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ANNUAL REPORTS

OF THS

WAR DEPARTMENT

lOB TBI

FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 80, 1905.

VOLUME IX.

REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE,

WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.

1905.

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REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

War Department,
Officb of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washington^ November 1?, 1906.

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the princi-
pal operations of the Ordnance Department during the past year,
together with certain remarks as to its interests and necessities. Dur-
ing my absence in Europe, from August 18 to October 16, to attend
the autunm maneuvers of tiie French army, Lieut. Col. A. H. Russell
acted as Chief of Ordnance and conducted the affairs of the Depart-
ment to my entire satisfaction.

personnel.

The difScuIties of the Department in regard to the personnel of its
officers have been set forth in previous reports and other communica-
tions with all the force that it is known how to give to them. The
disadvantages still continue' with the increase due to an accumula-
tion of matters which should have been attended to but have not
been. The strain has begun to tell upon the oflBicers ; 8 of these, out
of the Department's 59 (all that it has been able to secure of its au-
thorized strength of 71) , have been seriously ill during the past year.
One has broken down and has had to be permanently relieved from
his exacting duties and assigned to an easier place; 2 have had sick
leaves, and 2 have been sick for a considerable time at their stations.
In the following portions of this report various instances are cited
in which important work which has been pressing for accomplish-
ment has had to be neglected. The Department is now 12 short of
its authorized number, which number is itself too small. By the
operation of the present law 2 of its officers, who will have been serv-
ing in the Department for four years, will within a few months leave
it through the expiration of their details. If they were to be out of
the Department for one year only, arrangements could be made look-
ing to the later utilization of their services and of their acquired
knowledge and experience, both having become valuable technical
officers, and their service for one year in their former branches would
be beneficial both to them and to this Department and to the Armv

EEPOBT OP THE CHIEF OP OHDNANOB.

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12 BEPOBT OP THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

The total amount of the appropriations for the fiscal year 1905,
including those contained in the act making appropriations for forti-
fications and other works of defense approved March 8, 1905,
amounted to $9,627,709. The total amount with which the appropri-
ations were credited in accordance with authority of law from
sales, transfers, etc., was $1,405,133.37. The total of the payments
made by disbursing officers and by Treasury settlements during the
year amounted to $11,849,642.09. The total sales of condemned
stores during the year amounted to $172,473.61, all of which was
credited on the books of the Treasury Department to " Ordnance
Material (Proceeds of Sales) ." The total amount to the credit of dis-
bursing officers on June 30, 1905, was $1,727,145.67, and the total
amount in the Treasury on the same date amounted to $12,919,160.52.

FUNDS ON HAND AT THE BEGINNING AND CLOSE OF THE FISCAL YEAR.

The principal amounts on hand at the beginning of the year per-
tained to the following appropriations:

Manufacture of arms, 1904-6 $2, 622, 712. 41

Field artillery for organized mllltla, 1904-5 685, 900. 00

New arms and equipments for organized militia 527, 705. 08

Board of Ordnance and Fortification 422, 940. 47

Armament of fortifications 9, 004, 553. 16

Fortifications In insular possessions 418,920.00

The status of these appropriations at the close of the fiscal year
will be seen by reference to the tabular statement, and will be dis-
cussed later under the above heading.

The principal amounts on hand at the close of the fiscal year per-
tained to the following appropriations :

Ordnance stores — ^ammunition, 1905 $424,908.56

Replacing ordnance and ordnance stores, 1905 and 190C 664, 961. 37

Manufacture of arms. 1905-1906 1, 626, 012. 69

Armament of fortifications 8,231,761.19

Fortifications In insular possessions 617, 546. 01

Field arUllery for organized militia, 1905-1906 600,346.99

The above amounts under the appropriations "Armament of forti-
fications " and " Fortifications in insular possessions " include the
sums of $2,988,650 and of $236,000 which had been appropriated at
the last session of Congress under these appropriations, respectively.
Under the law these appropriations are available on the approval of
the act making them and until used.

The appropriation for field artillery for the organized militia was
also made at the preceding session of Congress and made immedi-
ately available.

The balances under the fund " Replacing ordnance and ordnance

BEPORT OF THE CHIEF "OF ORDNANCE. 18

stores, 1905 and 1906," and the appropriation " Manufacture of arms,

1906-1906," are available for the fiscal year of 1906.

Of the above amounts reported on hand at the close of the fiscal

year the greater portion, in nearly every case, has been allotted to

meet outstanding obligations. The available balances under the

above-named appropriations at the close of the fiscal year are as

follows :

Ordnance stores — ammunition, 1905 $3.40

Replacing ordnance and ordnance stores, 1905 and 190G 229, 649. 07

Manufacture of arms, 1905-1906 246, 930. 47

Armament of fortifications 3,685,184.29

Fortifications in insular possessions 441,253. 70

Field artillery for organized militia, 1905-1906 231, 736. 47

It will be seen, therefore, in case of the above-named appropriations,
that they were largely obligated at the close of the fiscal year, except
in case of the appropriations which had been made and increased at
the preceding session of CJongress.

TRANSFERS AND SALES OF ORDNANCE STORES.

The value of ordnance stores transferred to the executive depart-
ments is refunded to ordnance appropriations by Treasury settle-
ments, and the funds received become available upon receipt and
remain so during that and the following fiscal year for replacing the
stores so transferred. The total value of the stores thus transferred
amounted to $1,125,227.68. Of this amount, $201,813.70 were on
account of transfers to the Navy Department, $35,745.05 on account of
transfers to the Marine Corps, $11,849.64 on account of transfers to
other executive departments, and $852,042.48 on account of transfers
to the organized militia. In conducting experiments for the Board
of Ordnance and Fortification the value of the ordnance stores which
were used in them amounted to $1,466.65, which was transferred from
the appropriations for the Board to the ordnance appropriations
proper.

The total amount of sales made to the organized militia, to the
Philippine government, to officers of the Army, to American de-
signers engaged in the development of military inventions, etc.,
amounted to $279,905, all of which was refunded to ordnance appro-
priations.

The total of the transfers and sales amounted to $1,405,133.37,
which is nearly 15 per cent of the total amount appropriated for this
Department for the arming, equipping, and supplying of the Regular
Army.

PAYMENTS.

The total amount of payments made by disbursing officers amounted
to $11,671,317.27 and by Treasury settlements to $178,324.82— a

14 BEPOBT OF TJStE CHIEP OF OBDNANOB.

total of $11,849,642.09. As the appropriations proper for the year
amounted to $9,627,709, it will be seen by reason of the procurement
of ordnance and ordnance stores to replace articles transferred or sold
to other departments, etc., that the disbursements were about 23 per
cent in excess of the appropriations.

The amounts of the disbursements made at the principal arsenals
and in the Ordnance Office during the fiscal year are as follows :

Frankford Arsenal $1, 726, 400. 00

Rock Island Arsenal 3,767,201.05

Sandy Hook Proving Ground 201,248.82

Springfield Armory 1, 584, 990. 02

United States Powder Depot 105,207.71

Watervllet Arsenal 882, 163. 51

Watertown Arsenal 726, 699. 76

Ordnance Office 1 2, 147, 304. 70

AMOUNTS COVERED INTO THE SURPLUS FUND.

The principal amounts covered into the surplus fund of the Treas-
ury were $75,567.21 for the manufacture of small-arms ammunition
and $15,989.57 for the manufacture of cavalry, infantry, and artillery
equipments.

COMPARISON OF THE FISCAL STATEMENT WITH THAT OF THE PRECEDING

YEAR.

Comparing the fiscal statement with that of the preceding year it
will be found that the amoimt of the appropriations was decreased
from $10,245,613.41 to $9,627,709— a reduction of $617^904.41; but
the amount of the disbursements increased from $9,757,560.87 to
$11,849,642— an increase of $2,092,081.22. The last statement shows
an increase of business of 21 per cent over that of the preceding year.

The amount received from transfers to the Executive Depart-
ments and the organized militia decreased from $2,245,885.16 to
$1,125,227.68. The amount received in the preceding year was largely
increased by reason of the rearming and equipping of the organized
militia.

The amoimt available for disbursement at the close of the fiscal
year decreased from $15,355,730.94 to $14,669,512.19— a decrease of
$686,218.75.

OOMPARISON OF THE FISCAL AFFAIRS OF 1905 WITH THOSE OF 1900.

The records of money accountability afford a means of making a
comparison of the extent and variety of the business of the Ordnance
Department with that of prior years. The fiscal year 1900 was taken
at random as one of comparison with 1905, and the following impor-
tant data are furnished as a means of comparison;

BEPOBT OP THE CHIEF OF OfiDNANCB. 16

The number of written contracts made by ordnance officers in 1900
was 421; in 1905, 675, an increase of 60 per cent. The nmnber of
remittances in 1900 was 607 ; in 1905, 796, an increase of 30 per cent
The number of allotments made in 1900 was 1,353 ; in 1905, 2,199, an
increase of 63 per cent. The amount of the payments in 1900 was
$14,614,065.51; in 1905, $11,849,642.09, a decrease of 19 per cent.
The number of certificates of deposit increased from 332 to 551, an
increase of 66 per cent.

The numbers of the money vouchers executed during each of the
two years for the five arsenals are as follows :

Frankford Arsenal, 1,082 and 1,735, respectively, an increase of
60 per cent.

Bock Island Arsenal, 1,513 and 3,219, respectively, an increase of
112 per cent

Springfield Armory, 1,207 and 1,197, respectively, a decrease of 1
per cent

Watertown Arsenal, 993 and 2,039, respectively, an increase of 105
percent

Watervliet Arsenal, 719 and 1,350, respectively, an increase of 88
per cent

The above statements show that even with a decrease in the amount
of the payments made, the quantity of clerical work has greatly
increased. This is due almost entirely to the greater variety of busi-
ness. As cannon, small arms, gun carriages, and ammunition increase
in efficiency their design becomes more complex, requiring a greater
variety of materials to enter into their construction. Consequently
to procure these parts a greater number of contracts, vouchers, etc.,
must be executed. The increase in the allotments made has been
partly due to the above causes and also to a more careful system of
accounting for funds.

SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTS.

Prior to the last fiscal year the system of accounting for funds
allotted for various purposes to the diflPerent arsenals was at each of
them different in detail, and, generally speaking, the system followed
was to keep an account under the appropriation rather than under the
allotment That is to say, when an allotment was made to an ord-
nance establishment for any purpose it was duly credited to the
account under the appropriation authorizing it Under such a sys-
tem all the importance was attached to the appropriation and very
little to the allotment This system naturally arose from the method
of accounting under appropriations required by law, and this method
of accounting was considered as the central system about which the
minor accounting at the arsenals was to be made. While the render-
ing of accounts in the manner required by law is important and very

16 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

proper, nevertheless such accounts constitute merely summaries of
many transactions and should have been treated as incidental to and
arising from a more important detailed system of arsenal or local
accountability.

It was realized that under such a system the officer controlling
expenditures had very little knowledge of those incurred under each
allotment, unless it was by means of a system of work orders which
were given out on receipt of the allotment. In view of the fact that
many of the allotments made by this Office for the manufacture of
ordnance material would frequently authorize expenditures extend-
ing over a period of several years, the necessity of keeping an accurate
account under each allotment was obvious.

Accordingly there was introduced at each arsenal a uniform sys-
tem of accounting for funds allotted for various purposes, irrespec-
tive of the appropriation under which they were made. The account
gives the proper balances remaining unexpended at any time, so that
the officer controlling expenditures is kept fully informed as to the
status of the allotment with respect to the work done.

Under this system the officer controlling expenditures, having the
reports of the percentage of work done from the officers in charge of
the manufacture or purchases, can readily ascertain at any time
whether or not he has the necessary funds to complete the work. In
all cases of large expenditures, where the amounts involved are large,
no possibility of exceeding the allotment is admitted if the system is
properly carried out.

This system was fully thought out and in operation before C!on-
gress enacted the recent law impressing upon officers in charge of
expenditures the obligation of keeping expenditures within appro-
priations. Under the system above outlined it is not possible for an
allotment to be exceeded when the records are kept up to date. It is
obvious that as long as expenditures are kept within allotments
appropriations can not be exceeded, for it is the primary duty of this
Office to see that no allotments are made in excess of appropriations.

In order that this Office may be informed as to the status of the
work carried on under various allotments a monthly report is required
to be made of all operations under each allotment. On this report
appears a summary giving the amount of each allotment, the obli-
gations incurred under it, and the progress of work made, with the
date, or probable date, of completion. This report is the connecting
link between the accounts in this Office and those of the various arse-
nals, and in addition enables this Office to know what progress has
been made under each job.

Heretofore the system of accounting for funds under appropria-
tions at the different arsenals was not uniform. In some cases a
record book was kept of the disbursements under each appropriation

BEPORT OP THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 17

and in other cases the records were kept in the form of duplicates of
the monthly reports required to be made to the Treasury Department.
The present system consists in furnishing each arsenal with a per-
manent binder, which gives the status of disbursements under each
appropriation and is practically an account current and an abstract
of disbursements combined.

It may here be stated that the introduction of this system has not
entailed an increase in the clerical force at the different ordnance
establishments, an object which has entailed much care and thought
in the systematization of the processes.

COST SYSTEM.

All persons familiar with the conduct of manufacturing establish-
ments are aware of the difficulty of arriving at the cost of articles
which are manufactured, especially if the business of the establish-
ment is extensive and of varied character. The system of accounting
above referred to has been so arranged as to distribute with fair
accuracy some of the general costs of manufacture, such as coal, civil-
ian superintendence, etc., among the different articles which are man-
ufactured. But in speaking of Government manufactures it is com-
monly stated that the reported cost does not represent the real cost to
the Government, inasmuch as the reported cost is that which is paid
out of the special appropriation authorizing the manufacture of the
articles only; and the statement is in general true. For example,
when gun carriages are manufactured at the Watertown Arsenal their
reported cost is only that which has been paid out of the appropria-
tion, generally made in the fortifications act, from which the money
for their construction has been allotted ; leaving out of consideration
the pay of the superintending Army officers, and of the enlisted men
engaged in the general care of the establishment, which come from
the appropriation " Pay of the Army;" general repair and improve-
ments of the buildings, from the appropriation " Repairs of Arse-
nals;" clerical expenses from the appropriation " Ordnance Service,"
etc. It is quite possible, however, to take these into account, and an
effort has been made to do so, so as to include in the cost of articles
manufactured all the above-mentioned expenses, and in addition
interest upon the value of the plant, its deterioration, allowance for
losses by fire, and in general all those expenditures which a private
manufacturer must take into account, except profit. In the case of
the Frankford Arsenal it has been found for the year 1904 that the
cost paid from the allotments from the appropriations must thus be
increased by 9 per cent, in order to cover the expenditures made from
other and more general appropriations and the fixed charges; that
for the Springfield Armory this figure is 14 per cent, and for the

WAB 1905— VOL

EEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

Rock Island Arsenal it is 11.4 per cent. Recent price lists have been
prepared with additions to the allotment costs due to the above per-
centages, and these price lists therefore represent the entire cost to the
Government, from whatever source funds have proceeded.

EXAMINATION AND SETTLEMENT OF PROPERTY REITTRNS.

At the beginning of the year the auditing of returns was for all
practical purposes up to date except that 11 returns from arsenals
and inspectors, and 240 returns from the Army, Militia, and colleges
had not been closed, and 204 voluminous abstracts from arsenals for
the first half of the past fiscal year had not been examined.

The following table exhibits briefly the work of the auditing of
returns during the year :

Araenalfl and in-
spectors

Armv, Militia,
and colleges

Total

240

S51

4»

o-«-

Us'

204

Received
durlmp year
endea Jnne

80,1906.

o
«

46
6,117

826

204 6,163 I 826

Total.

6,857

6,414

580

Acted on during year.

Finally ex-
amined.

46
5,117

680 I 5,163

580

680

Closed.

♦a
9

64
5,184

220

5,238 229

Not f!losed,
awaiting

cprre-

spoiidenoe,

Jnne 80,

1905.

8
178

176

801

The three returns of arsenals and inspectors not closed had been
examined. The delay in closing was due to correspondence affecting
certain transactions in them. These returns are for Rock Island
Arsenal, the Manila Ordnance Depot, and for the office of an in-
spector of ordnance.

The 176 returns from the Army, militia, and colleges which were
not closed had all been examined. The delay in closing was largely
due to the necessity of corresponding concerning certain transactions
in them. But in case of certain of the States it is not possible to
close their returns without the authority of Congress, as losses of
property have accrued which can not be shown to be unavoidable
on the part of the officers of the State. The return of one State
for 1900 has not been closed on account of the loss of stores valued
at $437.92, for which settlement has not been made with the United
States. In consequence the returns from the State for 1901-2
have not been closed. These are the only returns prior to 1903
which have not been closed. In case of another State no returns
for 1903 or 1904 were rendered at the close of the year, and the

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 19

War Department took action on this delinquency by declining to
make further issues to it. Recently a consolidated return for the
two years has been received. The return for a third State for 1903
has not been closed on account of a charge against the State of
$128.55 for the loss of stores by one of its officers. In a communi-
cation from the State it was stated that suit for the above amount
would be entered on the bond of the responsible officer.

It has been a matter of regret that in corresponding with officers
of the Army concerning their returns replies have sometimes not
been forthcoming as promptly as they should have been, and in
fact in certain cases replies could not have been obtained without
reporting the facts to the War Department. It has been found
necessary to adopt the rule of writing to a delinquent officer twice,
with an interval of one month. In case of the failure of a reply within
a month after the second letter was mailed recommendation was
made to have the officer's pay stopped to the extent of the amount
involved in the correspondence.

The work of the property office was carried on with fourteen
clerks, the reduced number which I reported as necessary in my last
report.

SMALL ARMS.

United States magazine rifle, model of 1903* — On June 30, 1904,
30,000 of these rifles had been completed at the Springfield Armory.
The capacity for its manufacture gradually increased at both the
Springfield Armory and the Rock Island Arsenal until an output of
400 per day was attained at the former place in November, 1904, and
125 per day in January last at the latter place. Changes made in
four important features allowed only 34,000 finished arms to be
assembled during the fiscal year. The manufacture of all parts not
affected by the changes was, however, continued, and at the end of
the year such parts for 66,000 arms had been made at Springfield
Armory and for 18,000 at Rock Island Arsenal. Sufficient arms for
equipping the Army having been completed in January last, prepara-
tions were made for their issue, but in view of changes contem-
plated in the bayonet their issue was suspended.

