Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-02-14

next summer. Each state is making
its own plans but the cruise is to be
Of tie combined naval militia and
the vessels upon which they will
cruise will make quite stable visit
ing fleet. Mention Of the plan was
first made here by the Star-Balletin
early last week.
More detail Of the plans for the Ha.
waii cruise Of the coast naval militia
is given in the Portland, Ore, Tele.
gram than in other coast papers. In
its issue Of January "a that paper
said:
VIII Start In duty
Members OF the Oregon naval NH
litia will join with members OF SINH
lar organizations In Washington and
California for a practise; cruise to
Honolulu next July. according to re-
concentrations made to the naval
hoard by Capt c. w. Williams of the
federal service, director of naval mi
: litia affairs on the Pacific coast. The
schedule as IL now stands provides for
the Oregon naval militia leaving here
July IA. completing the maneuver
work about August 8. In all probabil-
ity the Oregon contingent viii use
the cruiser New Orleans and torpedo
boat destroyer Goldsborough; the
Californians will be aboard the battle
ship Oregon, the torpedo-boat Farra-
gut and the destroyer Huntington,
while the Washington men will use
an armored cruiser and the gunboat
vicksburg. The militiamen OF the
three states will assemble aboard
their vessels at common rendezvous
on this side OF the Pacific, proceed to
Honolulu for maneuvers and return
In fleet formation. The cruise prom
Uses to be one of the most pretentious
in the history of the coast organiza-
tions.
Oregon Militia Wins Hioh Praise
while It Is not generally known.
the Oregon militia has achieved an
enviable reputation in naval circles.
Following an inspection OF the Ore
gon mflitiamen here December g..
VCapt Williams. commander Of the
historic Oregon and director OF naval
militia affairs on the Pacific coast,
gave the local organization an ex-
tremely high rating IN his report to
the navy department.
In commenting on the efficiency OF
the Oregon naval militia as regards
its commanding officers. Capt. viii
liams made use Of the grading term
excellent. The appearances of the
enlisted men was reportedto be very
good" and from the standpoint of ap-
pearance at drills, obedience, aiscip-
line and attention to orders a similar
grading was given.
But the finest compliment paid
the Oregon naval militiamen was
given by Capt Fred b. Bassett. direct
or OF the division Of naval militia ar
fairs Of the navy, during an examine
ton by the committee on. naval at.
fairs of the house of representatives.
Capt Bassett was asked regarding the
Workmanship of various naval militia
ORGANIZATIONS and the aptitude they
displayed in learning the use OF guns.
Very good, commented Capt.
Bassett In reply. i refer particularly
to the work OF the Oregon naval mill
tia aboard the cruiser Albany. Their
craftsmanship was excellent
Oregon Numbers $40 3
At the present time the Oregon
Naval Militia has q membership of
lSS, exclusive Of q marine organiza
ton OF Is men and a band OF rs
pieces. Il Is commanded by Capt
George F. Blair. Lieut.. @. H. Jet is
chief engineer. The officers Of the or
ganization meet each week to study
naval problems and the organization
assemblies once each week for drill.
Officers Of the Naval Militia are hope.
ful that the cruiser New Orleans and
destroyer Goldsborough viii be sta
toned here permanently to givebthe
men and officers an opportunity of be-
coming proficient in their militia
work.
An appropriation of $4,000 was
granted by the state to the Naval |
Militia two years ago and a similar
amount has been asked for at the
present session."
The Portland oregonian next day
said:
IF the chief Of the division Of Naval
Militia affairs and officials at Wash.
ington act on the recommendation OF
Capt @. w. Williams, inspectorin.
structor Of the Naval Militia Of the
Pacific Coast, the naval militiamen of
Oregon, Washington and California
viii cruise to the Hawaiian Islands
next July.
Recommendation 70 Made
Capt Williams recently sent a rec
ommendation to the department OF
naval militia affairs that such a
cruise be taken. lasting from July IA
TO August 3. He also recommended
that the Oregon Naval Militia be giyen
a third-class cruiser OF better type,
preferably the New Orleans, and |
torpedo boat, preferably the Goldsbor-
ough.
He asserted in his report OF the |
condition of the Oregon Naval Militia |
that the geographical position of Port |
land demanded that the Oregon men
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