The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-10-06
TAUGHT HOW TO HIT.
Oar Sailors Have Hard Practice,
Which Makes Them Proficient
at the Guns.

AS the remarkable gun practice of
the United States sailors exhibited at
Manila and Santiago and elsewhere
has attracted the attention of the
whole world, with the result of calling
forth much speculation as to how this
high degree of proficiency has been at
tanned, it is proper to state that this
is of comparatively recent develop
ment and is ascribable entirely to the
energetic efforts of the navigation
bureau of the navy department, see
onded by the hearty cooperation of the
commanding officers of our ships.
About a year ago Capt Crownin-
shield, chief of the navigation bureau
assisted by Ensign Ward, one of the
brightest and most scientific of the
younger officers OF the navy, began to
recast the entire system of gun prac-
tice as it existed in the navy. In their
opinion that system, as it had come
down from the last war, was not suffi-
cient for the needs of the day. At the
beginning it was found that owing to
the restriction imposed by depart
mental rules it was scarcely possible
to have gun practice aboard ship more
than once year, instead of once a
quarter as contemplated.
Courses had to be laid out and stake
boats placed at angles and records
taken, making it extremely difficult to
find conditions admitting of the prac-
tice. Capt. Crowninshield at once
phonnaI thaSn r11IaS and irnnracSaI
upon commanders the Importance of
gun practice at every opportunity
even where it was not possible to lay
course, in which case barrels or
floating targets of any kind might be
tossed over as the ships were under
way. Moreover, the number of times
that target practice must be had was
increased to seven annually. Then or
ders were issued calling for night prac-
tice, repelling torpedo boat attacks,
etc.
Following this Capt. Crowninshield
turned his attention to the personnel
of the gun corps, and induced the sec
rotary of the navy to sanction the rat
ing of gun captains, new rating en-
tirely and one so well paid as to excite
the ambition of the men. Under the
old system the chief gunners were not
chosen TOR their proficiency in gun
| merry but were given their stations be-
cause they happened to be petty Of
ficers. such as quartermasters or boat
SWANS or the like. This system was
completely reversed, and sailors were
made petty officers because they were
good gun captains, thus getting rid
of number of inefficient men.
The next step was to instruct the
gunners thoroughly, and they were
placed aboard certain vessels set apart
solely for that purpose. Thus the Am
phitrite was given a crew of these gum
ners and sent to Port Royal. s. c.. for
extensive drills. The purpose in Sc
lecting this place was to secure large
body of water free from the presence
of merchant marine. Being away from
large cities both officers and men also
were aoie to avoid distraction of at
tertion from their work, which
progressed remarkably
Thus. through careful calculation
and hard work. when the war broke
out the American navy had a splendid
nucleus for the magnificent CORPS of
seamen gunnerS which it developed to
the surprise Of the world-Chicapo
Post.