Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-08-22
A MILITARY ORDER.
Gen, Miles Admonishes Soldiers
Regarding Their Duties.
THE ESSENTIALS OF A GOOD SOLDIER


Washington, Aug. 1S.-Lieut. Gen.
Miles, commanding the army, has is
sued a general order intended to i'm
prove the conditions of the army. He
says that to be effective in time OF
war modern military training must
be uniform and conform to certain
basic principles. The 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
welfare of their country Of all In the
military service Is an Indispensable pre-
requisite that constitutes the soul OF an
efficient army. 1t is essential that the
army shall fully understand the charac-
ter 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
The second principle, discipline, distin-
cuisines thoroughly trained and instruct
ed troops from an irresponsible, unwieldy
and disordery aggregation Of men. Re
speCt for and implicit obedience 10 SUI
perior authority are Its essential charac-
teristics. Its vital Importance must be
thoroughly impressed upon all In the mil
itary service. ofilcers Will always pe "a
emplary In department, VIII exercise
justice and impartlality and Will be con-
siderate In their conduct toward all SUD.
Lana
ordinates. Cheerful earnest and loyal
obedience will be promptly paid by all
subordlnates to lawful orders OF supe-
rlors. No order will be Issued without
the provision for or power OF execution
and enforcement.
Recent reports Indicate the existence OF
marked unsoldierly department on the
part Of some Of the troops, a condition
apparently cultivated recently under tne
mistaken idea that certain uncouth-
ness Of exterior and laxity OF manners are
the essential characterlstlcs ol so'uier'
As they are most subversive or discipline
and efficiency, offenses of this nature
must neither be ignored nor condoned.
Commanding officers are strictly &C.
countable for the general appearance
OF their troops under AL circumstances
whether they be In garrison, III camp, OH
the march, on duty or on brlef iur-
Tough. Soldiers are as mitch responsible
for their conduct while Off the military
reservations or out of camp as when IN
garrison,
The exchange cantcen recreation, OF
amusement room, as 1t was originally
called will be made as attractive as pos,
sible and the recent law concerning 1t VIII
be faithfully and Loyalty observed !.
The third principle to be observed u
the highest possible physical develop
ment that will render the soldier capable
Of the greatest endurance on the marcl
and on the field of battle TO TINS enc
athletic games are superior to prescribe'
gymnastics that require special ap
paratus, and marches or increasinl
length at attention TO those AT rou''
step with stumbling gait ana irregula
cadence.
The fourth principle OF importance
comprises self-respect, self-rellance AM
resourcefulness, These qualities MAXIM
IN n mans individuality are In larg
measure inherent In the American sol
der.