The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-12-07
ARMY REORGANIZATION
AS RECOMMENDED BY MAJOR
GENERAL MILES
THE POLICY OF EXPANSION
REQUIRES a Big Force at Home and a
Bigger One in the Dependent
Colonies
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6.-The measure
which will serve as the basis for the action
OF congress this session, looking to the in
crease and remodeing of the regular United
States army has been completed by the
commanding general Of the army, and today
was handed by him to Secretary Ager, who
will transmit it to congress, probably
through the chairman Of the house commit
tee on military affairs, Representative Hull
after he has an opportunity to make any
changes that he may deem desirable.
The explanation OF the broad general
principles of the bill tone feature of which
provides for the creation of three new Of
fees, general and two lieutenant generals
of the army, in accordance with the practice
OF modern military nations), is disclosed in
the following letter:
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
"WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 1898.
"The Honorable Secretary of War-Dear
Sir: l have the honor to submit herewith
the draft of a bill for the reorganization OF
the United States army based on a strength
of one soldier to 1000 Of the population OF
the United States and two soldiers to 1000
approximately 100000 men.
'My recommendations are for what 1 be-
lieve the best interests of the government,
not only at present, but, as far as we are
able to see, for the future. The recommended
tions have been made regardless of any per-
scnal consideration of any officer or soldier
now connected with the military service.
The proportion of artillery, cavalry and
infantry is in accordance with the immedi-
ate necessities of the United States. We
have 1900 miles of coast, with twenty seven
principal harbors, where are located mil
lions of people and property of almost in
estimable value. That they should properly
be defended is demanded by every consid-
Grafton of providence and good administra-
tion. In addition to this, we have the i'm
portant harbors in Porto Rico, Cuba and
the Philippines to defend, requiring a large
force of artillery.
The organization recommended is such
as to give rank in proportion to the import
ant duties and Responsibilities required for
the different officers in our service and is
similar to the organization which has been
found most efficient in the armies of other
nations and also to that which was found to
be most effective in the Confederate army
between the years 1861 and 1865 A similar
organization has been recommended BY
Gen. Sherman and Lieut.. Gen. Schofeld.
Il earnestly recommend favorable con-
sideration of the organization as presented.
NELSON A. MILES.
major General COMMANDING"
The bill contains the following provisions:
BE 1t Enacted etc. That the military os-
tabishment of the United States shall here
after consist of fifteen regiments of cavalry,
fourteen regiments of sea coast artillery
two regiments of field artillery two reg.
ments of engineers, fifty regiments of infan-
try, the professors and corps of cadets of
the United States military academy and
such other forces as shall be provided for by
this act, to be known as the army of the
United States.
Section 2. That the regiments of cavalry
shall be organized as now provided by law,
each to consist of three squadrons of four
troops; each troop to be organized as shall be
provided in this act
Provided, that each regiment of cavalry
Shall consist of one thousand enlisted men.
with the necessary complement of officers.
Section 3. That the artillery arm of the
service shall consist of seacoast and field
artillery. That the seacoast artillery shall
consist of fourteen regiments of twelve bat.
terles each, and the field artillery of two
regiments of twelve batteries each. The
organization of the batteries of seacoast and
field artillery shall be as provided in this
act.
Provided, that each regiment of seacoast
artillery shall consist of 1900 enlisted men
and each regiment of field artillery of 1882
enlisted men, with the necessary connie
ment of officers.
Provided, further, that the president NAV
in his discretion convert such field batteries
as may seem to him to be necessary from
time to time into siege batteries, horse ar.
tillery batteries or mounted batteries.
Section 4.--That the infantry arm of the
service shall consist of fifty regiments of
three battalions of four companies each, each
company to be organized as shall be pro.
vided in this act.
provided, that the regiment of infantry
shall consist of 1900 enlisted men and.
Provided, further, that the infantry arm of
the service be organized on the basis of two
army corps of three divisions of three bri.
gades OF three regiments each
The bill then specifies the officers and men
for each regiment of cavalry, infantry and
artillery In each case there are to be one
coiohei' one lieutenant colonel, three ma jors,
twelve captains, fourteen first lieutenants
Zone first lieutenant to be appointed adju.
tant and one first lieutenant to be appointed
quartermaster), twelve second lieutenants.
besides minor officers peculiar to each branch
OF the service. Chaplans are to be an
pointed for colored regiments. The bill
continues:
Section 8. That there shall be one general
OF the army, two lieutenant generals, six
major generals of infantry one major gen.
eral of cavalry, one major general of artillery
eighteen brigadier generals of infantry. two
brlgadler generals of cavalry and two brico-
der generals of artillery, who shall be en-
titied TO the personal aides de camp and the
military secretary now provided by the
law. ~ WIG
Inc organization of the various depart
menus OF the army is treated in detail.
AN ENGLISH FTpM