Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-15
GINEhRS' SChUOL
MAI. BURR,S REPORT ON Diff
CULTIEs EXPERIENCED.

Major Edward Burr, Corps of Engineers.
and commandant of the Engineer School at
the Washington barracks, in his annual
report to Gen. Mackenzie, chief of engi-
neers, tells of some of the difficulties that
have been experienced in getting that i'm
portant institution Into working order. For
instance, the instruction of officers was al
most completely suspended for year and
half, owing to the fact that urgent
was the demand for engineer officers on &C
tive duty that no time could be spared for
the school course. However the conditions
which brought about that suspension have
been ameliorated and the school will re-
sumo its full functions this winter, the
course Of instruction being similar to that
Of previous years. invoiving.sa course OF
two years. divided into three departments
of military engineering, civil engineering
and electrics, including mechanical engi-
neerng.
That part of the school concerned in the
special training of enlisted men in the me-
chanical branches necessary to make them
expert engineers has, however, proceeded
with most satisfactory results the fifty-six
men under instruction showing the greatest
interest in their work These troops"
says Major Burr, ''in addition to welding
the pick and shovel, must be bridge build
ers and be able to accomplish in the field
the many things for which mechanics are
upon to do much of the survey and recon-
Nuisance duty of the army in peace and
war.
The School Buildings.
Regarding the condition of the school
building at Washington barracks, Major
Burr says:
The facilities and appliances for carrying
on the work of the school are therefore,
scattered through various old buildings abb
solutely unsuited to school requirements
and lacking the space to accommodate
them all. even in a crowded and most I'M
satisfactory condition. No other service
school can be so hampered in this respect
in accomplishing the ends set before it. and
TINS school, located at the national capt.
tai should as early as practicable be sup
piled with the material facilities necessary
to enable 1t to serve fully its purpose and
to become in all respects a credit to the
service.
The most urgent present requirement of
the school is for such buildings as are
needed for its complete accommodation
The approved plans for the reconstruction
of the post of Washington barracks, and
Tor the construction at this post of the
building for the War College contemplate
the providing of suitable buildings for the
use OF the school. These plans also con-
template the removal of all of the old
structures in which the various elements of
the school are now inadeuuately housed
put these buildings cannot be removed nor
can the approved plan for the post be APP
proXlmately completed until the needed ac-
Communications for the school are provided
1t is, therefore, earnestly recommended that
such appropriations as are necessary for the
erection OF the buildings planned for the
Engineer School be made at the earliest
praclicaoIe tune, since at least two years
must eIapse before present conditions can
De oettered: even under the most favorable
conditions" -