Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-21
GUNS FOR THE CADETS
ISSUE OF RIFLES AUTHORIZED
BY GEN. OLIVER.
Springfield Arms to Be Replaced by
the Krag-Jorgensen in the
Near Future.

Gen. Oliver. acting secretary OF war. to-
day authorized the issue of the magazine
rife, caliber 80. known as the krag-Jorg-
ensen. to institutions of learning where
military science and tactics are taught, to
replace the Springfield cadet rife, caliber
10, with which they are now equipped. The
action was taken on the recommendation
Of General William Crozier. chief
of ordnance. and in pursuance of
the general policy of the War Depart
ment to contribute in every proper way TO
the general movement throughout the coun-
try to improve the efficiency In small-arms
practice of all members of the organized
militia and cadet students.
In a special report on the subject Gen.
Crozier said that there are now in the
hands of cadet students at the various mill
tary institutions. approximately 24,ooo
Springfield cadet rifles and pertaining equip
ments, consisting of gun slings, bayonet
scabbards, waist belts and cartridge boxes.
The reserve stock of arms of that caliber
and model. he says, have been reduced
however, by requirements and original is
sues, that the department cannot meet the
present demand. Gen. Crozier adds that
few of the cadet rifles, caliber 10, on
hand are suitable for service
The department. Gen. Crozier continues,
lis about to begin the issue of the new
magazine rifles model of 1893, to regular
poets to complete such issues by May l
next and to then proceed TO the Issue of
the new arms required for the equipment Of
the troops stationed in the Philippines.
There are now on hand at various ord
nance establishments In the United States
large number of magazine rifles, caliber
30, known as the Krag-Jorgensen, which
now, that the militia needs are practic ally
met and the regular army is about to turn
in still more of them, are no longer needed
for those troops.
Increase In Efficiency
Having In mind an increase In me eff
ffciency of the instruction of the student
cadets at the institutions of learning, [ rec
ommend that General Order No. 101. War
Department. of 1905. be 80 far amended as
to authorize the issue of the magazine rifles
referred to in the preceding paragraph and
the necessary pertaining equipments similar
to those now issued with caliber .i5 arms,
In replacement of the old arms and also the
issue of those magazine arms in future new
cases, provided all the present conditions
attached to such issues relative to filing of
bonds, payment of transportation. insur-
ance, accountability, etc. remain as now
provided. If this recommendation is ap-
proved, 1t is anticipated that the necessary
new bonds can be furnished by the Institu-
lions concerned and the requirements COM
pleted by this department before the onen-
ing of the 1906 fall term
Suggestion Approved.
Gen. Oliver. being in hearty accord with
the scheme. approved the recommendation
without hesitation and directed that the
issue Of the Krag-Jorgensens be made as
promptly and as rapidly as practicable. 1t
is expected that the local High School Cadet
Regiment. and the cadet students at the
Maryland Agricultural College and Virginia
Military College will be among the organ
izations to benefit earliest by this action of
the War Department.
Gen. Crozier, chief of ordnance today in
formed Star reporter who applied to him
for definite information on the subject, that
there is nothing in the law to prevent the
issue of the krag-Jorgensen rifles to the
High School Cadets of the District of Co.
lumbia. and that they will undoubtedly
benefit by the new order. He admitted that
the status of the District high schools was
different from those institutions OF learning
to which officers of the regular army are
detailed, but explained that the special act
authorizing the issue of arms and ammu-
milton to the District High School Cadets
did not specify the character of the ord
nance. He saw no reason why they should
not have arms as good as those supplied to
the military colleges, and therefore 1t was
his purpose to include them in the list of
organza tons entitled to the Krag-Jorgen-
sen magazine rifles. They are now equip
ped with Springfield cadet rifles.