Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-16

In dry weather. which makes soft splashy,
liquid mud in the wet From military
standpoint 1t would be termed close ceun-
try. in the greater part of which opposing
forces could approach within from two to
five hundred yards of each other without
xposure, and admitting OF practically no
long range artillery fire. and only limited
range of infantry fire, differing in that re-
spect from the open ground at Fort Riley.
Kan, where movements may be observed
up to couple of miles distance: a country
for surprises and unexpected flank attacks
by infantry md particularly by cavalry.
II is typic3lly American terrain as dis
tinguished + on Central Europe, where al
most ccnnec. ing VII 'ges of masonry houses
and walls, plentiful larders and granaries
and broad smooth. level roads create differ
NJ = slef oEleins III mafcning quar-
tering and supplying troops and in their
tactical handling.
The home stations of the organized mil
r. were se.,tles 90 over five stafes. OF the
123 company organizations. about all were
ulte-cuti2f ~ oslSl Except four which
ranged from three to eight comp MES. AL
though the entire force was scheduled to
reach the ground October 1. delays were
not surprising Some trainlolds were held
over night not delivered until the follow
ing forenoon The men were obliged to
Suns On ne one-day's travel ration
issued. Many were more than thirty six
hours on the road.
The troops from Ohio. Indiana and Wis
consin hid cen several days n state camps
during the summer, and the ranks in some
orE nag l. DIs5 t5d been reinforced with re-
cruits and former members.
First Days Field Work.
From twelve to fifteen miles were covered
on the Fl. 3; days field work in which the
militia took part. the weather being hot
and the marching on the roads raising
clouds of dusa which aggravated breathing
The severest test of unseasoned men COM
menced the following day. The greater part
OF the militia left camp in the afternoon to
.VnGsE yEat light S.,trlf in sile night
they experienced a drenclping downpour of
rain, which lasted several hours but ce sed
before the action commenced the next
ton OF the maneuver, the rain again came
down In floods. the different commands
marching back niles to their wet camps
some in good order, but others Struggling;
no cOmpl hints. however, and the men gem
orally cheerful. A few did not turn up un-
til the following morning.
From then on improvement in camp liv-
ing, minor points of dfsc;pl ne and steadi-
ness under arms took place.
All the operations were highly realistic
and practically free from impossible s,tua-
lions. -sghey were skillfully conceived well
adapte3 to prevailing conditions and salts
factoriiy worked out. At the great E,uropea n
Waneuvers, employing from $4,000 to 80 600
er maneuverS, such as those in question.
consider these equally valua BILE for instruc-
ton of men and officers, including brigade
commanders and field staff, in fact as pos
seSSing the one great advantage of not
holding large masses Of troops passive in
exterior reserves, but using all well up to
the front.
Col. Brtton was impressed with the view
that the terrain was too restricted to ena-
BILE superior commande:s to exercise their
best abilities, as the physical features be-
coming well known to them, 1t could be
foretold with reasonable accuracy where
each of the contending forces would be
found and IN what dispositions. Each side
occupying and starting from the same
camp. although at different hours, had ad-
vance knowledge of the strength and COM
position of the other.
Special Benefits of Maneuvers.
Col. Britton recently addressed circular
letter to all the company commanders of
militia to learn as nearly as possible the
prevailing sentiment among officers and
men-as to the special benefits of the ma
neuvers from the standpoint of training
IN what particulars they found their com
mandS to be uninstructed in advance pre-
paratory to such maneuvers-what wider
methods OF instruction they proposed to un-
dertake as the result of their experience
the satisfaction or otherwise of their COM
mandS with the work done-whether or
not they could count on a high percentage
of attendance on future repetition of such
duty-and satisfaction or otherwise with tbe
army ration.
The following is a resume of the practi-
cally unanimous views expressed
The special benefits derived include prac-
tice in long-distance travel locating camps
IN strange country among large bodies of
troops. The long marches. skirmishes biv-
ouacs. etc. were of great practical benefit
to officers and men. The views of all were
of ctat
and local camps being in the direction of
narrowness. All were put on their own
merits. and healthy rivalry created. On
an enlarged territory officers and men got
clearer idea of conditions of actual war
fare and their interest awakened in such
work, as distinguished from spectacular
ceremonies and apparently aimless drills
indoors and ON level parades. Acquiring
knowledge of caring for oneself under sery-
ice conditions.
General complaint was made of the train
service On leaving camp some organiza-
tons lay on the sides of the road waiting
from morning until dark before entraining,
a condition not, however unusual In war
Drill on Practical Lines.
Almost all agree as to the necessity. at
home stations. of drill on more practical
lines-more extended order out of doors
practical instruction in minor tactics and
fire discipline over broken ground
The enlisted men were generally we'll
satisfied with the tour. and full percentage
can be counted upon again.
The army ration was satisfactory in quail
ity and quantity. with few minor COM
plants.
Col Britton points out that he is impress
ed with additional views. as follows:
The United States government having
made liberal allowance for equipment etc.
no state should fail to provide for regi-
mental or brigade encampments. at which
should be given instruction of such a char
acter as to prepare commands for the larger
maneuvers, previous preliminary instruc-
ton having been had at the home station.
These camps should be held alternating
years with larger maneuyer camps. and
organizations which do not show sufficient
preparatory training should not be sent to
these latter. which cannot be exclusively
relied on to properly train forces deficient
in elementary drill The progressive course
of instruction should be at the home sta
ton. at state regimental or brigade camps
and at the joint army and organized militia
maneuvers.
1t might be well. Col Britton suggests to
detail the officer in each organization who
possesses the greatest aptitude to prepare
and deliver lectures on field training. minor