Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-17
OF IMMENSE BENEFIT
Gen. Bates Praises Effect Of
the Fort Riley Maneuvers.
----I
URGES LARGE GARRISON
MANY RECRUITS IMPROPERLY
ACCEPTED BY SURGEONS.
Favors Transfer Of Apache Prisoners to
tie Fort Reno observation-disclosures
tons Due to Homesickness.

Gen. John c. Bates, commanding the de-
partment of the Missouri. in his annual re-
port to the War Department makes a num-
Der of recommendations in the interests Of
increased military efficiency. THE maneu-
vers held at Fort Riley, Kan, from Sep
TENDER 20 to October 10, 1902" says Gen.
Bates, have been reported upon previously,
but 1t Is proper to add here they were of
immense benefit to this command, espe-
cially 50. Of course. to the troops attending.
but also in a large measure to those who
were not so fortunate as to be present.
The exercises and problems were carefully
reported and the published reports set
standard for similar instruction elsewhere.
the beneficial results Of which are so evil
dent that wish to dwell upon them with
view to emphasizing the Importance of con-
tinuing the autumn maneuvers so auspt-
ciously begun In general 1t may be said,
officers and men have exhibited an interest
and zeal in their military duties that bid
fair to soon place their organizations on
the high plane Of efficiency held by COM
pany and regimental organizations on the
outbreak of hostilities with Spain.
1T has been impressed upon officers that
thoroughness in instruction, under condi-
lions Stimulating as nearly as possible those
of war, must be kept strictly in view, and
they have been directed to strive for the
gradual development of entire units. The
progress made has been gratifying.
Gen. Bates recommends the discontinue
ance of post schools and the substitution
of more general and thorough theoretical
military education of the soldier under the
supervision of his company commander.
THE great mass of men who enlist" says
he, have discontinued going to school,
either because they have reached the age
when men in this country habitually stop
such attendance or because 1t is distasteful
IN n N
in any way change their views on this sub
tect, and experience has shown that, with
some exceptions, 1t Is not the most efficient
class Of soldiers who elect to attend post
schools"
Favors Regimental Garrisons.
Referring to the advantages of large gar
risons Gen. Bates says:
THE facilities for instruction are natur-
ally greater at military stations where
there are large garrisons, and it is believed
our proper policy should contemplate the
ultimate building of posts for infantry and
cavalry each of sufficient size to quarter a
regiment, with accommodations for field
batteries where they can be stationed to the
best advantage for drill and artillery prac-
tice. Such garrisons would give colonies
an opportunity to exercise their proper COM
mands, and give them experience that would
prove of value to the country the, out
break of war. We have now a number Of
colonies who have not had an opportunity
unless for a short period, to command
regiment, and we are likely to have a num-
Der more In the near future. While it may
not be practicable for some time to come
to station at one place sufficient troops to
form a brigade, 1t is believed regimental
garrisons might be realized in few years.
Gen. Bates indorses a recommendation
made by Inspector General Wright that the
War College board, or board composed of
officers of the general staff corps stationed
in Washington, be placed in charge of all
examinations for promotion. Questions in
all subjects, he says, should be prepared by
them and sent out to suitable officer at
each post with orders for him to supervise
the written examinat ton and, on completion
of each paper, forward it direct to the ex-
aiming board in Washington to pass on
the officer s proficiency.
He also approves a recommendation made
by Major Bean, chief commissary, that the
proper feeding of officers OF the army and
of civilians representing the press of the
country and of all military representatives
from foreign countries during war. or in
actual service in the field when conditions
are analogous to those of war. be made a
subject of regulations d"
The opinion is also expressed that a most
important necessity at posts. as shown by
the records of the department, is a first
class post baker, either enlisted as such, or
employed a civilian on the same basis
as post blacksmith, post wheelright, post
engineer or other civilian employee.
Recruits Improperly Accepted.
Col Girard, chief surgeon of the depart
ment. reports that the ratio of discharges
per thousand was little less than thirty
one, showing a steady increase from pre-
vious years. He invites special attention Ito
the fact that very nearly one-fourth of
these discharges were granted for causes
existing at the time of enlistment and that