Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1902 — GENERAL MILES PRAISES ARMY [ARTICLE]

GENERAL MILES PRAISES ARMY

United States Troops Have Proved Their Fitness on the Battlefield. URGES AID FOR ARTILLERY ARM Little Attention Being Paid to Proper Housing of That Branch of the Service, Though It Is Exposed to the Climatic Elements. The annual report of Lieut. Gen. Miles, commanding the army, has been made public. The commanding general has much to say in praise of the officers and men of the army. “The experience during the great civil war and years of campaigning along our western frontier," he says, “afforded the best schools of practice for our army In former years. The attention given to calisthenics and gymnastics and military exercises made our small army a corps of athletes, while the elementary schools established for enlisted men, the post libraries, the post lyceums, and officers* schools, the various schools of instruction and practice for officers, as well as the military academy, produced an army of such excellence that I was able in my annual report for 1896 to state: ‘The personnel of the army was never in better condition.* Praise for AIL “This was proven to be true by the fortitude, skill and heroism displayed in every serious campaign, on every field of mortal combat, whereever the army has been engaged in any part of the world during the last four years. During that time many changes have occurred and the army has been largely increased. “The long and varied service of the senior officers, their experience in organizing, disciplining, instructing, and leading their comrades, as well as the excellent discipline, instruction, and exemplary conduct of the soldiers of the army of *9B, have been the leaven of the army of the present time. Evils may creep into any system or great organization. Such as have affected our army have been or will be eradicated.” Quarters for Artillerymen. Gen. Miles indorses the recommendation of Gen. Brooks for a readjustment of the geographical limits of the different departments with a view of equalizing conditions. He calls attention to the necessity of quarters for troops, saying that while hundreds of of dollars are being spent for quarters for cavalry, little is being used to afford shelter for artillery, which is exposed to severe climates along the coasts. “These troops,” says Gen. Miles, "are required to be located adjacent to the fortifications, notwithstanding the exposed position of many of them, and I see no reason why buildings should not be properly constructed in time to be occupied, when it is known for years exactly where and when they will be required. Some Criticism. "I also call attention to the incomplete condition of the fortifications, especially on the Pacific coast, where millions have been expended in engineering and ordnance work, and yet the commands have not been properly supplied with ammunition, electrical plants, and other appliances essential to the effective use of these fortifications in actual warfare.” Of the actual campaign work of the army during the last year, Gen. Miles says: “During the last year there have been no serious engagements, except that of the troops under Gen. Frank D. Baldwin in Mindanao, P. L, with the Moros. For the number of men engaged this was a spirited and desperate engagement. Our forces were commanded by one of the most experienced and efficient officers of tue army, whose record has always been of the highest order, and his achievements, together with that of the troops, in this engagement, made another chapter of fortitude, tenacity, and heroic sacrifice in the history of American arms. Treatment of Indians. "The condition of the Indians is quite satisfactory, and there has been no disturbance of Importance among them during the last twelve months. .This is accounted for principally by three reasons: First, just and huma.ne treatment of the Indians and the judicious management of their affairs; second, their gradual transition from a condition of barbarism to that of a semi-civilized people; and, third, the close proximity of the military garrisons, which are always available in case of threatened disturbance.”