Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-29

pany and the signal corps at their home
| stations. Some is held by the ambulance
| corps. System is the same as described III
| report for 1896, except that in revolver
| practice it requires two scores of IS out
! of a possible 20 at 80 yards and two
| scores of q out of a possible 30 at 80 yards
| to become first class marksman. The
| season begins November LIST. and lasts a
| year. There are issued to each company
| 1000 rounds of fixed ammunition, and 800
bullets and primers, with reimbursement
for powder used with them in reloading
shells. at the rate of $3.50 per 1000. The
: signal corps receives 1000 rounds of car
bne. and the ambulance corps 1900 rounds
| of rifle ammunition. Regimental head
quarters and each regimental inspector
of rifle practice receive JJ0 rounds. But
little gallery practice or aiming and
pointing drill are held. The same remark
| applies TO diminishing. There is much
known distance practice however, some
companies using all the ammunition is
sued and purchasing more from their
fund. Individual and team matches. at
known distance, were held in camp.
Blunt's manual is the guide. as far as ap-
plicable. The members of the guard are
very skilful in the use of their weapons
at known distances, and only need in
struction in diminishing. Ranges fitted
for the latter are difficult to find. and this
is the main reason why it is neglected
1t should he held in camp, however. CT
There is Il new armory in Portland built
by the city at a cost of about 5000 1T
accommodates four Companies and the
signal corps, and has all officers room be-
side. 1t is of brick and stone, and admir-
ably planned. Other armories consist of
accommodations hired in private build
ings. Each city or wif-pfovides armory
accommodations for its own troops, re-
ceiving 500 per year from the State for
each organization.
The State has no arsAnals with the ex-
ception of a few wooden buildings, about
one mile from Bangor No property Of
value is stored thereinnns ..i3..
Captain Morton closes his report with
the following recommendations: That the
revised infantry drill regulations he is
sued as soon as practicable. There is a
strong tendency to postpone all extended
order work until they appear. l would
suggest that close order movements of
battalion and regiment be cut down to
the fewest possible and that extended
order be made simple. and adapted to
companies of the size We usually have in
peace, and are likely to have in war. The
chapters on advance and rear guards and
outposts should be somewhat elaborated,
and new chapters added on reconnais-
sance, battle entertainments. tentage and
it's use. the care of the person in cam
paign, and the proper clothing arms and
equipments for troops to wear in full
dress; fatigue. and light and heavy
marching order. In no other way can
this valuable information be so widely
disseminated.
That regular officers be sent to encamp-
ments in such numbers as may be called
for the utmost care being taken in the Sc
lection.
That regular troops be sent to encamp-
ments under the same conditions.
That the national appropriation for the
guard be increased to at least 81. 900 900.
That all old model Springfield rifles be
exchanged for those of the latest model.
That a post for a regiment of infantry.
to contain field artillery and cavalry lat
er, be established al Bangor. The reason
need not be mentioned.
My tour of duty has been made exceed
ingly pleasant by the consideration which
has been accorded me by everyone, from
the Governor of the State to the privates
in the Guard.
The people at large are loyal and patri-
otto. and in sympathy with the efforts of
the U. S. and State authorities to improve
the Guard. and the members of the Guard
are eager to learn.
My relations with the adjutant general
of the State are of the most cordial ma
ture, and his method of conducting bust
ness are quite those which are followed
in the regular service. He is doing every
thing to put the guard into good condition
which the funds at his disposal will per-
nit.