The Southern herald., 1911-05-26


sumably no longer needed on our warshps as
they were in the days when most of the sailors
we're foreigners, should be transferred to the
army Some time ago all the marines were ta-
ken off the warships but later by order Of con-
gress they had to be restored Now that hun
dreds of the marines are scheduled to partici'
pate in extensive land operatlons,-either inde-
pendently or in conjunction with the soldiery OF
the regular army-it is hoped that evidence Will
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 In the
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 have
no very extensive sea coasts have not given the
attention to this that has been bestowed In the
United States It will be remembered that In
most recent war games on the Atlantic coast
there was joint responsibility between the two
arms Of the service. However many persons had
little expectation that such concerted action
would be advisable when planning operations not
in reference to a foe from overseas, but rela'
tive to possible disturbance in a neighbor repub-
lie on our own continent In this respect the
present activity has proven something of rev.
elaton. But 1t has been realized that not only
can the warships render a service by patrol Of
the Gulf coast but are also factor in that they
can land for shore service thousands of seamen,
trained by regular small arms practice for serv-
ice as infantrymen and light artilerymen.
One Of the marvels Of the recent quick work
in the southwest is found in the very creditable
manner in which the commissary 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 1t must be remembered that
Uncle Sam has made very tangible progress
these past few years in the very vital problems
Of subsstng troops in the field. The army has
made most advantageous use of fireess cooking
by means of freless cookers on 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-
gneer 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 800 acres means
an immense amount of work for the surveying
corps and the map makers in the field The en-
glneers are also likely to find some opportunity
for their searchlight ork,-including that with
their new portable searchlghts conveyed by au
tomobile trucks and ere the war game" is con
cuded 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 fai
to afford its share of work for the hospital corps
the more SO by reason of the effect upon tn,
health of many Of the officers and men Of 81
sudden change from cold to warm climate
And the best part Of all this practical try-ou
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 a
first hand the tactical and strategic lessons In
volved.