The changes referred to above were :

First. To satisfactorily fulfill the new condition imposed by the re-
vised Infantry Drill Regulations that the piece be habitually carried
loaded and " cocked," it was necessary to redesign the cocking piece
and safety lock to stand the wear of such repeated setting and
unsetting.

Second. At the suggestion of the President of the United States
further consideration by the General Staff of the length of the barrel
and of the design of the bayonet resulted in the substitution of a

20 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNANCB.

knife for the rod bayonet. The new bayonet is of the same type a-
that used with the model of 1898 rifle, except that the lengtli of it«
blade is 16 instead of 12 inches, its cutting edges are sharp, and thf
catch for securing the bayonet to the rifle also serves to retain it in
the scabbard. The bayonet will not be issued to mounted troops.
The papers relating to this change form Appendix I hereto.

Third. A board of officers was convened on May 2, 1905, at Fort
Leavenworth, Kans., upon my suggestion for the purpose of ascer-
taining that form of sight most suitable for use in actual service, the
relative excellence for target and range work being considered 'with
reference to the training of the soldier to shooting under battle con-
ditions. The sight adopted upon recommendation of the Board is a
modified form of that known in service as the model of 1901. The
report of the Board forms Appendix II hereto.

Fourth. The stud carrying the front sight was redesigned to per-
mit sufficient lateral adjustment of the latter to enable the center of
impact of each rifle at a range of 200 yards to be brought within pre-
scribed limits before being accepted for issue.

The alterations in the two plants necessitated by the above chang^es
are progressing rapidly, and it is believed they will be completed bjr
December next. It is anticipated the changes will be embodied by
April next in sufficient arms to then begin equipping the Army.

A new design of front-sight protector has been adopted, which,
it is believed, will effectively prevent the front sight from cutting the
leather scabbard used by the mounted troops.

Two important tests of finished arms were adopted during the year
that should further raise the standard attained in the manufacture
of arms at the national armories. A star gauge has been perfected
which enables the diameter of the bore of the small arm across the
top of the lands and across the bottom of the rifling grooves to be
accurately measured; the use of this gauge insures the rejection of
barrels the dimensions of the boros of which do not throughout fall
within prescribed limits. At each national armory a proof house
with butts has been eret't^^d to provide an inclosed range of 200 yards,
over which each rifle, before being accepted, will be fired for accuracy
by expert marksmen. In case the center of impact of a group of
shots fired from anv rifle falls outside of established limits, the front
sight will be moved laterally until the deviation is corrected; the
sight will then l>e rigidly seoiiriHl. All rifles that do not attain the
prescribed standard of accuracy in this te^^t will lx» rejected. It is
anticipated that these tests will materially reduce the difference in
the shooting qualities formerly found to exist in some arms.

Accuracy and eroftion tcatu, — Exhaustive tests have been conducted
during the year to determine the number of rounds that can be fired

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20 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

knife for the rod bayonet. The new bayonet is of the same type as
that used with the model of 1898 rifle, except that the length of its
blade is 16 instead of 12 inches, its cutting edges are sharp, and the
catch for securing the bayonet to the rifle also serves to retain it in
the scabbard. The bayonet will not be issued to mounted troops.
The papers relating to this change form Appendix I hereto.

Third. A board of officers was convened on May 2, 1905, at Fort
Leavenworth, Kans., upon my suggestion for the purpose of ascer-
taining that form of sight most suitable for use in actual service, the
relative excellence for target and range work being considered with
reference to the training of the soldier to shooting under battle con-
ditions. The sight adopted upon recommendation of the Board is a
modified form of that known in service as the model of 1901. The
report of the Board forms Appendix II hereto.

The alterations in the two plants necessitated by the above changes
are progressing rapidly, and it is believed they will be completed by
December next. It is anticipated the changes will be embodied by
April next in sufficient arms to then begin equipping the Army.

A new design of front-sight protector has been adopted, which,
it is believed, will effectively prevent the front sight from cutting the
leather scabbard used by the mounted troops.

Two important tests of finished arms were adopted during the year
that should further raise the standard attained in the manufacture
of arms at the national armories. A star gauge has been perfected
which enables the diameter of the bore of the small arm across the
top of the lands and across the bottom of the rifling grooves to be
accurately measured; the use of this gauge insures the rejection of
barrels the dimensions of the bores of which do not throughout fall
within prescribed limits. At each national armory a proof house
with butts has been erected to provide an inclosed range of 200 yards,
over which each rifle, before being accepted, will be fired for accuracy
by expert marksmen. In case the center of impact of a group of
shots fired from any rifle falls outside of established limits, the front
sight will be moved laterally until the deviation is corrected; the
sight will then be rigidly secured. All rifles that do not attain the
prescribed standard of accuracy in this test will be rejected. It is
anticipated that these tests will materially reduce the diflPerence in
the shooting qualities formerly found to exist in some arms.

Accuracy and erosion tests. — ^Exhaustive tests have been conducted
during the year to determine the number of rounds that can be fired

ftllPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNAl^CE. 21

before the accuracy of the barrel of the model of 1903 rifle is appre-
ciably impaired. It appears that the loss of accuracy is principally
due to the enlargement of the bore at and immediately in front of the
bullet seat, produced by the erosive action of the powder gas, which
enlargement results in some bullets entering the noneroded portion
of the bore with the longitudinal axis inclined to that of the bore,
and in their being distorted to such an extent as to cause irregular
flight The tests so far completed form Appendix III hereto.

Extended firing tests have shown that a muzzle velocity 100 feet
per second less than originally contemplated does not materially de-
crease the remaining energy or increase the ordinates of trajectories
at ranges up to 1,000 yards. This reduction makes no appreciable
decrease in the remaining energy of the bullet at ranges greater than
1,000 yards, doubles the nimiber of rounds that can be fired before the
barrel is sufiiciently eroded to noticeably affect the accuracy for target
practice, and still leaves the arm more powerful than any other serv-
ice military musket known to the Department. It has therefore
been decided to adopt a muzzle velocity of 2,200 feet per second for
the United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, until such extended
experience in service is had and improvements in powder and barrel
steel are made as will warrant a return to the higher velocity.

Scabbard for knife bayonet^ model of 1905* — Upon selection by the
Greneral Staff from a number submitted, a scabbard for the new bayo-
net has been adopted which has a wooden body, first covered with
rawhide and then with russet leather; it has a metal mouthpiece and
a steel hook for attaching it to the waist belt. The bayonet is retained
in the scabbard by a spring catch in the handle of the former.

Bayonet scabbard^ model of 1898. — Bayonet scabbards for the
United States magazine rifle, model of 1898, are being provided with
the same hook as the new scabbard, to enable them to be worn on the
new design of cartridge belt.

Revolver. — ^It is anticipated that the experiments for determining
a design and caliber of revolver bullet which will possess sufficient
stopping power and shock effect will be completed at an early date.
The results of the tests so far made would seem to indicate that no
bullet having a caliber less than .45 can be found to fulfill the require-
ments imposed.

Self-loading magazine rifles. — Different designs of self-loading
muskets have been subjected to preliminary tests during the year, and
the results indicate that material progress is being made in their
development.

Fencing muskets. — ^These muskets will hereafter be made of Spring-
field rifles, caliber .45, altered to the length and weight of the United
States magazine rifle, model of 1903. The method employed in the

22 REPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OHDNANCfi.

manufacture of fencing bayonets has been greatly improved during
the year.

Automatic machine guns, — One hundred and twenty automatic
machine guns, caliber .30 (Vickers, Sons & Maxim), with tripod
mounts, spare parts, and pack outfits, are under manufacture for issue
to cavalry and infantry ; 55 of these guns, with wheeled mounts, are
being made for use in and around seacoast forts. The wheeled mount
was specially designed for man draft on sandy beaches, and has been
made as light as consistent with requisite strength.

Sabers, — In view of the instructions of the President of the United
States that the utility of the design of saber used in our service be
considered, the manufacture of the 20,000 sabers and the 23,000 scab-
bards referred to in my last report was suspended from February 24
to July 17, 1905.

The General Staff found the blade of the light cavalry saber to be
satisfactory, but recommended a new design of grip and guard, and
a wooden scabbard. One thousand and thirty-nine of these sabers
for enlisted men and 157 for officers are being made at the Spring-
field Armory, and the scabbards therefor at the Rock Island Arsenal
for issue to troops for trial. The papers relating to this design of
saber form Appendix IV, hereto.

SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION.

Ball cartridges^ models of 1898 and 1903. — The thickness of the
metal of which the bullet jacket is made was increased to prevent,
as much as possible, the stripping of the jacket from the lead core in
eroded barrels. A machine is being designed to form the bullet cores
from wire-drawn lead rods, as it is believed this method will result
in greater uniformity in the weight of the bullets.

The packing box for these two models of cartridges was changed
to a form that can be more conveniently packed on mules; this box
is opened at one end to permit easy access to the cartridges without
removing the box from the pack.

Chiard cartridges^ models of 1898 and 1903. — ^The bullet has been
lengthened to enable the cartridge to be fed from the magazine; it is
also more accurate than the former.

Dummy cartridges^ models of 1898 and 1903. — As the bolt of the
rifle occasionally caught in one of the holes near the head of the shell,
these holes are now drilled through the bottoms of the corrugations.

Gallery practice cartridge. — With a view to reducing the cost of
ammunition for gallery practice without sacrifice in accuracy, an
exhaustive series of experiments was conducted at the Springfield
Armory with several kinds and calibers of cartridges, some of which
required the use of chamber plugs, some of subcaliber tubes, and some
of barrels specially bored and chambered. The results of the tests

BEPORX OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNANCE. 28

showed aie choice to lie between the present service gallery-practice
cartridge and the caliber .22 rim fire, long cartridge, and that no
material difference in accuracy existed at 25, 50, and 75 feet. As
the caliber .22 cartridge costs much less than the powder, bullet, and
primer required for loading the gallery-practice cartridge, and as
reports indicate that unsatisfactory results are obtained with ammu-
nition loaded by troops, this cartridge has been adopted for gallery
practice. When the new rifle is issued, each company or troop will
receive four barrels and receivers for the caliber .22 cartridge, which
can be assembled' to service arms in place of the caliber .30 barrels
and receivers for use in gallery practice. Each organization will be
allowed 10,000 caliber .22 cartridges per annum. Caliber .22 barrels
will be supplied the militia of the several states upon requisition,
under section 1661, Revised Statutes, as soon as they can be manufac-
tured for the model of 1898 rifle.

Tests to determine comparative accuracy of small-arms am/muni-
tion made by the Department and by private manufacturers. — On
July 9, 1904, a test was conducted at Sea Girt, N. J., by a committee
of the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice, to deter-
mine whether the ball cartridges, model of 1898, made at Frankford
Arsenal were equal in accuracy at long ranges to those made by four
different private makers. The committee unanimously decided that
the Government ammunition was not as reliable at 1,000 yards as
that of private makers.

Fifteen targets were made by the committee, and as all of the shots
fired for each target were direct hits in only two of them, the correct-
ness of the conclusions drawn from such incomparable data seemed
inadmissible, especially as it was admitted by one firm that the car-
tridges of its make which had been used in the testa were specially
loaded by hand. The tests were therefore repeated at the Spring-
field Armory under the conditions prescribed by the committee, with
results much more favorable to the ammunition made at the Frank-
ford Arsenal. The tests were again repeated about six months later,
the ammunition of private makers being purchased from dealers and
that made at Frankford Arsenal being taken from lots manufactured
before the date of the first test. The second test was again creditable
to the Government product.

It is claimed that the shell and primer for caliber .30 ammunition
made at Frankford Arsenal are not excelled by those produced by any
private manufacturer. It is therefore believed that any material
improvement made in the Government cartridge must be confined to
its two other components, powder and bullet, and to the method of
loading. The Department is constantly urging powder makers of
this country to improve their product, and it is believed they are
endeavoring to meet the Department's wishes. Although reports

24 BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNANOB.

indicate that some foreign-made powders give better results than
those made in this country, it is not deemed wise to adopt a foreign
powder, since the home product only could be depended upon in time
of war. And, moreover, home industry should be encouraged in mili-
tary material, and there is good prospect of its improvement.

It is claimed by some that greater accuracy is obtained with a bullet
with the part next to the base cylindrical instead of conical, as in the
Frankford Arsenal bullet One of the first requisites for service
ammunition is that it shall be waterproof, and no reliable method
has yet been found by which this fundamental reijuirement can be
obtained with a cylindrical bullet. An exhaustive series of experi-
ments made with different designs of bullets has shown that the Gov-
ernment design gives equal, if not greater, accuracy to any. The
accuracy of the Government ammunition could be improved by sub-
stituting hand loading by weight for machine loading by volume, but
the cost of the ammunition would be greatly increased thereby. To
hand load the daily output of cartridges in time of war would be
utterly impracticable. Efforts have therefore been made for some
time past to design or obtain a machine b}^ which cartridges can be
satisfactorily loaded in quantity by weight, but so far without success.
Improvements in the method of loading cartridges are, however,
receiving the constant attention of the Department.

Contracts for hall cartridges^ model of 1903. — ^That private plants
in this country might be equipped for and have experience in the
making of small-arms anmiunition, which is needed so desperately
and in such large quantities in time of war, contracts have been made
with each of the following firms for furnishing the Department with
3,216,000 ball cartridges, model of 1903, viz, the Union Metallic Car-
tridge Company, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and the
United States Cartridge Company.

Although the price bid by each of the three companies was the
same and considerably higher than that for which the cartridge is
being made at Frankford Arsenal, yet it was deemed to the advan-
tage of the Government to make the contracts, for the reasons stated
above and in order that the Government product might be sustained
and improved by comparison with the best that can be produced by
private effort.

SMALL-ARMS TARGET PRACTICE.

Telescopic sight for issue to expert riflemen. — ^The telescopic sight
referred to in my last report as being designed by the Warner &
Swasey Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, proved satisfactory, and 25
are being procured for issue. The telescope can readily be detached
from the rifle and carried in a leather case.

Special revolver for issue in lieu of gold medals. — ^A handsomely
engraved design of Colt's caliber .38 service revolver has been adopted

REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNAKCE. 25

for issue in lieu of gold medals. These revolvers are specially
selected for their accuracy.

Target material. — ^The targets, target frames, silhouettes, etc., sup-
plied by the Department for small-arms target practice have proved
satisfactory during the year so far as the Department is informed.

EQUIPMENTS.

No changes of any importance have been made during the year in
the equipments issued to cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The im-
provements made in the different equipments during the past few
years appear to have proved satisfactory and serviceable. The eco-
nomical policy adopted of gradually introducing equipments made of
russet leather into the service by restricting their issue to that neces-
sary for replacing those of black leather worn out by fair usage has
resulted in some cases in detracting from the appearance of organi-
zations. It is believed the number of black-leather equipments in
the possession of troops will be so small that their replacement by
January next will be justified, and such action will be taken.

The extraction of surplus oil from equipments made of stuff(3d
russet leather, by the process referred to in my last report, has
removed a source of much complaint.

INTRENCHING TOOLS.

Upon the recommendation of a special committee of the General
Staff, intrenching tools have been adopted as a part of the soldier's
equipment to be supplied by this Department. Each company of
infantry, or of any other arm serving as infantry, is to be provided
with the following, viz, 1 two-foot rule, folding; 4 hand axes; 3
wire cutters ; and 1 pick mattock, and 3 shovels for each squad.

Steps have been taken to provide a sufficient supply of these tools
for equipping the Army and part of the organized militia.

Sample carriers for the shovel, pick mattock, and hand ax have
been submitted for approval. The papers relating to the adoption of
these tools form Appendix VI.

SERVICE GUNS AND MORTARS.

These have been maintained in a satisfactory state of efficiency
during the year. The firing mechanisms referred to in my last report,
having been assembled, add much to the ease and rapidity of opera-
tion, and, together with the new primers which were designed for
use with them, have given satisfaction. An accident, however, oc-
curred at Fort Wetherill soon after the firing mechanisms had been
assembled to the guns at that place, as a result of which a 10-inch
gun on a disappearing carriage while in the " from battery " position
was prematurely fired. The investigation following the accident

26 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNAKCE.

showed that it was caused by wrapping one or two turns of wire of
small diameter under the head of the button on the primer wire, thus
shortening the effective distance between it and the end of the primer.
The wire wrapped around the stem held the button away from the
rear face of the firing leaf and drew the head of the primer upon
the bevel surface on the lower end of the slide, so that when the latter
was pushed downward the primer was forced to the front, drawing
the detonating composition over the primer wire. This accident has
not caused this Department to alter its previously expressed opinion,
which has been confirmed by numerous trials, that the primers issued
by it to the service, if used in connection with these firing mechanisms
under normal conditions and without alteration, are safe and satis-
factory.

Continued exercise with the armament has indicated that breech-
blocks, when the threads are made very smooth and are well lubri-
cated, have a tendency to rotate, notwithstanding that the pitch angle
of the threads of the blocks is very small. No accidents from this
cause have occurred in service, but as a matter of precaution auto-
matic locking devices have been designed and are being applied to all
guns of models of 1896 and 1900, the ones with which the tendency
exists. The important improvements which have been made in
rapid-fire guns of small caliber since 1898 have made it necessary
for the Department to design changes in a large number of 15-
pounder guns and mounts purchased during that year in order to
increase tlieir efficiency and to remove a certain lack of satisfaction
which has existed in service, since a comparison has been made with
those of more recent type. The principal change in the guns will be
in improved firing mechanisms which will be applied simultaneously
with changes in the mounts, and as rapidly as funds will permit.

Since the beginning of gun construction the art has at various
times encountered elements which for the time being have placed a
limit upon its advance. For a long time the element was the strength
of the guns to resist bursting, the powders in use being capable of
developing higher pressures than the guns could be made to with-
stand, and the charges therefore being necessarily kept within small
limits and giving correspondingly low velocities to comparatively
light projectiles. There was gradual improvement in the methods of
construction by the use of better materials, by improved methods of
casting iron gims, by reinforcement with wrought-iron jackets, and
finally by the introduction of the present high class of steel forgings
and the system of building up of concentric cylinders under shrink-
age. These advances were accompanied by improvements in the
powder whereby its rate of burning was better controlled and larger
charges were employed, which, giving off their gases more gradually,
would sustain for a longer period the pressures which the guns would

fiEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDKAKCE. 27

endure, and would thus continue the accelerating action upon the
projectile. The improvement in powders naturally brought about
both the carrying forward toward the muzzle of the strong section
of the gun and the lengthening of it so as to hold the projectile longer
subject to the accelerating force. These advances brought about a
temporary check in regard to the 'projectiles, perhaps more feared
than realized, these being apparently unable to withstand the impact
produced by their high velocities against first-class armor. But such
improvement of them was speedily made as to remove this limit upon
the power of guns.

