The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-11-06
GEN. Miles
ANNUAL
REPORT
He Recommends Construction Of
Barracks Near FOrtifiCatiOnS
for Defence Of the Coast.

Washington. Nov s.--The annual report
OF Lieut. General Miles. commanding the
army, is a brief review OF the reports
that have been submitted to him by other
officers. He endorses the recommenda-
ton OF Gen. Broke for a readjustment OF
the geographical limits OF the different
departments with view OF equalizing
conditions.
Gen. Mixes calls attention 10 the neces-
sity OF quarters for troops, saying that
while hundreds OF thousands OF dollars
are being spent for quarters for cavalry
very little is being used to afford shelter
for artillery which Is exposed to severe
climates along the coasts.
These troops" says Gen. Miles, ARE
required 10 be located adjacent to the for
tincations. Notwithstanding the exposed
position of many OF them. and i see no
reason why buildings should not be
properly constructed in time TO be occu-
pied when II is known for years exactly
where and when they win be required.
l also call attention to the incomplete
condition OF the fortifications, especially
on the Pacific coast. where millions have
been expended in engineering and ord
not been properly supplied with ammunl-
tion, electrical plants and other appli-
ances essential 10 the effective use or
these fortifcations in actual warfare"
General Miles says During the past
year there have been no serious engage
ments except that of the troops under
General Frank ID. Baldwin In Mindanao.
Il. l.. with the Moros For the number
of men engaged this was very spirited
and desperate engagement. Our forces
were commanded by one of the most ex-
perienced and efficient officers OF the
army. whose record has always been OF
the highest order, and his achievement,
together with that OF the troops In this
engagement made another chapter OF
fortitude. tenacity and heroic sacrifice
I'm the history of American arms.
"The conditions OF the Indians is quite
satisfactory and there has been no dis
turbance OF Importance among them dur
ing the last ~ months.
The experience during the great Civil
war and years OF campaigning along our
western frontier afforded the best schools
OF practice for our army in former years.
The attention given to calisthenics and
gymnastics and military exercises made
our small army corps OF athletes. while
the elementary schools established for
enlisted men. the post libraries. the post
lyceums and officers schools, the various
officers. as well as the military academy.
produced an army OF such excellence that
| was able In my annual report for 1896
to state that the personnel OF the army
was never IN better condition.
This was proven TO be true by the for
utude, skill and heroism displayed In
every serious campaign on every field OF
mortal combat wherever the army has
been engaged In any part Of the world
during the last four years. During that
time many changes have occurred and the
army has been very largely increased.
Tho long and varied services OF the senior
officers. their experience in organizing.
discipllning. instructing and leading their
commands. as well as the excellent dis
clplne. Instruction and exemplary con-
duct OF the soldiers Of the army OF eS.
have been thel eaven OF the army OF the
present time.
! Evils may creep into any system or
| great organization. Such as have affected
4 our army have been or will be eradi.
l Gated"