New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-06
Northeastern Commander
Startled by Serious Lack
of Equipment
Sees Whole Companies
Train Without Guns
Some Minus Packs and
Others Have Bayonets
Fixed in Manual


Plattsburg, June 5.-An unofficial in
spection of the Officers Training Camp
by Brigadier General Clarence Ed
wards. commander of the Northeast
ern Department, to-day revealed the
serious shortage of equipment and in
structors which has handicapped the
work Of the camp. Plattsburg being in
the Eastern Department, General Ed
wardss inspection was only concerned
with the matter of instruction and
training of the New England regi-
ment, which is drawn from his terri
tory.
General Edwards witnessed the spec
tacle of one company still trying to
learn the trade Of soldiery without
rifles. Another was going through the
manual of arms with bayonets fixed,
which is contrary to all regulations,
but rendered necessary because the
men have no bayonet scabbards. An
other outfit turned out for a practice
march without packs, because no packs
arc to be had Others had packs that
were incomplete for the lack of car
riers. Some units were without
cartridge belts. The same deficiencies,
or others as bad. obtain in the New
York camp.
Camps Morale Remarkable
I'm refreshing contrast with this
trying state of affairs is the spirit and
morale Of the men and Of their far too
few regular army instructors. They
are making the best of the situation,
anxious, eager and keen-meeting the
obstacles with a will which has won
the praise Of their superiors.
The deficiency of supplies is not due
to a lack Of equipment in the country.
The War Department has 100000
stands of arms and enough bayonet
scabbards, packs and belts for all. The
trouble is laid to our military system, |
especially that part of it which has to
do with the distribution of army prop
erty.
Everything must come through
Washington. Department commanders
are responsible for the military situa
tion in their departments, but are
without power to act. They are also
without power TO control or train, ex
cept when called into Federal service;
they are without authority to obtain
necessary supplies Of any kind with
out appealing 10 Washington.
This camp is short of medical Off
GERS, yet there are four practicng
physicians in Plattsburg who hold
commissions in the Reserve Corps and
who have not been called into service.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul A. Wolf, the
commandant, cannot call them out
General Bell cannot call them out.
Washington only can act.
Major Derby on Tour
Major Richard Derby, a son-in-law of
Colonel Roosevelt and a medical re-
serve Office, was here to-day on tour
Of the state endeavoring TO enlist doc
tors in the army medical service, where
they are so badly needed He conferred
with officers at the post and visited his
brothers-in-law, Kermit, Archie and
Theodore Roosevelt, IT, who are in
camp.
The proposal 70 bring Canadian army
officers 70 the United States as instruc-
tors was discussed in the conferences
between General Edwards and the Off
GERS az the post Pressure from various
quarters is being exerted on those in
authority in Washington, and il is
hoped that shortly an invitation to send
the Canadians here will be dispatched
to the Dominion government. Copies
OF The Tribune story Of Sunday from
ST. John, Quebec, have been forwarded
20 army men in Washington in an effort
20 create sentiment favoring the bring
ing Of the Canadian officers, whose task
is through in their own country, TO help
relieve the situation here.
IL develops that the shortage of in
structors has had much 70 do with the
wholesale releasing Of men from camp.
Colonel Wolf had determined that il is
physical impossibility TO train $500
men with his present staff and that
many must be permitted TO go. II is
only as last resort that his command
Is being weeded down, and officers wish
il known that no stigma attaches itself
70 being relieved Of duties at camp at
this time.
May Recall Released Men
A careful roster Of men who are be-
Ing released before June 10 is being
kept, so that they may be called back
into future camps If need be when
conditions change Many of those re-
leased. however, have been unfit for
military life, and m the judgment of
the officers can best serve their country
in other capacities.
Twelve New Workers went to-day.
They are Robert W. Davies, Charles J.
Collins Arthur J. Braner, Frank b.
Madden, Walter King, James 7. Blan-
ford, W. A. Sells, Thomas l.. 0natavia,
Julian II. Solomon, William II. Read, J.
Krause and Walter Bryan.
Captain Delaney X. Jay, L. S. r.,
who has been III for three weeks with
pneumonia, was granted twenty-one
days leave Of obsence 10 recuperate.
Captain Arnold Whitridge, U. s. A., WAS
ordered 20 report TO Governors Island
for further Instructions. He may join
Pcrshing in France.