ter than part of ours, and their disciplined soldiers have frequently been proved staunch in battle--but the success was ours. If the latest law did not demand division hospitals nor brigade inspectors for the recent volunteers, still if they were improvised in time by those who would take the responsibility, like such surgeons as Hoff and Sternberg, or such generals as Lee and Lawton, the results may have been just as beneficial as if provided by law. Good men well led have often made a good account of themselves, even when without the best organization or arms: and even the best organization can hardly make inferior men superior soldiers. And our own history may give some illustration of this both in this and the last century. Now as always our Army is doing very well and has given a good account of itself. The Germans did not have the best muskets in their last war with. France.

The prevailing organization in the continental nations of Europe is usually characterized by universal compulsory service in crowded communities dominated by a royal family, whose scions, however incompetent, must appear as figure heads and war lords, and are therefore furnished with chiefs of staff to furnish military skill, who have little connection with the secretary of war. There the regiments are localized, and the regimental commanders actually command them and are even responsible for making the men's clothing; and the brigades, divisions, and corps assemble for their commanders, and are almost as permanently organized as the companies. The size, training, and expansion of their armies are proverbial; and up to the last the men who are called out are trained and fit for the business of war. In 1897 we had about one regular soldier to 140 square miles, or to 2,500 inhabitants. Evidently the system and organization should not be identical that suits two such different cases, when the one has none but trained soldiers with the colors and long established regiments, and the other quite the reverse. Our system has seldom failed us except in the early stages of war; and then simply because we will not maintain our practice of mobilization in peace: Congress being apparently more ready to give money lavishly in war than constantly, as military wisdom and experience require.

How earnestly the efforts of the Inspector-General's Department had been in favor of the improvement noted need not be related here; but the inspection of the line of the Army was conducted under a particularly effective system, aimed absolutely at the requirements of field service, and was never less trammeled nor better sustained and more incisive and effective than in 1897; and its advocacy of regular maneuvers and the practice of periodical mobilization is indicated by a single extract from the annual report of the Inspector-General to the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Army for the fiscal year 1895, viz:

The number of officers in our service who have had experience in handling large masses of troops is growing less and less each year, and there are many on its rolls who have never seen a brigade of troops. Can a satisfactory condition of instruction exist under such circumstances? Has not the time come when it is absolutely essential in order to instruct the younger officers of the Army how to best apply the theoretical knowledge which they have acquired at the Military Academy and at the service schools to occasionally concentrate troops at some central point and engage in a series of maneuvers approximating as nearly as possible to the actual conditions of war, forbidding the exercise of any maneuver which can be performed while in garrison?

Troops and company commanders acting merely independently are probably as thoroughly versed in their duties as could be desired, but as subordinate com

manders under service conditions some of them may have had inadequate experience, or those who have had sufficient experience date it back thirty years, and since then many elements of the soldier's trade have radically changed.

There was never a time in the history of our Army when the officers and men were better prepared theoretically to meet an enemy than now. What they need is practice, and next to war a simulated condition of war with a system of thorough and intelligent inspections is the best school. This instruction with large units is now more important than ever before. With a new arm, new drill regulations, a large number of well-educated but inexperienced officers, the time is ripe for practice of a practical kind, with forces sufficiently large to simulate war conditions. This is the essential element of modern soldierly life and instruction.

It is submitted that subsequent experience fairly sustained this recommendation. It may be well merely from a military point of view to recognize that the events of the past few years have been an army training school under a guidance or instinct that appears providential. The struggle of centuries with the aborigines within our borders may have another flash in the pan occasionally, but as an important contest it is finished, and as a school admirable in its training may be nearly closed. We are approaching the epoch of a new millennium and only the clearest prescience can foretell the limits of the destiny before us. It is believed that we have entered upon this new phase of our national career well prepared, but any way our time has come and we have been called. What is before us is history written in a larger hand, and the appeal and judgment is unchanged since the Declaration of Independence of these United States of America. Upon no class of our fellow-citizens do the new demands touch more seriously than upon the armed defenders of the national policy and frontier: and the response everywhere has been more than creditable. It is believed that our fellow-countrymen are satisfied with their army.

CONDITIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

The following extracts are submitted from the annual reports of Maj. S. C. Mills, inspector-general, Division of the Philippines; Maj. W. D. Beach, inspector-general, U. S. Volunteers, Department of Southern Luzon, and Maj. R. A. Brown, inspector-general, U. S. Volunteers, Department of Northern Luzon, as serving to indicate conditions in the Philippines.

