New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-09-14
ON THE NAVAL RESERVES.
COMBINATION AND CRITICISM BY THE GOV
ERNMENT INSPECTORS WHO ACCOMPANIED
TIIEM-IMPORTANCE OF THE SER

ERNMENT INSPECTORS WHO ACCOMPANIED
TIIEM-IMPoRTANcE OF THE SER
VICE TO THE NATION.
Washington, Sept. l3-Acting Secretary McAdoo
of the Navy to-day made public the Official reports
on the cruises of the New-York, Pennsylvania and
Massachusetts, naval militia forces on warships In
july and August The vessels used by the New-York
battalion were the New York San Francisco and
New Uampshire and the Pennsylvania reserves
were on the New-York. The report of the board
appointed 10 inspect the New-York Naval Battalion
is in part follows
The militia have had four days drill. prime paily
at great guns boats and signals. The signal men
APPEAR to be quite proficient in the use OF the
Meyers code. The naval general code was USED 100
little to permit any judgment to be passed upon
their experiences with It, The men and officers are
fairly proficient in the handling Of boats under oars
and sail. Although the cabres and carriages Of
this battery are entirely new to all the mitiamen
the gun crews became quite proficient In very
short time. and their drill was good. The gun cap
tains need instruction and experience in pointing
quickly and accurately Good shots were made at
the targets with both main and secondary batter
leg. but would naturally be expected from want
Of dr and practice the gun captains We're sHI
great spirit and zeal and readily mastered the de-
tails OF the drill Still better results would have
been obtained had been exercised In selecting
the men to fill the stations AT the guns accord
ing to their physical development giving the heav-
weight
Opportunity for the militia to acquire professional
knowledge has been very slight. The men are. in
Intelligence and education far above the normal OF
ships crews In the Navy, and they are Jealous;
them. but a weather cruise OF few days
In ship fully manned by servicemen has given no
opportunity for an opinion on the extent or value
OF the professional knowledge Of the Naval mi
la.
1t Is believed that the force could be made ready
and available in very short time for manning a
ship OF war lying In New-York Harbor. Their
efficiency Immediately after embarkation would de-
peni upon their previous instructor by the force
could be furnished for manning two S-nch gun tur-
res of batle-shlp two s-inch guns and the rapid
could also be furnished and number Of very val
liable ariificers.
naval militia Is OF the greatest value an adjunct
to the Navy. and recommends that every practicable
facility BE- given the organization to perfect It's mem
beers In the drills exercises and studies Of the highly
important duty Of forming the interior line Of coast
defence which naturally falls TO a State organiZa-
ton. 1t Is believed TO be Of the utmost importance
to the National Government, assist in every way
the development Of this branch Of the National de-
fence. and especially 10 foster and encourage the
growth OF such organizations on the shores Of the
Great Lakes.
The cruise OF the San Francisco was similar in
all respects that Of the NewYork. OF the proft.s
slonal knowledge OF the men on this ship the board
says that IT very good on boat work, plotting
and general informa lion. but only fair when con-
silered from broad naval point Of view.
The report OF Lieutenant W II schnetze ., who
speaks highly Of the mems intelligence and zeal
They We're cheerful. and prompt in obeying orders,
worked hard and seemed never 10 tire notwith-
standing the unusual labor. to which few II any Of
them accustomed. 1t seems to Lieutenant
Schuetze that the battalion. excepting the officers.
many OF whom were formerly naval officers. must
be looked upon as composed OF andsmen.
The report on the Massachusetts, Naval Brigade
IS sufficiently proficient In infantry tactics and
handling boats. The men were Of a high order OF
intelligence ana would Win small an, amount o;
United States ship of