The Washington times., 1904-08-14
MIMIC WARP ARE
NEAR BULL RUN
Plans Maturing for the
Army ManeuVerS.
GENERAL C0RBIN COMMANDS
Sightseers Go in Palace Cars and Need
Not Hasten Back to
Washington.
GENERAL CORBIN COMMANDS

Though there have been a number Of
maneuvers and sham battles of much
Importance in the United States in the
past. none OF these can compare in size
or comprehensiveness with the mimic
warfare which will take place next
month on the historic fields Of Bull
Run.
In these operations there will be many
more troops than have ever before been
assembled for the purpose, and there
will also be problems worked out and
various engines of destruction used that
have never troubled the head Of q gen
eral officer in the past Within the
coming week the first 5000 regulars and
militiamen will begin TO assemble
around Manassas. and before the be-
ginning of September all will be in
readiness for action. 1t is expected that
September s. fighting will begin.
Preliminary Work Done.
Work On camp sites, artillery and tele-
graph stations, headquarters. and the
camps Of the various brigades and regi-
uents has been going on with much
-rapidity, and yesterday General Cos'bin.
who will be in charge Of the opera
lions, announced that all is in readiness.
Hundreds of men have been grading
md draining the spots where the tents
well be located, so there is not likely TO
be much chance Of sickness. Supplies
IN great quantities are now scattered
about headquarters and other depots.
Trenches are being dug and sewer pipes
laid at Gainesville. Manassas, and
Thoroughfare Gap-the latter OF tragic
history in the civil war.
The Government however, Is not the
only individual, If it may be called such,
at work on the fields. as the railroads
which are to transport the troops into
the Virginia country have also been
busy preparing for their task.
The Southern Railroad, which is the
only line that reaches the battlefelds
proper, has erected large sheds between
the three camps, and has put down
twenty-one long sidetracks, which are
capable of holding no less than a
thousand freight cars.
Sidings on the Field.
Extra sidings have also been con-
structed to care for the throngs of
people who are expected to visit the
fields during the fighting" as certain
crowds did on a memorable day in the
civil war
1t Is said that thousands drove out OF
Washington in all kinds OF vehicles 70
see the Federal troops defeat the Con
federates and drive them down into
Virginia. It will be remembered that the
Southerners did not drive, and that
many Of the sightseers have not yet for
gotten the hurry with which they made
their way back into the Capital This
time the sightseers can 80 70 war in
palace cars, and there is not likely 70
be any tragic hurry on the return trip.
Those who care 10 make the trip viii
see the soldiers acting as though in a
real battle, with cannon belching fire
and smoke. the troops charging and re-
treating. the cavalry and signal corps
In action. the camping after the fight
ing and every phase Of actual wal
carried out in detail
In the camps the men win live just as
they would IN war. The Commissary
Department Is making immense pur-
chases OF fresh beef, mutton, potatoes
onions. bread. beans and vinegar, which
all go to make up the ratiors Of Uncle
Sam
Site of Headquarters.
The headquarters are 70 be at Gaines
willie. wher the commander-in-chief, Cen
eral CORN, Is 10 located Here the
SlBNaA corps Is aHEaQy at WOEk tIecL-
ing telegraph and telephone lines so
that the commandments can always
be in touch with the divisions. and vari-
Gus brigades. and with General Chanee,
the Chief Of star. in Washington
The armies will also be provided with
medical attendance in abundance. and
adequate hospital facilities. Great bene-
1T 10 both the regular and militia troops
participating is expected TO result from
the maneuvers. Actual conditions Of
war viii be simulated as nearly as pos
sible. and the soldiers win be given the
opportunity IN time Of peace to learn
the sound Of roaring artillery and crack
ling magazine rifles. as wei as expert
ence all the thrills Of real f hitting, with
out the disastrous results.
Each commander viii strive to out
10 the other IN strategic movement and
Il Jctical disposition OF troops.
Besides all this the new organization
scheme OF the army with its Chief OF
Stan and general staff will, for the first
time. be given thorough test in a prac
teal way.
: Tents for Reporters.
A special camp. located near the head,
quarters Of General Corbin, will be pro-
,vtded for the represent atiyes Of tn,
press associations and some OF the larg,