The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-08-01

l the regiment or battalion or squadron. The duplicate reports of United States rifles on hand and of those received since December 1, 1901, signed by the company commanders. are enclosed, in packages for each regiment or battalion and also similar reports of the same in the State Arsenal.
 As no blank forms were sent me for the estimates of standard service maga. zine arms and accoutrements, called for by paragraph 2 (b) of c. O. No. @, C. s. Headqrs. of the Army. I had blank form printed at Montgomery. which it is believed conveys the information sought, and a duplicate copy of such estimate has been prepared for each or ganization (45) in the State; besides an estimate of the number required to re- place obsolete arms and ammunition in the State arsenal of Alabama These estimates are enclosed, armng. ed in packages for each regimental or battalion organization.
 In compliance with the instructions con- tained in your letter of April g, 1903, I inclose a copy of the itinerary followed by me in this inspection. Herewith in closed, marked D."
 While this itinerary could believe, be improved. by saving little distance in travel, no itinerary would permit a more prompt inspection of all the State organizations. and rigid reduction of travel might result in failure to connect with trains and prevent the arrival of the inspector at a different city each evening, as I did. Many stations are on branch lines which. have few trains daily, and in order to have the evenings for inspection it was necessary to make changes of location by day, sometimes passing a city and returning to it. as the train schedules demanded such return travel
 Encampments of This Year. The appreciation of the national gov ernments interest in State organizations was manifested by an almost universal desire of officers and men to be sent to camp this year with the regular army for instruction in maneuvers. Application was made by the Governor of Alabama for such participation by the State troops, but at the time of my departure from the State, no reply had been received. not claim equality of equipment or in- struction with regular regiments, but it's officers assert that they are as we'll equipped as the National Guard of other States, and they are solicitous to re- ceive the superior instruction which they know would attend their association with regular troops.
 In ConcluSlon Woulu state tnat 1 De- l lieve the inspection of this States troops | has resulted in benefit to the inspector, | by compelling study of the laws govern | ing State troops, and an appreciation of the spirit which must actuate men who voluntarily incur the burdens of military service under so many discouraging cir cumstances.
 I have been repeatedly assured that it
 has resulted in much benefit to the off, cers and men of the National Guard by convincing them of what they lack in equipment, discipline and instruction, by fixing in their minds standard which they will hereafter strive to realize, and by encouraging them to continue service in the State troops. in the hope of gain ing more tangible results from their drill with improved arms and increased equip ment.
 am, Sir. Very respectfully, William H. Johnston,
 Captain 16th U. s. Infantry, Inspecting