The Washington herald., 1907-08-11
TROOPS GET PRAISE
Lieut. Col. Coffin Submits Re-
port on Maneuyers.
MILITIA WINS SPECIAL HONOR
Commander of Artillery, District Of
Potomac, Says work of Men Was
Highly Emcient-Reviews Opera
tiOns of Different stan Depart
ments-GiVes Detailed Account.

Lieut.. Col. c. A. Coffin, Coast Artillery
Corps, commanding the artillery district
Of the Potomac. has submitted 10 Gen.
Murray. chief Of artillery, a written re-
port on the recent combined maneuvers
Of the Second Regiment, and Company c.
First Regiment, District of Columbia Ma
tional Guard. and the regular artillery
stationed in the district Of the Potomac.
Col. Coffin praises the militiamen and
the men of his own command, and is en-
thusiastic over the success of the maneu-
vers. He says that great benefit was de-
rived by the men under his command
and by the militiamen, whose work was
highly efficient and praisewOTthy.
If l could have had something more
formidable in the shape of navy 10 at
tack me" says Col Coffin, "the exer-
eises might have been more extensive.
but as it was, think much valuable in
struction has been impaired to the mill
tie
They came here unwillngiy and from
what I could hear went away more un-
willingly. From the very start Of the
> AtA1s tie NAANy SNtAlAN4 ~ bNAtAA4S
much Interested, which interest increased
from day to day until they became rather
enthusiastic. My own men seemed to be
inspired IN the same way and worked
hard and well. The best Of feeling ex-
listed throughout, and I think the benefit
was great. both for the regulars and
militia.
No Accident OF Any Kind.
q regret that could not bring in sub
marine mines in these exercises, but lack
of men and means prevented it. No acct
dents Of any kind occurred. The sanitary
conditions were excellent throughout. They
were inspected daily by the surgeons and
reports made TO me
''Tbe officers belonging to the post, and
those sent on temporary duty during the
maneuvers. were untiring in their efforts
to accomplish the best results. and they
succeeded beyond my most sanguine ex-
pectatons.
The same may be said of the men, who
were soreIy pressed, owing to the depleted
strength Of the companies. But they were
always cheerful and willing and well be-
haved.
1t is to be hoped that these exercises
will be repeated next year and more time
allowed. The naval militia would be glad
to join them. but would Ike a little more
time for prep aration- While the exercises
were not Of shat extent TO judge fully O.
defects IN means and methods, it was
clearly demonstrated. as / believe is
known, that our searchlights are not suf-
dcient in number, and some are not prop
erly placed
Report Gives DetcfIs.
The report gives a detailed account Of
the various exercises and reviews the
operations of the different staff depart
ments.
Col. Coffin says the transportation Of
camp equipment. baggage. &c. belonging
10 the National Guard was quickly and
systematically handled. and that every
operation of the quartermaster' and sub
sistence departments was eminently sat
isfactory He also speaks Well Of the
assistance lent by the Ordnance and other
departments Of the army, and of the
efficiency Of the Signal Corps men de-
tailed 10 the fort, who kept up communi-
cations day and night, using the wig-wag.
or flag signals, the Telegraph, telephone.
and telegraph.
He expresses the opinion that the in
struction given the militia was thorough,
and ascribes this largely TO the fact that
the militia manned the guns with the
regulars ana kept their positions behind
them for instruction and guidance.