The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-10-28

right shoulder a: the preparatory command for
marching in quick time.
Second-If at the order or carry, bring the
piece to the right shoulder at the command
double time.
Third-A disengaged baud in double time is
held as when without arms.
Fourth-If at the right shoulder. left shoulder,
or trail, bring the piece to the order on halt
ing: the execution Of the order and halt com
mence at the same instant.
Flfth-When the facings, side step. back step.
alIgnments, open and closed ranks and loadings
are executed at the order, raise the piece to the
trail while in motion, and resume the order on
hating. When this rule applies to otler move
ments. 10 is therein stated
1l3. In the battle exercise. or whenever cir
cuulstenceS require, the regular positions of the
manual OF arms and the flrings may he ordered
without re gard to tue previous positions of the
piece such movements as are not in the manual
viii be executed without regard to motions or
cadence. 1t is laid down as principle that the
effective use of the weapon is not to be i'm
peded by the formalities of drill
The Importance attached to the squad in
the new tactics has already been referred
to. We find complete series of instruc-
lions for the squad interposed between the
school of the soldier and the school of the
company. One of its objects is to give the
corporal in charge of the squad complete
familiarity and confidence in his duties as
squad leader, while the positions of the men
in the squad are also frequently inter
changed, go that they may be accustomed
to all places. Arguments, mGrchings,
flrings and turnings in the squad, and baYo-
net exercises ere here set forth. The bayo-
net exercises are condensed, and others may
be added in the discretion of company com
manders, and according to the ingenuity of
instructors.
The school of the company begins by de-
claring that ''the company is grouped into
SO uads under the leadership and immedi>
ate control Of the non commissioned of-
fcers. :"
$50. The four or squad consists of four files, a
corporal and seven privates; the corporal is the
squad leader
49,. The term four is used in the commands
and explanations OF the close order drill; the
term squad in the extended order drill
182 Two or three squads form section under
a sergeant as chief of section; the section is
used in the extended order drills: it is not a
subdivision for movements in close order.
1873. The company IS divided into two
platoons, each platoon in two sections.
Experienced privates are assigned as leaders
of such squads as have no corporals. The squad
leader is covered in the rear rank by a reliable
man. who acts as leader in his absence
If any man OF the front rank is absent he is
replaced by his rear rank man.
The handling of companies when acting
alone is an important part OF the new regu-
lations. The directions as to the positions
of officers and non commissioned officers
ton for a company or for q column of
platoons are effected by the right or left
turn instead of by wheeling. There are new
movements for the company in column of
platoons, aud additional formations from
columns Of tours into column of companies,
and vice versa, while changing direction.
The maneuvers in forming ia column; Of
fours and line of Dlatoons are increased.
In the school Of the battalion the rules are
ami ica hia n W. ~ uinS
exceeding six, and the order of companies is
laid down under all circumstances. TIE
evolutions of the regiment suppose twelve
companies, or three equal battalions but
the system is easily applicable to smaller
number OF companies. as in fast the present
organization Of our regular infantry would
require. But instead of double colun is and
movements by wings we have these forma-
tlOns:
81. The regiment is formed by battalions. in
line in line of platoon columns. or in line of
masses, at the discretion of the colonel.
IL may also be formed In separate lines In any
of the above formations.
The extended order, which is a very strik
ing part of the new tactics. further brings
out the Importance of the squad:
SOP The squad is the basis of extended order.
Men will be taught to regard the squad as the
rated; but if the squad should be broken up or
the men become separate. they place them
sc Ives under the orders of the nearest leader
and remain with his squad as if it was the one
to which they originally belonged
Officers aud sergesn will give their atten
ton to preserving the integrity of the squads
they appoint new leaders 10 replace those dis
abled, organize new squads when necessary,
and see that every man is placed in squad
From the squad the new regulations pro-
coed to the platoon and the company in ex-
tended order. The rules for firing are very
carefully laid down. Anything less than 800
yards is snort range; long range covers
from 800 to 400 yards, and extreme range
from l 400 to 2 900 yards
The normal interval between skirmishers
is two PAGES, but greater or less may be
taken. The deployments and rallies are
carefully explained and battle exercises laid
down. The normal interval between squads
is about fifteen PAGES; that bet~ cen sections
of two squads each is about thirty PAGES
that bet ween sections Of three squads each
is forty-fvs. The platoon forms line of
sections. and the methods of reinforcing
the firing line are set forth:
SRI. In battle formation, when part of bat
talon, the company is in two echelons, a firing
line and support. In battalion, the fighting
front OF a company is usually twice it's front in
close order.
Acting alone the company is in three eche-
Ions, firing line, support, and a reserve.
The various ceremonies follow in the drill
regulations. winding up with instructions
on the sword manual, marches, camping,
advance and rear guard, outposts, street
fighting, and trumpet signals.