Accompanying the use of the larger charges of powder there was
introduced a new element limiting the life of guns, namely, that
of erosion of the bore. This was very great in the neighborhood of
the seat of the projectile, and very- decided in its action, scoring and
guttering the surface in a manner which required its renewal after
a certain number of rounds. The life fixed by this process, however,
was not unreasonably short, a 10-inch gun being capable of enduring
from 250 to 300 rounds before requiring relining, so that the question
of limiting the power because of this difficulty was scarcely consid-
ered. With the general use of smokeless powder, however, with its
still better control of the rate of burning, and the great increase in
the powder charges and in .the velocity, the subject of the wear of
the bore has greatly increased in importance. This wear is of a dif-
ferent kind from that described above, being unaccompanied by the
deep guttering of the surface which was experienced with the powder
immediately preceding, but the smooth and even wearing away of
the surface proceeds with such rapidity that after some 50 or 60
rounds from large guns the rifling is so worn away that the projectiles
are no longer given the motion of rotation necessary to steadiness of
flight, and inadmissible loss of accuracy results. There has, there-
fore, been brought about a serious consideration of the question
whether the guns should not be used at a power less than that which
their strength enables the realization of in order to diminish the
erosion and increase the life.

It must be remembered that in thus using the guns at less power
the energy of the projectile is reduced by a sacrifice of that quality
which it loses soonest in flight in any event, namely, the velocity;
and it must also be remembered that it is quite possible to retain the
superiority of the gun over anything which it is called upon to attack
by using larger calibers for given work and by building guns of
larger size than is now customary, experimental constructions, as
well as theory and natural foresight, having shown that the present
conventional maximum need by no means be accepted as a limit.
These questions are receiving serious consideration in order to make
wise selection among courses which are open. Satisfaction can be

S8 REPOBT OF *HB CHIEF OF OBDNAKOfl.

felt that we have thus far escaped serious accident and annoying and
disturbing fissures of the tubes of our large guns which have been
reported elsewhere, whether because of better and more careful
manufacture or of fortunate chance it is difficult to say.

EXPERIMENTAL GUNS.

10-inch Brovm aegmental'tuhe wire gun. — ^No progress has been
made in the test of this gun during the year, the repairs to the breech
mechanism not having been made.

6-inch Brown segmental-tube wire gun. — ^This gun was delivered
at the Sandy Hook Proving Ground on October 4, 1904, and is now
undergoing test under a programme approved by the Board of Ord-
nance and Fortification.

6-inch wire-wound gun^ Crozier design, — Tliis gun was manufac-
tured at Watervliet Arsenal under an allotment from the Board of
Ordnance and Fortification, and was delivered at the proving ground
on February 21, 1905, since which time it has been undergoing test
under a programme approved by that Board.

Semiautomatic 16-pounder R. F. gun, — ^This gun has been under
test at the proving ground since June 3, 1905. It is of a somewhat
higher power than guns of this caliber which have been made hereto-
fore, and some delay in its test has resulted from the lack of a suitable
powder and because of some alterations in the semiautomatic features
of the breech mechanism. The mount was designed as a type for all
rapid-fire guns less than 5 inches in caliber, and it promises to prove
satisfactory.

Semiautomatic 6-pounder guns and mounts. — Four of these guns
and mounts are being procured imder allotments made by the Board
of Ordnance and Fortification and are designed to give to the pro-
jectile a muzzle velocity of 3,000 feet per second. One of these guns
and mounts has been delivered, and the remaining ones are expected
to be delivered within a reasonable time. Advantage is being taken
of the delay in delivery to determine a suitable powder for their tests,
no powder of the proper granulation being on hand. Several experi-
mental samples of powder have been obtained for this purpose.

S-inch "field gun^ Ehrhardt. — A gun of this design, mounted on
a long recoil carriage, was tested during the year. As compared
with the service rotation block this sliding breechblock design re-
quires less care to prevent interference by dirt or rust, but the car-
tridge can not be quite so readily inserted. Interference and stoppage
sometimes occurred when the cartridge was not properly seated or
the block not fully open. The block operated as smoothly and posi-
tively in the one hundred and eighty -seventh round of the test as in
the first. The firing mechanism with the sliding block is believed to
be safer than any other, but the question is not considered a settled

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 29

one whether or not the sliding breechblock compensates for its weight
and for the mortise through the gun for the recess.

3-inch breech mechanism^ retracting huahing {Gerdom design). —
This mechanism was tested by firing 271 rounds with generally
good results. The principal new feature is the continuous-pull
firing arrangement combined with the retracting bushing that con-
tains the firing pin and spring, and is retracted about 0.3 inch from
the front face of the block when the breech is opened. As a result
of the trials the bushing was slightly set back, as shown by the
impression made on the base of the cartridge case and impressions
of the lugs in the block on the cam surfaces that support the bushing
in the block. The breech mechanism is simple, and the trials show
that it is entitled to a high figure of merit as compared with others
that have been tested by the Department, but is not considered to be
as satisfactory as the adopted type. The possibility of premature
fire in closing the breech is avoided, at least until the block is nearly
lockecl, and is, in any event, remote. The firing pin is, however, cen-
tral, and should the point be broken and jammed, there would be a
screw pressure of this point against the primer after engaging the
breech threads in rotating the block. The principal objectionable
feature, in the opinion of the board under the direction of which
te$ts were made, is the movable bushing, which detracts from desir-
able solidity in the face of the block to support the cartridge case and
gives reasonable ground for doubt as to endurance of the mechanism
itself in extended service.

MOUNTAIN GUNS.

In connection with experiments to determine the suitability of
mountain guns as field mortars, the Department has considered
whether or not it would be desirable to change the caliber of these
gims from 75 mm. to 3 inches, in order to enable them to use field-gun
projectiles. Some time since the weight of the mountain-gun projec-
tiles was made the same as that of the field guns, namely, 15 pounds,
as the result of experience with these guns in the Philippine Islands.
Originally there were six different kinds of projectiles of several
different weights used with this mountain material, and while it
will always be found that a particular form of projectile will best
meet the requirements of certain conditions, it must be expected that
at times in the service there will be a lack of a sufficient amount of the
particular kind of projectile which would best meet these conditions.
A large number of kinds of projectiles increase the difficulties of
manufacture and issue. It was these considerations which led to the
adoption of the weight for shell and shrapnel above mentioned, the
idea being that these would be projectiles of average weight and
effect The change in caliber can be made at a very slight expense,

30 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

and the firings with one gun so altered have demonstrated that the
accuracy with a 15-pound shell having a muzzle velocity of 850 feet
per second is satisfactory. The change in the caliber of these guns
is somewhat complicated by the resulting changes in a large amount
of shrapnel on hand for the 75-mm. mountain guns.

Previous difficulties in packing the ammunition for these guns, due
to the different weights of projectiles and the special carriers that
were required, have now been overcome by arranging the original
shipping boxes, in which the projectiles are packed at the place of
manufacture, so that these boxes can be hung directly to the new form
of pack saddle without repacking.

MOUNTAIN ARTILLERY.

Although the carriage for the 75-nim. mountain gun is of com-
paratively recent design, its utility and rate of fire could be materially
improved by increasing the maximum elevation at which the gun can
be fired to 45° and increasing the length of recoil of the gun on
the carriage, thereby making the latter more stable. This increased
stability will enable the adoption of improved sights, permitting the
use of both direct and indirect fire. Lack of officers in the Depart-
ment has prevented the undertaking of the study necessary to deter-
mine the practicability of these improvements.

FIELD ARTILLERY.

3-inch field artillery material. — ^The manufacture of this mate-
rial has progressed satisfactorily during the year. The efforts made
by the Department to interest American manufacturers in the making
of all the material required in its production have proved successful,
as counter-recoil springs and panoramic sights can hereafter be
obtained in this country. Appropriations have so far been made for
35 batteries of this material for the Regular Army and for 34 bat-
teries for the militia; also for the extra caissons and limbers required
to complete the equipment of each of 26 of the militia batteries, but
6 caissons per battery will be issued to the militia, instead of 12.

The first battery of this material was completed and issued to the
Seventh Battery of Field Artillery at Fort Riley, Kans., in July and
August, 1904, for use by the board for the preparation of drill regu-
lations for Field Artillery. Upon the completion of the board's
work for that year at Fort Riley, Kans., the guns and carriages were
replaced and returned to Rock Island Arsenal for a thorough exam-
ination. The 6 batteries, constituting the Second Provisional Regi-
ment of Field Artillery, at Fort Sill, were equipped in July, and the
remaining 5 batteries of the First Provisional Regiment, at Fort
Riley, in September of this year ; the other 12 batteries of the Army

REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 81

will be equipped before January 1 next. Preparations are now being
made for the issue of the material manufactured for it to the militia
of the several States and Territories, as may be directed by the Wap
Department.

Advantage was taken of the use of this material by the board for
the preparation of drill regulations for Field Artillery for test by
that board of several important accessories, such as fuze setters, bat-
tery commander's telescopes, plotting boards, battery commander's
rulers, means for carrying the sight and range quadrant, etc., designs
of which articles have been perfected. Upon the recommendation of
that board the door of the ammunition chest on the caisson was made
of armor and hinged at the top, to increase the amount of protection
furnished ammunition servants.

2^8-inch field gun on long recoil carriage. — This material was
designed at the suggestion of the Board of Ordnance and Fortifica-
tion, made on December 3, 1903, for use in protecting seacoast forts
against landing parties and land attacks ; its lightness may make it
valuable as a part of the mobile artillery system. The gun fires a
7i^-pound projectile with a muzzle velocity of 1,700 feet per second;
its caliber is the smallest for which it is believed an effective shrapnel
can be made. The gun, carriage, and lunber being made for trial will
be completed next spring ; the delay in the completion of the designs
was due to the shortage of officers in the Department.

3.8-inch field artillery material. — ^This gun is to fire a 30-pound
projectUe with a muzzle velocity of 1,700 feet per second, and is for
use under conditions where the 15-pounder projectile of the 3-inch
gun would prove inadequate, but where a 60-pound projectile of a
siege rifle would not be required, or, on account of the weight of the
latter material, bad roads, lack of transportation, etc., it could not
be brought into action. The carriage is of the same general design
as that for the 3-inch field gun; the pilot gun and carriage now
under construction will be completed in about two months.

Field howitzer material, — The mobile artillery of an army should
contain a certain number of howitzers for searching out trenches,
protected positions, etc., against which their high-angle fire is more
effective than the direct fire of guns. This class of artillery has the
other advantage that, for the same weight of gun, carriage, and lim-
ber, a projectile of double the weight of that of a rifle can be used.
It is therefore intended to provide a 3.8-inch howitzer on a long recoil
carriage, firing a 30-pound projectile, and having a muzzle velocity of
about 900 feet per second, the weight behind the horses being the
same as that for the 3-inch field gun ; also a 4.7- inch field howitzer, on
a long recoil carriage, firing a 00-pound projectile, with a muzzle
velocity of about 900 feet per second, the weight behind the horses
being the same as that for the 3.8-inch field gun. The lack of officers

32 BBPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

with which the Department has suffered for the past several years,
and is still suffering, has not permitted the designing of this impor-
tant class of material to be completed.

Automobile forge and battery wagon, — It has not been practicable
to complete the design of the vehicle referred to in my last report; it
is hoped, however, that conditions will enable this interesting line
of work to receive the early attention it merits, and an effort will be
made to complete a design this winter.

SIEGE MATERIAL.

4>7'inch siege material, — One of these guns with its carriage has
been finished and is now undergoing firing tests, upon the completion
of which it is proposed to subject it to severe road test The tests so
far made of the carriage show it to be a highly creditable production ;
it was designed by Capt. C. B. Wheeler, Ordnance Department.

6-inch siege howitzer material, — A howitzer and carriage are
being designed in this office, and their manufacture will be under-
taken at an early date. The howitzer is to fire a 120-pound project-
ile, with a muzzle velocity of 900 feet per second.

The Department has reached a conclusion as to the elements which
it desires to embody in this gun and carriage and is at work upon
the design, the completion of which has been delayed by the same
cause which has operated disadvantageously in other work, namely,
the shortage of officers.

SEACOAST CARRIAGES.

No funds were appropriated at the last session of Congress for
new installations of seacoast gun in this country. The carriages
for installation in the insular possessions for which appropriations
were made are under construction.

In addition to carriages being made at arsenals, contracts exist
with the following private manufacturers, viz:

15-pounder R. F. guns and carriages, with the Bethlehem Steel Com-
pany.

4.5-inch shields for 5 and 6 inch barbette carriages, with the Midvale
Steel Company and the Bethlehem Steel Company.

5-inch barbette carriages, model of 1903, with the Morgan Engineering
Company.

6-inch disappearing carriages, L. F., models of 1903 and 1905, with the
Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Company, the Bethlehem Steel Company, and
the Detrick & Har^'ey Machine Company.

The completion of twenty-five 6-inch disappearing carriages, L. F.,
model of 1903, was delayed by the failure of two contractors, which
necessitated their completion by another concern.

Contracts have been made at satisfactory prices for the remain-
ing 4.5* inch shields required for all 5-incb barbette carriages.

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 33

The 0-inch disappearing carriage, L. F., model of 1905, differs radi-
cally in some respects from the model of 1903, referred to in my last
report, in that the energy of recoil of the gun is principally ab-
sorbed by a single hydraulic recoil cylinder, placed vertically in
the center of the counterweight, which is cored out for the purpose,
instead of by the two horizontal cylinders heretofore formed in the
top carriage. The counter recoil is controlled by separate cylinders
located on the exterior of the chassis acting on the top carriage. The
gun is retracted by hand power into loading position through a train
of spur gearing acting directly on the counterweight, instead of by
ropes attached to the upper ends of the gun levers. The sighting
platforms are located near the front end of the chassis to afford
greater protection to gunners and the sighting mechanism.

Carriage for the type 16-inch breech-loading rifle. — A disappearing
carriage of the service type is being designed in this office upon which
this gun is to be mounted. It is anticipated that the drawings will
be completed this winter. ^

12-inch mortar carriage. — ^The increased appreciation of the de*
fensive value of mortars has warranted the preparation of a design
of an improved carriage for 12-inch mortar. The mortar will be
mounted and will recoil in a cradle similar to that of barbette car-
riages for rapid-fire guns, and will be capable of being fired at from
45° to 70° elevation. The azimuth circle will be more fully pro-
tected, and the method of bringing the mortar to the angle required
for loading and returning it to the desired elevation for firing will
be improved.

^.5-inch shields for barbette carriages. — Comparative tests of two
different designs of shields for 5 iind 6 inch barbette carriages made
by firing 5 and 6 inch projectiles at shields of each type mounted on
a carriage showed the design prepared and being procured by the
Department to be superior.

10-inch Emery disappearing carriage. — ^Mr. Emery has prosecuted
work during the year on the 10-inch disappearing carriage of his
design, being made under a contract in accordance with the pro-
visions of the fortifications act approved April 21, 1904, in such man-
ner as he has deemed best. Mr. Emery states that about two-thirds
of the material required for its construction has been obtained.

TELESCOPIC SIGHTS.

S-inch objective telescopic sights. — ^The graduated reticule is be-
ing removed, and a system of direct illumination of the cross
wires substituted for the field-of-view illumination to improve its
qualities as a night sight. The deflection scale will be transferred
to the rear end of the cradle, where it can be more easily read.

WAB 1905— VOL d 3

84 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

The experience so far had in service with these sights has been very
satisfactory.

2'inch objective telescopic sight. — ^Tests having demonstrated that
a good telescope of low power and large field of view is the best
known form of night sight, a design of a telescopic sight having a
2-inch objective, a power of 6 diameters, and a field of view of 5®
is being prepared and will be applied as fast as funds permit to all
carriages in service on which are mounted rapid-fire guns of caliber
less than 6 inches.

Telescopic sights^ models of 1898 and 1898 M. — ^At the request of
the Chief of Artillery, the interior deflection scales and least reading
on the micrometer deflection screw are being altered to conform to
the provisions of the new artillery drill regulations.

AUTOMATIC SIGHTS.

To practically determine the efficiency of automatic sights for sea-
coast guns, orie sight each of the designs of Lieut. Col. L. K. Scott, of
Sir George S. Clarke, of England, and of Capt. W. C. Davis, Artil-
lery Corps, have been procured and are now undergoing test. A
fourth design, submitted by Capt. A. S. Fleming, Artillery Corps,
is also receiving consideration, and is the simplest thus far submitted.

IMPROVEMENTS IN INSTALLED SEACOAST CARRIAGES.

Electric firing of seacoast guns. — ^The electric firing from a distant
station of seacoast guns having been disapproved, a firing circuit for
each individual mount for guns is being prepared. On account of the
very small amount of current required to fire a primer and the danger
apprehended from the use of a current of high voltage, the current
for the firing circuit will be supplied by a battery of six dry cells.

ELECTRIC FIRING OF MORTARS.

The firing of mortars in salvo requires an electric-firing system, by
which the mortars in any pit can be simultaneously fired from a point
outside thereof. With such a system this Department has to do only
with the parts attached to each mortar and carriage. A 360°-contact,
safety-firing switch, cables, and conduits have been designed for
installation as rapidly as funds will permit.

Electric traversing and elevating and depressing mechanisms. — ^The
experience had in service with carriages on which guns of the larger
calibers are mounted and the proficiency attained in their use indi-
cate that the only electrical power equipment necessary for their
efficient service is that for retracting the gun to the loading position
for drill purposes. The reduced intervals at which the data required
for laying a gun are now sent would seem to justify the providing on

BEPORT or THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 85

the sighting platforms of even the largest mounts a slow-motion
traversing handwheel and near the elevation scale a slow-motion
elevating handwheel. A study of such designs is being made.

IS'inch mortar carriage^ model of 1896. — ^The excellent results
obtained in service with the 12-inch mortar renders it highly desirable
to suflSciently strengthen the carriage to permit the power and range
of the mortar to be more fully utilized. One carriage, modified
accordingly, has been tested with satisfactory results. It is therefore
proposed to similarly alter all 12-inch mortar carriages, model of
1896, in service as rapidly as funds will permit. These changes con-
sist principally of the interposition of cast-steel beams between the
racer and hydraulic recoil cylinders; of the substitution of continuous
grooves for the five throttling holes in these cylinders ; of the addition
of a brake to prevent accidental rotation of the racer, and of the addi-
tion of improved counter-recoil buffers.

