The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1906-11-19

Inspector.
One of the first acts OF the /
Wednesday night, in the company of
Brigadier General Roster. both in full
dress uniform, the headquarters of the
First Infantry at Buchanan and Waller
streets. While the visitors found the
quarters good under conditions. and
that there would not be much delay IN
calling out the regiment on a hurry
up call, there is an undercurrent of feel
Ing that something is going to happen
about the beginning Of the new year
that will result in not only this regi-
ment, but all branches OF the service
IN the city, being put on basis that
VIII bring those belonging to them
within the provisions of the military
code governing the State soldiery which
says: The citizen soldier. as officer or
enlisted man Of the National Guard Of
the State, whether under orders. or on
actual duty, is at all times subject to
the military code and orders issued by
proper authority" and that, The first
duty OF a soldier whether officer or
enlisted man, is TO obey orders strictly
and TO execute promptly, cheerfully and
IN good faith all orders Of his superiors
IN the military service"
The indications are that as a result
Of inspections that viii be made by the
brigade inspector there viii be an i'm
provement in the personnel of each
subordinate, less Of the camaraderie
that shows a lack Of military respect
and a possibility that officers in COM
mand viii have TO be such as shall not
only command the attention, good will
and respect of subordinates. but the
same from the citizens at large, to the
end that young men who may be asked
20 enlist viii not enter an objection
on the ground that this or that com
pany is not up 10 the standard.
The new inspector has a number of
ideas that he intends TO carry out be-
fore the close Of the year, and If he
does IL is fair to presume that there
will be 4 wonderful change in the Sec
ond Brigade.
HINTS FOR SOLDIERS
Major Thomas Wilhelm, U. s. A. Ore
tired. inspector of the National Guard
OF California for the War Department
also for the State, has compiled the
rules and regulations for the govern
ment Of the National Guard Of the
State, and this compilation has been
prepared and published under the su-
pervision Of Brigadier General Lauck,
adjutant general
Major Wilhelm in an introduction
gives some hints TO national guards
men which. il followed, would make
the organization one that every citizen
would be proud of. He says:
in all armies subordination, in a
purely military sense, must be well IN
derstoOd and hOnorably maintained. It's
Importance cannot be too often brought
10 notice, as many circumstances re-
-suitiug from the character Of our insti-
tutions and from the situation and du-
ties Of troops make this a distinctive
feature under all conditions in connec-
ton with the well-being Of military
organizations. It often happens that
superficial observers criticise essential
methods in this respect; where such a
tendency is apparent in the service the
performance of military duty is both
difficult and unreliable. The man who
cannot obey, or who habitually ques-
tions authority, cannot command.
The officer who should suppose that
due attention to parade drill and du-
ties in armories and camp constitute
a full discharge Of the obligations i'm
posed BY his commission would take
an imperfect view of his position.
There is a moral responsibility resting
lpon all who exercise authority over
any portion Of their fellow men, and
this responsibility rests with peculiar
weight on the officers in consequence
Of the power with which the cause of
discipline renders IT necessary that
they should be intrusted. And this
Clearly AlAPDcCE uPD4 A-AGAAA AA4C 0AA9 VI
striving TO acquire a moral influence
and control over their subordinates,
which shall not only temper while il
strengthens the power conferred by
military law, but gives additional
strength and energy TO the action Of
the soldiers when obeying orders Of
one whose bearing inspires confidence
and whose soldierly qualities excite
admiration and awaken attachment.
MUST BE COURTEOUS
at is the character and conduct OF
the gentleman that must secure this
moral power for the officer He who
seeks TO obtain il must be refined in
manner and courteous to all; he must
be just and honorable in his most
tri1ing dealings; his word must never
be doubted, and his language. more es-
peciaIly to his interiors in rank, must
always be clear and distinct. free from
ambiguity, and admit of no doubt. The
officer should be distinguished in his
military work and be as familiar with
courteous accomplishments as with pro-
fessional attachments.
Properly 70 use the control acquired
by such conduct and bearing, the officer
must exert his best efforts to repress
the evil and call forth the good quail
ties Of his subordin2tes, as the highest
worth, excellence and merit are to be
found in the htmblest. rank.
The uniform should represent gen.
erohs and lofty sentiments, and he who
wears il must not forget that he be-
longs TO the country which, by the
skill and valor Of its sons. has a dis
tinction none greater in civilization
and whose soldiers and sailors have
never yet found their superiors in fair
and equal conflict. In the conduct OF
troops it is a wise conclusion to respect
the manner, feelings and even the
prejudices of the people among whom
they are placed. Elevating as these re-
Elections are. they must never for an
instant be allowed 10 justify idleness OF
laxity in the work Of military improve
ment"
Captain L. c. Greeninger. command
ing Troop A. Cavalry. says that his
command is anxious 10 go on a practice
march. but that in the past three weeks
he has not been able to secure horses
either in this city or in Oakland.
Yesterday the troop went to the Shell
Mound range TO engage in target prac-