Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1908-09-26
NOTES FROM WASHINGTON
Especial Correspondence


New Hampshlre's Good Record
The battleship New Hampshire, on
her final trial trip, according to an
official report to the navy department,
developed 1874 knots speed, exceed
ing the contract requirements by A
of a knot, and developed 17,772 horse
power, exceeding by 1000 the horse
power developed by the contractors
on the four-hour preliminary trial.
Reward for Delivering Deserters-
According to an order issued at the
war department the other day, a re-
ward of $50 will be paid in all cases
where deserter is delivered by civ
IL officer or civilian at military post,
or at such other place as may be des-
ignated for his delivery by proper
military authorities. It also provides
that this amount will include full con-
sideration for all expenses incurred in
such apprehension and delivery. In
special cases and in the discretion Of
the secretary Of war, the. amount of
the reward may be reduced.
5onaparte Intmates Retirement
Atay.-Gen. Bonaparte returned here
last week, much benefited by his va
cation spent in the Berkshire hills,
Massachusetts, and he said he expect
ed to remain in Washington almost
continuously until March 4, 1909"
the plain inference being that he ex-
pected to retire from office on that
date. AS to a recent decision of the
U. s. circuit court at Philadelphia
holding the commodities clause of the
Hepburn act unconstitutional, the at
torney-general said work had already
begun looking to an appeal to the U.
s. supreme court at the coming Octo-
ber term. AS to the Standard oil case
the encouragement said that Judge
Crosscup had been asked to hear a re-
argument, but he was unwilling to
state what the governments next step
would be in the event that it's petit
tion was denied. From other sources,
however, 1t is learned that should
Judge Crosscup refuse to rehear argu-
ments the supreme court would at
once be petitioned to issue a writ of
certiorari asking that the whole rec
ord be presented to that court for con-
sideration.
President to Urge Army Increase
President Roosevelt, in his final an.
nual message to the congress, prob.
ably will recommend an increase in
the numerical strength of the army to
at least 100000 men. At present the
army Is on footing of 10000 men,
the number provided for in time of
peace. To the general staff it has be-
come evident in the last two years
that 10000 men are too few properly
to garrison the posts at which it is
necessary to maintain an army force.
These posts include the garrisons in
the insular possessions of America.
The law provides that the army may
be increased to 100000 men in time
of need. This provision, in the opinion
OF the military experts of the govern
ment, is likely to prove serious
handicap to the army if absolute nec-
essity should arise for larger force.
1t is pointed out that the, recruiting
OF the army from 10000 to 100000
would bring into the service an addi-
tion of approximately two inexperi-
enced men to every three experienced
soldiers. 1t would require many months
OF instructions to whip into shape the
men thus mustered into the service.
and in the event that the army was
needed in an emergency the presence
of so large a number of inexperienced
soldiers in the ranks would prove a
handicap to the main body.
Alrships Feasible in Warfare
With the utility of aerial navigation
as an adjunct to the army in time Of |
war practically demonstrated by the |
phenomenal flights made at. Fort Ny |
er recently by Orville Wright, with |
the activity displayed by foreign gov
ernments in securing aerial navies,
and with the advantage of maintain
ing constant communication between |
the various units Of an army in time |
OF war strikingly illustrated In recent |
international conflicts, military author.
tiles are arguing the necessity for in
creasing the strength of the signal
corps of the army. Indeed. there is
now awaiting the action of the mill
tary committee Of the senate a bill
providing for doubling the strength of |
the corps and has a quota of about
1900 officers and men. The bill await |
ing the action of congress provides for
full peace. strength of $500 officers
and men, and If passed, will put the
signal corps in the line of the army.
More than in any other branch of the
service the officers and men of the
signal service require special training.
Their work involves the establishment
and maintenance of cable, telegraph
and wireless systems, the installation
of fire control systems in all fortifica-
tions, military aeronautics, cable and
telephone equipment for army posts
and target ranges, electrical equip
ment, participation in military maneu-
vers, and all signal work. Gen. James
Allen, the chief signal officer, has en-
deavored to keep pace with foreign
countries in the application of aero
nautics to army work. AS the annual
for equipment for the
signal corps is only $250,000 It was
found necessary to apply to the board
of ordnance and equipment for funds
TO purchase aerial craft with which
the aeronautlcal division of the corps
might make a beginning in the new
science which seems destined to play
a most important part in future con
ficts.