Alterations. — The equipping of all 12-inch disappearing carriages,
L. F., models of 1896 and 1897, with electric retracting equipment, and
of the latter model with sighting platforms, 3-inch objective telescopic
sights, coimterbalance devices, etc., has progressed satisfactorily.

Loading platforms for suhcaliber practice. — ^To enable subcaliber
practice to be conveniently had with disappearing carriages, a plat-
form, to be attached to the gun and extend rearward from the breech,
upon which the cannoneers can stand in loading the gun, has been
designed and its manufacture undertaken.

Counter-recoil throttling valve. — ^The increase in the velocity of
counter recoil of the top carriage resulting from the increase in the
weight of the counterweight in later models of disappearing car-
riages, made to increase their quiclaiess of return to battery and the
rate of fire, and the changes in the viscosity of the oil in the cylinders,
caused by variations in its temperature, have increased the difiiculty
of shaping the counter-recoil buffers so as to insure their satisfactory
action under all conditions. To remedy this difiiculty, a valve similar
to the throttling valve has been designed, which, upon trial, has been
found to satisfactorily accomplish its purpose. The addition of this
valve obviates the necessity of providing small hand weights.

MAINTENANCE OF THE ARMAMENT OF FORTIFICATIONS.

The system of dividing the seacoast and field armament for main-
tenance and improvement into districts continues to operate most
satisfactorily. It was extended during the year to include telescopic
sights and the different instruments for the fire-control and direction
system supplied by this Department. Armament foremen and
machinists are now required to familiarize themselves with the
methods of cleaning and repairing these instruments, and are being
furnished with special tools for the purpose.

36 BEPORT OP THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

To more closely observe the action of the material under service
conditions, one of the semiannual inspections which 'district arma-
ment officers are required to make will hereafter be made during
target practice whenever practicable.

RANGE-FINDING INSTRUMENTS.

Swasey depression position finder. — Fifty-four of these instruments
were completed during the fiscal year and the remaining eighty-five
since its close.

A system of direct illumination of the cross wires has been substi-
tuted for the field-of-view illumination and electric lamps added for
the illumination of the four scales.

One each of the following experimental instruments for the fire-
control and direction svstem for seacoast armament has l^en made
during the year for the test, in accordance with designs furnished by the
Chief of Artillery, viz, deflection board, range board, azimuth predic-
tion board, wind component indicator board, board and T square for
set-forward chart, prediction scale for mortars and azimuth pointer
with deflection and drift scales for mortars. During the year the
manufacture of 130 deflection boards, 33 plotting boards for mortars,
and an experimental fire commander's plotting board was undertaken.

Azimuth instruments. — A system for illuminating the cross wires
and scales has been devised and is being applied to all instruments in
service.

Range-finding instruments for mobile artillery. — A battery com-
mander's telescope, plotting board, and battery commander's ruler
have been designed for use by mobile artillery; 20 telescopes and 8
plotting boards have been completed, and 64 battery commander's
loders are under manufacture.

An efficient utilization of modem field artillery requires the use of
an accurate range-finding and fire-control system, for which an accu-
rate, quickly oi)erated, and inconspicuous range finder is a necessity.
Such an instrument is now being developed.

Range finders for infantry and cavalnj. — Upon the recommenda-
tion of this Department the Chief of Staff has approved the issue to
each company of infantry and each troop of cavalry of one Weldon
range finder and a tapeline to provide these organizations with means
for measuring the relatively short ranges used by them.

STREAKED FORGINGS.

The matter of streaks in steel forgings for guns continues to be a
subject of investigation. These streaks, as has been reported, are
believed to indicate either a want of continuity or a lack of perfect
structural homogiMielty in the metal; more probably, and certainly
much more frequently, the latter.

REPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 37

The streaks are made apparent by certain kinds of tools, or cuts and
feeds, in the careful and accurate machine finishing to which gun
forgings are subjected. They appear as bands on the surface of the
steel, due to the fact that the band reflects light from a different angle
than the general surface. They appear when viewed from a distance
only.

Close and careful inspection of the surface — such, for example, as
light etching or coloring with iodine facilitates — may show that the
streaked appearance is due either to local variations in the physical
properties or to the presence of short lines or dots indicative of minute
structural unsoundness. In the case of structural unsoundness, the
tensile strength of the steel across the streak is impaired, and, with
the lowering of tensile strength, the development of elongation is
restricted, this latter feature being incident to the former. In the
direction of the streaks the strength of the metal.is not affected.

The shapes and positions of streaks are modified by the forging
oi)erations and, generally speaking, tangential specimens are not
likely to show their presence, though occasional oblique fracture of
such a specimen in test will be determined by them. Radial speci-
mens make their presence manifest and in test show the impairment
of tensile strength which has been mentioned. These radial speci-
mens do not, of course, represent the direction of the principal stresses
in the gun, but their test shows the maximum effect on the structure
of the presence of a streak.

The investigations already made have developed to a certain extent
what streaks are, but have thrown very little light on the question of
their source. It seems probable that any structural unsoundness
must have its origin during the period of casting or of cooling the
ingot. The most promising field of inquiry seems to be, therefore,
the ingot itself, for the operations of forging tend to obscure or even
obliterate the condition in the ingot which is developed into the
streak in the finished gun forging. Investigation along these lines
must, of course, take very considerable time and be expensive, but the
possibility that the information gained might lead to a discovery of
the means of improving structural conditions would, it is thought,
justify the expenditure of the necessary time and money.

GAS-CHECK PADS.

The experimental gas-check pads now being tested to determine
their fitness for service in seacoast guns embody new features in
dimensions, in the material of the pad composition, and in the cover-
ing. Several pads prepared for 10-inch B. L. rifle, model of 1900,
are a modified form of the service pattern, with the body reduced
about 30 per cent in thickness and the exposed surface (between the
split rings) proportionately more reduced in width to obviate the
bulging due to melting and softening of the pad material under the

38 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OP ORDNANOB.

influence of heat in sustained rapid fire. These pads include, besides
the ordinary material (asbestos-tallow mixture), several in whidi
the tallow is replaced by grease or oil having a higher melting point
and slight acidity. A considerable per cent of oleic acid is found to
be always present in tallow and produces rust, which combined with
the low melting point, about 116° F., makes tallow a relatively poor
substance to use. The thinning of the pad will permit a greatly
improved service with the tallow composition, but a further improve-
ment will be obtained by using other material.

A special pad material has also been submitted which is claimed to
have no melting point and to retain a requisite degree of plasticity
and hardness under the heat due to all service conditions, to be a
chemical compound instead of a mechanical mixture and not subject
to decomposition, to be nonabsorbent of moisture, and a preservative
of the canvas cover. Two pads of this material, one 12-inch and one
6-inch, will shortly be tested. The qualities described are most
desirable.

Several samples of the Gerdom pad, patent No. 732541, June 30,
1903, have been tried. The composition comprises glycerin and
starch mixed with tallow or oil and a covering of wire netting.
Fault was found with an earlier sample for lack of consistency in
the material. A sample for 12-inch rifle, model of 1900, recently re-
ceived and now under firing test promises more satisfactory results.

The present continued investigations for improvement of the gas-
check pad were at first directed to providing a protection or support
for the exposed surface of the thick asbestos-tallow pad to obviate
its deformation under heat and cutting of the covers. The device
tried included among others a complete covering of sheet copper
and steel or copper cups supporting tlie edges. One form with light
copper cups at front and rear of the exposed surface proved so effi-
cient in ordinary firing that it was subjected to firings in 10-inch
rifle, which included 30 rounds fired w^ithin thirty minutes. The
fault inherent to all devices of this nature was developed in that the
metal of the cups was forced outward in the repeated firing pres-
sures and caused binding of the pad in its seat in the gun. The test
showed, however, that with an equal exposed surface of a width of
about three-eighths inch only in the 10-inch pad, the bulging due to
heat was not objectionable, and advantage has been taken of this
development in producing the later design of relatively thin pads.
Asbestos wire cloth of commercial quality for steam packing was
also tried as a substitute for the canvas covering. The simple asbes-
tos wire cloth without rubber coating has given very favorable re-
sults, with absence of the cutting, scorching, or rotting to which the
canvas is subject, and will be continued on trial for further observa-
tion.

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNAKCfi. 89

POWDER.

Changes have been made in the specifications for powder for the
purpose of improving ballistic results, and contracts for a large
amount of powder to be made under these specifications have been
entered into with the various powder makers. Effort has been par-
ticularly made to decrease the variations in results by increasing
uniformity in manufacture and to eliminate, at the time of the test
of the ballistic sample, powders having a critical point in their pres-
sure curves.

In the last four or five years the requirements in regard to stability
have been made somewhat more rigid, and more complete purification
of the nitrocellulose is required. This has led to having frequent
tests made of those powders of manufacture prior to 1900 and 1901
which have been issued to the service, and which were tested by
potassium-iodide test only. Some of these are now found not to
meet the requirements of the more recent tests, but it is not believed
that many of them are any more unstable than they were at the time
of acceptance.

Attention has been given to the absorption of moisture by nitro-
cellulose smokeless powder for the purpose of ascertaining 'the amount
of moisture absorbed and the rate of absorption. For this purpose
weighed samples of powder were immersed in water, being re-
moved at intervals and weighed. Other samples were exposed to an
atmosphere saturated with water vapor and also weighed to determine
the per cent of increase by weight. The assumption was made in
both of these cases that the gain in weight was due entirely to the
addition of water, although there was undoubtedly some loss of vola-
tile solvents at the same time. It was found that there was little
difference in the rate of absorption between the powders actually
immersed in water and those exposed to saturated atmosphere. It
has often been assumed that all absorption of moisture by smokeless
powder has been surface condensation, and that moisture does not
penetrate the interior of the grains. If this were true, the absorption
of water would be proportional to the surface; but these investiga-
tions indicated that this was not the case. If powders are exposed
to moisture for a short period, the absorption appears to be propor-
tional to the surface. This is explained by the fact that although
the moisture enters into the powder its movement is very slow, but
that it eventually penetrates and saturates the entire mass is evi-
denced by the tendency of the figures to approach a limit in the
neighborhood of 2^ per cent. One 15-pounder powder reached its
maximum absorption of 2.52 per cent of moisture in 25 days, and
another lot of 10-inch powder absorbed 2.21 per cent in 38 days and
had not reached its limit. Nitroglycerin powders show much less
absorptive power than the nitrocellulose powders, due probably to

40 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

the oily nature of the nitroglycerin. After all of the powders had
reached their limits of saturation they were exposed to the air of the
laboratory and the loss of weight noted from day to day until the
weight of the powder was what it was at the beginning of the experi-
ment. It appears that if a powder has become wet by storage in a
damp magazine it would be impossible to effectually dry it out at
posts by exposure to air for a short time.

From these experiments it may be concluded that nitrocellulose
powders when exposed to saturated atmosphere will absorb moisture
to the extent of 2 to 2^ per cent of their total weight. This absorp-
tion takes place slowly, and the time required for complete saturation
is proportional to the web thickness. If a powder is not completely
saturated, the time of drying will depend on the length of exposure
to moist atmosphere. If completely saturated, it will vary with the
web thickness of the powder and the degree of humidity of the sur-
rounding air.

ARTILLERY PRACTICE.

Reports received during the year indicate general satisfaction with
the material issued for the purpose.

Beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1906, capped pro-
jectiles will be used exclusively in artillery practice, excepting 12-inch
mortar projectiles, which for another year will remain uncapped.
The probable effect of the increased weights of capped projectiles
upon velocities and pressures, when fired with weights of charges
which are now on hand at posts and which have been established to
give service velocities with uncapped projectiles, led this Department
to recommend that during the coming fiscal year the weights of
powder charges be maintained as now required for use with uncapped
projectiles. The probable effect of this course would be that maxi-
mum powder pressures will be increased approximately 2,200 pounds
per square inch over those pressures which would likely result with
the present service weight of projectile, and that the present service
velocities will be reduced by approximately 30 feet per second for
rapid-fire guns and 15 feet per second for guns of larger caliber. It
is expected that one season's practice with the weights of charges
above recommended will enable decision to be made as to whether or
not the charges shall be increased to maintain the present standard
velocity.

In continuation of its efforts to enable the striking point of one-
pounder subcaliber projectiles in target practice over water to be more
easily observed the Department tested recently a smoke-producing
compound as a shell filler. The compound gave off about twice the
amount of smoke obtained from black powder in the same volume, but
the weakness of the compound caused a delay in bursting, which was
the more plainly indicated by firing shell through a bursting screen

REPOET OP THE CHIEF OF OKDNANCE. 41

and observing the points of burst. This delay in bursting may allow
the shell to emerge from the water before explosion takes place.

It is believed that this compound would not burst satisfactorily any
shell except a very weak one like the maximum-capacity l-pounder
shell. The results were sufficiently promising, however, to warrant
more extended trials, which are now in progress.

The reports and opinions of post ordnance officers and battery com-
manders concerning the action and endurance of drill primers have
been of much value. While the opinions differ considerably among
themselves, they enable a fairly accurate estimate to be made of the
life of the drill primer body and other parts, and afford a basis of
comparison of the cost of this primer and the service primer. Con-
sidering all of the reports, it is believed it may be fairly assumed
that the drill primer and button wire for new model vents will stand
10 rounds as a minimum. Under this assumption the cost per thou-
sand of the drill primers for the new model vent is about one-tenth
of the cost of the combination electric-friction primer. It appears,
on the whole, that the drill primer has served the purpose for which
it was designed — that is to say, it permits a large number of rounds
to be fired at a relatively low cost for primers. But one report
adverse to the drill primer has been received, and the objections
appeared in this report to refer mainly to the use of any lanyard
firing primer with mortar batteries.

The greater part of the difficulty with these drill primers appears
to be due to lack of experience, which will disappear after they have
been longer in service. The serrated wires with the friction pellets
for reloading the primers are at present issued in hermetically sealed
tin cans, 100 in a can. It is possible that it might be advisable to
reduce the number in each can to 50, since the number should approxi-
mate the number of rounds that will probably be fired in practice.

The Department is about to make several useful improvements in
these primers which it is thought will add to their effectiveness.

A recent change in the shape of the rear end of dummy projectiles
has improved their action. When they were first issued to. the service
the rear part of the rotating band, catching on the front end of the
tray, pushed the latter to the rear, and the form of the surfaces of the
front of the tray and rear side of the band prevented the possibility
of sliding the projectile to the rear on the tray without at first lifting
it bodily. The changes referred to have remedied the defects satis-
factorily.

A new design of subcaliber tube for 15-pounders is in preparation.
Experience indicates that these tubes are too light to stand satisfac-
torily the hard usage to which they are necessarily subjected. Since
the tube is necessarily unseated and reseated at drill and at every
round with .30-caliber cartridges, it is considered desirable that it

42 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

should operate easily, in order that the breech mechanism may not
be damaged by its frequent operation.

Some difficulty has been had in closing breechblocks after the fir-
ing of a large number of rounds from these subcaliber tubes, due to
the elongation of the cases of the tubes by the expansion of the .30-
caliber rifle barrel by heat.

The addition of cleaning brushes and reamers to subcaliber outfits
for 6-pounder and 15-pounder guns is contemplated.

Moving targets of a new design for light-artillery practice have
been issued to several posts upon requisition. They were recom-
mended by the field artillery board at Fort Riley, Kans., and are
expected to prove more satisfactory than those which have been used
to a limited extent heretofore. The target is simple, cheap in con-
struction, and can be made at any post. It is hoped that more ex-
tended experience with them during the coming fiscal year will indi-
cate their continued suitability.

PRIMERS.

Sometime since trouble was experienced with firing mechanisms
of 6-inch guns, owing to injuries to the electric contact spring clips
resulting from blow backs of primers. In addition to decided blow
backs, occasionally the primer wire or the hard-rubber insulating
washer surrounding it in the base of the primer case was blown out
or burned.

A series of eprouvette tests was instituted with these primers and
those of a pattern in which the length of the vulcanite bushing was
increased to 0.24 inch arid the diameter of the primer wire hole
decreased to 0.08 inch. Primer after primer of each kind was fired
in an eprouvette, with pressure beginning at 35,000 pounds and in-
creasing to between 60,000 and 70,000 pounds per square inch. There
were no blow backs in which the wire was driven out to the rear, but
in several instances a portion of the vulcanite washer was blown or
jarred away.

In firing by electricity the pressure of the gases is relied upon to
force the gas-check cylinder and the wire to the rear to contact with
their coned seats to check the escape of gas through the primer body.
In moving over this distance, 0.2 inch, these parts under pressure of
the gases must acquire considerable velocity, perhaps enough in some
cases to strip the head from the wire and blow all of the interior
parts to the rear, as reported. This movement necessarily . follows
from the friction element of this primer.

It was considered that threading the vulcanite bushing in the rear
of the primer destroyed in a measure the integrity of the vulcanite,
and in order to increase the effectiveness of this vulcanite bushing and

EEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 48

its strengtli to rosist shearing, it has been recnforced by a brass ring
screwed in the rear into the primer body. This new primer has given
very satisfactory results, and is now being issued u) the service.

SHRAPNEL BALLS.

The relative penetration of hard lead and soft steel shrapnel balls
was determined by firing special shrapnel from 3-inch field gun.
These balls were of one-half inch diameter weighing 164 and 128
grains, respectively, and their actual penetrations in white pine and
seasoned spruce were determined as a function of the range measured
from the point of burst. The shrapnel were supplied with sensitive
point fuzes, and burst by firing them through a screen placed 10
feet in front of the muzzle of the gun.

The penetration of steel balls at 50 yards was about 72 per cent of
that of the lead balls, and at 500 yards about 34 per cent.

When fired against field-gun shields placed about 50 feet from the
bursting screen the steel balls showed about 68 per cent of the lead
ball effect on a tempered shield and about 80 per cent on a compara-
tively soft shield. A few balls of each kind that struck these shields
succeeded in punching holes, but the majority of them made only
indentations.

CLOTH FOR POWDER BAGS.

Tests have been made of chemically treated material for powder
bags to render it noncombustible. These showed that there is
slightly more residue left in the chamber by the treated than by the
untreated bag. The difference is slight, however, and it can be stated
that this residue does not constitute a serious objection to the use of
the treated material. While no reason can be seen at this time for any
bad effect of this cloth on smokeless powder during storage, it is not
considered safe to assume this to be a fact without actual trial.

