National Flag. See [Flag].
National Guards. The militia organizations of several States of the United States and of some foreign countries are so called. In the United States they are authorized by State laws, and may be called into the service of the general government. After the destruction of the Bastile, a similar organization, called the garde nationale, was formed in Paris from the bourgeois class in 1789, under Lafayette as colonel-general. Napoleon subsequently defeated and dispersed it, but it was again organized by him in 1814. The national guard was adopted as an institution under the Restoration, and the Comte d’Artois appointed colonel-general. By decree of 1852 the government reserved the right of organizing or suppressing the national guard in communes, and also of nominating all the officers, who up to this time had been elected. The French national guard fought in the war of 1870-71, and also participated in the Communist struggles.
National Military Homes. See [Soldiers’ Homes].
National Salute. In the United States, a salute of one gun for each State in the Union.
National Troops. Are those raised under the authority of Congress, in contradistinction to the militia, which may be called State troops, being organized by the several States.
Native Cavalry. A body of natives in the East Indian army, formed into light dragoons.
Native Infantry. A body of native troops in the East Indian army.
Natural Angle of Sight. The angle which the natural line of sight makes with the axis of the piece.
Natural Fortification. See [Fortification].
Natural Line of Sight. See [Line of Metal].