The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1883-05-27
The State Camp.

The arrangements for the establishment OF
the military camp near Peekskill during the
summer are now complete. The troops to
be sent thither are tho Seventy-flrs Seventh,
Thirteenth, Sixty-fifth, Ninth. and Seventy
Fourth regiments, Company b Of the Tenth
Battalion, and the Fourth, Fifth, Nineteenth,
Thirty-eighth, Fortieth. Forty-flrst, Twen-
ticth, and Thirtieth separate companies.
The Seventy-first Regiment will encamp
about the middle OF June, and from that
time until nearly the close OF July the
grounds will DO occupied by specified bodies
OF troops, each performing n weeks tour Of
duty there.
The regiments and companies selected for
this seasons encampment will have q great
advantage over their predecessors OF last
year. Then the grounds We're not ready at
the arrival OF the troops, whereas now they
will be in order fortnight before the first
detachment appears. Then tho camp was
an experiment, with much to learn from cx-
pericncc, and with many desirable appliances
for comfort necessarily postponed. This
year new water reservoir, additional store
houses, better cooking arrangements, an ice
house, Il restaurant, an improved boat land
ing, and sentry boxes on some OF the beats
exposed to rain, will add to the convenience
Of the troops and their visitors.
But improvements in tho material OF
the camp are not tho only things that
should be taught by the experience OF last
summer. No one can doubt that tho brief
service ut Peekskill was then of great benefit
to all of the National Guard who took part in
1t. Many members, and especially the
younger ones, who were tolerably familiar
with routine duties In the armory, in tho
streets, and at the rifle range, found great
deal to learn in regular encampment. Tho
manual Of arms may DO practised assidu-
ously, and the marchings may be perfected
by conforming to the exigencics OF busy
thoroughfares; but much OF the instruction
In practical campaigning lies outside OF the
drill masters province. aud this tho Peeks-
kill camp can inculcatc.
1t became evident last year that the best
fruits OF the camp would be reaped by using
1t chiefly for those things that are acquired
elsewhere imperfectly, II at all. or course no
part OF tho miitiamans drill can DO wisely
neglected In camp, or performed sighting
ly; but time that is expended In the repeti-
ton OF details for which no special facilities
are offered there might often be better
employed on other subjects. Ono OF
tho most important parts OF the
soldiers education, for example. is
guard duty. Last years experience
showed great lack OF familiarity with this,
among both officers and men. Hundreds,
and perhaps thousands, OF mistakes were
committed, some OF them technical, but
others fundamental. Tho Improvement
effected In this respect was remarkable, but
much still remained to DO done. Guard duty
In front OF quarters or along the definite
beats OF camp Is only one form OF what is
required OF q soldier. He should DO instruct
Cd In picket service at distance from camp.
and this could perfectly we'll he taught at
Peekskill.
So the requirements OF the cadence,i step
are always taught carefully, but the marches
OF real campaign are another matter. One
OF the most important parts OF tho needed
instruction Is that Of rapidly assembling at
the long roll. Tho quick preparation for a
march suddenly ordered: tho best adjust
ment OF burdens, such rs knapsacks, blank
cts, haversacks, and canteens. In the route
step; tho unexpected call upon company or
regiment, while marching on an ordinary
highway, to deploy rs sklrmishers and to
advance over broken ground under trying
circumstances-suchth things as these can only
DO learned to advantage In the open country.
There is another branch OF military in
struction which, though 1t can be impaired
elsewhere, yet is learned far better in camp.
This relates to discipline. The citizen SOL
dler who leaves his Office or store at noon,
alter serving his customers, and dons his
uniform for an afternoon parade, cannot al
ways DO impressed with the full Importance
OF military discipline, as exercised by officers
who were OH familiar terms with him
throughout the morning. and will be again
stn'ght He 70 sptto be suspicious that any