New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-08
GEN BRECKINRIDGE'S REPORT
IMPROVEMENTS IN MILITARY METHODS
SUGGESTED.
CREATION OF A STRATEGIC STAFF. CHANGES IN
THE RATION AND ANNUAL FIELD MA
NEuvREs AMONG THE RECON-
MENDAT1ONS.
[pY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuSE.I

|
| MENDAT1ONs.
inv TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuSE.l
| Washington Dec. 7.-Inspector-Gen Breckin-
ridge in his annual report to the secretary OF war
which is expected TO prove the most interesting Oh
all the comments on the conduct of the war and the
most replete with valuable experiences ana recon-
| mendations will urge among other things the es-
Establishment OF strategic staff. OF pack-train sys-
TEN. extensive annual man9uvres In the HELD MOD
| flied rations and an enlarged hospital corps. In
| a summary of his report already delivered to the
| Secretary OF War he says:
Recent experiences have shown that our militia
system could advantageously be reconstructed and
more intimate relation established between II ana
| the National Government. The National Guard
| should be armed with the same kind OF rifles as
| the Regular Army, II wish the most effective
| service Besides the difference In the manual OF
arms prescribed for differently constructed rifles
and want OF int"rchangeability of ammunition are
| apt to cause confusion and delay where prompt &C
The great number Of volunteer regiments moving
to the centres OF concentration withou, arms or
reserve or SUPPLY 3epots at convenient points in
order that each State, on call, can put its quota
in the field in condition for service at least as far
| The great need in the Army to insure conference.
promptness and efficiency in the field Is strategic
officers such possessed by all Continental armies.
w wnT free from T the details OF paper
systematic preparation and execution OF all i'm
NIT no symptom Of chaos. hold ali to their FUN
| and proper work and mould the organized forces
TO their slightest touch.
| To secure better cohesion between the National
the troops in the field. funds should be provided
FOR combined encampTents and periodical military
OF peace. IL customary with ali hrst-cass Euro
during the Spanish American war was the I Dex
perience and utter disregard for the most element
It has been found that crops and fencing o. farms
movements and manpuvres OF troops. Such dam
ages are generally slight. and II they could be paid
the good will OF the people and avoid much labor
and expense in enecting a settlement afterward.
1t IS recommended that a small sum bc appropri-
ated for this purpose. Is done by other civilized
nations.
NAVY SHOULD CONTROL TRANSPORTS
1t seems apparent. in view OF future movements
OF troops. made necessary by changing M
tonal policy, that transport system should be
organized. and the control OF this important ser
vice most completely organized or conhdcd to tho
Navy. During the transmarine expeditions much
friction Is apt 70 be developed between captains
engaged with each vessel and whoever controls
| affairs and their movements. whether n quarter
master. naval officer or the commander OF the
troops aboard which might interfere. seriously In
cases. with the prompt accomplishment o:
the task imposed upon the military commander.
As pointed out In former reports In military
wheeled transportation is very limited. and pack
trains become OF prime Importance; and II Is sug-
gested that system be devised by which the
Government have CORPS Of trained civilian
transfers and packers for this service Obviously.
soldiers should not be taken from the firing line
for this purpose, even II fit. II is OF moment that
the employees be expert In their work. unframed
hands may within week cripple the transporta,
ton of army. The depletion OF the trained
transportation at many military posts years ago
felt serious injury throughout every
effort mobilization now.
1t has been clearly demonstrated that the pro
portion Of hospital stewards and trained hospital
corps men to the lighting force is far too limited
and should be increased. say 10 about TO per
cent for the fring-line or entire service.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE RATION.
The component parts OF the ration. fixed
by law should be changed or made more elastic
to meet the conditions Of service in the tropcs
and articles required by convaescing patients SUI
ferng from fever and disturbances of the all
mentary tract should be added some branch OF
supply.
If the permanent force Is TO be increased II Is
recommended that the annual selection OF few
OF the most efficient military students for appoint
ment to the Army under suitable regulations %
made a settled policy, and that college orgahiZa-
tons seeking active service have chance to cy0 oihh
give increased impetus to the study or military
science and tactics at these institutions. and es-
tablish closer relations between these orgahlza-
tons and the Government -.
In the recent mobilization and concentration or
me Regular and volunteer armies. the great lack
Of capable and we-organized inspectors general
was severely felt. particularly during the carrier
stages when the inexperienced troops were surfer
ing for want of such attention only an Inspector
unhampered by other duties and working under
central supervision and with the conscious sup
port OF the highest authority. can give 1t Ia rec
commended that the law be amended so as 10 autnor-
i2r an assistant Inspector general for each bril-
gade and with the rank OF colonel tor the Sorps
higher commands and that an shou.o unu ~ e.
a preliminary examination to demonstrate tneir
suitability and efficiency a. present me smales.
the division and that has been founn 700 Ia'se 10,
one Inspector to look after thoroughly ana DO AZ
that ought to be allotted TO olccrs oi 'hs DePaie
ha npid