The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-06-24
FARMER BOYS DRILL.
They Win the Approval OF the United
States Army Insuector

Sir: 1 have the honor to submit the
following report of an inspection OF
the military department OF Clemson
Agricultural College made on the 30th
instant, Captain E. B. Fuller, Seventh
Cavalry, is in charge of the depart
ment, having assumed this duty on
June 13, 1895. The president of the
college reports him TO be eminently
satisfactory in every respect and pos
sessed of conspicuous ability in his
department. He teaches physics and
is in charge of the cadet mess; for this
extra service he receives 81, 200 per an
mum and use of quarters free of rent.
The college authorities are all favora'
bly, disposed towards the military de-
partment and give it reasonable and
efficient support. However, the time
allowed for theoretical instruction is
not sufficient to accomplish the best
results.
Number in college. e............ 279
Number present at Inspection. 233
Number without uniform. 2
Number absent. t................ 26
| Sick, 8
With leave, 2
Without leave, 4.
Recruits, 2.
Physical disability 9.
Present and absent. 279
Those cadets reported without uni
form have been unable to secure them
from the contractor through no fault
of their own, or of the college author
tiles.
The cadets are organized into reg
inaent of two batallions with a full
complement of officers, except the
colonel and lieutenant colonel. The
msjors are graduates of the South
Carolina Military Academy, and also
instructors in the academic depart
ment.
The ceremony of review was hand
somely and accurately executed. The
march past, alignment, &c., were
good. The general appearance and
bearing of the cadets during inspection
were very good. The arms were in
very good condition-cleaner than U.s.
ual in similar institutions. The uni
forms, as q rule, were clean and neat
there were several pairs of soiled
gloves noticed. The stepup of the
cadets was noticeably good. Every.
thing-bearing, conduct and general
Observation-Disclosures a healthy con-
dition and intelligent conscientious
work on the part Of the responsible
officers.
Each battalion was drilled in the
close order movements of the drill
regulations. Each acquitted itself with
credit; all movements were executed
without an error in command, and
with commendable accuracy in detail.
The only deficiencies noticed were Of
the kind that practice and drill will
speedily correct. The setting-up ex-
ercises were well done. The command
was not prepared to 60 through the
bayonet exercise. Each captain was
prepared to drill his company through
the close order movements of company
drill, including the manual Of arms;
each did well-ne deficiencies of any
moment were observed. There has
been no drill in the extended order; it
will be taken up later. There has
been no practical instruction in minor
tactics, no target practice. and no sig
Mailing with heliograph or lantern.
Four stations were established and q
message of sixteen words was sent
through the flag without error in thir-
ty.one minutes.
There has been no instruction in ar
tillery beyond instructing a detach-
ment sufficiently to fire salute. The
college authorities hope to secure 80
breech-loader.
A guard is maintained daily after
the West Point system.
Three quarters of an hour per day.
except Saturdays and Sundays, is de.
voted to practical instruction.
The theoretical instruction includes
army regulations, guard manual, ele-
ments of military science and drill
regulations. One hour per week is
allotted to this instruction, which is
attended by the seniors and Juniors.
The graduating class was assembled
and questioned on the course. The re-
suit was not as satisfactory as the pro-
ficiency in the practical course led me
to expect; this feature of the military
department needs more attention and
requires more time for its proper oe-
velopment.
CAPTAIN Fuller is exceptionally we'll
qualified for his duties, by nature, ex-
perience and professional attainments.
he has been handicapped in his work
here during the past year by frequent
and somewhat prolonged absence on
duty, none of which, however, could
have been avoided, except the detail
with the South Carolina Militia last
summer. He should not be detached
for such work, for this school does not
stop operation during the summer.
Tho session begins in March and con-
tinues until December 80. For this
reason this institution should be in
spected in October or November.
The military department is in a very
satisfactory condition, showing i'm
provement and development at every
turn over last year. Itshould be con-
tinued. Very respectfully,
E. A. DARLINGTON,
Major, Inspector General.