Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-09
Attacking a Monitor.

Great interest is taken by naval officers
and war students generally in the pro-
jeeted assaults on the new single-turret
monitor Florida. 1t is proposed to use
that armOred ship as target for
twelve-inch gun and one of the latest
type of torpedoes. 1t Is desired to obtain
att first hand information regarding the
effect of gunfire at ranges and velocities
which would exist in actual combat.
There have been tests along these lines
at the proving grounds at Sandy Hook.
y. j., and at Indian Head, Nd, but ex-
pefts have recently raised the question
whether experiments conducted at the
proving grounds under the favorable con-
diti0rs which necessarily exist at such
establishments AFFORD really practical
demonstration. The attacks on the Flor
ida will not be as extensive or as de-
siructive as the experiments which were
cCuducted by the British admiralty with
the Old frigate Hero. but they will settle
soma questions of resistance and vuiner-
ability which have long been the subject
of dispute. The Navy Department de-
Sires4o surround the attack on the Flor
ida with much privacy as possible.
and the exact place and time will not be
disclosed to the public.
Increase in Recruiting.
The recent financial stringency and
difficulty in procuring work is the cause
precedented number of applicants for en-
iistment in the army, navy and Marine
Corps. Reports from various cities, par
ticularly New York state that thousands
of men are applying for admission to the
military service.
The principal causes of rejection are
imperfect eyesight, bad teeth and imper-
feet development. In spite of the fact
that many branches of the services are in
great need of men the physical requires
,nents for admission have not been low
cred Most of those accepted during :he
last three months have been assigned to
the artillery and infantry branches Of the
army.
Before the Pacific fleet sailed many APP
piled for naval service, and after that
the enlistments fell off little. but re-
Gently they have Increased in number.
At the recruiting stations the officers in
charge think the eagerness of men to en-
list is due to difficulty in securing work.
and their desire to be placed in position
where they are sure they will receive
their pay, no matter how small. regu-
larry.
Extensive Movement of Troops.
The authorities of the War Department
are completing arrangements for an ex-
tensive movement of troops. made neces-
sary by the fact that the schedule of
soldiers destined for duty in the Philip
United States does not extend beyond
the departure of the 9Th Infantry from
San Francisco April >, and the return of
,he'Jst Infantry MAY II. The first regi-
Inent to come home will he the oath In
fantry, which will leave Manila next
Saturday on. the transport Sherman. That
regiment will go 10 Madison barracks
and Fort Ontario. New York, and take
the place OF the I'D Infantry. which has
Just sailed for Manila. The oath Infantry
will arrive at its New York stations in
ample time 10 take part in the joint army
and militia maneuvers at Pine Plains
y. y; in June and July next. The rule
governing troops in the Philippines to
De observed during the coming year viii
probably be that % recalling all troops
after two years service in the islands
Their places probably will be filed by
an equal number OF troops from the
United States. That is by means GER
tain however. and furnishes one of the
Questions under consideration in the War
Department. 1T has been suggested that
tie military force in the Philippines be
reduced. That would have the effect
of allowing t-OOps a longer period of
service in the United States before their
return to the islands. in addition to fur
uishing larger force at home and for
the. replacing of troops on duty in Cuba
should 1t be necessary to send q force
TO that island.
Teaching Schoolboys to Shoot.
Inaugurateda about year ago in New
York city under the auspices of the Pub
lie Schools Athletic League. the move