^Tiile in land service the danger of premature ignition of service
cartridges is considered remote, it is still true that the use of a non-
combustible cloth for cartridge bags would give additional safety,
and it is intended to continue the investigation by submitting to
storage test powder bags treated with all substances now available
to render them fireproof. One bag of each kind will be filled with
powder, placed in a hermetically sealed case and stored for at least
one year. Should such bags be adopted it is proposed to depend
upon the primer to make a hole through the treated cloth in order to
reach the igniter, which will be inside the bag. The primer is strong
enough to do this, and it is thought that the full protection of the
treated cloth can only be obtained by covering the igniter as well as
the smokeless-powder charge.

44 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

ARMOR-PIERCING PROJECTILES.

Firings have been made to determine the effect of armor-piercing
shell charged with high explosive and fired with oblique impact
against 7-inch face-hardened plate representing the secondary armor
of a modem battle ship, in accordance with a plan approved by the
Board of Ordnance and Fortification.

TWELVE-INCH MORTAR LINER.

One of the 12-inch mortars at the proving ground was, owing to an
error in manufacture, permitted to be lined and has since that time
been utilized at the proving ground in test firings under the observa-
tion of ordnance officers in order that the Department might avail
itself of this opportunity to ascertain the effect of continued firings.

The lining tube was inserted from the rear and it extends through
the length of the mortar. It is secured in the breech recess by set
screws to prevent turning, and it has one shoulder for support against
forward movement. The shoulder is 89 inches from the muzzle, and
the thickness of liner in front of shoulder is 1 inch. Protrusion of the
liner at the muzzle was shown after a few rounds. After 155 rounds
the protrusion is 0.6 inch, and the muzzle end has rotated 0.08 inch.
There is, besides, excessive enlargement of the bore in front of the
thrust shoulder at 89 inches from the muzzle. After giving what
appears to be proper weight to the forces that may be ordinarily con-
sidered as acting to produce the longitudinal and torsional set
observed, it is found that these are insufficient, and it is conceived that
the additional stress required is produced by mandreling action of the
band on the relatively thin wall of the liner. The deduction is made
that the radial pressure from the band while moving rapidly forward
amounts to about 40,500 pounds per square inch on the interior sur-
face of the liner in the portion where the greatest diametrical enlarge-
ment has been produced.

BETHLEHEM STEEL WORKS.

During the fiscal year inspection work at this establishment has
been under the supervision of Capt. William H. Tschappat, Ordnance
Department, who is also charged with the inspection of material
being procured by this Department at other places in the vicinity.

During the year the Bethlehem Steel Company was engaged in the
supply of material to this Department under 20 contracts, 9 of which
were completed, and also under orders for miscellaneous bars, forg-
ings, and castings from commanding officers of arsenals and other
contractors.

The principal material inspected by this office during the year
included guns, cannon, carriages, shields, gun forgings, projectiles,
and field artillery materiaL

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 45

INSFECTDR OF ORDNANCE, AKRON, OHIO.

The inspec^jion work at Akron, Ohio, Alliance, Ohio, Cleveland,
Ohio, Sharon, Pa., Pittsburg, Pa., and contiguous localities, for the
year has been in charge of Capt. J. H. Rice, Ordnance Department,
U. S. Army, with main office at Akron, Ohio.

The WeUman-Seaver-M organ Company^ Akron and Cleveland^
Ohio, — ^This company is manufacturing twenty-iSve 6-inch disappear-
ing carriages, L. F., model of 1903 ; 3 were delivered during the year,
3 will probably be delivered during the month of July, 1905, and the
final delivery will probably be about July 1, 1906. The contract calls
for final delivery on August 19, 1905.

The Morgan Engineering Company^ Alliwnce^ Ohio, — Beginning
with the fiscal year this company had contracts for fifteen 6-inch dis-
appearing carriages, L. F., model of 1903, and ten 5-inch barbette
carriages, model of 1903. One 6-inch carriage was delivered prior to
the beginning of the fiscal year, and the last of the remaining 14 on
April 18, 1905. The final delivery of the 5-inch carriages was due
January 10, 1905; the first carriage was delivered on May 29, 1905;
the remainder are about 90 per cent completed, and final delivery will
probably be about September 15, 1905. The delay has been princi-
pally caused by difficulty in obtaining acceptable steel castings. The
work done by this company has been satisfactory.

The Warner cfe Swasey Company^ Cleveland, Ohio. — During the
year this company had contracts for 271 3-inch telescopic sights,
model of 1904; 20 battery commander's telescopes; 42 Swasey de-
pression position finders, type A; 117 Swasey depression position
finders, type A-1; 1 25-foot horizontal base range finder; 1 8-foot
horizontal base range finder; 6 sets of testing instruments for Swasey
depre^ion position finder, and 1 6-foot horizontal base range finder
and protected battery commander's telescope for mobile artillery.
Twenty depression position finders were delivered prior to July 1,

1904. The following instruments have been delivered during the
year and on time, except for delay caused by changes in the drawings :
236 sights, 1 battery conmiander's telescope, 54 depression position
finders, 1 6-foot range finder and protected battery commander's
telescope. The remaining 35 sights will be delivered by July 15,

1905. The remaining battery commander's telescopes will probably
be delivered September 12, 1905, and the remaining 85 position find-
ers by October 1, 1905. The horizontal base range finders are
awaiting the result of experiments. The testing instruments will
probably be delivered September 17, 1905. The work done by this
company is considered satisfactory.

The DriggS'Sedbury Ordnance Corporation, Sharon, Pa, — ^The
contracts on hand with this company during the year were for
116,000 one-pounder large capacity steel shell, one experimental

46 BEPOBT OP THE CHIEF OP OBDNANCE.

6-pounder gun and mount, 368 3-inch field limbers, model of 1902,
and 234 8-inch field caissons, model of 1902. The 6-pounder mount
and gun are being delayed by lack of steel castings and the date of
delivery can not be safely predicted. No deliveries have been made
on the 3-inch field caissons and limbers, the dates of final deliveries
for which are as follows: Limbers, October 14, 1906; 164 caissons,
August 6, 1906, and 70 caissons, January 1, 1907.

The Crucible Steel Company of America^ Pittsburg^ Pa, — During
the year this company has had contracts for 98 sets of shields for
3-inch field carriage, model of 1902, and 296 sets of shields for 3-inch
field caisson, model' of 1902, including chest door. Three sets of
caisson shields were delivered prior to July 1, 1904, and the remainder
were all delivered during the fiscal year and on time. The work
done was satisfactory.

This company had at the beginning of the year a contract for
1,656 6-inch and 936 5-inch A. P. shot. The contract was completed
and the deliveries were made during the year.

In addition to the above, material for contractors and for other
ordnance establishments was under inspection at the works of 13
different manufacturers in various localities. The principal items
are as follows:

676,860 pounds of steel of all grades requiring test
14,951 feet of steel tubing.

2,192 oil-can bodies for 3-inch field caisson, model of 1902.
10,700 pieces twist link chain.

604 springs.
21,600 pounds bronze castings.

110 axles for 3-inch field limbers and caissons, model of 1002.

The total value of contracts and orders under inspection during
the year was $1,592,859.33 ; the total value of material inspected and
delivered during the year was $621,420.40.

MmVALE STEBL WORKS.

The work of the inspecting officer at the Midvale Steel Works
includes not only the inspection of material manufactured at these
works, but also that manufactured by 15 other contractors in Phila-
delphia and vicinity.

Owing to the shortage of officers in the Department it has been
impracticable to assign an officer to this duty alone, and it was per-
formed by Capt. H. W. Schull, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army,
imtil August 27, 1904, and since that time by Capt. Samuel Hof,
Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, in addition to their duties as
assistants to the commanding officer, Frankford Arsenal.

During the year the Midvale Steel Works prosecuted work under
32 contracts with the Department and ordnance establishments, and

REPOBT OP THE CHIEF OP ORDNANCE. ^47

under 12 contracts as subcontractors. Of these, 36 contracts have
been completed during the year.

The work at outside manufacturers comprised 100 contracts at 15
establishments. Of these, 74 have been completed.

Xhe principal material inspected during the year included 414
forgings, 13 shields for gun carriages, 7,388 steel forgings for gun
carriages, 327,875 pounds of steel for small arms, about 100,000
pounds of tire steel, about 10,000 pieces of flange steel, 647 steel cast-
ings, 8,386 bronze castings, 403 iron castings, 1,398 steel springs, and
2,000 medals of honor.

INSPECTOR OF ORDNANCE, BALTIMORE.

Capt. Lawson M. Fuller, Ordnance Department, performed the
duties of inspector in Baltimore in addition to his duties in the office
of the Chief of Ordnance.

Detrick <& Harvey Machine Company. — ^The last of fifteen 6-inch
disappearing gun carriages, L. F., model of 1903, under contract
dated August 19, 1903, was delivered on March 25, 1905. Almost all
the component parts of these fifteen carriages were done by jig, and,
in addition, all circular parts were ground so that the resulting car-
riages are believed to be exceptionally well made.

On February 6, 1905, a second contract was made with this com-
pany for furnishing ten carriages of the same design. All gun and
common iron castings have been delivered and the smaller parts
finished. Forty-three heats were required for the production of the
castings required. One hundred and eighty-five test specimens were
pulled, each heat averaging 31,699 pounds per square inch. Of the
parts cast, three racers, two base rings, four top carriages, and many
minor parts were rejected due to faulty material.

The forgings and about seven-eighths of the steel castings have been
received, but many of the latter parts have been returned to the
makers on account of defects in the material. Of the larger parts,
eight racers and five base rings are machined.

Ellicott Machine Company, — On January 25, 1905, a contract was
made with this company for 500 cast-iron caps for 5-inch projectiles,
and on April 15, 1905, another contract was' made for 1,000 cast-iron
caps for 8, 10, and 12 inch projectiles. The caps under the above
contracts are being made by the American and British Manufactur-
ing Company, of Bridgeport, Conn., as subcontractor.

THE UNITED STATES RAPID-FIRE GUN AND POWER 0O3fPANY; AMERICAN
AND BRITISH MANUFACTURING COMPANY; SCOVILL MANUFACTURING
COMPANY.

Of the 8,000 rounds of 15-pounder steel-shell ammunition remain-
ing to be delivered by the United States Rapid-Fire Gun and Power
Company at the beginning of the fiscal year, one lot of 1,000 rounds

48** BEPOBT OP THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

has been delivered. Several other lots presented failed in the ballis-
tic test, and the probability of the company's being able to supply the
remaining rounds seems extremely small. During the year this
company completed the conversion of the 20 8-inch wrought-iron
muzzle-loading guns to breech-loading saluting guns, contracted for
the preceding year, and an additional order for 25 more guns of the
same type. They have also under manufacture and practically com-
pleted one 6-pounder semiautomatic gim and mount.

During the year the American and British Manufacturing Com-
pany have done work under 15 contracts with the Department, and
two orders from ordnance establishments. These contracts and orders
covered the following material, viz, 34 3-inch field guns, model of
1902; the conversion of 135 3-inch wrought-iron muzzle-loading guns
to breech-loading saluting guns; 40 3-inch field carriages, model of
1902 ; projectiles for small cannon, and hubs for wheels of field-gun
carriages. With the exception of 15-pounder steel shell, all deliv-
eries have been satisfactory. A number of lots of these shell failed in
the ballistic test, but the company appear now to have overcome this
difficulty and it is expected will speedily complete the deliveries under
this contract. In addition to the contracts and orders mentioned, they
have also made 778 hubs for wheels for field carriages for the Archi-
bald Wheel Company, and have just received a contract for 70 8-inch
field caissons, model of 1902, and 20 more 3-inch field carriages.

The Scovill Manufacturing Company received a contract in Feb-
ruary for 25,000 1-pounder steel shell, to be delivered in September,
1905. The work is progressing favorably, and no delay in delivery
is anticipated.

This work at the establishments mentioned, and also the inspection
of various small orders for ordnance material at the Bridgeport
Forge Company, the Bridgeport Brass Company, the Pratt & Whit-
ney Company, Hartford, Conn., and the Coe Brass Company, Anso-
nia, Conn., given by the commanding officers of arsenals, has been
under the charge of Capt W. S. Peirce. Ordnance Department, dur-
ing the past year.

THE BUILDERS IRON IX)UNDRY, PROVIDENCE, R. I.

The work of this establishment was inspected during the year by
Lieut. Walter G. Penfield, Ordnance Department. The 12 carriages
referred to in my last report as remaining uncompleted were shipped
during the year, and the contract was completed on May 2, 1905.

ARCHIBALD WHEEL COMPANY, LAWRENCE, MASS.

This company is engaged in the manufacture of wheels for mobile
artillery. During the present fiscal year 878 wheels were completed
and inspected. !Maj. Frank Baker, Ordnance Department, was the

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 49

inspector at these works until May 1, 1905, upon which date he was
relieved by Lieut. Walter G. Penfield, Ordnance Departments

COWDBEY MACHINE WORKS, FITCHBURG, MASS.

This company has been engaged during the present fiscal year in
manufacturing cast-iron projectiles under three different contracts
with this Department. Maj. Frank Baker, Ordnance Department,
was inspector at these works until May 1, 1905, when he was relieved
by Lieut. Walter G. Penfield, Ordnance DeparUnenU

8ANDT HOOK PROVING GROUND.

The proving ground was commanded during the year by Col.
Charles S. Smith, Oi^nance Department, U. S. Army, who is also
president of the Ordnance Board; president of Board for Testing
Rifled Cannon, and armament officer of the Sandy Hook armament
district.

Firings for experimental and proof purposes have been conducted
daily, weather permitting.

The following material received at the proving ground has been
subjected to ballistic test:

28 lots of projectiles.
10 lots of BhrapneL
97 guns.

80 lots of powder.
1 lot of fixed ammunition.

The firings during the year have involved the expenditure of 92,727
pounds of powder, 3,399 rounds of fixed ammunition, and 19,523
pounds of high explosives, a total of 6,329 rounds having been fired,
while 18 fragmentation tests were made.

The railroad^ by means of which the proving ground is connected
with all points outside, has proved a source of convenience and econ-
omy in the transportation of men and materials. The total amount
of freight shipped over this railroad during the year amounted to
36,636,453 pounds, requiring a total car movement of 908 cars. The
total number of passengers carried during the year was 125,200.

Under the authority contained in the fortifications act approved
March 3, 1905, it is proposed to straighten about 1.6 miles of the rail-
road, by relaying the track from a point near the proof battery to
what is known as the " Y," which will give a straight track, outeide
of the zone of fire from the proof battery to the trestle, a distance of
about 5 miles. This work was undertaken in the latter part of June,
and will be completed within three months.

The new railroad trestle referred to in last year's report has been
completed. The contract provided for about 4,460 feet of the trestle

WAR 1905— VOL i

60 EEPORT OP THE CHIEF OP ORDNANCE.

proper a&d an approach at the Sandy Hook end of 850 feet, and a
siding at the Highland Beach end of about 400 feet in effective length.
That part of the old trestle at the Highland Beach end to the point
where the new trestle crosses it is also utilized as a second siding,
which is about 540 feet in length. That part of the old trestle from
tbe Sandy Hook end to near the pmnt where it crosses the old trestle
will be used by the Engineer Department as a foundation in strength-
ening the breakwater alcmg this neck of land.

A Fairbanks railway scale has been installed north of the machine
shop and on the railroad track along the north side of the new store-
house. A small house was erected over the scale arm, in order to pro-
tect the scale and the operator from the weatiier. This scale is of
sufficient capacity to permit the weighing of all shipments of ordnance
material.

Nev) construction. — The addition to the wing of the brick house, for
accommodation of officers temporarily at the proving ground, an*
thorized by the fortifications act approved June 6, 1902, has been
practically completed during the year.

Plans and specifications for the construction of the barracks for
enlisted men, authorized by the fortifications act approved June 6,
1902, and for the construction of a brick building for housing three
locomotives and one locomotive crane, authorized by the sundry civil
act approved April 28, 1904, were prepared and bids for the work
of erecting these buildings invited. All of the bids received and
opened were greatly in excess of the funds appropriated. An addi-
tional appropriation will be asked for in the case of the barracks, and
the i^ans modified, in order to reduce the cost. The details of the
locomotive house will be modified in order to bring the cost o;f the
buUding within the amount appropriated.

Four bombproofs, for the protection of observers at the targets
and to provide facilities for obsendng the bursting point of shrap-
nel and high explosive shell, authorized by the fortifications act
approved April 21, 1904, were built during the year. These stations,
of concrete 8 by 10 by 7 feet 6 inches, protected by walls on the sides
toward the line of fire, and proof battery 18 inches thick, and 8 feet of
sand provide safe observation stations. The observation slots aro
three-sixteenths inch wide, with edges reenforced by angle iron, and
allow a full view of all the ground surrounding the target and the
space between targets.

The contract for the construction of the observation range and
plotting tower, authorized by the fortifications act approved April
21, 1904, has been let, and the tower will be completed within a few
months. The structure will consist of steel framework, resting an a
concrete base, and supporting the instrument room, where the Swasey
depression position finder, type A, will be installed.

BBPORT OF THB OHIIF OF OSDNANCB. 61

Plans md spedficstioiis fw the ooostraddon of one set of quarters
for the locomotive engineer, authorized by the sundry dvil act
approved Maiidi 8, IMS, have been prepared, and bids will be invited
for the erection of the building in the near future.

The proof battery has been enlarged, by adding several emplace-
ments between those already constructed, to accOnmiodate the number
of carriages which the increased amount of firing requires should be
mounttMl at the same tima The method of tddng velocities has been
greatly "improved. Three light railroad tracks, running parallel to
the battisry, have been constructed, on which run cars carrying the
velocity frames. These cars are accurately located by means of
monumfentv in the line of the gun which is to be used. This arrange-
ment fixes the distance between the screens and from the muzzle of
the gun to the first screen, thus avoiding any possibility of error from
this source. Six chronographs, instead of four, are now mounted in
the instrument room, in groups of three, so that two sets of velocities
my be taben at the same time. The entire arrangement of the
switchboards has been improved, and the wiring to the front has been
placed in underground conduits.

Twelwe S-mch well points were installed, with a view to furnish-
ing an increased water supply for fire protection and emergency uses.
The site selected was a sandy knoll in front of the office building, in
the angle between the roads leading from the proof battery to the
office building and the road from the brick house to the office build-
ing. This new group of well points is connected by a Scinch main
to the old 6-inch main leading from the well-point group at the
explosion chamber to the pump in the engine room.

