Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1915-12-16
GUARDSMEN WIN
HIGHEST PRAISE
Spirit and Discipline of the
Men of the Pennsylvania
Militia Commended

PENNSYLVANIA National Guards
men showed splendid military spirit,
commendable knowledge of duties
and good discipline at the several en-
campments held last summer and are
praised rather than criticised in the
reports of the officers who made the
inspection. Detailed reports with
comments by Col. Frank G. Sweeney,
inspector general were made public
here to-day by Adjutant General
Thomas j. Stewart.
The ratings are given in tabulated
reports, but only regiments are given
general average figures. This is be-
cause inspections of different organ
izations are made by different othcers-
They show two Western Pennsylvania
regiments, the Tenth and Eighteenth
10 be tie for first honors with gen.
eral average of 97.3. Other averages
are 18th, 96.5; 18th, 96.2; Attn, 95.S;
9Th, 95.4; Sth, 95; 14th, 94.9; 6th,
94.7; 1st, 94.5; End, 93.S; 3rd, 92.S.
The auxiliary organizations are not
given general averages except the
signal corps which is given 95.3.
Praise From Sweeney
Col. Sweeney says the admirable
appearance" of the infantry was due
10 the new uniforms, the personnel
was very good" and the soldierly
bearing, as a rule, excellent. The uni
forms worn, he says, were too heavy
for summer wear. Earnest efforts to
take care of rifles were evident he
finds. but belts, bayonets and some
other equipment is criticised, while
some officers were found without tull
equipment. Officers are commended
for efforts to have men subsist on
State rations, but camps are praised
as improving, cleanliness was sought
by the men in charge, but there is
criticism of conduct in detrainlng ana
entraining. The spirit and demeanor
of the Guard have been favorably re-
ported upon by all inspectors says
the Inspector General.
The men became interested in the
work and instead of trying to evade
duty manifested a keen desire to
learn, says Col. Sweeney, who at
tributes it to the course of instruction:
He urges more attention to guard
duty, to military courtesy and the
hiring of teams.
Field hospitals, engineers, signal
corps and artillery were reported IN
good shape, although the artillery be-
ing in camp with the regulars the IN
spection was apparently not as salts
factory as in years past. Col. H. l..
Haldeman, commisSary general,
urges adherence to State rations and
that officers should not mess with men
and that civilians should not be ad-
mltleu TO mess On IudIu al llSh-
cts
The Fourth Brigade
Concerning the Fourth Brigade, OF
which the Eighth regiment is part,
Major NJ. II. Taggart, of Sunbury, who
inspected it says in part:
Due to the character of the sur
face of the ground allotted for the en-
campment of this brigade, it was i'm
possible to have the regularity and
precision of camp construction which
it was accustomed to in the past but
AZ this handicap and obstacle was largely
overcome and a most satisfactory
camp was made and maintained. The
latrines and lighthouses were main
tanned in a remarkable condition of
cleanliness and little damage was
done to them, and the Company
streets were carefully policed and the
tents uniformly rolled during days
and hours permitting thereof. The
kitchens and incinerators received
special attention at my hands, and
enjoy being able to say | note an i'm
proved condition in both over past
years. However, I cannot help but
see the unusual large amount of
equipment carried by some commands
for messing purposes, and believe this
is q mistake.
"A marked improvement in knowl-
edge of duty was noticeable as the
week progressed. Interior Guard was
IAN anu luulltIelllt anu ScilblillB bS
sentinels and soldiers was almost
ignored. 7 believe, from want of
proper instruction.
II report a quiet orderly camp,
with the personnel kept dressed and
orders faithfully complied with.
Renewing my recommendations OF
the past year. that at the next camp
of instruction, each regiment establish
what it considers to be an ideal cook
and mess arrangement, and from the
several arrangements such parts be
selected and assembled as appeals to
the assembled officers as the most
economical and satisfactory arrange
ment, and let that be standard thus
disposing of large, heavy and un-
necessary boxes. cumbersome tables,
secure cleanliness and appearance.
without sacrificing hardness, and
generally benefitting all and hurting
none. I saw refrigerators over six
feet high, and some companies with
several boxes, any one larger than
the aggregate of all the boxes of
other companies