The Washington herald., 1916-10-15
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS
Best Service Column In city.

Brig. Gen. John H. Page, retired, who
died on Monday at West Point, had an
enviable army record. For forty-two
years he was on the active list Of the
army. twenty-seven years OF which were
spent with the Third Infantry. He was
born in New Castle. Del. in 1912, and re-
ceived his early education in France and
Italy He served in the civil war and for
three years in the Philippines He was
Appointed brigadier general In 1903 and
was retired at mis- request the day follow
ing his appointment.
Rear Admiral Francis Augustus Cook,
q. S. N, retired, who died recently at his
home in Northampton, Mass, was COM
mander OF the cruiser Brooklyn at the
battle Of Santiago. Because Of conspicu-
Gus bravery al the battle. he was ad-
vanced five numbers in the grade of cap
tain. From 1858 to 1856 he was attached
70 the steam sloop Seminole, Of the West
Gulf Blockading Squadron.
The Navy Department has announced
the death Of Ensign X. P. GiIchrist at
Mare Island Cal, where he had been un-
der treatment at the Naval Hospital.
Prior to his illness he had been on duty
on the Barry.
Noru mas Feacheo here OF the death of
chief Pay Clerk Walter D. BoIlard at
Jacmel' Haiti. He had been serving as
collector OF customs and captain Of the
port at that place. He was born in Penn
sylvania in 1870.
An aeroplane searchlight recently was
given test by army officers at Garden
City, Long Island. A government Curtiss
niplane, operated by Lieut. W. G. Car
berry. and carrying L. J. Lesh, inventor
Of the light, made a long flight
The test Is said to have been ex-
tremely successful. The searchlight, of
800 watt power, is operated by a wind
wheel and has no connection with the
aeroplane motor. 1t is designed to be
used as a signal light and to aid, i9
making landings at night II
An unusually large supply of cotton
canvas for naval purposes soon wifi be
purchased by the Navy Department under
contracts representing an expenditure OF
about $4,000 The canvas will be used inN
the manufacture OF awnings. coal bags,
hammocks. cots and clothes bags The
supply is expected TO last until Jund
1918. 1t has been found that favorable,
prices could be obtained by placing orders
in large quantities for delivery at all Of
the navy yards from time to time
report on revision OF the cavalry
drill and service regulations. with a view
to modernizinE them. soon will be sub
mitted to the Chief OF Staff of the army
by the board of army officers appointed
TO consider the matter. The board Is
composed OF Col. William D. Beach and
Maj. stephen H. Elliott. of the cavalry.
and Capt. Francis lie J. Parker. OF the
General StafI.
The board has reviewed all the regu-
lations most carefully, and last summer
at Fort Bliss. through the cooperation
OF the cavalry commands stationed at
the post 1t conducted tests OF the pro-
posed changes. The new regulations con-
form to the present statutory organiza-
tion Of cavalry regiments, and they con-
template the single rank as the normal
formation. After submittal of the board S
report to the Chief Of Stan. II will be
determined whether the regulations shall
he adopted at once and put into use with
all cavalry commands, or whether they
shall be printed in tentative form and is
sued for trial before final adoption
Citizen soldiers who this year have
attended military training camps, will
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