The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-18
GEN. BRECK1SRIDops REPORT
Result of His Inspection of Army Posts in
Cuba and Porto Rico.

WASHINGTON, juno I7.-BriR. Gen. 'Breck.
inridRe. Inspector General OF the Army. las
submitted to tho Secretary OF War his report
on the inspection Of the army posts In Cuba
and Porto Rico Gen. Breckenridge says that
1t Is his opinion that the extraordinary eX-
pansion OF the army and the large percentage
OF recruits temporarily inJure the discipline
and instruction Of the army. He says that
number OF organizations in the tropics may
EXPECT to again show considerable sick list
Inless the conditions now prevailing are great
ly improved. The subsistence articles. both
for issue and for sale. he believes can be in
creased with benefit to the health Of the SOL
diers. and recommends more vegetables. fruit
and sugar for the rations.
Gen. Brecklnridge seems to think that tile
present Khaki uniform can lie improved upon.
He suggests that uniform be adopted pref
erably blue. OF thin goods more stylish than
khaki. more servicsable than white and cooler
than previous blue cloth or kersey. He adds
that suoh goods OF proper color are familiar In
the tropics.
Referring to the health OF the men. he says
that flannel should be worn next to the skin.
especially about the stomach. particularly
for unseasoned troops. Adequate ventilation
should be insured entirely around the head
and heat held of from the skull by the wear.
tween the sweat leather and the head gear
He recommends that the officers In the tropice
have short. sharp, wsll-yatisd military ever
clses. sports and instructions. but should be
careful to have their men avoid tho hottest sun
and tho heaviest dews and downpours,
Cuba and, Porto Rico. the report saws that
heavy walled. two-storied barracks are best
for health: and the more nearly these are APP
proximate1 the better. II tents must be oc:
cupied there should be three thickne sses OF
canvas and they should be toorel well oil the
~ ~ In f1,Aan lnr anEa
Con. BreckinridGe regards as very important;
and the troops should. he think be Issued
waterproof, and rubber boots.
In an order Just issued by Col. Samuel NJ.
Whltside Of the Tenth Cavalry now in Cuba.
attention, has been given to some Of Gen.
Breckinridge'sr communications. Col. Whit
side directs that drills and military exercises.
between tho hours Of 10 A. NJ. and $3.50 I. NJ.
are prohibited. and troops changing station
will not be marched during those hours when
Thu six troops Of the Tenth Cavalry which
recently disem barked at Gihara. are assigned
to stations as fUllows: Troop B. Gibaa: Troops
Z and j. Hoguin Troop +. Banes: Troop X.
Puerto Pardre: Troop D. Mayari The troops
vii. proceed 10 their respective stations with
out delay. In moving through the country
the rights OF all private citizens will be care;
fully observed and every effort made TO avoid
injury TO private property. Commanding on
GERS are cautioned TO minimize the use OF al.
them from sleeping on the ground. Renuisi;
tons will be immediately made for romInel
slickers for the troops. and during the rainy
season al! dettchments in the field will be
provided with them"
Copies NJ Gen. Breckinridgs's report have
the heads OF the different departments OF the
army for their Information.