Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-12-17
M08ILIZiNG OUR TROOPS.
Information Secured on Which This Could
Quickly be Done.

washington, Dec. 16.-lmmediately
upon taking charge of the war portfolio
Secretary Elkins announced plan of re-
organization in a general order TO the army.
Brig Gen. Williams. adluiant general OF
the army, was placed in charge of the di-
vision of military information, with Major
Macarthur, assistant adjutant general, as
assistant in charge. Selections of other
officers for duty in the re-organized division
were slowly made after careful delibera-
ton, and the division has already demon
strated its ability to carry ont practically
and successfully the plans prescribed by the
secretary of war.
A system has been adopted by which in
formation has been obtained, setting forth
in every detail matters concerning the con
dition of the national guard OF each of the
states and territories. Not only is the or
ganization in each state generally outlined,
but details of the organization are specih-
callv set forth u tabular form, so that IN a
time of war or other emergency, whether
local or national, the Governor of any state
in the union, as well as the commanding
general of Federal forces, could be al once
furnished with tabuhted sheets showing
every detail of organization that could be
/ required by military commander.
! In addition to this separate page shows
| the system of mobilization at certain gwen
points within each state, designating cen
/ trail points at which troops can be concen-
trated within the state, points of coneentra-
/ ton for service outside of the state, time
/ required for concentration within or outside
/ the state, and the percentage that would
turn ont under arms for 90 days. Tie ex-
/ hibit would also furnish information as to
the armament of the state troops. equip
ment uniform, clothing, etc.
On the third page of the exhibit would he
furnished information in detail regarding
ammunition, character, and amount IN hand
of troops, amount that could be supplied on
arrival at points of concentration, camp anu
garrison equpage, mess outfit, subsistence,
etc. In other words, the exhibit referred
to would contain in the simplest arrange
mont the most complete data obtalnable
from beginning to end Of the state organ
ization.
1t is proposed to consolidate all the data
relating to the states in general memo
randum on the subject, setting forth sini-
larly all information that could bc required
in concentrating federal and state troops at
any point in the Union in any given time.
Information will also be tabulated showing
every water course, railroad, and other
avenue of transportation TO and from all
the central points of the nited 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. and distribute them as his judgement
requires, without any of the delay that
would be involved by having to make IN
uuiry on the subject
The operations of the Division of Military
Information will rot be confined to this
country. Methods are perfeeting by which
military information viii be obtained IN re-
GARD TO every country on the face OF the
globe. Ii is the purpose of the department
to extend its inquiries in every direction in
order that the division may become the re-
pository of data concerning the modern
military establishments, armaments, and
methods of all countries.