New-York tribune., 1904-09-04
IEAR PRACTToE IN TIRGINIA.

The army manoeuvres which will be conduct
ed in Northern Virginia this week will possess
much greater interest than those in Kentucky
and Kansas last year, or those about to be
instituted on the Pacific Coast. The war play
about to be directed by General Grant and
General Bell viii be the first ever undertaken
in the easternmost of the four military dvis-
ions Of the country. Not only is the Atlantic
seaboard the most densely populated portion of
the United States, but it is peculiarly exposed
to invasion by foreigners Here, too is the
national capital, which is theoretically the OBJ
jective point OF an enemy when genuine hos
tilitieS break out. The forces which are about
to be engaged number 10000 men, about
twice many have hitherto participated
in similar operations under the same auspices.
Again, the scene of the impending man9uvres
is historic ground, having witnessed two impor
tant battles In the Civil War more than forty
years ago. and having been the subject of al
most continuous plot and counterplot in those
memorable days.
The chief purpose of the act Of Congress
which provides for these martial exercises is
closer assimilation of the State militia to the
regular troops The wisdom of the policy was
made painfully obvious at the time of the war
with Spain for the liberation Of Cuba, and the
requisite legislation was secured in 1902 through
the influence OF President Roosevelt and
Secretary Root. The keynote to the new pro-
gramme is such an association Of the two
classes Of soldiers as will familiarize the militia
with duties which would not otherwise be
learned until too late. State encampments have
an educational value that is not to be despised.
Milidamen have already developed proficiency
as marksmen which is exceedingly creditable.
1t is a distinct advantage, too, TO provide for
eQulpping State troops with the same small
arms are carried by the regular infantry.
The full effect of these important preliminaries
would not be realized however, unless the
mon were trained in the final operations upon
which success in war depends. Incidentally Of
course, the officers in command learn much
through the practice of strategy and the mas
terry of the difficulties attending the movement
of large bodies Of troops. The experience thus
acquired is akin to that afforded by naval ma
nGuvres. Nevertheless. it seems probable that
in operations like those in Virginia the princi-
pal advantage will be the education given TO
the privates and subordinate officers Of the mi
litia, of which no less than 2j, 700 have gone
to the front"
With trlfing changes In the conditions, the
problems which the TWO commanders will at
tempt TO solve this week are identical. On
Tuesday and Wednesday the Blues, under Gen
eral Grant, will take the initiative. They oc-
Cupy Manassas, and an imaginary division OF
the Dluts VIII De SidtIollcu At dlLldA b'CNttil
Manassas and Washington. In like manner the
Browns. under General Bell. will be concef-
trated in front of Thoroughfare Gap. fifteen
miles to the westward, with an imaginary di-
vision in their rear. over in the Shenandoah
Valley at Front Royal. 1t will be General
Grants duty 30 to proceed as 10 prevent pos
sble junction of his foes. On Thursday and
Friday General Bell will assume the aggressive
and seek TO annhilate the division of Blues at
Manassas before reinforcements can arrive
The chief umpire. having twenty-five aids in
each army for purposes of observation, will
base his decision on their reports. Inasmuch
as New-York has contributed to both OF the
contending forces, her Sympathies will be di-
vided Still, the dilemma Is not without its ad-
vantages. Whichever side wins, the Empire
State will have occasion for congratulation.