Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-11-13
Annual Report Of Lieut.. Gen.
Miles Speaks of the Va
ri0us Needs.
QUARTERS FOR THE TROOPS
The Artillery Should Be as Well Pro-
tscted as the Cavalry -Fortiflcations
Are Not Completsd-Indians Are
in Satisfactory Condition-Plan
OF Naval Manosuvres.

Washington, Nov. 6--The annual report
of Lieutenant General Miles, command
ing the army, is a brief review of the
reports that have been submitted to him
by other officers. He endorses the rec
ommendation Of General Brooke for re-
adjustment OF the geographical limits Of
the different departments with a view Of
eaualizing conditions General Miles calls
attention to the necessity Of quarters for
troops, saying that while hundreds of thou
sands of dollars are being spent for quar-
ters for cavalry. very little is being used
to afford shelter for artillery, which Is
exposed to severe climates along the
coasts. These troops" say General Miles,
are required to be located adjacent to
the fortitcations. Notwithstanding the ex-
posed position of many of them, and
see no reason why buildings should not
be properly constructed in time to be
occupied when It is known for years ex-
actly where and when they will be re-
qured. L also call attention to the in
complete condition of the Notifications,
especially on the Pacific coast, where
millions have been expended In engineer
ing and ordnance work and yet the COM
mands have not been properly supplied
with ammunition, electrical plants. and
other appliances essential to the effective
use of these fortifications in actual war
fare"
General Miles says:
During tho pnst year there have been
no serious engagements except that Of the
troops under General Frank D. Baldwin.
in Mindanao, P. l., with the Moros. For
the number OF men engaged. this was a
very spirited and desperate engagement.
Our forces were commanded by one of the
most experienced and efficient officers Of
the army whose record has always been
or the highest order and his achievement,
made another chapter of fortitude. tenac-
- saV.I L., 1.
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 II months. This is accounted
for principally bp three reasons:
First, just and humane treatment Of
the Indians and the judicious mana cement
of their affairs second, their gradual
transition from a condition of barharsm
TO that Of a semi cvilized people: and
third. tho close proximity Of the military
garrsons, which are always available in
case Of threatened disturbance.
"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
Jynnastic and military exercises made
our small army a corps of athletes. while
the elementary schools established for
enllStco men, the post libraries. the post
lyceums and officers schools the various
schools of instruction and practice for
officers as well as the military academy,
produced an army OF such excellence that
] was able in my annual report for 1896 to
state.
The personnel of the army was never
IN better condition
This was proven to be true by the for
titude, 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
The long and varied service Of the senior
officers. their experience in organizing
disciplinng. instructing and leading their
commands as we'll as the excellent dis
Cipline. instruction, and exemplary con-
duct of the soldiers Of the army of 81
have been the leaven of the army of the
present time. Evils may creep into any
system of great organization. Such as
have affected our army have been or will
be eradicated."