The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-27
MUST SHOW THEIR STRENGTH.
An Inspection of Military Companies
in Georgfn Ordered.

An order has been issued. by the acting
adjutant general OF the state troops that
win be followed by a systematic inspection
of all the companies in the service. There
are about 100 companies, and it is said
some of them will fall by the wayside.
This statement is made through The be-
lief that all the companies are not strong
enough to stand a close inspection and
show up the requisite number of men.
There are as many as a dozen applica-
lions on file in the Office of the acting adj
jutant general, however for charters as
military companies, and that officer says
the places of any companies that may
fail through can be filled by new organiZa-
lions.
Since the return of the Savannah COM
panies that went into the army there have
been constant efforts TO arouse the en-
thusiasm that existed before the war.
Some few of the commands seem to be
meeting with a degree of success, but in
terest has tagged greatly, and it is not inn
probable that the discovery win be made
that some of the Savannah companies
cannot show sufficient strength TO Aemain
in the state service. The expected visit
of Col. Obear who has been appointed to
make the inspection, may stir the mem
HNA~ VI A4AN NOAiAtA1eAiANss ~ SNAiA bASeeNA -
fcrts.
The following is the order:
State of Georgia, Adjutant Generals Of
flee, Atlanta, Feb. %, 1S99.-General Orders
No. 2-Col. William G. Obear, inspector
general, Georgia volunteers, will make d
thorough inspection of the state troops, be-
ginning March /, or as soon thereafter as
practicable
He viii commence his tour of inspection
with cOmnaniag stationed in and adjacent
to. Atlanta, continuing through the state
as may seem best giving due and definite
notice to each command as to the date
upon which i will be inspected.
Commanding and all other officers arc
directed to eXteno him every assistance
for the proper discharge of the duty herein
enjoined, and such orders as he may deem
necessary to give in the name of the Gov
ernor win be obeyed and respected accord
ingly.
BY command of the Governor
Phil G, Byrd,
Acting Adjutant General
The Constitution of yesterday says:
For several weeks rumors nave been
afloat to the effect that a general iuspec-
ton of state troops was to be made but
until now Acting Adjutant General BYRD
! has steadily refused TO give out any in
formation on the subject.
Now" said Col Byrd, in speaking of
the reorganization, I'VE have at fast put
the records in this department into such
a condition that we are ready to begin the
work we have been preparing for. Col VIII
liam G. Obear, the inspector general, WILL
as general orders No. 2 indicate begin work
at an early date.
He will inspect the various companies
of Atlanta first and from here go 10 other
sections of the state.
"Of course his " ork will be thorough az
1t always is, aud when he has finished his
tour, Georgia may not have quite as many
companies as are now included in her mill
tery strength, but her militia strength will
be greater, because every company that
remains win ne individually stronger and
in more vigorous military health
Il am of the opinion that there are
few companies in the state that will not
survive an inspection, but where this is so
and where a few may have to be disband-
ed, there are now :at least a. dozen appli-
cations on file, the applicants petitionlng
for permission to organize companies and
promising strong organizations, if admit
ted TO the service.
LAS l understand it, Gov. Gamblers pol
icy Is not 10 increase the number of COM
panies, but to strengthen each command:
then after the companies have been made
strong, and the company Offices Allied with
efficient officers, let the regimental forma
tons be perfected. This plan will be com
mended by every military man ia the state.
and will result in giving Georgia the best
military service to be found in the South
or West, and one that will, for effective
ness, prove a peer to any state in the
union.
Il shall dislike very much to see anv of
the companies disband, but 1 want to see
the militia life renewed and If there Is n
dead branch or diseased twig, why il
should be Topped off. A company that
won't live should be helped to die. and an
officer VINO won't help his command should
make haste to forward his resignation so
he can enter upon nice long rest while
some enthusiastic and determined soldier
honors the commission"
What about equpments?" was asked
Col Byrd, to which he replied:
Just as soon as the federal government
replaces the guns and equipments loaned
by the state for arming the Second Georgia
Regiment, why just that soon this office
will begin shipping those arms back to the
commands that supplied them The Gov
ernor made requisition for the return of
these arms some time ago, and we hope
to have them here in a few weeks. In the
meantime, we will get our company armo-
ries in order for a proper reception OF these
supplies"