Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-11-13

For the Good of the Army,
DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE INSPECTOR GEN.
ERALS DEPARTMENT.
Tie annual report of the inspector generals
department of the army to the Secretary of
War, by General w. H. Davis, until recently
ins pector general, suggests that some law or
reg ulation be made for the better protection
fro m loss, robbery or accident of certain assist
an Is to engineer officers who frequently have
va .uchers for the same can be rendered.
The supplies furnished by the supply depart
M ents are generally good and satisfactory and
timely forwarded in respect to quality and
Supplied to the extent of one-half the bread
ration would be beneficial to the health of the
troops, as it is more nutritious and digestible
than bread made from finely bolted wheat
Hour. The health OF the troops is reported to
nave been generally good.
INSTRUCTION IN ARTILLERY FIRING AND
CAVALRY PRACTICE RECOMMENDED.
The improvement in target practice with
small arms is highly commended. In further
practice with small arms skirmish firing
should receive relatively more attention. In
respect to the light or field artillery there has
been a lamentable contrast. 1t has not kept
The means and opportunities have been want
ing. To attain the proficiency required it seems
the field batteries properly organized. for a
school OF theoretical and practical instruction
under the command of competent artillery Off
GERS, where there are ample facilities for drill
and practice firing.
1t is suggested that a cavalry school be estab-
lished for thorough instruction in this arm, in
Guiding drill practice firing, stable manage
ment and for the proper training of horses. In
connection with this school it would be advan
breeding to a limited extent, horses of the best
strain, shape and vigor, suitable for, and which
should be, the standard cavalry horse.
OTHER DEMONSTRATIONS.
10 nAoA hat <In itouxx
posts be concentrated into a much smaller
number, with q corresponding increase
OF garrisons. Attention is called to the impor-
lance OF having trained cooks for each COM
principal post; and to the necessity for regu-
larry organized hospital corps. Post schools
have not proved q success for the enlisted men,
but have been OF advantage for children at
posts.
THE CHARACTER OF THE MEN ENLISTED
In the army for year or two past has been Inn
proving, but further improvement IL needed.
While much attention has been given to the
physique, It is apparent that too much has
mental and moral fitness. The vicious and
stupid are not wanted. To remedy the large
ations are made. The adoption Of . more rigid
system IN regard TO recruiting; TO stop the en-
iistment q unsuitable men Of vicious habits
cfeasing the responsibility attaching TO the re-
cfaiting odicer; tho exercise OF more care In Sc
ing evidence Of the character and habits OF the
candidate for enlistment; increasing the re-
yard for the apprehension Of deserten TO at
least $1OO. and making persistent efforts other.
wise TO catch them; indelibly marking mot
|~brandtng) every convicted deserter upon some
nnex posed part OF his body, 30 that ne cannot
under any circumstances again enlist and
severely punish the crime. There II Q pressing
neceesity Re new edition Of army reguia-
Both Germany and Spain have accepted the
comPromtne of the Carolines afhir suggested BY