The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-10-25
artillery, Guard camp

The artillery branch of the National Guard has long been recognized by the war department as one of the most es- sential parts of the organized militia. Owing to the long training necessary to time to develop an artillery unit than any other of the army
 Birmingham has now two batteries of artillery, Battery A, under command of Capt. Frank Film, and Battery c, com manded by Capt. E. l.. Anderson. They are part of the First Battalion Field artillery Alabama TSa-ional Guard. of which Maj. L. $. Dorrence is the com mandng officer.
 In the temporary armory located at 22l2-1S Avenue B, are the guns and equip ment of these two batteries. The guns are the same pattern as the 3-inch guns now being used by the ligh. artillery corps of the allied army in Europe. Packed in four rows are the cannon, am- intuition wagons limbers and battery wagons.
 When one considers that it takes 23O horses to move this equipment some idea can be had of the amount of property furnished by the government, which with the camp equipage is valued at over $175,- 0D0. The harness alone is valued at some- thing over $26,000.
 Major Borrence proposes to organize another battery in Birmingham and when fully equipped will add $S5,UU0 to the value of the government property issued to the artillery battalion, making total value of $26O, 900.
 The equipment of the National Guard is furnished by the United States gov ernment to the various states according to population with the understanding that each state government makes sufficient appropriations for the upkeep and care of the arms and equipment. The state of Alabama allows each military com pany or battery $20 per month and lief ferson county makes monthly appropra- ton of $40, giving the local batteries $50 per month. From this amount rent, lights, heat water and various items necessary for upieep are paid.
 The officers and enlisted men receive no pay except when in active service or camp. The term of enlistment is for seven years, three years active service and four in the reserve. The field artil-i lery of the National Guard and the naval reserve is the only secondary defense of the nation in time of war and from the organized militia, the National Guard is called, the United States army would be augmented.
 When one considers the wonderful power of modern artillery, the deadliness of artillery fire and the absolute neces- sity of artillery for the success of an army operating against force of arms, the importance of the artillery branch of the National Guard will be appreciated. Birmingham should be proud of its artii-l lery organization as the efficiency of this branch of the Alabama National Guard is recognized by the war department. and division of militia affairs.s
 Major Dorrence has proven an able officer and genius as an organizer. That two batteries could be organized. and sustained under the very adverse circumstances here is considered by army officers 8 compliment to Major Dorrence1 and the other officers of the organiza- ton. sfv.-- s7ls,s St
 Major Dorrence, Captain Film and Cap tain Anderson are anxious that the citi- zens of Birmingham obtain Il clear un- derstanding of the artillery and become more familiar with this branch of the service and its duties and workings. He