Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The west shore. (Portland, Or.) 1875-1891 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 6, 1890)
WEST SHORE. 51 NATIONAL GCARD OF THE PACIFIC COAST. In view of possible hostilities, the question of the present military strength of the three states lying on the Pacific ocean, California, Oregon and Washington, becomes an interesting one. In general, it may be said that the national guard of the states named is above the average in the ARMORY OK FIRST BED., I'AL. N. 0., BAN FRANCISCO, CAL. entire union, though falling short of the high state of efficiency retched in such states as Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts. This is due, not to an inferiority of material, but to the lack of state aid and proper legis lation, and, in tome degree, to apathy on the part of the city authorities and tbe public generally. The total strength of the trained national guard of the three states is about 0,200 men, of which California has 3,800, Oregon 1,800, and Washington 800. This gives a proportion of one to 310 of population in California, one to 200 in Oregon, and one to 425 in Washington. It will be seen that Oregon is maintaining the greatest relative number of troops, but she is doing it at the expense of effici ency, since ber military fund is no larger than that of Washington, where but half as many troops are muttered. The result is that the Washington guard is better equipped than the Oregon troops, so far as equipment for active ser vice is concerned, and that much necessary equipment that has been paid for by the state in California and Washington bas been pur chased out of the private funds of the Oregon guardsmen. This, bow ever, applies only to equipment for field duty, for in drill, discipline and regimental efficiency the First Regiment of Oregon probably leads all the others. The national guard of Califor nia consists of ten regiments, di vided into three brigades. None of them has a full quota of ten companies, and two of them are classed as artillery, though but one battery actually exists, the other companies being armed as infantry. There is but one troop of cavalry, unattached, and each brigade has a sig nal corps. Naturally, the three regiments in San Fran cieco are the most efficient, as is always the case with city regiments, where the opportunity for frequent but tallion instruction gives them an advantage over reg iments composed of com panies located in different towns. In them are nearly half the full strength of the guard in the state. They have labored under great disadvantages in trying to secure suitable quarters and properly constructed armo ries. The annual appropria tion made by the state Is small for the number of reg iments, and the financial def icit is met by collecting monthly dues in tbe various companies. There is only one armory in San Francisco which is owned by the members. This is the quaint and picturesque little building belonging to Companies C and Q, of the First Regiment, who are commonly known as " The Nationals." These two companies are practically one organization, and are among the oldest and best known in the state. Their quaint little armory, on Post street, has been a landmark in San Francisco ever since its erection in 18(14. With its tower, loop-holes and embratures, It has the appearance of a diminutive fortification. The interior is neatly and tastefully decorated. The other companies of the First Regiment have ample and commodi ous quarters In a building which was built especially for their use by the owners, with the understanding that the regiment should rent it for at least ten years at $400 per month. The building a substantial structure of brick and stone is centrally located on the comer of Tenth and Market streets. On the second story Is a large drill hall, 110x75 feet, well lighted both from the sides and from overhead. On the same story are the officers' rooms, two company rooms, the store room and the band and drum corps rooms. ARMORY OF COMI'ANIKS C AND O, FIRST RIO., CAL. N. Q., BAN FRANCISCO, CAL. llillil "mm. wi 13 ,,1 M-lf.m-m,.. 10 IB'DJS ' I J llTi & 1 I 3 B . nJZ. M Jell VI .is , rii nllf -y-i AHSIORT OP RATTKRY A (FIRST CALIFORNIA Ul'AHl)), SICOXI) RIO., CAL. N. O , SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.
