Washington sentinel., 1899-01-14

| on the regular lOSlCl VI NAS ~
visional Army.
There was another feature in the
British army which it was pro.
posed to adopt in the army of the
Confederate States the creation
of the rank of field marshal and the
comforting OF it on Robert +, Lee
This was dropped afterwards on
the ground that the Confederate
army already had more grades OF
rank than the British army, owing
to the fact that in the latter the
rank Of colonel was but honorary
and that of brigadier only tempo
rary.
The bill provides for one lieu
tenant general who would from his
rank be the general commanding
the United States army. From
the creation OF that army, there
has always existed friction more
or less, between that officer and the
Secretary OF War. This clash Of
authority, as occurred in the re-
cent war with Spain, was conse-
quently no recent development. II
has always been unfortunate as
dividing the officers of the army
into two camps, and worked in the
long run to the disadvantage OF
both. The bitter enmities en-
gendered by such a condition
oil affairs was illustrated by the
different conduct OF the officers OF
the two camps in the Civil War.
A number Of officers, born in and
appointed from the Southern
States, adhered to the Union and
followed the example set by Scott,
in refusing to resign their commits
sions, on account OF the elevation
OF Jefferson Davis to the Presi-
dencY OF the Confederate States,
the friction between the two officers
being at its height when the latter
was Secretary Of War, during
Pierce's administration, and Scctt
was commander-in chief Of the
United States army. An Act OF
Congress which should clearly de-
fine the duties Of these two high
Offices respectively is certainly a
desideratum. 1t would prevent a
conflict of authority, which tends
to paralyze rapid mobilization OF
armies for active service in the be-
ginning OF war. This legislation
should also provide for a chief Of
staff and he should have rank and
seniority only second to the com
mander-in chief, with the right Of
succession in case of the death or
disability Of the latter. The chief
Of staff should be cognizant Of all
the plans OF his superior, so
that in case of the death or
disability OF his supsrior, he could
carry them out to a successful
issue. When the commander-in
chief takes the field, the chief OF
staff should accompany him and in
case Of his dea h or disability, the
officer next in rank below should
succeed him. Modern wars show
that there is a necessity tor the
commander of an army to keep as
near the fire line as possible.
This is for the purpose Of Sc eing
what is going on and also to
feel the pulse of the enemy. One
of the greatest generals now living
laid it down to the writer as an
axiom that the material OF both |
armies being equal, a general who
stayed in the front should be able |
to whip an opposing force, double
in numbers, il its commander
would keep off the battlefield. a.
battle presents a continual success
sion Of episodes, constantly chang
ing, and the winner OF the game is
the skilful general general who
grasps the situation and takes ad-
vantage OF the decisive moment,
which if allowed to pass, never
returns. To give the commanding
general this opportunity, the chief |
of staff has his station in the rear, |
the position of which should be |
known to the subordinate generals, |
and out of the zone Of fire # posi-
BILE. and if within range, protected !
by natural obstacles, given the |
least exposure under the circum-
stances.
Mckinley ana the Philippines.
The President leaves no doubt |
in the minds of the people of this