Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-10
REGULARS AND THE MILITIA
Artillery Work by National Guard of
the District.
NO COMPLAINTS OF ANY KIND
Citizen Soldiery Went to the Forts
Unwillingly and Came Away
More Unwillingly.

Gen Murray. chief of artillery of the
army. has received a report from Lieut.
Col c. A Coffin, Coast Artillery Corps,
commanding the artillery district of the
Potomac. in regard TO the combined oper-
atoms of the regular troops of that dis
trict and organized militia Of the District
of Columbia at Fort Washington. Md, and
at Fort Hunt. Va. during the Joint en-
campment from July 20 to Is inclusive.
The report gives detailed account of
the various exercises and reviews the oper-
atoms of the different staff departments.
He says the transportation Of camp equip
age, baggage etc. belonging to the Ma
tional Guard was quickly and systematiCal-
ly handled by means of the cars loaned by
the engineer department and by the
wagons, both their arrival and de-
parture. and there was no delay in either
case. The transportation of all supplies to
the different camps. he says, was effective
ly accomplished throughout the entire
period All supplies in the subsistence de-
partment were on hand and issues and
sales made to the satisfaction of every
one.
mo complaint of any kind" Col. Coffin
says, came to me directly indirectly,
which Is evidence of the completeness of
the preparations in that department and
the efficient service therein The lighting
of all camps. kitchens showers and Ian
trines recommended by the chief of
artillery, We're effectualy accomplished
and maintained during the entire period of
the encampment. Lights We're also intro
duCed into the tents of all officers. All
ordnance supplies called for We're on hand
in ample time and were satisfactory. All
Signal Corps supplies called for were on
hand in ample time and were satisfactory.
The Signal Corps men sent here did excel
lent work in maintaining communications
between the forts and outposts by flag and
Photograph day and night.
Duration of Drills.
''An drills We're from one hour to an
hour and a half in duration. and were car
ried out in detail But little time was de-
voted TO position finding stations. and this
only in general way. as it was deemed
advisable by me that the officers should :
know the armament first and the time was
very short. That the instructions given to
the reserves was thorough is evidenced
by the fact that the militia manned the
guns fairly well by themselves before the
exercises were over. In the drills, with
the militia the guns, the regular detach-
ment was present. each member in rear
of the corresponding number OF the militia
detachment and could show him in all
cases what TO do and how to do It. This ex-
pedited matters, was very effective and
also very beneficial to the regulars as well
as to the militia AT al exercises company
commanders We're enjOined to make use of
the reserves. as far as their instruction
and knowledge would admit Of having in
view at all times the maintaining of the
interest of the militia. their instruction and
making them feel that their work was as
beneficial to the command to them
selves.
The supports were given detailed prac-
teal instruction in patrols. "Reminiscences
and outpost, having special reference to the
GefeAse of the land front of the forts
against landing parties. Outposts were reg
ularly established, maintained and relieved.
1t is believed from reports that much val
liable information was impaired and bene-
fetal results obtained.
Land Attacks in the Evening.
The land attacks the evenings of July %
and "a were planned with a view Of giving
the supports practical work in landing and
In attack and defense afterward. They
were divided into two phases: first, to see
II landing parties could effect landing
Both nights they were picked up and all
put out OF action. The second phase was
TO allow the landing, supposedly In a fog.
where they might possibly effect a landing,
and thus give them opportunity to make
dispositions for both attack and defense
and carry them out.
The naval attacks on the morning of
July % and the morning and evening of
July 26 were all that could be expected IN
der the circumstances and were both In
structve and useful. Commander Stratton
OF the Naval Battalion of the District OF
Columbia. with the Oneida and several |
H.
tack. and, with the means at his DISPOSAL |
most credtably. The few land attacks he
could make were. of course, simulated but |
an his efforts were appreciated and gave |
the defenses plenty of work The ting |
Alonzo II. Gushing, belonging to this post
was added to his command during the at |
tack OF July 20 in the evening During all |
OF their attacks the supports were pronerIv
posted ana repealed many imaginary at |
tacks.
Valuable Instruction Impaired.
IF l could have had something more
formidable in the shape of a navy to at
tack me the exercises might have been
more extensive. but as II was I think much
valuable instruction has been impaired TO
the militia. They came here unwillingly,
and from what l could hear went away
more unwillingly. From the very start of
the guns July % they seemed to become
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 existed |
throughout and l think the benefit was |
great, both to regulars and militia |
Il regret that l could not bring In sinh
marine mines In these exercises. but lack
or men and means prevented It. No acct
dents OF any kind occurred. The sanitary
conditions were excellent throughout They
were inspected daily by the surgeon ami
reports made to me
The officers belonging to the post. and
those sent on temporary duty during The
mahehVers were untiring In their efforts
10 accomplish the best results, and they
succeeded beyond my most sanguine expec.
tatiOns. >Pe~
The same may be said of the men, who |
were sofeIy pressed. owing to the depleted |
strength OF the companies. But thev wers
always cheerful and willing and well be-
hayed.
1T is to be hoped that these exercises
will be repeated next year and more tIne
allowed. The naval militia would be glad
TO join them. but would like a little more
time for preparation. While the exercises
Were not OF that extent to judge fully OF
defects IN means and methods. II was clear
" demonstrated, as ] believe is known
that our searchlights are not sufficient In
number, and some are not properly placed"
Rights of Commissioners
In an opinion to the Commissioners this
morning Corporation Counsel Thomas stated