The Portland daily press., 1892-08-11
NAMES MILITIA
Inspected by Capt. Hall Of the Reg
ular Army.
A REPORT WHICH is NOT VERY
COMPLIMENTARY.

COMPLIMENTARY.
| A Good Deal of Blundering- officers Timid
and Uncertain in Their Duties-One
Evidently the Maine Militia Wants a
Good Deal of Instruction and Disci-
pIine.
Capt. Charles B. Hall of the United
States Army, submits the following re-
port of his observations of the Maine
militia since they have been in camp in
Augusta:
To Acknowledgement Fl. NJ. Sprogue,
augusta, Ne.
Sir-I desire to submit the following
comments upon the exercises of the mill
tia of the State since the arrival in camp
August 8, 1892.
AUGUST 6TH, GUARD MOUNTING, SECOND
REGIMENT AT P. NJ.
Details were not marched on the line
in proper manner. First sergeants and
acting first sergeants uncertain as to
their duties, and brought their details on
at a considerable distance from each 9th
er, necessitating right step or moving
over much ground in dressing. One SER
geant reported his detail to sergeant ma
jor while marching towards him to take
post in rear. Should have reported while
at halt on left of detail. Sergeant ma
jor of regiment appeared under the intlu-
ence of liquor, disrespectful and caused
confusion. Neither non-commissioned
officers or privates steady in ranks.
Two of the first sergeants leaned upon
their rifles during inspection and and
some privates stood with feet apart, turn
ing the head and body about. During
guard mounting one of the detail tainted,
and at once nearly every man in ranks
turned and looked to see what was 60
ing on. At adjutant's command ''pla-
toons right and at the command
march taking their places, two PAGES
from the pivots of platoons verified the
alignment and commanded ''front'
(Par. 221) instead of taking post in front
of center of platoons at preparatory com
mand.
AUGUST 9TH, 1892.
Details brought on the line in much
better shape than yesterday, still too
the right. Non-commissioned officers
seemed uncertain and timid. Sergeant
major was slow and did not appear GER
tain as to his duties. After reporting to
the adjutant, he made left instead OF a
right about in returning to his post
Neither the chief of the second platoon
nor the guides seem to have been in
structed in their duties. The march
past was executed in much better manner
than yesterday. Officers and non-com-
missioned officers should be instructed
by the adjutant prior to the time for
guard mounting. The practice of first
sergeant handing slips of paper showing
the company detail is unnecessary, of no
practical use, and should be discontin-
ued. The officer of the guard can obtain
all information relating to the strength
of the guard from the adjutant. Non
commissioned officers in forming at the
front and center, should remain at car
nv and not 'order arms" Relative rank
Of non-commissioned officers should be
determined and announced before guard
mounting.
GUARD MOUNTING, SECOND REGIMENT,
AUGUST 9TH, 1892.
A marked improvement from yester-
day. The regimental sergeant major
having been under the influence of liquor
at guard mounting yesterday, being slow
and having very little if any knowledge
of his duties, was promptly relieved
from duty by the adjutant. and the guard
was reformed in very fair shape by one
officers were not well posted, seemed
timid and uncertain. This could be
remedied by previous instruction. The
march past very fairly executed. Sec
and platoon lost distance in forming
column of tours, and marched as sepa-
rate command, which should have been,
but was not, observed by the officer of
the guard.
BATTALION DRILL, TUESDAY, A. M,
AUGUST 9TH.
A marked improvement on the drill
from Yesterday. Several officers appeared
wearing dress belts, with fatigue uni
forms. Officers in dressing their COM
| panies in line faced towards them,
| instead of toward the front. Marching
in line, captains should command 'sguide
right or left after the command of the
major "guide CENTRE" according to their
position in line. They should also be
careful to -preserve the distance of three
PAGES between companies. Battalion
commander should explain in detail all
movements before executing same; also
see that each movement is completed be-
| fore beginning another; also that all files
closers give attention and correct errors
| that occur in their fronts. Changing
direction in columns Of tours care should
| be taken that the men turn on same
ground.
! INSPECTION OF COMPANY TENTS, STREETS,
ETC, SECOND REGIMENT, AUG. .,
$50 A. M.
None of the companies as a whole
seem to have an idea what was required
of them when an officer came to the tents
or when called to attention there by the
! the first sergeants. If the men were sit
| ting or lying down, very few of them ap-
peared to think it necessary to rise or
stand at attention, or, if smoking to
cease. They seemed willing to learn, ac-
cepted suggestions, and corrections