The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-08
l. The Effect of the Dick Bill Upon the
NC. State Guard.

(By Colonel Francis A. Macon, Quarter
master General and Chief of Ordnance.) 5
%. Within FIVE years the organization
armament and discipline shall be so inv
proved as to be equal to that of the
Regular Army. This will require that
all Field and Line Officers shall be able
to satisfy a regular army inspection Of
ficer that they have sufficient practical
and theoretical knowledge of tactics and
military affairs as makes them immedi-
ately available for active service; that
every company commissioned officer shall
be capable of commanding and instruct
ing their companies in all company
manouvers, whether in brigade, regi-
mental battalion or company formation;
that every officer be prepared for imme-
date promotion and if occasion require
lieutenants shall be prepared to perform
the duties of captain, captain that of
major and so on to the higher grades.
(2). These five years are to be devoted
to study and practice, and to meet the
requirements of the service it will be
necessary, at least in North Carolina, TO
utilize the whole period. This will ne
cessitate a change in the method of Sc
lecting officers Such officers as con-
form to the strict requirements neces-
sary under the new law, are not likely
to command popular support, for re-
election vet only such officers can bring
our State Guard to the required eth-
cheney. The average duration OF a cap
taincy in North Carolina is now three
and one-half years. 1t is not likely that
the enforcement of strict discipline and
observance of regulations would add to
their official longevity under the pres
ent system. change is necessary.
90. Compliance with these require
ments and consequently increased eff
ficiency of the Guard to the satisfaction
of the Government will command the
fullest benefits of the new law lnet-
ficieney will be followed by the with
drawal of it's benefits.
az. The appropriation is based upon
Congressional representation, North
Carolinas share is about $4,000. This
has heretofore been available only In
supplies, subject to the requisltion OF
the Governor. These have been useo
in equipping the Guard. the only condi-
ton being that the proper officer, the
Qua- termaster General and Chief or
Ordnance, should annually account for
the property Under the new law to Sc
cure the benefits of the appropriation,
all the companies of the Guard, except
those excused by the Governor, must
take practice marches or go INTO en-
campment not less than five consecutive
: days during the year next proceeding
each annual allotment of funds. Such
encampments is not possible under pres
ent appropriations, but whenever IL Snail
appear by the report of inspections, maze
by an army officer detailed for that
purpose by the Secretary of War, that
the Guard is sufficiently armed, uni
formed and equipped, the Secretary OF
War is authorized to pay as much OF the
appropriation as may be available or re-
CURED for encampment purposes.
Transportation; subsistence and pay
same as in the regular army are to be
paid out of such allotment by the Quar-
termaster- General who is made dis
bursting officer of the United States
When the Guard is sufficiently armed.
uniformed and equipped, and have had