The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-15
Admonishes officers and Men They
of Peace as Well as i'm War.
PATRIOTISM AND DISCIPLINE
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. SELF RE
SPECT y sELF-RELIANCE.
BESIDES Professional knowledge. Are
necessary in All Branches of
the Military Service.

WASHINGTON, Aug H-Lieutenant Cen
eraI Miles. commanding the army. has is
sued a general order intended TO improve
the conditions of the army. 1t admonishes
officers and men regarding their duties. and
points out the essentials of a good soldier,
specifically mentioning patriotism. dis
cipline. physical development, self-respect.
self-reliance and resourcefulness also add
ing that professional knowledge is neces-
sary at all times. The general says that
on account of large accessions of officers
and soldiers who have had but limited ex-
perience In the military service the instruc-
lions contained i'm the order are issued for
their guidance as well as for others. lie
says that to be effective I'm time OF war
modern military training must be uniform
and conform to certain basic principles.
Following are extracts from the orders:
"Of these principles patriotism is of the
first and paramount Importance. An alb
Solute and unqualified devotion TO the well
fare of their country of all In the military
service is an Indispensable prerequisite that
constitutes the soul of an efficient army 1t
is essential that the army shall fully under
stand the character of our government,
shall realize the benefits and prerogatives
granted by our Constitution. and shall be
familiar with the brilliant achievements of
our arms as recorded in our past military
history.
lt CttOnN pllHflDiCs hlSItDllilts diHNit-
guishes thoroughly trained and instructed
troops from an Irresponsible, unwieldy and
disorderly aggregation of men. Respect for
and implicit obedience to superior authority
are its essential characteristics. Its vital
Importance must be thoroughly impressed
upon all in the military service. Officers
Will always be exemplary In department,
will exercise justice and impartiality, and
will he conSiderate in their conduct toward
all subordinates. Cheerful, earnest and
loyal obedience will be promptly paid by all
subordinates to lawful orders of superiors.
No order will be issued without the pro-
vision for or power Of execution and en-
Recent reports Indicate the existence OF
marked unsoldierly department on the part
OF some OF the troops, a condition appar-
emily cultivated recently under the mis-
taken idea that a certain uncOuthness or
exterior and laxity of manners are the
essential characteristics of "A soldier. As
they are most subversive of discipline and
efficiency. o~ffenses of this nature must
neither be ignored nor condoned.
Commanding officers are strictly ac-
countable for the general appearance of
their troops under all circumstances.
whether they be i'm garrison. in camp. on
the march, off duty. or on brief furlough.
Soldiers are as much responsible for their
conduct while off the military reservations
or out of camp as when in garrison
The exchange canteen recreation or
amusement room. as IL was originally
called. will be made as attractive as possi-
BILE and the recent law concerning 1t will
be faithfully and Loyalty observed.
The third principle to be observed is
the highest possible physical development
that will render the soldier capable OF the
greatest endurance on the march and on
the field of battle. To this end athletic
games are superior to prescribed gymnas-
tics that require such apparatus and
marches of increasing length at attention
to those at front step with stumbling gait
and irregular cadence.
THE fourth principle of IN portance COM
prises self-respect, self-reliance and re-
sCurcefulness. These qualities making up a
mans individuality are in a large measure
inherent i'm the American soldier.
THE fifth principle is that of greatest
efficiency in professional knowledge. The
art of war is the application of its prin-
ciples to actual practice and of more i'm
%portance than the science. Military prob
lens will be carefully and timely prepared
and maneuvers. Trips will be frequently
as scouting. reconnoitering and map max
ing expeditions and other practical field
work. The officers and men will be re-
quired To apply the principles of security
and TO the accidents Of the
terrain over which they may be engaged.
Wherever practicable extensive military
m~aneuvers will be practiced by detach-
ments Stimulating larger bodies OF troops,
but all under a well defined system.
THE Ions established reputation of the
army demands that nothing short of per-
feet proficiency in active service shall be
accepted. To the accomplishment of this
all officers are required to conscientously
and faithfully execute the requirements of
this and similar orders from these head
quarters