Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-27
MAJOR WAGNER MEETS OLD FRIENDS
While Visiting in Augusta Some Interesting
Facts on military Affairs.

WV "" '"'''s~'y
| Major A. L. Wagner of Washington,
| D. c., was among one of the most in
| terested and admiring witnesses of the
drill of Troop F, at Togus, Wednesday
afternoon, and a most pleasing incident
| 10th to him and Captain Dodd was a
meeting after separation of % years
They were in the service together as
cadets. Time served to separate them
Major Wagner has been making a
visit in Augusta on leave of absence
from his duties at Washington, as the
on military matters in the office of the
adjutant general. On learning of Cap
tain Dodds visit at Togus. he was glad
enough of the opportunity of seeing
him, and Captain Dodd was likewise
pleased.
Major Wagner and Captain C. C.
Morton. who was also at the drill,
Wednesday, We're together in the 9Th
Infantry, the latter now still be-
ing with that regiment. Their meeting,
though not unexpected, was pleasant
and Major Wagner Will go to Portland.
today, to make a visit with his former
comrade in the service.
Major Wagner's position in Washing
ton, brings him in touch with informa-
ton regarding military matters in
every country. The object of the de-
partment is to gain information in re-
gard to the armies of all coun ,ries, and
the improvements in military arms
and ammunition; and the methods of
drill and instruction, etc, with a view
to having it available for dissemna-
ton to the National Guard of this
country and all who may desire it.
Major Wagner, by request, kindly
gave Journal correspondent some
very interesting information on vari-
Gus subjects.
In answer to questions regarding the
calibre of shooting arms now in use,
Major Wagner said that the rifles and
carbines of the United States army is
about the same as that of other coun-
tries. The calibre is 80. Modern
science has opened a diversity of opin-
ion on the comparative merits of the
destructive force of the 80 calibre and
| those larger. 1t has resulted in the
gradual reduction from 50 and even as
high as SO to the present size, and in
the change in shape from the ball to
the bolt shaped projectile, so that the
the bow and arrow.
| In the new arms smokeless powder
| is generally being used. That in use by
the English against the natives in In
dia is the Lee Metford rifle of 80 cali
| bre.
AS the efficiency in arms increases,
| the demand for defence naturally
makes entertainments and Notifications
all the more part of military warfare
Consequently the spade accompanies
the firearms, and is found on every
field of battle.
The ball for cannon has disappeared
to make place for the bolt-like projec-
tile as in the case of rifles. The shell
and shrapnel are principally used The
cannon in the United States army aver
ages about 3.5 or SO inches in bore with
a projectle weighing from to l;
pounds. They are fully as heavy il
weight as the old-fashioned cannon.
The testing of bicycles has been mad.
to considerable extent in the armies o
3 England, France, Germany, Austri;
and Italy. On the European continen
and England, where the roads are 6,
well adapted for the bicycle. their rs
: in war is evident. The condition of tn
: roads seems to govern the use. 1t of
! ten occurs that in q regiment or larg
1 bodies of men, two or. perhaps. NOR
men are taken from the several com
panies and form detachsnents whicl
can be detailed to special WOOL. witt
success.
| The bicycles are often Of great