Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1897-08-13
PRAISES MICHIGAN.
Secretary Roosevelt Inspeets the Naval
Militia

Washington, Aug. Assistant Sec
rotary of Navy Theodore Roosevelt has
submitted report to Secretary Long
on the condition and efficiency OF the
naval militia which he recently inspect.
ed. MIR. Roosevelt says:
"In accordance with your instruc.
tons, after visiting the war college and
torpedo station at Newport, went to
Macknac and cruised to Detroit with
the First and Third Divisions of the
Michigan state naval brigade. | then
went to Chicago and inspected the First
battalion of the Illinois naval force,
meeting also the officer of the second
battalion, which is situated along the
Mississippi river. | thence proceeded
to Sandusky to inspect and review the
ONO naval militia, and closed my trip
by an inspection OF both battalions of
the New York naval militia.
IL spent most Of my time with the
militia of the great lakes, because the
militia of the seacoast have naturally
received more attention in the past, so
that their capability are better known,
and | not only wished to see for N.Y.
self exactly what the naval bodies on
the great lakes were doing, but also de
sired to show them that the department
appreciated their energetic and disin-
terested service.
The different bodies of naval
militia show, Of course, very unequal
development toward the proper stand
ard of proficiency. Nevertheless, as a
whole, was very greatly impressed
by the progl ess the naval militia has
made.
Most of the naval militias are now
in condition to render Immediately val
liable service of very valuable kind in
what may be called the second of line
Of defense. Furthe N IRE the highc st
aud best trained bodies could be used
Immediately on board the regular ships
Of war; this applies to the militia OF the
axes as well as the militia o: the sea
coast and certainly no greater tribute
is necessary to pay to the lake militia.
am so thoroughly convinced Of this
that shall recommend that next year
The experiment thus made of giving a
couple of our small cruisers of the Ben
nington and Machias, or possibly even
Of the Detroit class. one to a specially
selected battalion from the coast and
one to a specially selected battalion
from the lakes, for their annual sea
practice"
Regarding the Michigan naval re-
serve, Mr.. Roosevelt says:
"In Michigan was only able to see
the first nd third divisions. and from
their commander TO the most recently
enlisted landsman have nothing
but praise, for the workmanlike way in
in which their duties were performed.
No battalion on the coast can make "a
better showing. The discipline is excel
lent. The commissioned officers, aside
from the commander, who is naval
academy graduate, have all worked
their way up through the ranks and
the seaman, ordinary seaman, and
landsmen (who, as is proper, form the
bulk of the battalion, for no laldsman
is made an ordinary seaman until he
has passed the rigid examination re-
quisite to show his titness). and for the
most part business or professional men
who largelyYpay their own expenses,
who are actuated simply by sincere
spirit of patriotism, and who show by
their efficiency the effect of palnstaking
and faithful performance of duties,
which must often be irksome. | con-
slider those divisions tit now to be put
in charge of one of our smaller cruisers"