The Washington times., 1903-07-11
RULES GOVERNING
COMING WAR GAME
ManeuverS to Test Training and
Tactical Problems.

The rules governing the joint maneu-
vers Of the army and navy next month
at Portland have been issued. They We're
prepared under direction Of the two de-
partments by Major George F. f. Harrl-
son. of the Artillery Corps. for the army.
and Lieut.. Mark L. Bristol, representing
the navy.
These rules are promulgated with
view to meet the circumstances and Incl
dents likely to arise in an attack by
hostile fleet on the harbors of the coast
of the United States.
They are based upon the assumption
that the primary object Of the maneu-
Vers on either side is to Investigate GER
tain systems and problems of attack and
10 test the training of the personnel and
the efficiency of the material.
Provision of the Rules.
The rules provide for the army, gem
eral features Of attack on posts and the
defense of same; the most efficient way
fol district commanders TO exercise com
mand of the defenses of artillery dis
tricts in action, including the practical
coordination Of such defenses as a
whole; the use of movable ornaments:
the best system of fire control and di-
rcction; simple and reliable method
OF communicating orders and informa-
ton from fire commanders and bate
~ commanders to gun empIacements;
the best use OF searehlights In detect
ing the approach OF an enemy; the best
location of searchlights, together with All
Information as to the use of same in
connection with the fire of-guns on ships
at night.
Rules of the Navy.
For the Navy-The best method of OBJ
tanning the ranges of the forts and bat
teries fired at, the means of communi-
eating these ranges to the divisional
officers. the designation OF the target to
the divisional officers; the effect of
smoke in concealing the target (as far
as possible, in view of the limitations
imposed by the simulated fire OF the
heavy guns, the order of fire in the ship
considering the direction and force Of
the wind; the effect OF mines and OBJ
structions and the progress OF the ships;
for the Admiral; the best method OF con
cealing his approach.
board of FIVE arbitrators viii be APP
pointed, two for each service, and the
fifth By agreement between the army and
navy commanders. Junior officers are
eligible for this detail. Empires, not at
tached TO the ships or forts to which
they are assigned. will be appointed
Also naval observers for the forts and
military observers for the ships.
The maneuvers will be divided into
phases. or definite movements, to attain
a specified object. The reports of the
umpires. observers. and commanding Of
ficers will afford the basis for decision by
the board OF arbitration. The rules
contain an elaborate series OF directions
for conducting the operations. keeping
a record Of them and making reports.
final opinion is expected from each
commanding officer ashore of the suf-
ficiency OF the present fxed defenses and
OF their relative value at night, or in
thick or foggy weather; also to what ex-
tent mines and Instructions are apple
able, whether there are enough search
lights and rapid-fre batteries to cover
the mine fields and prevent countermin-
ing. and whether some mobile defense is
necessary for the same purpose in thick
or foggy weather or at night.