The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-10

Advancement for Lieut.. Coils. Will
lfston and Observation-Disclosures
ut Stocum and Wadxworth.

" I'm 2GEGu S.-N IN
blocking out the two new regiments of
artillery authorized by congress is now
under way in the war department.
Necessarily there will be some men now
enlisted in the artillery arm OF the SER
vice assigned TO the new regiments in or
der 10 instruct and acqaaint the recruits
with the nature of their duties. while In
turn some of the latter VIII go 10 the regi-
ments now formed. The officials of the
department. believe there will be no diff
Guilty in obtaining all the men needed
Lieut.. Coils Edward b. WiIliston and
William Sinclair, who will be advanced
to the grade Of colonies, will have COM
mand OF the Sixth and Seventh regiments
respectively. while Majors Wallace F.
Randolph and fully McCrea, who will be
advanced to the rank of lieutenant COL
onels. will take the places held by Willis
ton and Sinclair in the Third and Fifth
artillery respectively.
Gen. Miles has about decided finally to
locate the headquarters of the two regi-
ments at Forts Siocum and Wadsworth
Az aAAho16h tAic Eek1Iu-
ing the latter place Is open to change.
The war department is arranging 10 Sc
cure large supply Of the most modern
rifles. sufficient In time Of emergency TO
arm a force OF 50o.o 900 men. The need of
these modern guns has long been appar-
ent, but congress has not shown a dis
position to supply any reserve of rifles for
use by volunteer force in time of emer-
gency. Now. however. an adequate supply
of the most effective rifles will be among
viii put Its share of the defense fund
1t was stated by high officials of the de-
partment today that no board was neces-
airy TO inquire into the merits Of the vari-
GUS guns on the market, but that the de-
partment would turn to the best sources
or supply. These, 1t ~ said. are ample
within the United States to turn out rifles
OF the most approved pattern as fast az
the government wants them. IL Is not
unlikely, however. that the demand VIII
require the army to turn from the Jor-
gensen rifle. now in use. and adopt in
part, at least. one OF the Amerlcan-made
guns.
Gen. Miles strongly favors the straight
pun gun" 1t rs OF American make. and
has been adopted by the British govern
ment as the standard arm. a million be-
ing now IN the hands OF British soldiers
Gen. Miles recommended it's adoption
eighteen years ago. when a member of n
board for the choice Of a rife. He con-
tinued his advocacy OF 81. and In view NJ
his ranking position in the army his view
viii have much weight, This gun is used
by the United States navy. and this IS
being urged as another point in lis favor.
as the reserve supply would be availabI.
for either branch OF the government sery-
ice. The ordnance bureau OF the war de
partlnent has control of the letting Of con
tracts for rifles. small arms. etc. The Of
tlcials Of the bureau observe great re,i
cence. feeling that the publication of what
they are doing would prejudice the inter
ests OF the government. But the closing
OF contracts is only a question Of time. for
the heads OF departments are agreed that
these supplies are the first TO be secured.
Like attention Is being given 10 supplies
Of powder. cartridges etc. for the army.
Those in authority say orders can be
filed without delay. and that about the
only branch of ordnance on which facili-
ties are not fully up 20 an emergency de-
nsnd are those for heavy fertilization