Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-15
FOR USE AS SCOUTS
GEN. kobe FAVoRS ORGANIZA-
TON OF PERMANENT SQUADS.
Annual Report on the Department Of
Observation-Disclosures Method Of
Issuing Uniforms.

Brigadier General Kobbe, commanding
the Department Of Dakota, in his annual
report to the War Department, concerning
the operations in that department, made
public today, renews his Recommendation Of
last year, that in each company and troop
a permanent squad be instructed as scouts,
providing thereby necessary body Of ex-
pert special troops when the regiment is
consolidated, in whole or in part for active
service"
Unusual interest was taken in the course
of physical training which extends through
out the year, and field days either have
been or will be held at all posts. with
prizes Of considerable value for the victors.
The reports Of field exercises in minor tao
TICS General Kobbe says, indicate crafty
ing interest. Under instructions from the
War Department. Fort Yates, N. D.. ana
Camp Merritt, Mon. have been abandoned
as military stations.
In his general summary General Koboe
says: THE discipline Of the Command has
been good as rule, and with evidence OF
steady Improvement. 1t varies considerably
with different posts. and even with different
companies at the same post There have
been 1924 trials by court-martial, of which
1862 were by summary court. These trials
have embraced 1850 counts, OF which lear
ly one-half were for drunkenness or Of
lenses growing out of drunkenness. Over
81 per cent Of these counts were disciplinary
offenses. such as absence without leave.
etc.; in other words, for offenses which in
civil life would not be punishable. Exolud-
ing AGO counts for drunkenness, there were
O ily 101 counts for offenses punishable by
the civil code. Not included in any Of the
foregoing were 10 convictions for deser-
ton.
Issuing Uniforms.
IAN Improvement in discipline would,
believe. follow a proper change in the
method of issuing uniform clothing. The
method followed now Is indirectly respon-
sible for many Irregularities. The soldier
purchases his clothing on credit, exceeding
or keeping within a certain allowance. and
owns 1t. II he keeps within the allowance
the balance to his credit is paid him: If he
exceeds 1t the excess Is deducted from his
pay. In theory this Is supposed to be an
incentive for men to be careful Of their
own. to take proper care OF their uniform
and to appear neatly dressed, but in prac-
tice the theory works in this way only with
a very few. The great majority Of men 40
cumulate clothing. and with many it be-
comes an article OF barter and SALE not
only among" Themselves. but with civilians
in the vicinity OF the posts. Convictions
under the 18th article Of war, as far as
clothing IL concerned. are rare and civilian
purchasers cannot be held accountable be-
cause OF sales Of clothing made at different
times by the government or by discharged
volunteers and regulars When q soldier
deserts he disposes of most Of his clothing,
or 1t is taken from his locker by those who
first become aware Of his absence.
An alternative system cannot be given
in this report. but will be embodied in a
separate recommendation. It is based on the
provision that uniform clothing shall be the
property of the United States, as arms. &C.
couterments ETC.. are now; that it shall be
easily identifiable and Its sale or purcha ae
be a felony by law.