The San Francisco call., 1898-02-21
NATIONAL
 GUARD NOTES Inspectors Reports That Have Been Long
 Delayed. Hope That the Wonderfully Made-Up Red Book Will
 Be Revived.
Question of Cerenonials-The Signal Corps, Third Brigade, Moving.
 Troop C's Skirmish.

Ever since the reports of the inspector of the National Guard of California, Captain Darlington, U. s. A., have been filed with the War Department ana duplicates with the adjutant-general or the State the officers and men have been anxiously looking for the publication of the reports, which were filed many months ago, but they have not yet ap- peared. Some time ago Adjutant-Gen- eral A. w. Barrett was asked for copies of the reports for use in the National Guard department of The Call, and the answer was that there was but the orig inaI copy and that there were no funds to have copies printed. It was then sug- gested that as the guardsmen were anxious to learn what the inspector mad said about them, that representative of The Call would visit the headquarters at Sacramento and make copy of the reports, but that proposition was not ac- cepted, yet there was an implied promise that a typewriter copy would be fur nished, but though many weeks have passed. the typewriter copy has not ap- peared. The men will be inspected again shortly, probably in April, and 1t is most likely that 1t will be without a knowledge of any faults that the inspector may have discovered and noted in reports. Had they knowledge of any faults he may have noted. the men would be willing to act on the suggestions and correct the errors pointed out.
 The hope is expressed in the guard, now that Major-General John H. Dickinson has assumed command as division com mander, that, being lawyer. well versed in military as well as other law, he will direct attention to and urge the neces- sity of a revision of the Red Book which Is the wade mecum of the guard when it is as it ought to be, and not as 1t is, mass of contradictions that are so con- fusing as to be utterly useless.
 There is need for some attention the subject of ceremonies in the guard. In the matter of ceremonies there are as many ideas as to what is the correct thing as there are heads of departments. Some time ago there was a funeral, at which one of- ficer and his staff appeared in full dress, another officer and his stan appeared Tn fatigue uniforms, and still another officer and his staff appeared in Prince Albert suits and dress hats. Had the reception by the officers of the U S. s. Marion not been postponed there would probably have been another exhibition of lack of uniform knowledge in ceremonials. prominent officer of the naval militia be- ing asked if it was expected that all ofh- cers of the guard should appear at the .s res ception in uniform. the reply was: "Of course, in full dress uniform" But, suggested the seeker after knowledge, If the naval militia will not on that day wear full dress uniforms but. service uniforms" Well" responded the naval officer, musingly that's true; they cant can't got any full dress uniforms Then, continued the party addressed. the prop CT caper would be for the visitors to ap- pear in service uniforms, for the invited guests who wear uniforms, unless in the diplomatic service of a foreign country. should not appear in uniform different the invitation Now" added the naval officer, ''let us see what the Red Book says on that point" That wonderfully made up book was consulted @ sed. ana m "a after it simultaneously exclaimed, Mir
 During the past week there t1enh; has e been s1 circles except the disaster on the Maine and the possible outcome should the re- suit of the examination clearly demon was not an accident. The spirit of the members of the land and the sea forces of the guard is one that shows that every srtn stitution 10 of the United States and to de- fend "Old Glory" Should there be any necessity for call for , men those Of of the National Guard of California Will be among the first to respond.
 No general orders have been issued for a parade of the guard on the 22d inst, but u.ouee for the Second Infantry in Sacramento or that day and Troop c at Salinas will have a skirmish drill
 SIGNAL CORPS. THIRD BRIGADE.
 On Washington's birthday the signal corps of the Third Brigade will start out on a bicycle run from Sacramento with fulI signaling equipments and engage in an afternoons signal practice. These runs are very popular with the members of the
 Corporal C. W. Taylor. member of this corps, has re-enlisted for another year, and Edward H. Harvey, another member who had been residing in San Francisco for several months, has re- turned to Sacramento and made that place his home again. He goes back to the corps. and as he has always been an active member of the corps his comrades are glad to have him with them again.
 The corps is waiting an opportunity, too make another record. It is likely that the members will try the Mount Diablo and Marysville Buttes line again. The distance between points Is ninety miles,
 TROOP c OF SALINAS.
 The members of Troop c, located at sa- linas, have started boom in the line of getting up entertainments for the pur- pose of raising fund with which to pro- cure full-dress uniforms. Each of these enf rtainmerfa has been very successful,