The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-09-05

WASHINGTON. Sept. 4-The men Of
Uncle Sans navy are 20 be taught h0w
10 handle nobs. Whether this decision
has been brought about BY the frequent
erupfions among the labor element IN tire
last few years or Just on general prin-
cipleS. the naval authorities refuse 70 say.
Certain il is that the drills are 70 Re
generally introduced and the results are
expected to be highly beneficial TO good
order.
IL so happens that vessel OF ghe navy
is frequently in port far from q detaeh-
rnent Of the army. 1t might also easily
be the case that something would hep
pen al or within a hundred miles IL the
place which would seem 10 require the
presence Of United States troops 10 Queil.
In such emergencies. II the sailors were
properly drilled, great loss of both life
and property might be avoided by tenn
porarily detailing them from the ship
and hurrying them 10 the scene % trouble
10 remain until quiet was permanently
restored or troops arrived TO relieve them
Such is really the object and intention
OF the drills instituted. and so sincere an
interest is being taken in the matter By
both officers and men that there is scarce
~ any doubt that a very excellent degree
OF proficiency viii be reached. AS every
one knows, there are a certain number
OF soldiers aboard every ship of the navy.
who are called marines. but their numbers
are never sufficient 10 permit them to
cope with anything like a riot. They are
the police of the ships OF the navy. AID
although sometimes landed at foreign
ports when display of force is coasid-
cred necessary, they always find it neees-
sary TO act with the sailors If any land
movement of consequence is intended.
The naval officers who have complied
the new regulations have introduces
therein a vast deal more Of common
sense than is ordinarily found in docu-
ments of this sort. There is no sign of
martinetism about them and there are
no long drawn-out. tedious and unneces-
sary movements. The first of these drills
regulations applying TO the formation OF
bodies Of sailors detailed 10 quel street
riots gives an excellent idea Of the whole.
Here il is:
II practicable. each commander of bril-
gade, battalion or company should have
a map, showing all the principal streets.
squares. parks and open places where a
force might be rallied. When practicable.
II is recommended to utilize the services
OF civilian scouts. or men disguised In ei-
villains clothing, in order to keep the com
manding officer informed as to the situa-
ton OF affairs in the city. few pioneers
with picks, crowhars, shovels and axes
VIII accompany the command SQUADS
may advance along the housetops. or in
the rear of houses, whenever practicable
ana necessary 10 secure a thanking posi-
ton against a barricade or to command
the windows of the houses opposite
Pieces tguns) will be habitually carried
with the bayonets fixed. 1t Is essential
that perfect control of the fire (dischargel
OF the guns be maintained to prevent nm
necessary loss of life few selected
marksmen should be ready at all times
under the direction of officers, to pick off
the leaders of the mob
The regulations recite the manner of
forming In various fashions as occasion
may require. giving in detail the tactics
necessary in forming In street column.
telling how to deploy to protect the fianks