Year: 1878

GENERAL HANCOCK on THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF
RIFLE PRACTICE ~ THE ABANDONMENT OF
GENERAL POPE on THE TROUBLES IN NEW
MEXICO


WASHINGTON Nov. z, 1878.
Major General Hancock. commanding the Department
of the East and also the Division of the Atlantic gves
detailed account Of the operations therein during
past year. He speaks of the precautionary
taken early in the for the protection Of the
troops in the south from the attacks of yellow fever
In every instance the movement was made in due
time With the exception of the small guard left at
Jackson Barracks, in New Orleans all have entirely
escaped tho fever.


RIFLE PRACTICE


The General recommends that more attention than
heretofore be paid to rifle practice and speaks OF the
team of twelve selected under the authority Of
the Secretary Of War from the military divisions Of
the Missouri the Atlantic and the Pacific to compete
in the International Military Match shot Ut Creed
moor in September last during the annual autumn
competition Of the National Rifle Association of
America. The teams Of the Division Of the Pacific
arrived too late enter but had the benefit testing
the range, observing the practice and becoming
quainted with the rules and requirements The
from the divisions of the Missouri and the Atlantic
We're entered for the match; but notwth-
standing their want of practice. unfami-
very eredasy and de





that with greater opportunity. practice and incen
tives to proficiency soldiers will be we'll able to
hold their against all comcrs and do credit the
service. The precedent il good for increasing
rifle practice throughout the army and for bringing
into friendly competition the regular and volunteer
forces to the best advantage. He commends the sub
ject to the consideration Of higher authority believ
ing the adoption of specific plan throughout the
entire army will achieve the desired Perhaps
it might be we'll to authorize annual company prizes
from the company fund and post prizes from the post
fund.


DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI


General Pope, in the conclusion Of his report
corning the Department OF Missouri says that Lincoln
county in New Mexico has for the last twelve months
been in state of anarchy which is = disgrace to the
civilization Of the age. The United States military
authorities prohibited by law from assisting to
keep the peace in whatever and therefore
have been compelled to stand by and see houses
tanning women aud children attacked and many
persons. some of them undoubtedly innocent
of any part in the quarrels either killed
driven to seek refuge the military reservation
ercse Of stronger power than il lodged in the civil
authorities Of New Mexico to defend any one-men,
women and children--against these ontrages. The
General deems at least within his province to inform
those who have the power Of condition of affairs for
which changes Of civil functionsrics no remedy


DIVISION PACIFIC.


The report of General Mcdowell, commanding the
Division Of the Pacific. gives detailed account OF
military operations within the limits Of his COM
mand. The particulars Of the events mentioned have
already been published.


All the commanding generals express satisfaction
with the conduct OF the army