New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-20
PLANS OF THE SQUADRON.
THE AUTUMN MANoEUVRES-VALUE OF THI
TRAINING TO THE NAVAL MEN AND
TO TILE REsERNE.

I
TO THE RESERVE
Washington July 10 (specian.-When the Squadron
Of Evolution completes its programme with the New
York Naval Militia, attention will be turned TO the
contemplated autumn manOeuvres the details of which
have not vet been arranged IL Is about decided that
these manoeuvres will take place in september. and
that the theatre Of operations will be at some place
or a number Of places along the Atlanuc seaDoau
| between Portland, Ne. and Delaware Bay. 1t has
also been settled that the Naval Militia wherever its
organization warrants such participation. Will be
invited TO ioin in the man0euvres. The militia, II IS
likely will be called upon to defend its locality when
the attacking party puts in an appearance The gen.
era scheme at present arranged. contempates the
division of an enlarged squadron Of evolution into TWO
bodies Of about equal efficiency one party VIII rep
resent the enemy, and It's movements and intentions
will he unknown to the other party beyond the fact
that some portion or portions Of the coast described
will be subjected to attack. Certain attained posi-
tions at Indicted points will represent successful
expedition on the part Of the "enemy.' The other
division Of the squadron will be charged with the de-
fence Of the coast.
II should not be overlooked that in the present
week the regular service is being as greatly behchteu
a. il the militia and that the exercises are preparing
The officers and men for the greater experiments Of
the fall. At that time the experience Will acquaint
the officers with the weak points Of our coast III
will show the means OF acquiring information along
tie coast and In Just what condition are the quahuy
and quantity Of our defence. 1t VIII demonstrate te
nropcr disposition Of forces TO cover the most I'LL
notant or the most vulnerable point 1t is expected
moreover 10 develop the defects which can never DC
otherwise tood-dcfcct Of structure in the ships
themselves in the general organization Of the force
aud in partcuar ship organization. 1t Will in other
| words put the new Navy on ulal. 1t Is the eSr
senally practical character OF this scientific expert
mcnt of Secretary Tracy that surrounds II with Nauo
| and importance. ~
In tbe exercises that Just closed at Boston the naval
authorities obtained much valuable information, al
though one week was hardly sufficient time IN whch
~ hiring out the great defects Of construction and
organization.
| Assistant Secretary sOley. who has probably done
] more than any other man toward bringing into eNiSE
cnce a paval militia, witnessed the exercises at Bos-
| Ton "They were OF great value both 10 lle nceO
and TO the local organization, be said to The Tribune
correspondent "The development OF the Naval Mill
to + an experiment and destined if II succeeds, To
bove hghly important results. The weeks practice rs
Roston demonstrated that 1t will be success Inc
naval officers who saw it were unanimous IN the
opinion. There was no play about the lAan0eu'rNe'
They meant business from beginning to end ana tlie
admirable training OF the militia "d' tio Su''Ns' U
remark on all sides.
- Apart from the effect upon the militia. the prac-
uce obtained by the <uadrOn was Of great value Inc
sham battle, like that which took place on lhurSday
evening where the boats Of the Naval battalion maze
torpedo attack the feet the latter defending ltseI
m the use of the search lights and with the secondary
battery and the small arms, Is worth weeks OF Ordinary
routne drill not only In adding the Best OF compeutoh
Tu in conforming nearly as possible 10 the condl
,ions of actual warfare The may be said oil the
oraccment at Deer Island where Lieutenant MASON
commanded the defensive force and COMMANDER 'hdh
wick the attack. In both Of these the local orsahlE
tion took part, but the feet less than the militia
cot the benefit Of the practice.
In all particulars which 20 to make ericeht olue
,actets In drill discipline bearing qucknesS Oh sp-
nrphension and even In target practice the militia
showed remarkable proficiency" , -, A.,
As Mr.. Soley suggests, more can DC ledrucu W tlo
mon OF the Navy under the stimulus oi c0mpeuuI1n
and the circumstances Of battle than III ur teulUus
rorllarty OF routine. great dcnl was elrged Ior
instance. about the manipulation OF seaich les uni @
Ing the Boston exercises where previously th'D leauro
nj Naval equipment was understood onp - "'o'"'"
zeal cOntrivance a.. .,o nonart
TIc Naval Militia Will be encouraged by the Depart
ont with the end In view OF having reserve tofcc
Hr me Navy at points likely 70 be 4ttackod !us' a. o.
nc National Guard supports the ReEular ALIS. 80
.ddition the ganzatOns AT New 1ork anu I-Uou, -
Ipr. Is . battalion Of thirty-eglt men IN lii hno
island another Of forty men In NOrh aionLi' "
.imlar organizations are proposed al bui W
20 operate upon Lake Champain' at hoGhesVI, ord
,o operate upon Lake Ontaro az CiexeelhItu ,ro. @
ner6lt Mich. There Is also law In CanIorha,t Ia tbe
dinC for Naval battalion. II will be seen IV Iii iii
Mea Is growing. and that before long Tue navy WA