New-York tribune., 1902-12-28

The SheriffS OF Saratoga "aIfSll dHu w uSii-
ington counties ordered out the troops OF the
National Guard located in their countles-
namely Companies L., K and l, ID Regiment
dhe ODD 18th and 9th Separate companies), on
September II and IS to aid them in the pro-
lection of property and lives in their respective
counties jeopardized by the lawless element OF
those counties
CHANGES AT CREEDMOOR URGED.
cannot too strongly urge upon the State the
necessity of obtaining an appropriation 10 &C
ot,ire additional land at Creedmoor. Ihe grad
ual introduction of the high powered magazine
guns renders the danger from spent nails gTeatsp
As wears 60 by even with the most accurate
shooting. The large amount Invested by the
State at Creedmoor in butts and pits built in
stems TO enable practice at various ranges 10
he conducted simultaneously from firing points
on one line renders it almost imperative TO ac-
auire land in of the present range IN oroer
to protect the surrounding inhabitants ana pre-
vent legal measures being taken to interfere
with the practice Of the troops VINO ,s1s are now
thoroughly interested and rapidly becoming
more and more proficient.
National Guard. am able to report that with
of the infantry has improved. This is most
noticeable in the tone and spirit showing that
the mentality, which is most important eie-
ment is strong. hopeful and wholesome
While the strength has practically remained
as heretofore, changes have, however, been ex-
oeedingly numerous, but It Is believed that in
quality and efficiency there has been actual
gain Decided improvement can be reported IN
the matter of care OF and accounting TOT pupnc
and attention, and it's Importance In the aonln-
istration of military duty is better understood
and appreciated substantial gain has been
made in this during the last year. All things
considered, there Is by some considerable diff
ference greater efficiency than at any previous
time in the history OF this branch OF the service.
The uniforms arms and equipments are excel
lent the field equipment all that can be desired,
with the exception of the field oven, which will
be improved by the range when the former are
worn out Shelter tents should be provided for
emergency duty, instead of the heavy canvas.
and longer leggings that can be held up in place
by the swell of the leg. The short leggings now
provided are not altogether satisfactory. Famil-
eouipment of all kinds, and exercises in the
open have added greatly to the efficiency and
proficiency of the Guard. The excellent work
| that is being done in every company shows the
! quality of the furnished the infantry. This.
! as rule, receives good care, the exceptions
| being the companies where the men do not have
! the piece assigned, but take any one from the
| guncase Where men have personal or indi-
vidual interest in rife il is usually found In
/ good order and serviceable condition. Com
| pIaint is occasionally made of the quality Of the
| ammunition drawn from the government, some
! of which is old. cannot be considered reliable
! and is owing to its age, variable in quality
| Zeal coupled with the manifest desire to sue
ceed has been almost universal; harmony and
unity of feeling, with strong belief in the State
dence in the strength, courage and ability to
! spond to all demands is significant and crafty
/ ing II may. therefore, be said that there is
! good improvement all along the lne-not in
I places or in parts. but broad and well balanced
I Advancement.