The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1896-08-21
fHE NAVAL
MILITIA ROASTED.
OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE
BOARD OF INSPECTORS.
Charleston Militiamcn Sit & om mrortably
In the Stern Sheets and Expect
the Officers to Row Theme
Lack of Discipline.

South Carolina's Naval Militia is
quite sharply criticised by the board
OF naval affairs appointed to make an
inspection of the palmetto Reserve"
In their official report to the Secretary
of the Navy of the inspection made at
Charleston, June 18th, 10th and 18th,
the board states that the professional
knowledge, outside of plotting, boat
sailing and of engines of the South
Carolinians, is very mengre.
''In the first division-the Charles.
ton division-there were evidences OF
much lack of discipline. The senior
officers seemed to have no idea of the
habit of command, nor to have sufli-
cient control over their men. When
cmbarking in cutters it was noticeable
that tho enlisted men seated them
selves comfortably in the stern sheets
and expected the officers to take their
oars. When spoken to regarding this
state of affairs, the militia officers adj
mitted that there was but little discip.
line in the division.
Tho discipline of the second wat
somewhat better than that of the first,
and that of the third Tor Beaufort) di.
vision was very good. The men OF the
third were we'll set up; the officers
gave their commands well, and obedi-
ence was quick and prompt. Both Of
ficers and men of this division appear
to take more interest, and to be more
eager to learn, than those of the other
divisions
The commander is tug engineer,
and, with all the other officers, has no
knowledge of naval life or customs,
nor of men-of-war and naval weapons,
and it is not reasonable to expect great
results under such conditions. We
think it highly advisable that moni-
tor, with suitable boats. be furnished
this com mmand and that line officer OF
the naTy be ordered in command 20
act as Instructor. The executive Of
ficer, although n very pleasant and in
telligcnt gentleman, did not seem to
actively enter upon the performance
of the duties Of his office. or to seek
knowledge relative thereto.
The uniforms SO far rs the enlisted
men concerned are absolutely insult
able. They are the same for Office rs
and men, as they had when they were
| in the militia under the war depart
ment, slight changes have been made
| to give naval aspect without much
| regard for correctness. 1t is recon-
mended that tn y be requested to use
the State instead of tue national shield,
and to put tie letters IS. G." above
the cap device, after tho manner Of
the Georgia Naval Militia; we also
recommend that, ii possislc, the pres
ent large stock OF obsolete navy uni
| forms he served out to the naval
militia.
| Efficiency in the various ratings Is
only fair. Some of the petty officer e
bid fair, under proper discipline and
instruction, to become excellent lead
ing men. Several of these showed
remarkable zeal and earncstness 10
learn.
The State has not made very liberal
appropriations for the naval militia,
aud the manner of appointing officers
will be improved when the bills now
pending before the Legislature be.
comes law. There is no question
that this organization is badly handi.
capped for want of suitable appliances,
such as n monitor or vessel OF some
sort, few boats, a number of copie.
of our drill books, proper uniforms
and above all, q graduate of the Navu
Academy as instructor.
In the three divisions there are 16C
men. In the first J3, second So ana
the third 60.