Survey of Sandy Hook. — For the purpose of making a new and
accurate map of tb® proving ground a survey of the northern portion
of Sandy Hook has been made, and the work of making the map is
in progress and will be completed at an early date.

Shops. — ^The shops have been fully occupied during the year with
the experimental work of the proving ground, together with work
in connection with the armament installed in the Sandy Hook and
in the central armament districts. The capacity of the power plant
has been increased to meet the increasing needs of the establishment,
and a condenser has been installed, which it is expected will increase
the efficienqr of the plant and thus result in a saving in the cost of
fueL

niSTBUonoN of offiuebs*

The class during the year consisted of six officers, and practical
instructicm was given in chemistry of powders and explosives, applied
electricity, and metal- working machines. The work accomplished in
the different departments has grown steadily since this instruction

62 REPORT OF THE OHIEF OF ORDKAKOB.

was inaugurated, and the student officers continue to show a oom-
mendable interest.

Chemical laboratory w^A;.-^Practical instruction was prescribed
for the first time and satisfactory progress was made for the first
year. Each officer was required, among other things, to make at least
one complete chemicd.1 analysis of samples of black and smokeless
powder; to conduct all the tests prescribed for the acoeptanoe of
nitrocellulose and nitrocellulose powders; to manufacture, in small
quantities, nitrocellulose and one other nitro compound ; to determine
the composition of the gas produced by the explosion of nitrocellu-
lose, and to make the standard physical measurements of powder
constants. Through the courtesy of Mr. H. F. Brown, International
Smokeless Powder and Chemical Company, the officers were given
an opportunity to witness the manufacture, at Parlin, N. J., of smoke-
less powder on a large scale.

Machine-shop work. — ^The progranmie for practical instruction in
this Department consisted of twenty-one graded exercises on the
lathe, ten on the universal milling machine, and six on the planer
and shaper. A photograph, accompanying the report of the com-
manding officer of the proving ground, shows the pieces actually
machined by the officers. The quality of their work was of a high
order, and would justify the rating of "Good machinists." Each
officer who takes this course is equipped (1) in the capacity of in-
spector, to distinguish between good and bad machine work, and to
determine the cause of defects ; (2) to fix the order of operations, and
the machine to be used in making, in the most economical way, any
machine or piece of apparatus that he may be designing. These are
the two principal objects of the instruction. For the ensuing year
the schedule will include practical instruction in foundry and black-
smith work, polishing and electro-plating of metal.

Department of electricity. — All student officers took an active inter-
est in the work of this department A system of night lectures was
inaugurated, and the greater part of the work, both practical and
theoretical, was done at night, since the officers were usually fully
occupied with regular proof work during the day.

ROCK ISLAKD ARSENAL.

This arsenal was conmianded during the year by lieut. Col. Stan-
hope E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army.

Artillery store shed. — ^The 3.2-inch field artillery material in serv-
ice, now being replaced with the 3-inch, should be stored as a reserve
supply. As no building is available for this purpcvse, a design has
been prepared and an estimate for its construction submitted.

Hospital. — ^The present building used as a hospital is a wooden
structure, temporarily erected more than forty years ago. It is now.

BBPORT OF THE OHIEF OF OBDNANOB. 58

and for some years past has been, in a deplorable condition, and is
totally unfit for housing the sick. Estimates for several years past
have been submitted for the erection of a new building, but as the
project has failed to secure the approval of Congress, and as the
necessity for some action regarding the hospital building has become
so great, it is recommended that those soldiers who require hospital
treatment be sent for that purpose to one of the hospitals in the adja-
cent cities, and that for emergency treatment a smaller structure be
provided that will afford accommodations for the sergeant of the
hospital corps and contain also rooms for the dispensary and sur-
geon's office. Estimate of the cost of such a building is submitted.

Stable, — ^Accommodations for public horses and for private horses
of officers allowed by law were provided in separate buildings,
remote from each other, until one was destroyed by fire on October
11 last. The remaining building is so old and in such wretched con-
dition as to be beyond repair, and is of insufficient capacity. It is
recommended a single building, properly located, be constructed.
An estimate for such a building is submitted.

QtLortermaster'Sergeanfs quarters. — ^There are now no quarters at
this arsenal for the post quartermaster-sergeant, who has to live in a
neighboring city and be paid commutation of quarters. This method,
besides involving unnecessary expense, removes the sergeant from the
arsenal at all except regular work hours, and his services are not
available if an emergency requiring immediate shipment of stores
should arise. An estimate for quarters for this nonconmiissioned
officer is subnutt^d.

Store?io%i8e.—The storehouse, to replace the one that was destroyed
by fire in February, 1903, was completed during the year. It cost
$147,520. It is a building of modem construction, with fireproof
floors and partitions, and is well adapted for its purpose.

OificerB^ quarters. — ^The set of officers* quarters for which an appro-
priation was made in the sundry civil bill approved April 28, 1904,
was completed during the year, and is occupied. Quarters for addi-
tional officers will be needed in the future, but estimate is not now
submitted for them.

Rock Island wagon bridge. — ^The bridge from the arsenal to the
city of Rock Island, with viaduct extending over the railroad tracks
in tliat city, was constructed a number of years ago when the amount
of traffic and the weight of its separate units were much less than at
the present time. Under present conditions the bridge is not only of
insufficient strength, but of inadequate width for the traffic now using
it. As a matter of precaution all teams are now required to traverse
the bridge at a walk, delaying and blocking traffic, especially at the
busier hours of the day. The bridge should be reconstructed by addi-
tions to the present piers and with a new superstructure. A slight

64 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF OEDNANOT.

increase in height at the viaduct and diange of a fern feet of tiie on*
ter line of the bridge, to remove a sharp curve, are also desinUe.
Estimate for die work would be submitted were it not for the
stringent necessity for keeping those for the Department at a low
figure.

Water supply and fire protection, — ^The water supply of the arsenal
is obtained by pumjHBg from the Mississippi River to a tank near ttie
shops, and fire protection is secured by wat«r .lains, which are 4»f
ample size, and by hydrants sufficient in nimiber and properly located,
but experience has shown during two disastrous fires m recent years
that the tank is not of sufficient height, if water is taken directly from
it, -nor are the pumps of adequate capacity to sustain in the mains a
sufficient pressure for that purpose. There are no steam fire engines
in any of the immediate adjacent cities and but one at the araenaL
For a small fire this single engine might prove ample, but with a fire
of any magnitude many additional streams which, with the prwsnre
now secured, can not be provided by the hydrants are necessary. As
the property in buildings and ordnance stores is of great value, it
should not be left in such jeopardy. A more adequate system of water
supply and fire protection should be established, "nus could best be
obtained by installing two pumps having a capacity of about 1,400
gallons per minute, each of which would be opiated by a 75*hor9e-
IK>wer motor. Such a new plant could be installed in the presont
pump house by an extension of only 28 feet, and would be operated
. during working hours at only sufficient pressure to deliver water tor
manufacturing purposes on the second floors of the shops; but in
of an emergency by fire the pressure could be increased so as to
from hose directly attached to hydrants as effective a water stream as
that now obtained from the arsenal single engine. An estimate for
such a plant is submitted.

Water power. — ^To the 100 electric motors previously installed in
the shops, one of 20 horsepower, one of 30 horsepower, and two of 40
horsepower have been added during the year, bringing the total up to
2,494 horsepower for all the shop motors.

For a number of weeks during each of the past winters ioe gorges
have formed in the Mississippi River either below the island, backing
the water up in the tailrace, thus reducing the head, or in the pool
above, cutting off the flow of water to the wheels, but in both cases
greatly reducing for a few days or even entirely stopping the arsenal
power plant With the great development of the arsenal in recent
years and the certainty of extended operations during ip^ar, it is essen-
tial that the first and most important reqidsite, ample power, should
be available without the possibility of interruption. Witisout an
auxiliary steam plant the arsenal will probably during woridng hoore,
during certain portions of every year, be compelled to rely upon

REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 6$

private establishments for a portioii of its power. It is probably
however, that during other hours suffideiit electric power in excess of
the needs of the arsenal may be rented, under the authority recently
granted by Congress, to offset the cost of the power the arsenal nay
be required to purchase.

Additional machinery in the shops at the arsenal and armory
rows. — One hundred and thirty-six machines of various kinds have
been added during the year, most of them being procured for comr
pleting the plant of the principal machine and gun carriage sbop,
and also for the jBnal equipment of the armory shops for the manu-
facture of the United States magazine rifle, model of 1903.

Arsenal shops. — ^For convenient and economical prosecujtion of
work, these shops are divided into the machine, foundry, and forg»
shops ; the polishing, plating, equipment, and tin shops ; the carpenter
and paint shops, and the harness shop.

In the first group of shops the principal work has been in «connee-
tion with manufacture of the vehicles of the 3-inch field artillery
material; in addition, five 6-inch barbette carriages, model of 1900^
and twenty-five armament chests for 7-inch siege howitzer have been
completed, and considerable progress made on pilot carriages for the
4.7-inch siege gun, model of 1904, the 3.8-inch field gun, model of 19Q5, .
and the 2.38-inch field gun, model of 1905. The siege carriagie is
practically completed ; the carriages and limbers for the other guns
are well advanced. In addition, work has also been commenced upon
30 wheeled mounts, model of 1905, for Vickers, Sons & Maxim auto-
matic machine gun, caliber .30.

The greater part of the force in these shops has been employed
upon the 3-inch field artillery material, model of 1902, of which
100 carriages were finished by the close of the fiscal year and 18
others so far advanced that completion was to be reached before the
end of July. Of the limbers 390 were finished during the fiscal
year and 24 others are now nearly completed. Of the caissons, 150
were finished July 1, 1905, and 162 are so far advanced that their
completion is anticipated by November 1, 1905. The store-wagon
limbers, forge limbers, store wagons, and battery wagons for fi2
batteries are either finished or well advanced toward completion.

The construction of 48 carriages, 224 limbers, 69 caissons, and
store-wagon limbers, forge limbers, store wagons, and battery
wagons for 17 batteries was commenced in March, 1905, the greater
portion of which will be completed by the close of the present cal-
endar year and the balance, it is expected, will be finished by Mardi,
1906.

During the earlier months of the fiscal year nearly 450 machin-
ists were employed on this work, exclusive of those in the armory
shops, in connection with manufacture of the new magazine rifle.

56 BEPOBT OF THE OHIEF OF OBDKANGB.

and until April a night shift was also operated. After that date
the night shift was discontinued, as the work was so far advanced
that all necessary output could be obtained with a single shift

In the foundry the work has been of the usual nature, the only
novelty being the introduction of a number of molding presses by
which the labor cost of work formerly done by hand has been reduced
about 18 per cent and the loss from defective castings also reduced
to nearly the same extent.

During the year the polishing and plating shops which formerly
had been under the supervision of separate foremeiji were combined
with the equipment shop and placed under the foreman of the latter
department. This concentration of work under a single head has
been found decidedly advantageous. To the equipment shop during
the year has been transferred a considerable amount of the artillery
carriage and of the pack outfit work formerly executed in the ma-
chine shop, permitting its prosecution on a piece system at consider-
ably less cost than when formerly done by machinists and with
equal accuracy and expedition. In addition to the regular output a
number of new designs have been completed, of which the principal
are the insignia for General Staff, the kits of tools for repair of parts
* of cartridge belts, new marksmen's pins, class A, stencils of new pat-
tern for canteens, and badges for field artillery practice.

Besides the usual output of meat cans, cups, etc., of standard pat-
tern and the tinning of many thousand knives, forks, and spoons, the
shop has turned out 400 experimental canteens of copper, 20,000
aluminum meat cans, and 5,000 aluminum cups with iron handles,
which have all been issued for trial. The iron handle was adopted
for the aluminum cups in consequence of the receipt of complaints
that the aluminum retained heat to such an extent as to interfere
with holding the cup in the hand. A number of experiments were
made with the object of overcoming this defect, resulting finally in
the adoption of an iron handle with a piece of hard fiber interposed
at the points where the handle is fastened to the cup.

Changes in the carpenter shop from day to piece work have been
effected during the year until practically all standard articles of
manufacture are now made under the latter system. A decreased
and definite cost of labor is thus secured, apd, incidentally, additional
earnings are made by the workmen, due to their special efforts. The
stirrup-bending machine, formerly operated entirely by hand, is now
run by power, and made practically automatic; it produces double
the former output in the same period with only two-thirds of the
previous attendance.

The manufactures in the harness shop have been about SO per cent
greater than during the previous year, the principal stores manufac-
tured including 614 sets of artillery harness for two wheel horaes,

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNAKOl. 57

1^6 sets for two lead horses, 1,146 pack saddles for 75 mm. momitain
gun, 850 pack saddles for caliber .80 automatic machine gun, and
about 12,000 sets of standard horse equipments, 40,000 sets of cavalry
equipments, and SO/XX) sets of infantry equipments.

Armory shops. — Work in the armory shops preliminary to manu-
facture of the United States magazine rifle, model of 1908, was
initiated in May, 1904, with the transfer from the Springfield Armory
of a number of expert mechanics to act as foremen, inspectors, and
leading men; and, following their arrival, other employees were
secured from the neighboring cities, and an organization for the
shops established and perfected, by which an output of the component
parts for 125 rifles per day had been attained early in January, 1905.
Since then changes in designs of the bayonet and si^t compelled
suspension of work upon those parts and upon others depending upon
them, and of the assembling of completed arms. Work was, however,
continued on the other components not affected by the pending
changes. The parts of 18,000 rifles were entirely finished, and there
were in addition in progress in the various stages of operation com-
ponents equivalent to about 4,000 rifles at the close of the fiscal year.

The task of putting into complete operation this small-arms plant
has thus been successfully accomplished. It has required the cooper-
ation and united efforts of this Office, of the officers of the Springfield
Armory, and of the officers of the Eock Island Arsenal. The Depart-
ment has been fortunate in having in the commanding officers of
these two establishments men thoroughly conversant with the manu-
facture of small arms. The commanding officer of the Springfield
Armory has exhibited a spirit of comprehension of the needs of the
Deparbnent at large which has led him to contribute cheerfully to
the loss from his own armory of some of its most expert operatives in
order to meet the needs of the young establishment of which his own
has been in a sense the parent. It is owing to its fortunate possession
of skillful and educated officers, and of experienced and well-trained
foremen and operatives, that the Department has been able to put the
new plant into operation with a smoothness and a lack of hitches and
of extraordinary expenses which are believed to be rare in the estab-
lishment of sudi extensive industries. The judgment of the service
is invited upon the product.

Proving grotmd. — ^An observation tower and an additional safety
traverse have been constructed at the proving ground, permitting the
use of a range of approximately 6,500 yards. The range has been
used for proof firing 8-inch field guns at maximum elevation, and
also the carriages manufactured at this arsenal. During the year a
total of 475 rounds have been fired and forty-five 8-inch field guns,
model of 1902, and thirtgr-six 8-inch field carriages have been proof
fired.

58 SEPOBT OF THE CHUBF OF OBDNANOB.

The equij»nent of the proving ground has been supplemented by
the purchajae of a Tabor steam indicator with Houg^taliiig reduGJuag
motion. A Sebert yelocimeter has been ordered and will shortly be
delivered. When this instrument is received the proving ground will
be equipped with all the necessary convenienees and instruments ior
experimental and proof work with mobile artillery.

SPBINGFIELD ABMOBY.

The armory has been commanded during the year by CoL Frank
H. Phipps, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army.

All the buildings and grounds have received the needed attention
to keep them in good order. A new pipe has been connected with
the city main to augment the supply of water to the elevator in the
main arsenal building, heretofore insufficient. A substantial brick
oilhouse for the storage of oil has been erected. A space has been
leveled and the foundations laid for a target house for targeting each
rifle manufactured.

McuFiufactures. — ^The following principal arms were manufactured
during the year: 48,905 magazine rifles, caliber .30, model of 1908;
877 officers' sabers; 2,905 hospital corps knives; component and
spare parts for the model of 1903 rifle, and many appendages and mis-
cellaneous articles.

There were repaired during the year 28,992 magazine rifles, caliber
.30, models of 1896 and 1898, and 14,069 bayonet scabbards, together
with officers' sabers, saber scabbards, cadet swords, etc.

The following stores were repaired by or purchased from manufac-
turers: 2,279 Colt's revolvers, caliber .38, model of 1894, repaired;
158 Colt's revolvers, caliber .88, model of 1901, repaired; 50 Colt's
revolvers, caliber .45, "new service," purchased; 19 Winchester re-
peating shotguns, model of 1897, purchased; 5 self-loading magazine
rifles from the Dansk Reykl-riffel Syndikat, purchased.

Mdchiiies, — During the year 32 machines of various kinds were pur-
chased or fabricated and installed, and an automatic telephone system
introduced.

Magazine rifie, model of 1903. — ^At the beginning of the past fiscal
year, 30,000 United States magazine rifles, caliber .30, modd of 1903,
had been manufactured and packed ready for shipment, and 300
were being completed daily. In August, 1904, as a result of the new
Infantry Drill Regulations, prescribing that the piece should be habit-
ually carried loaded and locked for safety, it was found necessary to
change the form of the cocking piece and safety lock. Tliis required
the manufacture of new cocking pieces, firing pins, sleeves, and
safety locks, and the introduction and manufacture of the safety
lock spring and spindle. To supply these parts in sufficient

UFOBT OF THB CHIEF OF OBDN ANOB. 59

qusntities for the daily output at guns, and to replace corresponding
parts in the guns preriously assembled, it was necessary to resort to
ni^it work.

A change in the follower also was ordered in October, 1901.

By November, 19€4, the eutput of finished rifles had been increased
to 400 a day, and in addition new parts fabricated for the guns first
assembled. At the beginning of January there were 74,000 rifles
completed and packed. On January 11, in compliance with instruc-
tions, work was suspended on the rod bayonet, rod-bayonet stud, rod-
bayonet catch, rod-bayonet catch spring, upper band, stacking swivel
and screw ; and as the adoption of a different form of bayonet, then
being considered, would modify at least the position of the front-
sight stud, and iSae form of sight then in use would not permit of
adjustment for targeting of the rifles, work was also suspended on
the front sight and front-si^t stud. In April, 1905, instructions
were given to cease all work on the rear sight. Of the parts upon
which work has been suspended, definite instructions as to the bay-
onet and front band have been given, and the gauges and fixtures for
tkese parts are being pFepared as quickly as possible. The daily out-
put of the parts not modified has been maintained at 400 per day, and
there are enough of tbese parts for 140,000 rifles, induding the parts
in the 74,000 i^sembted rifles an hand.

