The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1911-05-27

past that L1lS DOQy OIL =SSdS Wlio p1V
sumably no longer. needed on our Warshlps as
they were in the DAYS when most of the sailors |
were foreigners, should be transferred to the
army Some time ago all the marines were Ia
ken off the warshps, but later by order OF con |
gress they had to be restored. Now that hun 4
dreds of the marines are scheduled to partlcl-
pate in extensive land OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES lnde-
pendently or in conjunction with the sold1efy OF
the regular army--it is hoped that evidence VIII
be Forthcoming as to whether or not they Would
render better service if actually enrolled on the
army roster.
The team work of the army and navy which
is consistent policy with Uncle Sam Is being
followed along with other up-to-date ideas ID tne
operations on the Gulf coast. Cooperation be-
tween military and naval forces is, of course, an
axiom with all the great powers of the world,
but many of the European nations which nave
no very extensive sea coasts have not given me
attention to this that has been bestowed IN the
United States. 1t will be remembered that IN
most recent war games the Atlantic coast
there was joint responsibility between the Two
arms Of the service However many persons mad
little expectation that such concerted action
would be advisable when planning operations not
in reference to a foe from overseas, Dut Feia-
tive to possible disturbance In a neghbor repup-
lie on our continent. In this respect the
present activity has proven something OF rev.
elation But it has been realized that not only
the Gulf coast but are also a factor in that they
can land for shore service thousands of seamen,
trained by regular small arms practice for serV-
ice as infantryrnen and light artillerymen.
One of the maryels of the recent quick work
in the southwest is found in the very creditable
manner in which the comInssary department
has met the responsibilities suddenly thrust up
on it, Here again there has been most crafty
ing contrast to the conditions of the Spanish
war period, but it must be remembered that
Uncle Sam has made very tangible progress
these past few years in the very vital problems
of st.bsisting troops in the field. The army has.
made most advantageous use of freless cooking
by means of fireless cookers wheels designed
to cook the food while the military force to
which the equipment is attached is on the march
and to have the meal piping hot and ready to
serve the minute the force halts for the noon
day respite or to pitch camp at night.
There has been plenty of work too for the en-
gineer corps OF the army In this Texas cam
paign" for there have been big camps to lay
out and to lay out such sites In various sizes up
to divisional camp covering 500 acres means
an immense amount of work for the surveying
corps and the map makers in the field. The en-
gineers are also likely to find some opportunity
for their searchlight work-including that with
their new portable searchlights conveyed by au-
tomobi1e trucks and ere the war game IS con-
cIuded they are likely to have more or less prac-
tice in bridge building And finally the opera
tions of 10000 soldiers in the field cannot fail
to afford its share Of work for the hospital corps
the more SO by reason of the effect upon the
health of many of the officers and men OF SO
sudden a change from cold to a warm climate.
And the best part Of all this practical try-out
OF our military preparedness is that not only
will the rank and file get experience but the
higher officers of the service from Gen Leonard
Wood down will personally direct or observe
the important movements, thereby learning at
first hand the tactical and strategic lessons in
volYed.