Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-10-10

tioas a ne different companies, and 1t
seems to me that those In authority
should require this highly-impertant
part of the training OF the soldier 10 Dc
performed, for without proper knowi-
edge of the use OF his rifle the man hay
ing 1t is of good service in case OF need.
The discipline Of the commands
were good. / saw but two men under
the influence OF liquor, which was
brought from outside, as its sale was
not permitted in the camp. There were
few inmates of the guard-house, ana
those for irregularities commltted
through ignorance of their duty. In
the beginning there was considerSoie
looseness in the matter OF dress, ana IN
saluting officers, but a change lor tne
better was soon made.
The medical officer OF each regiment
was required to attend TO the SICK
thereof, and this duty was performed IN
an admirable manner. An ample sup
ply of medicines was received on the
second day Of the encampment. Eacn
medical officer had a hospital steward
we'll qualified for his work. The wealth
er was as bad as could be. Five days
out OF the six that the troops were IN
camp it rained sometime during the
day, leaving the ground In miserable
condition. Quite a number OF the men,
about thirtY-tive per cent, were treated
for gastric and CASTRO enterid catarrh,
due principally TO change OF food ana
water, but there were no serious cases.
On the last day OF the encampment,
each regiment was reviewed by the
Governor of the State. There not being
room anywhere for the formation ottwo
regiments for review, and l am sure
that better review could not have been
made by any troops who had been In
camp for but six days, and who were
never together before as regiments. Al
ter the review each regiment was In
Spected.
Camp was broken on the morning OF
the ninth, except one company, which
remained until evening, guarding pub
lie property. The departure OF these
men was very orderly. Transportation
to and from camp was paid by the State.
In this connection, it should be stated
that the entire militia of the State could
be concentrated in thirty-six hours.
Payment IS only made TO the troops
when in active service, and then it is
as is paid to officers aud men In the
United States army. ! am of the Opin-
ion that the mode of electing officers
which prevails in this State is very
faulty. Officers who are elected by
the men of their companies are often
found incompetent and are only chosen
because they are good fellows. While
it might be difficult TO retain some OF
the companies IL their officers were APP
pointed by the Governor, after an eX-
animation by Board, the useful
ness Of those remaining would be much
greater if this course was pursued. The
disbandment of such companies as would
be dissatisfied would be positive gain.
The short period allowed for encamp-
ents-six-dayS-is not sufficient Tor
instruction, even il the weather was
favorable. Two weeks would not be
| too much, for that purpose. During
| the present encampment more than
| three-fourths OF the allotted time was
| lost by the bad weather, so that the
actual time for instruction was hardly
| sufficient TO give the men an idea OF
/ their duties. Tents OF regulation pat
! tern should be purchased by the State
for the use Of its troops in active service
or encampment. With them cleanliness
| could be maintained, responsibilities
fixed, and the men would not feel that
\ they were being lodged as cattle
are. Overcoats and blankets should be
| furnished to the entire organization.
/ found men on duty ss sentlnels walking
| their posts In very heavy rain with
10th i5-s,,o. uuBy we're literally drenched.
Ranges or stoves should be supplied in
much larger number, and police materl-
al, such as rakes. shovels, brooms etc,
should Be furnished. Commanding Off
GERS Of companies should be required TO
give more attention to their tactics and
regulations-that they could properly
instruct those under them, and this
should be done whenever practicable.
There Is very good material in the two
regiments, and a proper course of in
struction applied would soon make them
very good soldiers.
To the officers Of the commands l am
Indebted for many cOurtesies, and par
ticuarly ty Brigadler General Albert A.
Franzheim, Commisary General OF Sub
sistence, whose kindness made my stay
pleasant Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
GREGORY BARRETT,
Captain Tenth Infantry,
Inspecting Officer.