it would be ill-advised to destroy such an organization on the eve of active
 AS commander-in-chief and having been al- ways thoroughly in touch with the military spirit pervading the National Guard of this State you will readily understand the pride that all othcers and men take in their or ganizations. and how much disappointment, not to say dissatisfaction, would be created by | impairing. reducing, dividing or diminishing them.
 From the point of military efficiency I feel. and l think you will agree with me- that mill tary organizations should be preserved as near as possible in their entirety. Officers by con- stant association become acquainted with the peculiarities, bent of mind, dispositions tenn per, ability and bravery of their men. The men, on the other hand, from the same asso- ciation. acquire confidence in their officers and become devoted and loyal to them. The su- perior officers are made acquainted with the character and disposition of subordinates and almost unconsciously acquire perfect knowl- edge of the capabilities and .adaptability of each.
 Permit me. then. to suggest that regimental organizations of the National Guard offered for the volunteer service be preserved Intact, be- cause thereby the esprit de corps" will be preserved. dissatisfaction and disappointment completely avoided and the best military eff cency maintained.
 In saying these things to you, my dear Gov ernor. you will allow to say that neither myself the officers and men of the regi- ment actuated by selfish motives, but sub init them to your calm and ripened judgment for consideration for the good of the service If in your wise judgment other regiments would better. serve the purpose intended than the First Infantry take them entirety as far as military efficiency will allow. And while may be greatly disappointed If we should not be selected. as one of the organza- tions to represent California. still will have the satisfaction of knowing that some regimental ganfzation whole has been