Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-06-11

Nw lE1 much interesting in
I'M ~ formation and a great
rAS>sC HSsAAs.S deal of good, sound
advice. 1t will take q
few days to digest this latter, and by the time
that has been accomplished the readers of the
National Guard column Of The STAR will be
ready for the information. Here is an extract
from the circular, and it will pay every officer
and enlisted man in the brigade to read it slowly
and with the mental eye wide open:
"The efficiency Of the volunteer force con-
sists in their ability to march, maneuver and
fight.
THE weapon of the officer ia his Giving ma
chine gun-the fire of the men he controls.
All drills lead up to getting men with the great
est ease and rapidity where they are wanted for
action. Any officer who is content with only
bringing men to this point falls short of his full
duty, for he stops in his military proficiency
exactly where his war preparation ought to
commence.
Everything that encourages shooting is de-
sirable 1t would be better to have all men
qualified in the first class, but all ought to be
marksmen Of the third class at least
at is not sound policy to encourage man to
shoot at long ranges until he is reasonably GER
tain at short range. Fine shooting at long
range emphasizes what can be done with the
rifle thoughtfully mastered. 1t is keenly inter-
esting and affords a field for those whose time
and skill prompt work there; it may be useful
in service, but its chief value is to develop COM
petent range finders in the ranks. 1t is at
shorter ranges where the weight Of fire will tell
Reliable shooting there is more important than
extraordinary work at extreme ranges.
1.-The general efficiency of the militia rs state
troops will be raised more by persistent, faith
ful work at 200 yards than seeking to merely
make such range stepping stone to putting the
most Of the time and expanding the greater
part of the ammunition on the higher classes of
craftsmanship,
short range and is capable Of exceptional skill at
the longer range, every proper facility should
be given hin, to perfect himself, but this should
not be done SO as to restrict the ammunition
provided for the company who need the more
vital work OF short-range practice. -l
Military shooting must be the work of men
who are good soldiers, and so rightly proficient
with their arm. The mere crack shots, who put
In the bare requirements to enable them to
present themselves in competitions. and are I'M
willing to help their more struggling brethren
forward in the path Of shooting, and wear the
cloth solely as background for medals, have
their reward.
GALLERY INSTRUCTION.
/, "Without proper preliminary work in the
armory 1t is useless to expect good results on
the range. This should be made the duty Of
oollC ouCCE VI OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OWc6r WIN
an interest in thorough work, fitted by expert
ence or natural aptitude to be patient and ju-
dlcious In instruction. Knowing the men, in
dlvidual wants can be studied and defects over
come before the man, after a senseless waste of
ammunition, is discouraged with his wretched
firing on the range. The only reason WHY any
man can miss the target shot after shot hanks
back to culpable neglect in bis instruction in
the armory.
PIEID WORE
mo man should be permitted to FIRE on the
range until he understands the elementary
principles Of shooting. The responsibility of
seeing that this real work is properly done is
within the province Of the inspector Of rifle
practice
If recruit cannot see the target at 200
yards he ought to serve his state in some other
capacity than as o soldier"
SECRETARY ELKINs SUBMITS FEW REMARKS
Gen. Ordway has always been fortunate in
possessing the esteem Of the Secretary of War,
no matter what gentleman might be occupying
that position. The intimacy resultant from
this personal and official affection was advan-
tageously apparent during the administration
OF Secretary Proctor, but there is promise of
relations quite as close and quite as pleasant
with Secretary Elkins. Those who want to
know where there is authority for such state
ment may find it in the following letter, written
by Secretary Elkins to Gen. Ordway:
my Dear Sir: am in receipt of an informal
note calling my attention to the circular issued
from headquarters, District of Columbia militia.
November 20, 1888, regarding the proposed or
ganization of q battalion in the National Guard
OF the District, to consist of four companies to
be composed exclusively of employees of the
government and to be known as the depart
ment battalion, one company of which was to
consist of employees in the State, War and Navy
md asEI
views with regard to the same.
AS you may be aware, the subject of the
National Guard organizations throughout the
country has been one Of special interest to me-
and already l have taken pains to direct that
every effort be made to bring the National
Guard into closer relationship with the FEEDER al
army. 1t would be most natural, therefore,
that should heartily sympathize with whatever
effort might be made to encourage the District
OF Columbia authorities to extend and improve
their military organizations in this city. From
what have seen of them am convinced that
their efficiency has already been raised TOT
high standard, and to maintain that standard
while at the same time enlarging their num-
bers, should be regarded as of great import
ance. 30 far as am concerned, think the
idea involved in the department battalion is a
good one, and should be given announcement.
1t would be pleasing to me, therefore, to know
that the War Department at least,had furnished
the full quota expected Of it, and I should
Ike 70 see the company one of the
largest and best organized in the District. I
desire, therefore, to say that shall be pleased
| to see you at any time and to confer with YOU
regarding the subject with the view Of. st,mu-
lating the military spirit Of the young men Of
my department, in order that they might enter
more fully into sympathy with the proposed
plan. Certainly we have as good material in
the War Department as can be found anywhere
| for splendid military organization, and am
sure that the employees have but to be properly
approached in order to inspire them with that
feeling which will make them strive to rival. il
possible. any other similar organization in the
District Of Columbia"
ENGINEERS AND Pl0EoNs
Tho engineer corps held it's monthly meeting
on Monday evening. As SO many Of the corps
are students the present number Of college
commandments are interfering with the at
| tendance at both meetings and drills. Alex.
Gordon, IT,, and R. p. Carleton were elected
members and enlisted.
DR.. Reginald Munson gave an interesting ad-
dress concerning "homing pigeons" which ex-
cited considerable discussion.
1t 10 under consideration by Gen Ordway
whether this method Of sending dispatches can
not be taken up as part of the practice and
study OF the engineer corps, at least to that ex-
tent that experts and ''homers'' would be
available IN case Of necessity. As q pertinent
I Ia a. Al - 4