Experimental -firings* — It is found in experimental firings with
United States magazine rifles, caliber .80, model of 1908, that after
from 1,300 to 1,500 rounds the accuracy decreases. While tiiis de-
crease is not sufficient to impair the efficiency of the rifle as a service
weapon, it amounts to about 10 per cent, and increases until at 8,500
rounds the mean absolute deviation at 500 and 1,000 yards is twice
that obtained with a barrel when new.

Extensive investigations have been made extending over the past
year to determine the possibility of increasing the life of the barrel
of this rifle, including tests to determine the effect upon accuracy of
the deposit made by the btrllet during its passage through tiie bore
and the effect upon the life of the barrel caused by changes in the
form and number of grooves of the rifling and in the composition
and treatknent of the barrel sted.

Ifenuf acturers and dealers in steel were invited to submit samples.
Five samples of barrel steel used by foreign countries w^re received,
aikL these, with samples submitted by the best^known manofactiaers
in this country, were subjected to a comparative test with samples
prepared at the armory. The results showed clearly that the loss in
ettciency of the barrel is due almost entirely to erosion occurring at
and directly in front of the seat of the bullet, and is practically inde-
pendent of the form of rifling used, of the wear at tiM landsi and at
the slight metallic deposit.

60 REPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORPNANOB.

Investigations now in progress have for their object the reduction
of this erosion, but the principal difficulty experienced is that the
steels that resist the erosive action of the powder gases are, as a gen-
eral rule, exceedingly difficult to machine. There is every reason to
believe a more satisfactory steel will be found than that now used in
the manufacture of this rifle.

Fuel-ail plant. — Fuel oil having proved so satisfactory as a fuel in
place of anthracite coal in the hill shops, a fuel-oil plant has been
installed at the water shops to replace the use of gasoline for many of
the furnaces in the forge shop. The plant has been running for about
two months in a most satisfactory manner, and has resulted in a sav-
ing of $288 per week. Since the installation of the fuel-oil plant a
new feed-water heater, which heats the feed water for the boilers
from the compressor exhaust, has been installed.

FRANKFORD ARSENAL.

This arsenal has been commanded during the year by Lieut. Col.
Frank Heath, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, who is also a
memberof the Board for Testing Rifled Cannon. Its operations have
included -the manufacture of ammunition of all classes for small
arms, of metallic cartridge cases for field, siege, and seacoast guns
up to 6-inch caliber, shrapnel for the field artillery, percussion, con^-
bination time and percussion, and detonating fuzes, electric and fric-
tion primers, sights for the field artillery, ballistic and plotting
boards, and other instruments for the control of the fire of seacoast
artillery, star gauges and other measuring instruments required for
inspection purposes.

During the year the following buildings have been completed:
Double-acting-press room and metal shed; storehouse, small-arms
anmiunition plant; carpenter shop. The first two complete the sys-
tem of buildings comprising the small-arms ammunition plant

Ftize and primer department. — In connection with the routine
work of this department important experiments have been ccm-
ducted, having for their object the development and completion of
successful working designs of the 21-second combination fuze for
mobile artillery, the centrifugal percussion fuze for all calibers of
projectile above the 2.24 inch, and detonating fuzes for all classes of
field, siege, and seacoast projectiles to be charged with the service
high explosive. The result of the year's work has, on the whole,
been encouraging, and it ia believed that the most important diffi-
culties have in all cases been overcome.

An object sought in the investigation has been a time fuze that
would enable the maximum effect of shrapnel fire to be developed at
all ranges with the new field gun.

BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 61

Other elements in addition to the time train that require careful
adjustment are the strength of the concussion or igniting primer, the
reenforcing pellets, the ventage, and the adhesion of the doth disks
separating the time-train disks from each other and from the fuze
body, all of which have received careful and successful study.

The principal modification in the design of the centrifugal per-
cussion fuze has been the application of a device for insuring positive
rotation of the plunger. This fuze, as now manufactured, embodies
in a remarkable degree the elements that insure safety in handling
and transportation and certainty of action.

Experiments with detonating fuzes have been conducted during
the year, resulting in the approval for manufacture of three forms of
these fuzes for major, medium, and minor caliber projectiles, respec-
tively.

Shrapnel plant. — ^During the past year the shrapnel shop has been
removed into the new two-story brick building erected as a shrapnel
factory for all calibers, and a large part of the- equipment necessary
for shrapnel manufacture has been installed. With the machinery
now on hand and the new machines ordered this plant will be admir-
ably adapted to its purpose, and will bs able to maintain a product
of 200 3-inch shrapnel per day, and 25 5-inch, or 20 6-inch, or 15
7-inch shrapnel per day, or a corresponding number of the intermedi-
ate calibers for the new material. Of course by reducing the number
of 8-inch shrapnel per day the number of other calibers per day
could be correspondingly increased.

A shrapnel of new design has been developed at this arsenal during
the year. This design was prepared with a view to overcoming the
defects and weaknesses inherent in the hexagonal shrapnel and the
necessity for using the expensive steel- jacketed lead ball. The case
is pressed or forged from a high grade of steel, and is designed to
have sufficient strength to meet with a factor of safety all the condi-
tions imposed by the use of the base charge. It resists deformation
in the gun on discharge, and it remains intact at the point of burst.
It enables the use of a cheap lead ball, obviating the necessity for the
expensive steel jacket, and by the use of a stiff smoke-producing
matrix prevents upsetting of the lead balls and makes the point of
burst of the shrapnel visible at extreme ranges.

Much attention has been given during the year to the application
of automatic machinery to the various operations on fuzes and shrap-
nel, and a number of interesting machines of this class have been
mstalled and are in successful operation.

Department of sights^ instruments for fire control^ 0tc. — ^During
the year this department has been busily engaged, working two shifts
of eight hours each, in the manufacture of sights for the 8-inch field

68 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNANCB.

carriages, the application of iUuminating deTices to azimBth instru-
ments, range finders, etc, and in the fabrication of Whistier-Heam
plotting boards. The plant and system of inspecticm of the output,
which was in an entirely undeveloped condition at the beginning of
the year, is now in a high state of efficiency.

SmaU-arms cartridge department. — ^The total number of small-
arms cartridges manufactured during the fiscal year was 0S,Oi3,411,
a greater number than in any previous year at this arsenaL Sinoe
January 1 the daily output has been 240,000.

An extension of the loading room is now in progress. Its comple-
tion will give much relief in the most congested portion of tlie plant,
and will permit of a separation of the machines, which will mate-
rially reduce the danger to the operatives in this room.

WAtSRVLIBT ABSBNAL.

This arsenal was commanded by Lieut Col. D. M. Taylor, Qrd*
nance Departm^it, U. S. Army, from the beginning of the year until
February 9, when he was obliged to relinquish command on account
of sickness. Maj. L. L. Bruff, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army,
was in xsommand from February 9 until May 1, and Maj. Ira Mac-
Nutt, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, from May 1 until the end
of the fiscal year. Major MacNutt is also a member of the Board for
Testing Rifled Cannon.

This is the Army Gun Factory and it supplies a large percentage of
the cannon of all calibers used in the military service, together with
the spare parts, tools, etc., which are required at seacoast fortifications.
There were employed in June last 496 workmen, and the expenditures
for the year were $926,910.59.

The manufactures at this arsenal dming the fiscal year ccmsisted
of 10-inch and 12-inch seacoast rifles, 12-inch mortars, 7-inch and
8-inch navy rifles, 6-inch and 6-inch rapid-fire guns, and 3-inch fidd
guns. In addition to these, the following experimental guns were
completed : One 6-inch rapid-fire wire-wrapped gun^ one 4.7-inch aege
howitztf, and one 8-inch (16-pound^) semiautomatic rapid-fire gun
and mount.

It is worthy of note that the experimental 6-inch wire-wrapped
gun, above referred to, is perhaps the first wire- wrapped gun ever
constructed in this country the tension on the wire of which is known
with absolute certainty throughout its entire length. The wire-wrap-
ping machine which was purchased for doing this work was designed
to regulate ihe tension on the wire automatically between certain
fixed limitSi but it failed to do this in a satisfactory manner, and it
was necessary to practically rebuild the machine before satisfactory
results were obtained. A dynamometer was applied to it and hand

BEPOBT OF THE OHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 63

regulation resorted to instead of the automatic regulation, which was
found to be unsatisfactory. As a result it was possible to regulate
the tension on the wire to within 1 or 2 per cent of any prescribed
amount.

The application of individual motors to the gun lathes in the north
wing of the seacoast gun shop has been completed, and the results
have more than fulfilled expectations. The output of the lathes
has been increased, the control has been made more simple, and the
increase in efficiency has been considerable.

A motor generator set of 160-kilowatt capacity has been installed
and the power for running the machines of the seacoast gun shop is
now supplied by the Hudson River Electric Company. The service
has thus far been very satisfactory. The extension of electric trans-
mission of power throughout the gun shop has progressed satisfac-
torily and will be completed during the coming year.

The 130-ton crane in the south wing of the gun shop has been
rebuilt and converted from a 1-motor crane to a 4-motor crane and the
runway replaced by a heavier and more substantial construction.
This crane can now be regarded as a modem high-speed crane.
Steps have been taken looking to the rebuilding of the two 80-ton
cranes in the north wing of the gun shop, and it is expected that this
work will be completed during the coming year.

A local telephone exchange with 29 instruments has been installed
and has greatly facilitated the transaction of the business of the
arsenal. It also forms a very important addition to the fire-alarm
system of the post.

A feed-water heater has been installed for the purpose of keeping
the water in the fire engine hot at all times, and the number of fire
plugs with hose attached has been increased by six. These new fire
plugs are situated in the field and siege gun shop where the protection
against fire was regarded as inadequate.

The output of the gun shop during the past year has been equiva-
lent to :

10-inch rifle 1

e-inch rapld-flre guns 69

6-lnch rapld-flre guns 4

4.7-lDch siege rifle 1

3-inch 75 mm. mountain guns 35

8-inch rifles (Navy) 10

7-lnch rifles (Navy) 2

3-inch rapld-flre gun (semiautomatic) 1

8-lnch fleld guns 80

In addition considerable work has been done on barbette carriages
for 5-inch and 6-inch rapid-fire guns, and large quantities of spare
parts have been manufactured*

64 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF OBDNANOE.

WATERTOWN ARSENAL.

This arsenal was commanded during the fiscal year by Maj. L
MacNuit, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, who is also a member
of the Board for Testing Rifled Cannon, and Maj. Frank E. Hobbs,
Ordnance Department, U. S. Army, the latter having assumed com-
mand on April 27, 1905.

The principal operations at this arsenal during the year have com-
prised the manufacture and issue of gun carriages of various cali-
bers, parts for the modification of carriages, and the usual large
amount of stores for the Army, especially those articles connected
with the armament of fortifications. The plant has been operated
to its full capacity except for short intervals in the foundry and
smith shop.

The following gun carriages have been completed during the year:
Three 12-inch disappearing carriages, L. F., model of 1901; seven
10-inch disappearing carriages, L. F., model of 1901; twelve 6-inch
barbette carriages, model of 1900; one 6-inch disappearing carriage,
L. F., model of 1903; and one 12-inch mortar carriage, model of
1896, modified.

Work is in progress on five 10-inch disappearing carriages, L. F.,
model of 1901; three 6-inch barbette carriages, model of 1900; four-
teen 6-inch disappearing carriages, L. F., model of 1903; and forty-
two 75 mm. Vickers-Maxim 8-inch mountain gun carriages.

The other important items of manufacture during the year have
been parts to alter or modify carriages of the older models that the
rapidity and accuracy of fire from these models might be so in-
creased as to render them as efficient as later designs.

Foundry. — ^The output of the foundry during the year has been
about 900 tons of steel, iron, and bronze castings. The small plant
for the production of steel castings recently installed has been oper-
ated throughout the year, and its product has been on the whole
very satisfactory, both as to soundness of castings and physical quali-
ties. The operations have been extended to the production of ingots
to be used in the smith shop in the manufacture of small forgings,
and this step has been attended with such excellent results that the
practice of buying ingots or billets for small forgings has been prac-
tically abandoned. The production of iron and bronze castings has
continued to be satisfactory.

The wooden parts of the foundry building, namely, roof, crane-
way, galleries, and stairs should be replaced by iron constructions to
prevent the possibility of disastrous fires which now exists.

Smith shop. — ^A large number of forgings for carriages under
manufacture, for repairs to the armament and for other arsenals
have been manufactured in this shop with great success as regards

BEPOBT OF THK CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 65

soundness and physical qualities. The forging capacity is limited
to the 6,000-pound hammer now installed, with rather inconvenient
crane and furnace facilities for its operation. An increase of capac-
ity with the installation of cranes and furnaces of improved type is
very desirable.

Machine shof^ — Sixteen new machine tools, including lathes, mill-
ing machines, shapers, drills, and boring machines, have been
installed in this shop during the year, and with the introduction
of the use of improved tool steel and a tool grinding room have per-
mitted some improvement of shop methods and some decrease in the
cost of manufacture. The installation is yet too recent to permit full
realization of the benefits to be derived from the changes already
made, and there still exists the disadvantage which has been men-
tioned in previous reports consequent upon the use of a large number
of old machine tools not adapted to high-speed work. These existing
conditions and the consequent increasing demand upon the present
electric generating plant have resulted in taxing the latter to its full
capacity, taking into consideration its ability to stand temporary
overloads.

To meet present demands a new electric generating unit with
engine should be installed as soon as possible, of such type that it
may be utilized in any approved project for equipping the shop
throughout with modern tools and motor drive.

Facilities far transportation. — The poor facilities existing for
handling and weighing material received or shipped in carload lots
and for the transportation of heavy weights from shop to shop have
been mentioned in previous reports. The purchase of a locomotive
crane of suitable capacity and the installation of tracks and turn-
tables are necessary to correct the present inadequate and expensive
conditions. An estimate of cost for this work is submitted.

Testing laboratory. — ^The testing laboratory has been busily occu-
pied with current arsenal work, private tests, and tests of an investi-
gative character. In the last-named class there has been continuation
of the tests on frictional resistance of jacketed bullets forced through
service rifle barrels, the examination of gun forgiiigs with reference
to the subject of streaks, and the investigation of the endurance of
steels against repeated stresses.

Tests of ball bearings have been made, and a special apparatus is
in process of construction to extend this series of tests under different
conditions of loads and speeds.

An exhaustive series of tests have been made on the strength of
8-inch field carriage wheels, having fourteen and sixteen spokes, each
with tires of varying thickness, assembled with different amounts of
dish and with several types of hubs. The general scope of the tests
was such as to include the wheels intact and the elements of strength

wAa 1905 — VOL

66 EEPORT OP THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

which contributed to the formation of a strong combination with
lightness of construction.

A 17-ton steel ingot treated by the Harmet process and purchased
from the manufacturers at Dusseldorf , Germany, has recently been
received for examination and test to determine whether homogeneity
of metal exists throughout the ingot, and whether it would be advisa-
ble to require ingots so treated to be used for ordnance f orgings.

In the class of tests of industrial materials for civil engineering and
architectural work the examination of concrete columns, plain and
reenforced, has been continued. The importance which the cement
industry has assumed in construction work makes these tests of a very
general interest. Tests of brick piers will also form a part of this
series. Constructive material was obtained at the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition from most of the Western States and from a number of
the Southern States, and the results of the tests will appear in the
Report of the Tests of Metals for the year 1905.

Northern armament district. — ^The commanding officer of this arse-
nal is th« armam^^nti officer of the northern district, and is charged
with maintaining in an efficient condition the seacoast armament from
Maine to the eastern entrance of Long Island Sound. The necessary
inspections of the armament have been made, all necessary repairs
have been promptly completed, and such alterations or modifications
of the armament as have been ordered to increase its efficiency are well
advanced toward completion.

NEW YORK ARSENAL.

This arsenal was commanded during the year by Col. John E.
Greer, Ordnance Department, who is also chief ordnance officer.
Department of the East, armament officer central armament district,
and performs inspection duty.

The arsenal being mainly a purchasing and shipping agency, with-
out facilities for manufacturing, its operations are necessarily those
of purchasing, receiving, and issuing stores to the Army and Militia ;
it also receives through the custom-house such stores as are purchased
abroad. Its other operations are necessarily confined to the care and
preservation of the public buildings and the property stores therein.

Stores purchased and received from the Army were contained in
9,938 packages weighing 896,141 pounds.

Stores issued to the Army et al., packed and delivered to the depot
quartermaster, were contained in 9,884 packages weighing 1,352,119
pounds.

All buildings have been kept in good repair. Roofs have received
special attention, and the principal buildings, such as storehouses,
shop, engine house, stabloi and commanding officer^s quarters have

BBPOBT OF THE OHIEF OF OBDNANOB. 6)

been painted on the exterior. Interior repairs have also been made t»
many of the buildings.

Storehouse No. 3, which was partially destroyed by fire about
eighteen months since, has been rebuilt.

All walks, roads, drains, gutters and the like have also been kept in
good repair. In general, the grounds have been well policed and kept
in good order.

Many sets of horse equipments, parts of infantry equipments, etc.,
have been overhauled and repacked for issue. Two hundred and
twenty-five 12-inch projectiles have been unpacked, cleaned, painted,
and repacked ready for shipment.

This arsenal is regarded as of great importance to the Ordnance
Department as a purchasing and shipping agency and place of tem-
porary storage of ordnance stores, but its principal value is as a
depot for arming and equipping troops, especially of a military expe-
dition, in time of war.

AUGUSTA ARSBNAL.

This arsenal was commanded throughout the year by Lieut. Col.
David A. Lyle, Ordnance Department, who is also a member of board
on life-saving apparatus under the Secretary of the Treasury, arma-
ment officer southern armament district, and chief ordnance officer
Department of the Gulf.

It is the headquarters of the southern armament district, and is a
depot for supplying ordnance and small ordnance stores to the troops
stationed in the South Atlantic and Oulf States, and to the National
Guard and military schools and colleges in the same States. The
repairs, alterations, and improvements necessary for the maintenance
of the seacoast armament in an efficient and serviceable condition are
made at this arsenal or by mechanics sent from it In addition to the
above, the work required for the care, preservation, and improvement
of the public buildings, drains, vaults, fences, walks, and grounds
has been performed.

The sanitary condition of the post is good, and the sewerage system
satisfactory, so far as it has been extended with the limited water
supply. The water supply is barely sufficient for present needs
with the exercise of a rigid economy in its expenditure. An increase
in this supply is imperative before any expansion of the work at this
arsenal can be undertaken.