Attention is also invited to Appendix D, giving a very interesting account of active operations in the Philippine Islands, by Majors Beach and Brown; and to Appendix E, giving report of a reconnoissance of Major Brown, of which Major-General MacArthur says, in submitting it to headquarters, Department of the Pacific and Eighth Army Corps:

The original purpose of Major Brown's reconnoissance was to accumulate information for my own use in organizing a line of supplies for the battalion of the Sixteenth Infantry at Bayombong. His report affords so much general information as to the situation at Bayombong and vicinity that it is respectfully submitted for the information of the department commander.

Efficiency, disci- Major Beach: Nearly all of the regiments serving in the pline, and appear- Department of Southern Luzon are volunteers, so the following ance of troops. remarks apply mainly to them. As to efficiency, there is no possible doubt they have been enthusiastic to such a degree that general officers have at times felt it necessary to restrain them; their only fear seemed to be that they would be left behind, and to avoid this the matter of supply seemed to them a very minor consideration. I believe a great part of this eagerness has been due to the desire of the field officers of the various regiments to make their own particular regiments the most noted of the volunteer organizations. The discipline of many of these regiments has been excellent, but occasionally one hears complaints that you can not demand of them what you do of regulars, or "they get sick" in spite of all you can do. Now that the chance for anything but "bushwhacking" is past, the general feeling among the men is that they want to be sent home. The plan of putting thoroughly

qualified, active regular officers in the field officers' positions in the volunteer regiments has been productive of most excellent results. The officers' reputations are at stake, and they try to be the very best soldiers in the command with, in the general case, not indifferent results.

Infantry.

Major Brown: In the guerrilla warfare patrol duty has been so excessive that each infantry regiment has been furnished with 50 horses, and mounted detachments have been organized in each regiment to do much of this work. These detachments have added greatly to the efficiency of the infantry regiments in keeping the country cleared of small bands and in saving the strength of the foot troops. The cavalry force on duty in this division up to the time of the dissolution of the insurgent army was two troops of cavalry, Troops E and K, Fourth Cavalry.

Cavalry.

The service rendered by these two troops was out of all proportion to their numbers. In the operations beginning around Angeles about November 1 the two troops were sent to take part in operations on the left 2 miles around Porac. These operations completed, the two troops immediately returned to Angeles, proceeded to Calulut and took part in the operations to Magalang, advanced from this point through Concepcion to Capas, at the extreme front and center. They were pushed along with the advance until the rapid movements of troops to the front by rail left them at Panique. But from here they at once began operations on the left flank to Camiling. Returning from this expedition, the troops were moved to Bayamban and from there they formed part of the expedition through northern Zambales. These two troops have been practically constantly in the field on the move and their services on all these expeditions have been admirable.

The horses stood the work well and kept in as good condition as any cavalry horses I have seen called on to do a like amount of work. For periods of ten days to two weeks they subsisted entirely on native forage without any appreciable loss of flesh or condition. Troop E is mounted on American horses, that were in the first lot brought over in January, 1899. Their horses have done splendid work, and a large amount of it, and are in good condition.

Artillery.

In the period of active operations around Angeles and the advance through Bamban the two batteries of light artillery, Battery E, First Artillery, and Battery G, Third Artillery, rendered important and valuable services. Both batteries were greatly handicapped by lack of horses for transportation of guns, ammunition, and supplies.

Engineers.

The engineer troops with the division were Companies A and B of the Engineer Battalion. They rendered valuable services, but were too few in number. In the advance along the railroad and later there was more than enough work for a regiment of such troops. In assigning work to such a small force it always seemed that more important service was demanded elsewhere than that to which they were assigned. They were too few in number to be of service that engineer troops should be to an army in the field.

The work of the Signal Corps has been highly satisfactory and Signal Corps. the services of the officers and men in the field are deserving of unstinted praise. As the troops became scattered throughout the territory occupied by the division the volume of work was in excess of the capacity of the limited number of officers and men available for duty. Men and officers worked with untiring industry and energy to make up as far as they could for the deficiency in numbers.

ment.

