The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-12-19
M0BlLIzING THE TROOPS.
Information Secured on whioh This
Gonld nuiokiy liz Done.


Gonld nuickiy liz Done.
WASHINGTON. Dec. IL. --Immodiatsly upon
taking charge OF the war portfolio, aeors-
tary Elkins announced plan OF rsorgani.
cation In general order 10 the asmy. nrir.
Gen. Williams. adiutans general Of The
army, was placed in charge Of tho divinion
of military information, with Major Macs
Arthur. assistant ad jutant general, NJ asnist-
ant in charge. Selections of other officers
for duty in tho roofganized diviaion we're
slowly made after careful elaboration, and
the division has already demonstrated its
ability to carry ont practically and success
fully tho plans prescribed by the secretary
es war
A system has been adopted by which in-
formation has been obtained, setting forth
in every detail matters concerning the cons
dition Of the national quad Of each Of the
states and territories. Not only In tho or
ganization In each state generally outlined.
but details of the organization are specifics
ally set forth in tabular form, so that In a
time OF war or other emergency. whether
local or national, the governor of any state
in the union, az we'll rs the commanding
general of tile federal forces. could bo al
once furnished with tabnlated sheets show
ing every detail of organization that could
be required by a military commander.
In addition to this separate page shows
y
points within each state. designating cen.
tral points at which troops can be conoen-
trated within the state. points OF concen-
tration for service outside the state, time
required for concentration within or out
SIDE the state, and the percentage that
would turn out under arms for sixty days.
The exhibit would also furnish information
as to the armament of the state tnoops,
equipment, uniform, clothing, etc. On the
third page of the exhibit would be furnished
information in detail regarding ammuni-
tion, character and amount in hand of
troops. amount that could be supplied ON
arrival ut points OF concentration. camp
and garrison equipage, meas outfit, sub
aistence, etc. In other words the exhibit
referred to would contain in the aimplest
| arrangement the most complete data ab-
tainabe from beginning to end Of the state
organization.
! It is proposed to consolidate all the data
relating to the states In general memo-
randum on the subject. setting forth simi-
larly all information that could be required
in concentrating federal and state troops
| at any point in the union in any given
time. Information will also be tabuiated
showing every water course, railroad and
| other avenue of transportation to and from
all the central points Of tie United States.
| The president and commanding general OF
the army will be enabled at any time to
mobilize the entire available force of the
| army, regular. state and volunteer, at any
place, aud distribute them as his Judgment
requires. without any of the delay that
would be involved by having to make in-
| quiry on the subject.
The operations of the division of miIi-
tary information will not be confined to
this country. Methods are perfecting by
| which military information will be OBJ
tanned in regard to every country on the
face of the globe. 1t 10 the purpose of the
department. to extend its inquiries In every
direction in order that the division may
become the repository Of data concerning
the modern military establishments, arma-
ments and methods of ali countries.