The sun., 1897-05-02
AT THE PEEKSKILL CAMP.
CAPT JAMES b. BURBANK'S REPORT
ON THE NA TIONAL GUARD.

CAPT JAMES B. BURBANK'S REPORT
ON THE NATIONAL GUARD.
while the Troops Are Composed or Excellent
Material. Ho says That In Every OrEanira-
tion Thero was n Noticeable lack or In.
struction in the School OF the Soldier
ALBANY, May 1.-The report Of Can't James b.
Burbank, Third Artillery. u. s. A, who is on
duty at tho Adjutant-General's office hero to
observe the workings of the National Guard,
together with tho comments Of Col. Robert
H. Hall Of tho Fourth Infantry, U. S. A..
have Just been made public. The report
reviews tho observations OF these two reg
ular army officers on the work of the Guard
at the State Camp Of Instruction at Peekskili
last season. Capt. Burbank was frequently
asked his opinion regarding criticisms on tho
Guard contained in the report Issued by former
Inspector G eneral McLewee at tho close OF last
year. He refused to mako any public state
ments. His report has Just been officially pro-
mulgated by tho War Department at washing
ton, and Capt. Burbank thinks 1t speaks for
itself. The report says in part:
.'The instruction accorded tho ambulance and
hospital corps was seemingly thorough. and was
both practical and theoretical, but 1t may be
questioned whether purely professional instruo-
ton was not too much sacrificed for military
drill
"Tho Signal Corps are properly organized and
in efficient condition. They are thoroughly
efficient body Of men in their special duties.
"Tho State camp, with tho exception Of its
limited area, 10 a model in all respects. 1t is
provided with everything except barracks and
ouarters necessary for O military post
"The First, Second. and Sixth batteries are In
excellent condition. Tho Fifth Battery has
obsolete guns, for which ammunition cannot be
furnished, and tho old type Of wooden car
riapes. which arc too unserviceable to take
into tho field.
"The Remington rifles used by the infantry
might bo considered serviceable for street work
and drills, but unserviceabe for the field. The
Springfield rifle calibre as, would bo far better
In every respect until tho question Of small
arms, both as to type and calibre, has passed
tho experimental stage. Tho armament of
tho cavalry and artillery in camp was
seemingly in good condition. but chat Of the
infantry which could be observed more closely,
was not invariably 30. Very many Of these
pieces were dirty. even rusty, and showed lack
of common care. Certainly some Of tho armor-
ers have been very negligent in this matter.
Shoes are not provided by the State. As CON-
sequence many OF the infantrymen hPe ShpPearea h on
""ult "4t the drills and % Ceremonies in camp no.
lack Of Instruction, or sufficient Instruction in
the school OF the soldier Tho rudimentary drill
time 4 e was lost in teaehing in camp. what should
have been hofoughlE% % acquired n5s Sy the men nat at
sections in extended ordor were generally hes
itating in manner and without the self-con-
fdence that comes with greater familiarity with
utter lack Of aicrtness and snap which should
Characterize this drill. This heeitancy some--
times extended to the commissioned grades, and
then then the drill became ridiculous. Some Of the
organizations were 30 deficient In instruction In
close order that extended order drtus were with
the the week approaohed, tho parades were con.
sussS bs n'0
ceremony there was always much to be de-
Meek Tse awSys OF
drills fiIs' Of tho batteries were schools Of the
ciont care to canse the correction of errors Of
intervals and distances, and even at tho last
The cavalry drill was energetic and thorough.
The personnel Of the State troops Is generally
That seod IL
feetiye, OF possibly neglected. This seems par;
intelligence and ambition to improve Tho
discipline. at first crude. improved IN each or.
Neither the officers. non commissioned officers,
nor the sentinels were well instructed In guard
duty. There was no outpost duty during tho
Col. Halls recommendations are:
"1n my Judgment the interests or tho State
forces would be advanced by a more intimate
association with the regular troops. II o DOM.
the field and having its own camp equipage and
field mess outfit, were kept at the camp during
the entire season, the State troops would be
snS oanp sp SSs ssoR Ss Which in hsv A
u Be sure Ht to % proft The camp camp. as a' prepared %
for occupancy by State troops, bears little re-
semblance to the camps of actual service. Great
good would accrue to the State troops II detach-
ments Of them were to accompany regular
troops on practice marches. conforming In all
lar service. The experience probably would not
be enjoyable but 1t would convey lessons which
might be Invaluable and would assuredly bo Of
uBe."
Capt. Burbank makes these closing remarks:
Apart from the willingness to promote close
obligations between the regular service and tho
National Guard, by bringing them together In
field and camp, 1t is improbable that the general
aid to the guard. Under The Stringent limits.
tions as to time employed. the amount of work
performed is worthy Of strong approval, and the
zeal and intelligence thrown into the discharge
of all military duties can but evoke
mediate contact with the personnel Of
the Guard OF this State. Tho Ad5utant- General
and headquarters stan arc well aware Of tho
needs Of the situation, and arc working intelli-
gently and persstSntiy toward higher develop:
yearly work Is evident that is. some field OF 40
ton for stan officers, and tho opportunity. which
they ardently desire, to learn and practise those
onerous and important functions which so sud.
Guard tor duty. However. the want is pro-
citation 70 sound proof that the remedy win soon
follow"