No modern machine guns were furnished by the Ordnance Ordnance Depart Department. A number of .45 caliber Gatlings were furnished and were of some service for defensive purposes, but for offensive use the range of efficient service is so short that they proved practically useless. Their place, in fact, is in the museum and arsenal along with other obsolete weapons. This (infantry) arm of the service has been the principal one employed in nearly all the operations. All the troops that I saw actively engaged have been equipped with the United States magazine rifle, Krag-Jorgensen, and this appears to be an entirely satisfactory up-to-date weapon. Expressions of satisfaction have frequently been heard regarding the sight furnished with the latest issues, a sight that will enable the marksman to aim at the object he wishes to hit. If the experience of officers and men in actual service can be taken as a guide, the Springfield rifle (.45 caliber) is to be forever relegated to the arsenal and museum.

Colt's .38-caliber revolver has so far been the most modern arm of that class issued. About a year ago a few officers provided themselves with Mauser pistols of latest pattern. As a weapon it showed such superiority over any issued by the Government that large numbers have since been bought by both officers and enlisted men, the latter procuring the weapon for use in the mounted detachments.

Major Beach: The magazine rifle and carbine have not a critic that I have discov

ered. The weight and size of the rifle are such, however, that one of the colonels, Col. G. S. Anderson, Thirty-eighth Infantry, U S. Volunteers, told me that had he to prepare another regiment for Philippine service he would ask to have it armed with the carbine instead of the rifle, since most of the work here is done at comparatively short range.

Several thousand rounds of ammunition have been spoiled by becoming wet. The difficulty seems to be in making a water-tight joint between the bullet and the shell. The powder, if taken out and dried, seems to return to its original condition.

Long before the cartridge belts are worn out the loops become so enlarged that cartridges drop out.

Canteens almost invariably flatten, my own flattening on the side which rested against the saddle blanket. This is probably due to too light metal in its construction; as a possible remedy, if such is not the case, I would suggest an inside tin support soldered to one-half of the canteen, before the two halves are put together, and resting against the other side.

Haversacks show very great weakness in one particular and that is in the canvas strips fastening the carrying rings to the sack; these invariably give way long before the sack. They should be made of much heavier canvas several times doubled, for if made of leather washing will soon render them worthless.

Major Mills: So far as my observations go the ordnance and ordnance stores supplied to the Army in this division have been satisfactory.

Quartermaster Department.

The Quartermaster supplies and clothing have been, in the main, satisfactory. The variety of patterns and colors in khaki uniforms and leggings has rendered it impossible for companies to preserve uniform appearance. Leggings are in this division an article of constant wear by the enlisted men, and should be made part of the clothing allowance.

The appearance of the white cap recently authorized would be improved if the coat of arms of the United States were worn with it. This should be of metal similar to that worn on the shoulder strap of the white and khaki blouses, and should be pinned to the front of the cap.

Major Beach: Many regiments seem to prefer the blue flannel shirt and khaki trousers to the light shirt and khaki blouse and trousers. The tendency here seems to be to get rid of every garment possible, including the blanket and shelter half, owing to the intense discomfort of any unnecessary burden. Inspectors have reported on the fact that the men will not keep the shelter half, and that invariably many are missing at inspection.

The almost universal campaigning outfit of the soldier in this climate is the blue shirt, campaign hat, khaki trousers, leggings, tan shoes, belt, rifle, haversack, canteen, and poncho (the last carried neatly folded and held between the cartridge belt and the back). Khaki leggings, it is believed, should be made with heavy duck instead of leather welts down the edges for the attachment of the hooks and eyelets, for the reason that leather stains the leggings, besides becoming hard and brittle under frequent washing.

In appearance the khaki uniform, which is almost universally worn, is all that could be desired for field use.

Major Brown: During the entire year practically no tentage has been used. When the troops were in large bodies they occupied the houses of the town abandoned by the inhabitants. Later, when only one or two companies constituted a garrison, the convent and, at most, a few other houses furnished ample quarters. Few of the troops have been forced to bivouac and it may be said that quarters such as afforded by houses are essential for health of troops in this climate. The first floors are from 8 to 15 feet from the ground and this elevation seems to give considerable immunity from the malarial fever. When the troops have been forced to bivouac even for a single night on the damp or wet ground an immediate and very perceptible increase in the sick list has been noticed. In many towns the convents afford most excellent quarters and it is not an unusual thing to find one or two companies in a town quartered as comfortably as troops in the most modern barracks at home.

