Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-07-21
PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION Z.
FOR GUARD OFFICERS.
Receiving Training Along the
Most Modern Lines Which
Will be Beneficial.

staff Correspondence OF fsNeFN EsNeiiHS'
state Rifle Range. July 21.-The in
terest which the regular army officers
on duty in this state as instructors
have shown in the progress and train
ing of the officers and men of the new
states soldiery is taken as one evidence
of the closer welding of the two
groups SO far the first half of the
four-day course in instruction prepar-
atory to the state organizations en-
campment, beginning August l, has
been declared a success.
Colonel Harry w. Stark. senior COM
manding officer of the newly organized
National Guard of Delaware. continu-
ed with his course of instruction to-
day at the camp. Many important
phases OF army regulations, admins
tration and military dicipline We're ex-
planned. Sweeping changes of demo-
cratic character that bid fair to revo-
lutionize the military organization will
be introduced at the regular encamp-
ment two weeks hence, il was eN
planned during the lecture for officers
and non-commissioned officers.
The most important revision of the
governing code has 10 do with the
manner in which court martials shall
be conducted. Unlike the methods
used in the past. which left open the
way for possible discrimination against
the enlisted men, under the new rul-
ing, privates will be placed on a par
with officers as respects the right of
preferring charges against persons in
the service and the accused will also
be given full opportunity TO cross-ex-
anime witnesses who appear against
him.
During the course of his lecture.
Colonel Stark explained fully the re-
vision of the new court martial code.
Enlisted men are placed on parity
with officers in respect of the right to
prefer charges against persons in the
military service; but all charges must
be supported by affidavit. Not only
will this ruling. which is part Of the
Army Reorganization Act, passed by
Congress last year. protect the private
and on-commissioned man from pos
sible injustice, whether intentional
or otherwise. but it will serve to reduce
the minimum number Of military
trials.
On the other hand. this far-reaching
and highly approved change Will not
act as a boon for offenders. Many new
and effective measures will be insG
tuted 10 Gull out notwithstanding men
guilty Of insubordination, disorderly
conduct, etc. The prime purpose Of
the advanced code is 10 raise the in
dividual to a higher sense Of honor
80 4,-,,S,yx-oy-% &juscS and Sfy,spa-th and
promote unity between officers and
soldiers.
Federal recognition Of the National
Guard has made strict observance of
the reorganization act necessary. In
other words the encampment of the
Delaware Guard at the State Rifle
Range, starting August I. will be
strictly military, with army discipline
prevailing at all times. How ever
every encouragement will be offered
the men tc advance in rank by reason
Of teaching each 10 use mental energy.
IS well as develop himself physically.
This scheme of things is being
greeted with much enthusiasm on the
part Of all guardsmen. It's command
ing effects are already visible in that
the new Delaware units are being
transformed from poor organizations
into responsible, dependable and con-
structive companies. The old sloven-
~ system Of function has disappeared,
giving way TO a live, pulsing, throb-
bing organism.
Good Workmanship.
Unusual skill and craftsmanship
was displayed during the morning
short range practice drill, in which
| many officers and on-commissioned
| officers participated. While the work
vas unofficial and no credits were
| awarded, it was said by the time re-
| corder that Colonel w. +. Slower
/ made the greatest number Of hits
There was no mock trial, as antici-
/ pated, but arrangements have been
| made for an interesting one tomorrow
A truck arrived this morning from
Fort du Pont bearing a &C. Z. co.
searchlight of the dishpan type. The
| instrument is in charge of Technical
Sergeant p. A. Cuthberton and its
uses will probably be demonstrated
| tomorrow
Care, use and nomenclature Of the
magazine rife and automatic pistol
comprised one of the demonstrations
on the morning program yesterday.
| A company drill was held in the after
noon, which was followed by a lecture.
| In the evening Colonel Stark spoke on
1 court md at1Gfnf,,a % 4lNx