The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-19
MILITARY MATTERS;
 GUARD OF ALABAMA
BY D. w. McIvER.

The American Federation of Labor Is directing Hs hatred against the Na- tional Guard and will not now permit its members to become members of any organization of oitizen-soldiery.
 A resolution is pending in the con- vention of the Federation at San Fran cisco to the effect that members are to hold absolutely aloof from all connec- ton with the militia until the military system in vogue in Switzerland is adopted in the United States. This is equivalent to direct prohibition against joining the National Guard.
 The only grievance the labor unions have against the National Guard is that the soldiers have protected life and property in the past against the strik- CTS who have sought to enforce their demands by lawlessness and the most arbitrary means.
 The complaint is that the militia ur holds the law and maintains order, ana hence members of unions cannot join IL This is not creditable to organized la bor and must be explained before they can expect to- enjoy the conndence '' law-loving and law-abiding people.
 The military system of Sweden sub jects the entire population to military service and drill, and Is tyrannical plan of oppression which cannot be enforced in a free republic, and the Ia Dor organizations know 1t; hence they are safe in passing their exception upon the proposition that the swedish sys- tenn must be adopted before their mem- bers can join the militia
 sI It is not sure that members of labor unions could easily gain admittance to the Alabama National Guard.
 
 Some recent changes have been made fin the regulations for the uniform of the regular army and have been pro- mulgated in recent osders. The collar ornaments shall be the letters "U. 5. instead of the coat of arms of the United States. The order is to take effect June 1, 1905, and must be gener- ally adopted by all the commands dur ing that month
 The other changes are that wooien service uniforms must be worn in tne Tinted States and cotton khaki in the tropics.
 The objection to cotton service uni- from in this country is that it becomes soiled and unsightly and requires too frequent laundering, while in the trop- ics this objection does not obtain, and laundering Is so much cheaper.
 The rule heretofore has been to leave the choice of uniforms to the coMmano ing officer, and the result was that all oficers and men had to have ootn woolen and khaki uniforms.
 The service cap is prescribed for all officers to wear with the woolen uni form and the cotton khaki cap with the corresponding suit; the same cap is nlso prescribed for enlisted men, the campaign hat being objected to on ac' count os the difficulty in keeping 1t or the head, and the necessity for mer constantly raising their hands to theii heads in ranks which presents an un' seemly and ragged appearance.
 Those who witnessed the drill of tho cavalry troop at Camp Jelks last sum mer will remember how many mer dropped their hats during the drill ant were forced to go through the remain der of the drill bareheaded. The cap! stay on the head and really make { better appearance.
 The style of shoe heretofore desig mated for officers Is omitted, and the! can now use the ordinary shoe of an! style they may prefer; but new styl' of shoe Is prescribed for the men.
 White caps can be used with tht white uniforms at option of officers.
 Proper braid insignia for general staff oficers has been added. A list of arms and equipments required to be kept by oficers is also one of the new orders all of which are said to be most accept.