The clothing as issued at present is not satisfactory. The quality is inferior to what it should be, and in the field this means that the clothing wears out very soon and only a short campaign is necessary to leave many of the men destitute of proper clothing. A cheap hat, cheap underclothing, cheap socks, and cheap grade of khaki are furnished. The felt hat should be of the Stetson grade now used by officers. Such a hat would last a man his whole enlistment and always be serviceable and presentable; the one at present furnished lasts hardly more than six months. All clothing should be of the best grade attainable. No economy results to either soldier or the Government by supplying the present quality. The blue shirt is about the only article of clothing that is satisfactory in quality. I recommend that this be furnished in khaki color. The russet shoes furnished have excellent material, but many complaints are heard to the effect that the shoe is too low across the top of the

foot where the seam comes, a defect of manufacture. The shoe could still further be improved on in quality and made more presentable. I believe a shoe of the quality and style of manufacture of the Regal shoe, Titan calf, would be immensely more satisfactory. The khaki so far as furnished is not satisfactory, but as it is constantly improving it is presumed that eventually a grade will be obtained that will not fade and shrink continuously with each washing. In this climate it is especially desirable that the quality of all clothing furnished shall be of the very best grade. Transportation is at all times a serious and most important question. In the field the soldier must carry the minimum weight and move with the minimum amount of transportation. With widely scattered forces the distribution of new clothing is slow and difficult. So then a better quality of clothing means the soldier can march with a lighter supply and the supply need not be renewed so often.

Major Mills: Especial mention is due to the transport branch Water transporta- of the Quartermaster's Department, whose successful carrying of both troops and stores on the long ocean voyage is worthy

tion.

tion.

of the highest praise. Major Beach: The quantity of transportation has increased very Land transporta- materially within the past six months, so that troops in the last January and February campaign were not subjected to the hardships suffered on the northern expedition under General Lawton. Pack trains and 4-mule escort wagons answered all purposes very satisfactorily.

Since active operations on a large scale have ceased, each regiment of infantry has been supplied with 50 American horses which are used by mounted detachments in making rapid movements, performing escort duty, etc. The value of these mounted detachments has been frequently demonstrated, but it seems unfortunate that, owing to the lack of cavalry, work of this nature can not be done by the arm to which it legitimately belongs. The infantry rifle which the mounted detachments have to carry renders the men very awkward when mounted. If impossible to furnish cavalry for this work, then the detachments should be armed with the carbine.

Major Brown: During the period of active operations the only pack train in the division was one consisting of about 50 mules, assigned to the Thirty-sixth Infantry, Col. J. F. Bell, commanding. As soon as the advance commenced beyond Angeles the services of this pack train became invaluable. Roads and swollen rivers were either impassable or laboriously and painfully slow for all other transportation. But the pack train always kept up with the troops, and this meant the gain of time to the extent of several days in the work of rescuing the railroad from destruction. The pack train carried the rations not only for the Thirty-sixth Infantry, but for all troops of infantry, cavalry, and artillery that were pushed to the front. The bulk of rations in such emergencies was made up of the emergency ration, and for such occasions the latter proved a satisfactory and invaluable supply of food. Much of the work of the two troops of cavalry was done with the use of the pack train, the service being shared by an accompanying force of the Thirty-sixth Infantry.

My conclusions are that cavalry equipped with pack-train transportation can render just as valuable services in these islands as they were ever able to do in the western Indian country of the United States. For the proper performance of the work it is capable of doing every troop of cavalry should be furnished with 10 pack and 2 riding mules and 2 civilian packers. These should be properly organized, equipped, and trained before the troops are shipped from the United States. All the work done by the cavalry in these islands has been done in the face of entire lack of proper previous equipment, organization, and preparation in almost every respect as regards transportation.

As a result of my experience, covering the past two years, I am firmly of the opinion that a proper organized system of land transportation is a great necessity in our service. Every other civilized army in the world has such a system consisting of both personnel and material. With us there is a lack of system and no personnel. When transportation is required a lot of material is thrown together and sent to the place required. A quartermaster searches in all directions for employees, teamsters, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, saddlers, veterinarians, etc. Three-fourths of the persons so employed are either bad characters, incompetent, or worthless. They work when everything is easy and pleasant and they quit work at an emergency, or when matters seem to them unsatisfactory. The quartermaster department seems to be at their mercy, and if discharged from one place they hunt an easier job with the next quartermaster they can find. The labor of transportation is usually done somehow, because enlisted men can always be obtained to tide over a catastrophe, but the work is done at the expense of a lot of annoyance, fuss, and expenditure of energy that is never seen in any other service of the Government, and which would be entirely unnecessary if there existed a proper organized system with personnel and material.