New-York tribune., 1908-11-15

pense involved Then too. the officials Of the organ
lied militia have not manifested the enthusiasm
for the work which the War Department authori-
ties had hoped for. Il has been found that most
Of the national guardsnen prefer to have encaInp-
ments within their states. This IS largely for
the reason that time required travel and
the exercises under the control OF the state
authorities At the big camps. where the exercises
held in conjunction with the regular army the
programme gives little opportunity for anything
but work The troops must put through various
drills. subjected to rigid inspection do consid-
cradle hiking Of training for work
in The field, and engage in the solution Of strateg
cal problems by day and occasionally at night.
This deprives the big camps Of anything like &
holiday aspect.
The reports received from the army officers this
year do not show much Improvement in the
work Of the militia as had been expected or as
the army officers felt they had a right To expect
by virtue OF the money which has been expended
in behalf OF the militia. At the last session OF
Congress there was provided 100000 for the
elusive OF the state troops. which have become
by virtue of federal law an organized militia on
general lines. with some attempt 10 give the state
troops unity OF organization well a uni
formity Of equipment and regularity OF training.
In the coast artillery exercises especially the
state troops did not prove a satisfactory as was
expected The principal criticism attaches to tie
troops Of the Southern States where the interest
was fagrantly lacking and the disposition to shrIs
was a pTedominating characteristic.
The War Department has in view as perna-
nent method Of mobilizng troops in time Of war
the acquisition Of the camp sites occl-
pied last recommendation will be ma de
for the purchase during the coming winter of the
land at Pine Plains y. y. The special board de-
tailed by Major General Grant 10 investigate the
question reported against the purchase Of the land
but Assistant Secretary Oliver OF the War Depart-
ment, who IS old New York militia officer has
obtained the approval Of the War Department to
the item which aims to provide the funds for this
purpose Il rests entirely with Congress Of course
when the army appropriation bin is taken under
consideration in the coming winter
tract Of land already possessed by the govern
ment is the military reservation at Fort Riley.
Kansas This is of the largest and one of the
best situated OF the large tracts which NAV be used
FOR military purposes on the extensive scale which
will be necessary in the mobilization OF troops IN
time OF trouble. Al all Of the camps notably that
at Fort Riley. the army quartermasters and en-
gineers made speciality of arrangement with .
view TO impartng this valuable information 10 the
visiting militia. II a practical demon alton
OF The best way of placing tents relation To sur
rounding country The army surgeons also Ient
their aid and the value Of their experience In ee-
tabhshing the methods Of protecting health vbiIe
troops are in the field. This was ACCOMPLISHED b,,
the latest devices OF camp sanitation in the way
OF the obstruction OF garbage the publication Of
water and other features which promote ,riittar,-
hygiene under conditions which present difficulties
IN the way Of the congregation of A large forca
removed from the permanent facilities OF the gar
rison.
The reports received from army officers In reT.
ton 10 the militia these camps state that ti,a
demonstration appeared to be appreciated II was
a class of work which could not very well ba ac
complshed at the state camps