The morning call., 1890-07-11
INSPECTIONS IN CAMP.
Uncle Sam Informing Himself as to Hi

Uncle sam Informing Himself as to His
Citizen SoIdiery.
Captain John O'Connell Of the First
Infantry, U. S. A., was detailed by the Sec
rotary of War, it will be remembered, on
the 9th of last month, to report to Governor
Waterman for duty in connection with the
\. G. c. There has been since more or less
speculation as to the nature Of his duty and
the scope of his observations. This has
been set at rest by the completion by the
Inspector General of the army of a new set
Of instructions to officers detailed for duty
in connection with the inspection OF Ma
tional Guard encampments, the first issued
from his department since this subject was
transferred from the Adjutant-General Of
the army.
According to these an officer detailed for
this duty will have no authority to control,
interfere with or exercise any power or
command during the encampmeut, except
by virtue of such courtesy as may be eX-
tended or authority conferred temporarily
by the Governor of the State in which the
encampment is held. The inspection will
consist not solely of the ceremony pre-
scribed in the regulations and dril-books,
but OF observation; and reports must be
made of everything that can possibly be OIL
present or future military use. Exact in
formatian must be obtained regarding the
organization, equipment, instruction. eX-
perience, capacity and discipline Of the
troops assembled and of others in the Stale
not participating i'll the encampment
Reports must be made upon what faclll-
ties are at the disposal of the authorities Of
the State for concentrating or distributing
its forces in case Of sudden emergency and
upon the laws of the State regulating the
transportation OF its forces over railroads
a1,g.N lffa
methods of instruction these troops pos
sess at their places of abode; upon the
adaptability of the uniform for use in the
field; the kind and caliber Of arms in use
and their conditions; the amount and kind
of target practice and the degree OF pro-
ficency, both in the gallery and in the
field; the quality and character OF camp
and garrison equipage available. and the
system followed by the various staff depart
ments for placing the force in condition for
active service.
The inspector is further instructed, if OPP
portuuity offers, to test the fitness for their
positions Of the men of all ranks and on
every sort of duty, and allow the require
mentS Of the general regulations and drill.
books TO remain superior to any personal
opinion. In doing this the inspector should
appreciate the deslrability OF cultivatlng
cordial relations between the regular army
and the National Guard and volunteer
forces of the nation, and, finally, he will
submit such recommendations as in his
Judgment would promote the usefulness Of
the troops coming under his observation
during the inspection. with view OF Off
cial transmission of such Recommendations
to the State authority concerned.
He will submit directly to the Inspector
Generals Office general report of his OBJ
servations, with a return of the troops,
copies of orders, and, if procurable, copies
of the regulations and laws governing the
National Guard of the State; copies of his
daily report OF criticisms. with notes as TO
action taken on them and results, to be
mailed not later than ten days after the en-
campment has been broken up. In addi-
ton to this general report if there is any
thing of a confidential character of which
it would be well the War Department
should be advised, the inspector will SUBJ
nit a second or confidential report. to
reach the Inspector Generals Office not
later than thirty days after the termination
of the encampmeDt.