The record-union., 1899-12-19

were lacking, except at Camp George
H. Thomas, where separate army was
repeatedly reviewed, and a corps Of in
fantry was practiced in battle problems,
though the artillery and cavalry could
hardly be got tofffull participation
frequently. It may be only just to
invite attention, as q commendable
piece OF professional work, to how adj
mirably prepared and arranged the
various military exercises were there,
especially when in large masses of men.
Such Generals commanding divisions as
Wilson, Frank, Poland, Sanger, Mckee
and Grant, and such staff officers at
that army's headquarters as Baldwin.
Foote, Cecil, wheeler and Dickman,
made things talk The brigade COM
manders and other staff officers equally
deserve individual mention.
'And throughout the whole assembled
body of troops were found experienced
and noticeably able and accomplished
general, line and staff officers, as we'll
as Of the scientific and supply corps, as
in the main organizations Neither
troops nor commanders are apt to
the enthusiasm and ensemble displayed
seems remarkable, and the nation in
any future exigency may find reward
in the qualities and experiences here
acquired and displayed as preparatory
training for war. The positive differ
ence between a soldier and citizen
is that the former is accustomed to act
amid masses, and so has learned how
to carry food. arms, shelter and water
and reach the foe, and knows that
walking about and marching in mass
makes different strain upon individual
resolution and endurance.
'It is evident that an army, to be Of
the utmost efficiency, must be able to
maneuver and fight and adapt itself
readily to the enforced or adverse con-
ditions Of life in the field. Ignorance
of such matters very frequently means
unnecessary sacrifice of life and undue
suffering, and ultimately enormous ex-
penditures for pensions in subsequent
years.
Wars come swiftly, and there is lit
tie or no time for preparation after
they have been declared. These matters
have been repeatedly mentioned in my
| former annual reports. Occasionally
we have had some tentative expert
ments at the Chiloco and Camp Crook
after the Geronimo campaign, but a
systematic, progressive instruction I'M
der campaign conditions have never
been inaugurated. The encampments
held annually by some of the State
Guards have, perhaps, been very in
structive, so far as guard duty, patrols,
011t or. a ct a nd
tiers are concerned, but frequently they
seem to have assumed the character OF
an outing party, with it's hired cooks
and paraphernalia of comfort, rather
than that of a command preparing for
the hardships in the field.
+ "a decade has passed since I first
endeavored to draw attention to the de-
STABILITY of establishing a system OF
apprentice battalions in connection with
the army, such as has been in practical
and successful operation in the navy
for many years. If a certain number
of apprentices were designated by each
Representative, we would be sure OF
getting youths above the average men
tai, moral and physical capacity, and
absolutely Americanize our army, and
| their influence on the rank and file GER
tainly would elevate its military tone.
The requirements Of the army, with it's
modern tactics and appliances, are ex-
acting, and fair degree of education
and technical knowledge is presupposed
for all subordinate positions. We need
| just such trained young men as pro-
posed for non commissioned officers.
whether line or staff, and they also
could and doubtless would ultimately go
in commission. Inducements are, there
1 FORE not lacking to attract boys of good
character.
1T is earnestly recommended that
steps be taken for the establishment of
an apprentice battalion for each arm
of the service, and if it meet your APP
prevail I would suggest that board
of officers be appointed to arrange pre-
! liminary details. An Act of Congress
| is really not necessary for the organ
ization of such battalions. The enlist
ment Of minors is already authorized
/ by law, and their assembling at desig-
mated posts for purposes of instruction
| is a matter of administration. The main
idea is to get the plan started, and
perfect it afterward, if it appear most
practicable and feasible. A trial will
cost little or nothing, and the plan
once started is bound to grow in pop
ularity and prove of as great benefit
to the army as to the country and to
I the young men themselves. The navy
] has Illustrated both the method neces-
sary and the benefits secured with
naval apprentices, and to ignore such
an excellent system is simply to cling