The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-03-17
UNITED STATES ARMY NOTES

Compiled for the standard.
Referring to the effect of the late wom-
ans convention at Washington upon the
then pending legislation the Army
Register editorially says: The distin-
gulshed women of the country who were
recently assembled in convention in this
city are responsible for the failure in con-
gress of the bill authorizing the detail of
army officers as instructors at public
schools and colleges of the country, and
the issue, by the war department. of ord
nance material necessary for the practi-
cal work of the lads. Apparently, these
good women took the sentimental point
of view. They seemed to fear that edu-
eating school boys IN the military art
would instill in them warlike ideas, which
ultimately would be dangerous to them
selves and disadvantageous to the coun-
try. Representative Coombs of Brooklyn,
il will be remembered, was the author of
the bill. MIR. Coombs exercised energy
and judgment in endeavoring to secure
favorable action on the measure. He was
encouraged in his course by prominent
members of the Grand Army of the Re-
public in New York state, including
particularly Gen. George w. Win
gate, special aide-de-camp on the
stall of the commander-in-chief in charge
of military instruction in public schools.
In letter addressed to General Wingate,
under date of Feb %, Mr.. Coombs writes
that the bill in question has received n
black eye, as the woman's convention in
session at Washington has come out
against it. Mr.. Coombs says that the bill
came before the house on the 21st, but
that it was objected to by Mr.. Mchfillin
of Tennessee and Mr.. Black of Illinois.
He adds that he thought the measure had
clear sailing, all known obstacles having
been removed, but that it is now dead. In
commenting upon the Coombs letter a
few days ago, General Wingate said that
apparently the women we're impressed
with the idea that TO drill boys as soldiers
tends to inspire them with "unladylike
ideas and with a thirst for warfare which
would make them want to go out and kill
somebody and thus drench the country
in gore" He added, and the Register agrees
fully with his remarks, that it is a great
misfortune that such a meritorious bill
should have been defeated as a result of
mistaken notions by the school boys
mothers and sisters who took part in the
recent convention. 1t is cause for sincere
regret that these well-meaning but mis-
guided women should have permitted SON.
timent to control their judgment.
Mothers should know and sisters fully
appreciate that the highest, noblest duty
of the American boy is to defend his coun-
try in the hour of need, and that to the
end that he could well discharge this
responsibility. 1t is necessary that he
should first have obtained a preliminary
grounding in the soldiers work.
Further notifications in army regula-
lions have been made. Tho changes af-
feet the quartermaster generals and the
inspector generals departments. One in
particular relating TO the former depart
ment concerns payments made on ac-
count of purchases and services. On the
subject the following has been adopted,
and made notes explanatory of a new
blank form:
when the aggregate amount of sup
plies required does not exceed $500, open
purchases should not be resorted to; if,
without detriment to the service, consoli- |
dation of purchases exceeding $500 in the |
aggregate can be made or anticipated. |
When tho amount does not exceed $500 |
that fact is apparent on the face of the re- |
port, but an explanation of the necessity
for an open market purchase will still be |
given. When the prices are fixed or uni |
form, when proposals are above market |
invited and mono received, a mere state |
nent of the fact is sufficient, except that |
IN the latter case tho length of notice |
given should be stated, together with |
Tacts, if any, making short notice neces-
'ary. In making the required report. the |
specific authority, if any, under which
zach expenditure is made will be stated
md the file mark of the Office noted"
The first proofs of the revised army
equations have been received at the war
department. and arc now being corrected
~ the authorities. 1t is only down to a
certain stage that tho printing can go
until pending questions are settled. The
everal paragraphs must be numbered
but this cannot we'll be
lone If later or additional new sections
re introduced. So far the public printer
las been unable TO give an estimate of
he cost of printing and binding, owing to