Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-03-04
GUARDS, CALLED FOR RIOT
DRILL, EXPECT STRIKE DUTY
Lack of Equipment Is Shown by
Service Demands Made on
Militiamen.

Riot drills are being held periodically
by the five regiments of National
Guard throughout the State. Per-
sistent riot drilling has been going on
at the Newark Armory by the First
Regiment, and the innovation is re-
garded as significant in these turbulent
times, it being the first time in seven
years that the local guardsmen have
received instructions in OF
that particular kind. Unlike the GUS
tomary drilling at the local armory
the ~guardsmen are drilling with their
bayonets in their scabbards. Hereto
fore at drills the bayonets were not
used. There is apprehension that per-
haps Jersey militiamen will be ordered
to Philadelphia II the strike situation
there becomes more serious.
Since the Dick law became effective,
last month. the National Guard OF
New Jersey is subject to regular army
regulations. The ineficiency of the
Philadelphia troops was demonstrated
during the recent riots there, and II Is
not unlikely that President TAFT may
call Upon Jersey soldiers II the strike
roubles in the Quaker CITY increase.
The whole world looks to Philadelphia
for bloodshed tomorrow, If the general
s~ympathetic strike is called, wnlcn
would add more than 100000 additlonai
strikers to the already large roll. Jer-
sey militiamen especially are taxing a
keen interest in h developments there,
and the equipment, efficiency, etc, VI
the military organizations OF the state
Is. naturally, the subject OF CONSIDER
able discussion as a consequence
New Jersey has five regiments. Inc
First Regiment Of which Colonel jena
d. Fraser has'command, has
ters in Newark. The Second Regiment,
os which Colonel Nelson \. DUNCAN is
commandant, has it's IN
mi The Third Regiment, ON
manded by Colonel John A. manner
has its rendezvous at camden JUST
across the river from Phfladelph Inc
Fourth Regiment, of Wnicn eolonei
Brinckerhoff has command, Is stationed
at Jersey City, and the Fifth Resl-
ment. commanded by Colonel Edwin w.
uine. has headquarters in Paterson.
The commander-in-chiefa OF the enIlre
militia of the State is Governor John
Franklin Fort. The State arsenal is a.
Trenton. where the military staft mead
quarters are.
President Taft's recent visit to New
ark demonstrated h incomplete EQUIP
ment of the State militia The Board
of Trade people, who were banqueting
the President, called upon the FIST
Regiment to act as the Presidents es-
cort. Colonel John D. Fraser, the COM
mander. explained his inability to have
his regiment act on h ground nat tne
p1ardsmen's ~overcoats were at ITen-
ton in the State arsenal, and that be-
cause OF the short notice given by the
BOARD of Trade people It would be i'm
possible for the men to get their over
coats in time. It wasn't generally
known. but the State q only 1000 or
1900 overcoats. It will, therefore, be
noticed that the State has overcoats
for only one of its five regiments.
Colonel Fraser did not give publicity
10 that unfortunate condition at the
lime the President was here.
inquiry Into the supplies for the State
militia reveals the further startling fact
that the same condition exists as re-
cards blankets for the men and the
canvas outfit. The same ~overcoats,
blankets and c-anvas-enough only for
one regiment-are used by the entire
National Guard Of the State. Properly
equipped, more than one regiment could
not go into camp OF into service at the
same time. The relay-relieve system
has to be resorted to. From a sanitary
viewpoint, II from no other, that condi-s
ton is worthy of notice by the proper
authorities. Wonder has often been ex-
pressed as to why no brigade camp