The Washington times., 1902-08-07
CHAFFEE CALLS FOR
STRICTER DISCIPLINE
Important Order to Troops
in Philippines.
SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION
Progressive Effort for the Elevation of
Military and Moral Tone Enjoined
Upon Officers and Privates Alike
Text of the Order.

An important general order, issued to
the soldiers in the Philippines by Cen
eral Chaffee, was made public by the
War Department yesterday. 1t reads as
follows:
Active hostilities having ceased
throughout the Division CT the Philip
pines. the division commander directs
that special attention be given to the
careful instruction and thorough disci-
pline of all troops in the division; as
the troops are now dispersed into small
commands II would be impractlcable to
proceed far into the several schools OF
instruction, but the time is now ripe and
presents most favorable opportunity
for that groundwork so necessary for
good soldiership Everyone should heed
a matter so long neglected as this has
been, in consequence of military activ-
ity heretofore existing. and pursue it in
a most hearty and thorough manner.
In no particular can officers occom-
plish more for their organizations. botn
individually and collectively, than in
perfecting this groundwork, and by en-
gendering in the mind of every soldier
the important benefits pertaining to sol
dierly conduct and good discipline.
Especially is the attention OF the
commanding officers called to the matter
OF instilling into the minds OF their
men proper regard for human rights
and of personal privileges of the people
with whom they are thrown in contact.
so that they may be taught to appreciate
the Importance of just and fair associa-
ton with them. not only when off duty.
but as well when on duty and executing
orders.
Daily Instruction Ordered.
In view of the foregoing the com
manding officer of each station will see
that there is at least one and half
hours daily instruction Saturdays and
Sundays exceptedl which should be sys-
tematically arranged for, in order that
it may be progressive as well as TO ex-
pressly cover those points in which the
organization is at present most def
eient. The troops viii be given the time
for such diversions as are practicable
at the stations where they may be, and
will be encouraged in the games of base
ball. football. and i: swimming. hunt,
ing. and fishing.
Owing TO the existing conditions in
the Philippines. it is admitted as be
yond the control of the officers 90 ac
complish much outside the immediate
assembly grounds OF the troops, but not
withstanding this. a high degree of efli
cient and personal instruction is eX-
pected from all organizations in the Di-
vision of the Philippines. Slouchiness.
unsoldierly walk. unsoidierly bearing,
unsoldierly dress. careless attention in
tie presence of supeTiors whether in
doors or out of doors; in fact, all the
minor details which mark the well-in
stTucted soldier in comparison with the
uninstructed man. are matters which
need and must receive the careful at
tention of Sti officers.
.'As an object lesson to enlisted men.
the conduct. association. correct dress.
and soldierly appearance on the part OF
The officers will ease along the duty
herein indicated for the instruction OF
enlisted men.
Must Learn Spanish.
''As the attainment of the working
knowledge Of local languages is neces-
sary to render officers efficient in the
full discharge Of their duties in these
islands. they are expected to familiarlze
themselves with the Spanish language
and also with the native dialect OF the
localities where stationed; more espe-
cially is this expected of officers com
manding native troops philippine |
Scoutsj. but as well as of all officers Of |
ihe army below the grade of field officer. |
who may reasonably expect to serve in
the Division OF the Philippines on fu-
tUre tours OF duty.
with the idea of teaching the Eng |
lish language 10 native troops, garrison
schools with this object in view VIII