The National Guard Prepares for Reorganization
Washington's National Guard faces a major shake-up as new state laws mandate a reduction in companies and a focus on target practice and efficiency.
The new militia law which was passed at the last session of the legislature will go into effect June 1. It will involve a reorganization of the entire National Guard of Washington, reducing the number of companies to fourteen, with a corresponding decrease in the number of commissioned officers, and hence a reduction in expenses. Some of the smaller towns will lose their companies entirely, as six companies must be dropped from the brigade. Those making the best showing in number, competition drill and target practice are likely to be retained. The local companies are enthusiastic over the prospect of the heliograph signals to be sent from British Columbia to Mexico along the Cascade peaks on July 10. Commencing with Mount Baker, the word will be flashed to Mount Rainier, thence to Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Mount Shasta, and on south from peak to peak until the Mexican boundary is reached. The time to be consumed is ten minutes. It will require the clearest weather possible on the whole coast and a concert of action the entire distance, as one break will destroy the message.
“It will require the clearest weather possible on the whole coast and a concert of action the entire distance, as one break will destroy the message.”
The 1895 reorganization of the National Guard reflects the era's push for fiscal efficiency and professionalization in state institutions. The ambitious plan to use heliograph signals across the Cascade peaks serves as a fascinating reminder of pre-radio communication technology.
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