Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-11

ner The services of the inspectors are
available for any assistance necessary to
enable the company officers to become Ell
ficient in training the men.
AS the Representative of the battalion
comma nder. Major Bell thinks 1t should
be the duty of the inspector of rifle practice
to see that the gallery OF range Is in con-
dition for the duty to be performed. and
to be present at all ordered practice. lie
may be called upon by the company COM
mander for assistance or advice in con-
Quoting, rifle practice. it being desirable to
obtain the best results in qualifications by
every legitimate means available. Further.
he should carefully note any lack of knowl-
edge or skill on the part of company Of
ficers. correct the same, and report IN
competency.
1t is believed by Major Bell that the
changes suggested would result in an I'M
provement In rifle practice and consequent
ly raise the standard of efficiency OF the
brigade.
Amendment to Militia Act.
An amendment to the militia act provid-
ing for division of the country by the
Secretary of War into twelve military dis
tricts. each having approximately the same
aggregate representation in the House Of
Representatives, has been proposed
The purpose of the proposed act. 1t Is
claimed. would undoubtedly be looked upon
with great favor by the officers of the Ma
tional Guard as web as the enthusiastic en-
listed men. Section Is described as an
excellent measure, as it would give enter
prsing regimental commanders an oppor-
tunity to act upon their own judgment.
Section is also a move in. the right d.
rectton, 1t Is explained, as under it enlisted
men would feel that their efforts, in the
direction of close attention to duty could
obtain something more than mere printed
percentages of efficiency. etc.
The matter of regular service pay for
enlisted men on such duty is mentioned as
the only nnaStfoO which . tn mice on
Ing. Many enlisted men, who would gladly
accept the opportunities offered in the act
were 1t not for the fact that they belong
to class of citizens whose EMPLOYERS allow
them per diem rate of pay; and absence
from their employment usually means an
absolute loss of salary. An absence of
ten or twenty days, with no other compen-
sation than that authorized in the act
of many guardsmen.
Sections B. and Of the proposed act
follow:
Section B That to encourage the theo-
retical and practical instructionnof the or
ganized militia In armories and state camps
an annual encampment shall be held each
year in each military district to be par
ticipated In by such troops of the United
States Marine Corps as in the judgment of
the President may be available, and by
such troops of the organized militia of the
military district in which the encampment
Is held. as may be authorized by the Presi-
Section A. That troops of the organized
militia, who desire to attend the district
encampment, shall make application there
for through the governor of the state to
which they belong to the President of the
United States. Upon the approval of such
application by the governor of the state
the President shall detail one or more Of
Ulcers of the army TO visit the state en-
campment Of the organization making such
application. for the purpose of inspecting
and determining the fitness of such organi-
cation to participate In the more advanced
instruction of the district camp This in
spectfon shall be directed especially to the
clothing. equipment, arms and administra-
tive methods Of the command, and to their
proficiency In guard duty, drill regula lions
and fre control Upon the recommended
ton OF the inspecting officers. the President
shall authorize the attendance at the dis
trict encampment in the following year of
SUCH organize lions as in his Judgment are
best qualified to enter upon a more ad-
Vanced course Of military instruction, pro-
Vlded, that district encampment shall not
be held unless at least !, 900 organized mill
tia troops of said district shall be found
Qualified for participation therein, as here
In provided. -
Section o. That troops of the organized
militia who participate In district encamn-.
ments shall be permitted to compete for the
privilege of further course of instruction
In national encampment to be held an
nually, If practicable, at such point as tba
secretary of War may determine and with
such complement of troops of the United
states army and United States marines as
the PRESIDENT may direct