The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1902-11-13
THE NEEDS OF TIE ARMY
Annual Report of Lieut.. Gen. Miles
o Gives Some Interesting Facts
and Suggestions.
QUARTERS FOR ARTILLERY ARE NEEDED
Readjustment OF Department 0ut-
aaion IL Satisfactory - Fortitude
and Heroism of Omcers and Men
Warmly Praised.

Washington, Nov. 6.-The annual re-
port of Lieut.. Gen. Miles, commanding
the army, is brief review of the re-
ports that have been submitted to him
by other officers. He indorses the rec
ommendation of Gen. Brooke for re-
adjustment of the geographical limits
of the different departments with
view of equalizing conditions, andcalls
attention to the necessity of quarters
for troops, saying that while hundreds
of thousands of dollars are being spent
for quarters for cavalry very little is
being used for shelter for artillery,
which is exposed to severe climates
along the coasts.
Criticism of FortiGcations.
81 also call attention to the incom
plete condition of the fortificatio
especially on the Pacific coast, where
millions have been expended in engi-
neering and ordnance work andyet the
commands have not been properly sup
piled with ammunition, electrical
plants and other appliances essential
to effective use of these Notifications
in actual warfare" The report con-
tinues:
Indian Situation.
''The condition of the Indians is quite
satisfactory and there has been no dis
turbance of Importance among them
during the last IL months. This is ac-
counted for principally by three rea-
sons: First, just and humane treat
ment of the Indians and the judicious
management of their affairs; second,
their gradual transition from con-
dition of barbarism to that of a semi
civilized people, and, third. the close
proximity of the military garrisons,
which are always available in case of
threatened disturbance.
Schools Of Practice.
"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 gymnastic
and military exercises made our small
army a corps of athletes, while the
elementary schools established for
enlisted men, the post libraries, the
post lyceums and officers schools, the
various schools of instruction and
practice for officers, as we'll as the.mil
itary academy, produced an army of
such excellence that was able in my
annual report of 1896 to state: The
personnel of the army was never in
better condition.
Heroism of the Army.
"This was proved to be true by the
fortitude, 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.
1.-The long and varied service of the
senior officers, their experience in or
ganizing, disciplining, instructing and
leading their commands. as we'll as the
excellent discipline, instruction and
exemplary conduct of the soldiers of
the army of 1898, have been the leaven
of the army of the present time. Evils
may creep into any system or great or
ganization. Such as have affected our
army have been or will be eradicated.'