The record-union., 1898-11-25
Weather Forecast
THB NEED FOR A GENERAL
STAFF.


OF the army and the remarkable knowl-
edge Germany has had Of the positions,
Quitting and resources of the enemy
have been due to the German general
staff. It is such an organization that
we need in the United States.
A few weeks ago the Record dUnion"
ut some length sketched the office of
general staff. Recent criticisms of the
organization of American forces and
the handling of troops in time of war,
investigation now under way by the
Presidents committee Of advice rela-
i've to the conduct of the war with
Spain, revive interest in the subject.
One Of the foremost of our officers has
advised already that one of the first
acts of Congress should be the organi-
zatibn of the general staff, and it is
understood that the President is favor
able to the proposition, since it is con-
ceS1ed that 1t is both an economic army
Ts.ctor and is also great conservator
OF the effective handling and the proper
care OF troops.
The general staff is an integral part
OF every superior army in Europe. We
nave therefore, the experience of States
of the old world, extending over a
period Of about a century, with the
general staff, and its consideration by
the United States will be had in the
Of .fn1 .f
lands. The general staff gives solidar-
7ty to the army system, something that
IS wofully lacking with US. It enables
the nation, says General Wheeler of
the engineer corps of the army. to pass
from peace to war with the minimum
OF friction, and in the least possible
time. 1t secures prompt mobilization
or the troops of the nation, and guar
Rntees uniformity of organization and
eVuipment-two matters concerning
which every reader of the news since
last April to this date, must be presum-
ed to be well informed. Because of our
weakness in those respects the United
States in prosecuting the war against
Spain lost many weeks of time. mill
ions of dollars and not few valuable
lives.
Frederick the Great laid the founda-
zion ror what we now know as the gen.
eral staff, but it was left to his sue
cessors to perfect the system. The only
1hiug we have resembling it is a clerical
bureau Of information, good as far as
at goes. but falling far short of our
need. The general staff is independent
of the War Ministry, so far as execu-
lHion is concerned. It never determines
a war policy, but that once resolved
upon to the general staff is committed
all strategic tasks and the work of
carrying out in camp and in field what
has been resolved upon.
The chief of the staff is to be the wis
est most astute and learned officer we
have. His associates are selected be-
cause of their learning, experience,
broad, sympathetic spirit, fine disciple
nary powers and executive ability. The
staff which should consist of from ten
30 fifteen members balanced fairly be-
tweenfhe energy of youth and the con-
servatism Of age, divides naturally into
three sections, those of the intelligence
bureau, equipment and the executive
arm. But neither of the three is inde-
pendent. The division is made only
tor purposes of methodical and rapid
work.
The staff gathers Information con-
-nerning every military power on the
face of the globe. It knows the num-
ber location and strength Of forces,
fortress and navy yards the world over.
1t has complete information concerning
nlI navies, arsenals. forts. dock yards,
navigable waters, roadsteads and navi-
gable streams. 1t understands every
E.rm with which a soldier, or ship, or
fort in the world is outfitted. 1t has
charts and maps of all roads, harbors
and anchorages likely to be used in
time of war. 1t posts itself concerning
Ehe military and political status of all
organized governments.
It is one of the chief offices Of the
general staff to be thoroughly informed
concerning every condition of the Ma
fional Guard and the detail Of mobiliza-
ton Of troops. Hence, it knows all
about the equipment of all railway and
steamship lines and the speed of move
ment to be had over each, the capacity
for transporting arms and men, etc. Ii
is posted completely concerning all
means of quick communication be-
tween coasts and interiors and between
the national capital and all points OF
the country. Likewise. it has similar
information concerning lines of trans
portation and communication in other
lands. 1t is well informed also con-
cerning the condition Of wagon roads
the turnpikes and interior water ways
Such a body knows all about every
invention relating to arms and ammu-
milton and tests of the same. 1t keep:
accurate records of all such information
for instant reference. It is familiar
with the most approved forms Of arm,
organization and equipment, including
uniforms, personal equipment, caml
making, hospitals and their supplies
&c. It gives particular attention t