Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-11-05


and instructions. Most of the officers have
good capacity for their work but lack ex-
psrience. However, all grades seemed
willing to make the most Of their oppor-
tunities. The rank and file, as q rule, are
young men, large proportion Of the re-
cent acquisitions being minors. They are
not we'll set up. Some few appeared to DO
physically disqualified for service. BY are
cent order recruits must be examined and
pronounced able bodied before they are ac-
copied. II required for hard service there
would have to be wedding out.
Companies are required by law to drill
one day each year usually in june, and
from three to eight days by regiment or
brigade at the annual encampment usually
for five days in August. course Of in
struction for this encampment had been
prepared by Gen. Greenleaf, which included
marches, outpost duty, conveys and recon-
noissauces; but there was such largo num-
Der of details required to prepare for tho
celebration on the 10Th instant, 80 many OF
the men were new to camp life Vrom one
third to one-halO, aud some of the conf
panies so far behind in the ordinary forma-
tion and drill that a large part of the scheme
was abandoned. There were only II hours
to devote to drills, and the time was all used
and good progress made A beginning was
made in school OF tho company and skirmish
drill; then battalion drill, four companies
under the majors and 10 companies under
colonel and lieutenant colonel of the regi-
meat. Tho officers and guides were poorly
prepared for battalion drill, due to the fact
that many OF them were new TO the business,
and they have no practice In this drill ex
cept at camp. At tho termination of the
encampment the regiment made a creditable
appearance The light battery drill was
good, considering the horses are unframed.
The officers and mon are we'll up in their
duties. In the manual OF the piece they arc
excellent
A camp guard was mounted each iav,
consisting OF TWO officers, five non commits
stoned officers and 72 privates from the regi-
ment, about II per cent Of the command
The duty was poorly performed but that
was no matter of surprise when it was
found that sentines did not even know the
name OF the camp; neither did they know
the name OF the commanding officer, nor
the officers authorized to give them orders
Tho exceptions, a few, vera noticeable.
Park and stable guards were mounted In the
batteries.
Dress parade by tho regiment was hold
each day, at first unsatisfactory, but at the
last nearly perfect, the alisments excellent,
| and distance between companie, good when
| marching in service after the parade was
| dismissed
! Some progress has been male in target
| practice during the year, but it is not salts
| factory. The allowance of ammunition
| about % rounds per man is much too
small; it should be doubled and the COM
palies provided with reloading tools, an al
|
of butts and targets made. Every member
of the company should be required to prac-
,ce both in the gallery and on the range as
part of his duties and instruction, and, if
nrc .ssary, half of the day fixed for the June
drill should be devoted to range practice
under the supervision of an officer ordered
out for that purpose.
During the civil war Vermont was repre-.
sented by e-tenth OF her population now
but one In 900 is receiving military instruc-
| ton. The National Guard is too small. II
IS believed that battalion could be- formed
in burlington and separate companies in @
number OF other places IN the State. la
yiew of these facts | would recommend that
an additional regiment OF infantry be added
to the forces of the State, a troop OF cavalry
for headquarter guards aud escort and or
DERBY duty, and the organization OF a hosp
tai corps, these last two organizations tC
relieve the line from the large drain now
made upon it by details for this class oil
work.
There are many arguments for and against
having permanent site for the State camp
While the public interest may be increased
In localities by temporary camps, economy
of transportation. OF time, and systemati,
instr action certainly favor the selection an,
purchase OF a centrally located camp. Nor
time should be devoted to the study Of guarl
duty at the armories. The whole compan,
should receive actual as we'll as Theoretical
and simulated Instruction in this branch be
fore coming to camp, and at camp schoo
should be established under a competen
officer, and each evening the detail for guar,
for the following day should be required t
attend for examination and instruction. !
school for non commissioned officers shout,
likewise be held in camp, which all shout,
be required to attend, for recitation in tao
tics and instruction In the duties OF guide
and the customs OF service.
This was my fourth visit to the apnua
encampment OF the Vermont Nationa
Guard, and am much interested in its vel
ware. | did not realize before how nue.
could be accomplished in so short a tim
with the unframed troops as | saw then
first at tho armories and afterward at camu
The result is duo to the character of tn
men comprising the rank and file and tn
ability and experience Of the officers com
manding. | was cordially received wit
many marks of favor and friendship b
every grade, and desire to thank all TO
the uni 'orm courtesy and kindness show
during my visit to the armories and sojour!
in camp.
NORWICH UNIVERSITY NOTES.
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