New-York tribune., 1908-12-26

experts that It nay be possible for swift boats.
especially or the submarine 70 siude the coast
defences. and Il IS foreseen that there should %
approved scheme OF defending the floating dry
dock and the shops on shore with mobile
type OF naval defence. one OF the propositions
which was made some time ago suggested tho use
of a huge steel net which should be extended
around the dry dock in time OF war. and should
otherwise be employed in frustrating attack esps-
cially OF a submarine character The civil en-
gineers OF the navy have been examining tbs
feature and have reported 70 the department tsat
the expense OF such a would % considerable.
while there IS grave doubt whether it would -
entirely effective. especially the dock ITSELF pos
sssses certain factor az self-defenrs IN being
made up q compartments. only one o. Enien
would be damaged 7y a well directed torpedo ar
tack. The dock would not bs Destroyed. or even
placed out of commission. IN AL probability oT
torpedo attack and it IS represented thar aotfila
OF torpedo boats. surface and suouartne. would
answer all the purposes or patrol and form var
liable auxiliary the heavy fortiheations On land
MILEAGE FOR PHYSICAL TEsTS-The critics
in Congress OF the expenditures under the War
Department for mileage represented By rne ef1c1at
travel OF Army officers been making some IN
quiry the Payrnaster General concerning the cost
represented in the outlay under this fund for ths
physical test Of hOrsemansh'p. In the PasT year
the records show that this draft upon ths r'leags
fund amounted to 81. 49, In the bearings which
were held before the House Military Committee.
Representative Anthony. member ot thar cor7-
mittee attacked the War Department 5or what -
regarded useless expenditure" He insisted
that the amount for mileage could be materially
reduced by having these horseback rides held az
posts where officers stationed instead Of order
ing them places distance involving ong
stretches OF travel. Rspressntativ Slsyden- an
other member Of the Military COMMITTEES. agreed
with him. This may be done IN the next uOdinca-
tiOn OF the system which IS under consideration ~
the general staf- There IS Advantage now
ever. IN having officers take the ride together.
such the rides which we're hsld n Virginia and
attended BY officers stationed at Governor Island
MEDDLINC4 WITH MEDICAL RESE.E ' ES---
There are already signs that the officers OF ths
Army medical reserve corps are contemplating leg
isIation which snail sntitIe them 70 promotion. and
it IS in anticipation OF determined effort 70 this
end that there is under contemplate ar t1s
Capitol some form OF legislation which snail -
strict the commissioned personnel OF the medical
reserve corps the present rank OF nrst heilten-
ant It is foreseen that officers who have served
for some time viii desire 10 be promoted inasnuch
as they are rendering the service which dsvolves
upon regular MEDICAL officers n many instances
One proposition - limit the period OF duty of .
medical reservist to five years IN order % haEs a
comparatively new corps made up largely OF young
medical men Any proposition which places such
a restriction on the duration OF duty Of rned-ca1
reserve officers viii create much disconrent among
the members OF that corps