The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-06
MILITARY MATTERS;
 GUARD OF ALABAMA
BY D. W. s1cTvER. .

The inspection of the Alabama Ma tional Guard this, year Is to be very rigid and 1t is hoped that the mem- bers will make especial efforts to make a creditable showing. Every member of each company should be present, as 1t seems that at- tendance on inspection goes a long ways with the army officers towards efficiency.
 the inspection, two from Fort Morgan and one from Fort Barancas, Fla Capt. A. s. Morgan has been engaged in this duty in Alabama, before, and last year inspected all the organizations. This year Captains Goodfellow and Hart are to share the work with him. giving them all a chance to do special duty.
 In Georgia five officers are detailed to do the work and they have already begun.
 The Alabama National Guard is we'll equipped, the shelter tents having been sent out during the past week.
 Adjutant General Brandon will ac- company the officers and make the State inspection at the same time.
 The municipal contest in Montgom- cry seems to involve better quarters for the local companies. There Is no doubt that all of the candidates for Mayor will be glad to pledge thera- selves to do their best to that end.
 It is remembered that while Col. A. A. Wiley was in the State Senate he introduced A bill to have the State build an armory in this city for the mili- tary. This might be done by the State, with room for storage of military stores kept on hand for distribution.
 Under this new order, the goods are only being sent in bulk to be distributed by the militia authorities Some place for storage has to be provided with shipping facilities. The State should have such place here.
 In the new State of Washington the fund for the maintenance of the Ma tional Guard is raised by taxation, one tenth of a mill being levied for the pur- pose. There Is now available $74,0O0 and the annual expense is $3S,000 about $41, 900 being raised under the assess ment.
 They have State camps of instruction like we do, but they are well con- ducted, thorough instruction is given and much real benefit derived there from.
 Maneuvres with regulars are not popular.
 Representative Hull has introduced a bill in the lower House of Congress to provide for practice by citizens with the rife in order to promote marks manship among those subject to mili- tary duty.
 This is the bill:
 ITO encourage rife practice and ex-
 cellence in craftsmanship among
 citizens of the United States, so as
 to render them quickly available for
 efficient service in time of war.
 "Be 1t enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assem- bled, That the sum of $1,000,00O, or so much thereo" as may be necessary is annually appropriated, to be expended under the direction of the Secretary Of War. and for the following purposes, namely:
 "For training in rife practice such citizens, belonging to the clubs herein- after referred to, as desire to become efficient marksmen.
 For the construction and equipment of proper shooting galleries.
 For the acquisition, construction equipment, and maintenance of suit able national target ranges. to be used by the clubs herein referred to and by the army and navy, marine corps and National Guard
 "For the issue of arms and ammuni- tion to schools, clubs under regu- lations to be prescribed by the national board for the promo tion of rifle practice and approved by the Secretary of War. not exceeding one rife to each ten male members thereof fifteen years of age and over; bonds for the proper care and return of fine arms to be given under direction of the Secretary of War.
 For the issue with the rifles of 300 rounds of ammunition per piece, and for issue thereafter each year not exceed- ing fifty rounds of ammunition for each qualification as marksman. under rules nreEcribed by the national board for inc promotion of rife practice and ap- proved by the Secretary of War; pro- vided, that in making issues of arms and ammunition under this act, the Sec retary of War is authorized to utiIlze'