There is only one commissioned officer on duty here, and this is not
sufficient for the proper transaction of the official business devolving
upon this station. Owing to the lack of officers in the Department, it
has heretofore been impracticable to assign another officer to duty at
this arsenal, but one will soon become available.

68 REPORT or THE CHIEF OF ORDNAKOE.

During the last fiscal year Congress appropriated $50,000 for
machinery for this arsenal in the sundry civil bill. The expenditure
of this money has already engaged the attention of the Department,
which has taken the necessary preliminary steps to arrange for the
outlay of the funds, with the object of assigning to this arsenal the
manufacture of such ordnance stores and parts of ammunition as
could be advantageously produced and could be temporarily laid
aside at any time to take up the repair work found necessary to main-
tain the armament in a proper state of efficiency. This method would
employ permanently, without loss to the Government^ a sufficient
force of mechanics to be able at all times to cope with the repair work
on the armament, which from its nature must be more or less
spasmodic

Inviting attention to previous reports and considering the expan-
sion contemplated by the appropriation above cited, the following
recapitulation will give the most urgent needs of this arsenal in the
order of their importance, namely, increased water supply, side track
connecting with electric railway, installation of electric power and
lighting to a moderate degree, and purchase of a limited amount of
machinery,

BENICIA ARSENAL.

This is an arsenal of storage, issue, and repair. The ordnance sup-
plies stored here are for the use of the troops of the Pacific coast sta-
tions and the fortifications of that coast, as well as to a certain extent
for troops in the Philippine Islands. This arsenal was commanded
from July 1, 1904, to July 10, 1904, by Capt. D. M. King, Ordnance
Department; from July 11, 1904, to April 14, 1905, by Maj. F. E.
Hobbs, Ordnance Department; from April 15, 1905, to May 18, 1905,
by Capt. D. M. King, Ordnance Department, and from May 19, 1905,
to the end of the fiscal year by Maj. J. W. Ben6t, Ordnance Depart-
ment The commanding officer is also ordnance officer of the Depart-
ment of California and armament officer of the western armament
district.

During the year the manufactures consisted of target material for
seaooast forts, field batteries, and small-arms target practice; ma-
neuvering material for seacoast forts, and parts of guns and car-
riages for the western armament district to replace those broken or
of obsolete design. In addition, many repairs to guns and carriage
parts were made. Two thousand two hundred and thirty-four mag-
azine rifles were cleaned and repaired, and field-gun and rapid-fire
saluting cartridges and field-gun rapid-fire and seacoast cartridges
for target practice were prepared and issued.

The installation of the electric lighting and power system was com-
pleted, to be supplemented by an independent source of power in case

REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE. 69

of failure, consisting of a generator operated by a steam engine pre-
viously used. Two motors for running the machines in the machine
and carpenter shops were installed, and an electric rotary pump has
been provided for pumping water from Carquinez Straits to the
arsenal reservoirs, for which a steam pump, more expensive to operate,
was formerly used, and about one-half of the 3-inch pipe of the water
system, laid many years ago, has been replaced by 4-inch pipe.

A fire-control system has been provided for the shops and mtfin
storehouses, and a plant for resizing artillery metallic cartridge cases
has been installed.

The following represents the volume of work of this arsenal during
the year :

Expenditures, $80,939.33 ; total weight of stores issued on quarter-
master's bills of lading, 2,110,082 pounds; total weight of stores re-
ceived on quartermaster's bills of lading, 1,789,948 pounds; number
of separate issues, 2,030; number of separate receipts, 860; number of
requisitions received, 766.

UNrrED STATES POWDER DEPOT.

This depot has been commanded during the year by Maj. O. B.
Mitcham, Ordnance Department, who also performs inspection duty.
It was originally intended to be and is utilized for the storage, prepa-
ration, and issue of powders and ammunition for field, siege, and sea-
coast guns.

In carrying out the plans for the enlargement of the depot, con-
tracts have been let during the year for a wheel and dynamo house, a
building for general shops, and nine storehouses for reserve supply of
war material. The work upon these buildings has progressed but
slowly since the contract was let in April, 1905. It is hoped, however,
that more rapid work will be carried on, and that all the buildings
will be completed for delivery by November next as required. After
completion the shops can not be utilized to advantage unless an ap-
propriation can be obtained for the necessary machinery to be in-
stalled. Such an appropriation has not yet been made.

To economically utilize the existing water power, a new dam with
increased height should be built at the outlet of the present lake on
the reservation. This would not only do away with the present weak
and leaking dam, but would largely increase the amount of water
available for development of power. The droughts of the past year
and during the present season have shown the necessity for a large
and immediate increase in the water supply for the post and for fire
protection. Plans and estimates for a steel standpipe and for the
necessary pumps and pipe lines have been submitted.

The rock-crushing plant that was recently installed has proved of
great assistance and economy in furnishing broken stone for concrete,

70 BBPOBT OF THE 0HIE7 OF OBDNAKOB.

for repairs to roads, and for supplying ballast to the railroad lines
under oonstniction.

This railroad, including main line and switches, will be, when com-
pleted, about 3^ miles in length ; the total amount completed to date
amounts to about 2 miles. Appropriations for the present year will
allow progress to be made on the remaining portion to be built,
though the entire length can not be completed with the amount now
available.

On June 80 the number of employees was 88. The disbursements
for the year amounted to $105,207.81.

The number of receipts and issues of stores during the year
amounted to 523, requiring the handling of a total weight of
8,459,220 pounds.

ICANILA OBDKAKGE DEPOT.

The depot was commanded during the year by Maj. E. 6. Babbitt,
Ordnance Department, who is also chief ordnance officer of the
Philippines Division. His assistant during the early part of the
year was Capt. Kenneth Morton, Ordnance Department, who was
relieved by Capt D. M. King, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army.

Power plant. — During the year an electric-power plant and a
nickel-plating plant have been installed at the depot, and both are
now being operated in a very satisfactory manner. The primary
features of the power plant consist of two boilers, a 75 horsepower
steam engine, dynamo, and the necessary motors. With these im-
provements, the depot is now equipped with a plant which it is
believed will meet all requirements except those pertaining to the
larger guns which are to be installed for coast-defense purposes.

Storehouse, — In my last annual report I referred to the fact that
the storage facilities are insufficient for the requirements of the depot.
Estimates were submitted at the last session of Congress amounting
to $11,500 for removing the old casemates within the city wall front-
ing the Pasig Biver, and in their place to erect sheds to provide the
necessary protected space for artillery and other storage purposes.
This estimate failed to meet with the approval of Congress.

It has been customary for some time to store certain mobile artillery
under the eaves of the only artillery-store shed at the depot, and to
store the greater part in the open. The exposure of artillery ma^
terial to a rainy season of several months and to a dry season with con-
siderable heat, is most injurious to any of .this kind of stores. Re-
cently the Secretary of War directed that this artillery store shed be
transferred to another location, and $3,500 has been allotted for the
purpose, but this in np way increases the storage capacity at the
depot

Oifice huUding. — ^The amount appropriated by Congress, namely,
$l€i,000, for completing the office building in process of erectioQ

BEPORT OP THE CHIEF OF OBDNANCB. 7l

and unfinished when Manila was surrendered by the Spanish, was
found to be insufficient when bids were received for completing the
building by contract in accordance with the specifications. It is
therefore contemplated completing the building without a contract,
the work to be done under the supervision of the commanding officer
of the depot

Employees. — The force of clerks at the depot consists of 12 Ameri-
cans and one native, but it is expected to reduce the number of clerks
shortly to 11. The principal part of the work in the shops and store-
houses is done by natives, the foreman and assistant foreman in each
shop and storehouse being American. There are about 20 Ameri-
cans and 160 natives continually employed at the depot. This does
not include an enlisted force of 48 men who are employed in the
various shops and storehouses and in performing guard duty.

Issues and receipts of stores. — ^AU the troops serving in the Philip-
pines are supplied with ordnance and ordnance stores from the depot,
either directly or indirectly. The character and extent of this busi-
ness will be appreciated from the fact that the total number of issues
made during the year amounted to 1,623, involving a total weight of
stores of 898 gross tons; 1,165 requisitions for stores were received
during the year. The number of receipts of stores amounted to 923.

Among the principal issues were 4,500 aluminum cups and 4,500
aluminiun meat cans, which were issued to troops for experimental
purposes.

Among the other principal issues were 28 machine gims, 2 mountain
guns, and 13 3-inch saluting rifles with their appropriate mounts,
equipments, and proper supply of ammunition.

The principal quantities of small-arms ammunition issued
amounted to over ten million rounds of ball cartridges, caliber .30,
for the magazine rifle, and nearly two million rounds for the revolver,
caliber .88. Four million rounds of caliber .30 ammunition for the
magazine rifle, which were purchased abroad during the Spanish war,
were shipped to the United States, as the ammunition was no longer
thought serviceable for issue to troops.

The influence of the climate on stores will be appreciated from the
fact that articles having an original value of over $73,000, comprising
over 83,000 items, were condemned at the depot.

During the year the commanding officer of the depot requested from
the various regimental and post commanders in the Philippines Divi-
sion reports regarding the sufficiency of the present authorized table
of allowances of stores for issue. One hundred and fifteen reports
were received in response to this request, and 36 reported the present
allowances sufficient The views expressed in the remainder of the
reports were too varied with reference to the articles recommended
for increase to warrant any change, with the exception of a few

BEPORT OP THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE.

articles on which there was some unanimity of opinion. In these
cases the articles involved were cleaning and preserving materials,
and the amount of increase brought out by these reports was about
50 per cent.

In this connection it may be stated it has never been the policy of
the depot to restrict any organization in the Philippines Division to
the allowances prescribed by the tables when the circumstances, in the
opinion of the chief ordnance officer, justified a greater increase.

Fiscal affairs. — ^The expenditures made at the Manila Ordnance
Depot during the year amounted to slightly under $60,000.

Returns examined, — ^The number of property returns examined at
the Manila Ordnance Depot and transmitted to this office amounted
to slightly over 1,800. It has been deemed advisable to have all prop-
erty returns given a preliminary examination with a view to correct-
ing errors so as to save correspondence involved in case this prelimi-
nary examination was made in this office.

ORDNANCE BOARD.

Membership of the Ordnance Board June 30, 1905, is as follows:
Col. Charles S. Smith, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army; Lieut.
Col. Wm. L. Marshall, Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army; Maj. R.
Birnie, Ordnance Department, U. S. Army; Maj. George L. Ander-
son, Artillery Corps, U. S. Army; Maj. B. W. Dunn, Ordnance
Department, U. S. Army.

The following is a list of the principal subjects reported upon
during the year ending June 30, 1905 :

Reference No.

Snbjeot.

80S24.
86806.

84887.

84M8.
88168.

sno..

8S58T.
87881.
89685.
88404.

18788.
16821.

80100.

Hotchklfis l-ponnder antoniAtic gun

McCIean l-ponnder antomatic gxm (B. of O. and F.).

Ti-inch field son and field carriage, model of 1902,
and the following experimental breech mechan-
isms:

8-inch Stockett eccentric block

8-inch Tasker, continnons nnll, eccentric block..

8-inch Gerdom, eocentric flring-pin bushing

8.2-inch Stockett eccentric block

8.2-inch Gerdom eccentric block

8-inch, long-recoil, Ehrbardt field gnn. No. 8, model
of 1903, carriage, and limber, complete.

5-inch B. F. gnn and combined disappearing and
barbette mount (B. of O. & F.).

6-inch B. F. srnn No. 1, model of 1900

Brown 6-inch wire-wonnd gun and mount

6-inch wire-wound guns, Brown and Department
designs.

Wear of Vickers-Mazim 6-inch

lainch B. L. rifle. No. 1, model of 1900

Endurance of guna for accuracy

Bange-flring 6-lnch B. F. gun, model of 1900, on bar-
bette mount.

Lining tube, 12-lnch B. L. mortar, model of 1900,
No.88.

Automatic breech opener B. 8. Go., on 5-inch gun.
No. 18.

Gerdom 8-inch breech mechanism. Betracting
flring-pin bushing.

Automatic breech opener (experimental) 12-lnch
B. L. rifle, model or 1900, on id-lnoh di«Appearing
carriage, model of 1901.

Experimental mechanical rammer, l^inch disap-
pearing carriage, model of 1901, No. 8.

Date of report.

Aug. 24, 1004.
Sept. 29. 1904.

Aug. 8, 1904.

Dec. 8, 1904.

Jan. 18, 1906.

July 18, 1904.
Dec. 17, 1904.
June 16, 1906.

Apr. 16, 1906.
Dec. 24, 1904.

Indorsement, May 10, 1906.
June 12, 1906.

Sept. 18. 1904: Apr. 11,1905;

Jan. 80, 1906.
Aug. 82, 1904.

Feb. 10, 1906.

Feb. U, 1006.

Indorsements: Atig.4,190A;
June 28, 1904.

BEPOBT OP THE CHIEF OP OBDNANCB.

Beference No.

IMKL

87612

8r7e64

arew

aooM-F

8B878

8M0i

8G0(B

W489-.I

8n98

83666-F

88666

88878

srm-iai

80QB4-BBB....
17686-840

80Qei-BBB....

88661

88868

86606

86808

88818

81687

87614

88686

6687

87488

88668.

81687

87614

88100

86638. .........

88636-1

81687-1840

80Q84-BBB-91

88680-10

86648-118

86648-161

86648-188

86841

4618-B

85688-176

88566-F

86080

874<»-156

88000

84760

86080

80Q84-BBB-181

84848-81 ...... .

88787

87781

86870

Subject.

Qerdom gas-check iMid, 18-inch rifle

Tnumion qnadrant for 18-iiich B. L. mortars (Oap-

tain Bottoms, A. C.)-
8-inch pilot carriage, model of 1908, with cylinder

46-inon recoil.

jd-inch field carriage. No. 6, model of 1008

6-inch disappearing carriage, L. F., No. 18, model of
1008.

6-inch disappearing carriage, L. F. modd of 1006,

No. 67.
6-inch barbette carriage, model of 1900, No. 88

10-inch disappearing carriage, L. F., model of 1001,
No. 1.

U8-inch disappearing carriage. L. F., model of 1901,
J No. 8, adjustment of throttling bars.
18-inch mortar carriage, model of 1896, No. 860, mod-
ified, with side frames.
Firing battery for guns on disappearing carriages. .
Safety lanyard attachment for guns on dlsapiiear-
ing carnages.

JDetonating fuzes

Fuzes for 18-inch mortar shell, water impact.
Hacherelle mechanical time fuze

18 M percussion plunger (George)

Minor caliber fuzes (Semple)

Base percussion fuze (Watson)

Thorn saluting charges, smokeless

Smoke-producmg compound in 8-inch shrapnel

(Schou).

Ignition of fixed ammunition for field gun

Zone limits and velocities, 7-inch B. L. mortar with

smokeless powder.

Powder for 6-inch R. F. gun, model of 1900

Noncombustible cloth for powder bags; California

Powder Works.

Ballistics of 18-inch B. L. mortar

Absorption of moisture by smolroless iwwder

Flare back from guns

Incendiary effect of high-explosive ^ell

Relative value of A. P. shot and shell charged with

high explosive.

Force of nigh explosive bursting charges

Ammunition belts for continuous feed, 87 mm.

Vickers-Maxim 1-pounder automatic gun on

mountain carriage.
Relative value of capped and uncapi>ed shell in

mortar fire.
Comparison of army and navy 12-inch shell for ac-
curacy in fiight.
F. A. shrapnel, circular and hexagonal cases (steel

balls for penetration).

Test of trajectory under water

1 Deck armor with 8, 10, and 18 inch A. P. shell capped
J at varions angles of incidence.
High-explosive shell against 7-inch steel plate,

oblimte impact.
4.6-inch Krupp shields, Nos. 1 and 8, on B. S. Co.

6-lnch rapiu-tire guns.
Methods or illumination range and azimuth scale,

W. and 8. Dep. rangeflnder.
Azimuth instrument model of 1004, F. A. with Poro

erecting prism.

Elevation indicator (Bishop), 12-inch mortar

Davis automatic sight

Telescope for use of battle and fire commanders .

Automatic sight for guns (Capt. A. 8- Fleming).

rapid-fire guns (Thos. C. mi
Clarke sight, automatic

Removable sight for rapid-fire guns (Thos. C. mrrls)

Electric and percussion primers in 15-pounder rapid-
fire, 4.72. and 6-inch Armstrong guns.

F. A. combination electric-friction primer, modified
with metal bushing.

Anesthetic for filling shell (C. M. Wheaton)

Macon-Evans liquid cement for fuze threads

Crystolite paint compared with Rubberine

Date of report.

July 6,1004.
Nov. 6, 1004.

Indorsement, Oct. 18, 1004.

Nov. 81, 1904; Apr. 88, 1906:

supplementary to report

of Aug. 8, 1904.
Indorsements: Oct. 16, 1904:

Nov. 19, 1904; Dec.18,1904;

Mar. 16. 1906.
May 81, 1906.

Indorsements: July86,1904;

Oct. 6, 1904; June 8, 1906.
Apr. 10, 1906; Apr. 19, 1906;

May 1, 1906; May 83, 1906;

June 8, 1006.

}july 86, 1004; Feb. 81,1006.
June 8, 1906.

Apr. 89, 1906: Feb. 14, 1906.
Indorsement, Jan. 17, 1906.

ridorsements: Aug. 87,
1904; Mar. 7, 1906; June
8,1906; June 88, 1906.
Mar. 8, 1906.
Indorsements : June 87,

1904; Nov. 29, 1904.
Mav 19, 1906.

Indorsement, June 6, 1906.
Indorsement, Apr. 80, 1906.
Indorsement, Sept. 80, 1904.
Indorsement, Oct. 80, 1904.

Indorsement, Sept. 80, 1904.
June 80, 1906.

Nov. 88. 1904.

Oct. 17,1904; Jan. 7,1906.

Indorsement, Dec. 18. 1904.
Indorsements: Mar. 4, 1906;

Apr. 24, 1906.
Apr. 16, 1906.
Indorsements: Mar. 17,

1906; May 8, 1906.
Indorsement, June 80, 19G6.

Nov. 8, 1904.
Nov. 8, 1004.

Oct. 11, 1004.

Reports: Dec. 84, 1904; Deo.

ra:,ioo4.

Dec. 17, 1004.

Indorsement, Nov. 88, 1004.
May 4, 1004; Jan. 19, 1906.

Nov. 83, 1904.

Indorsements: May 8, 1906;

Apr. 89, 1906.
Mar. 7, 1906.

Indorsement, Sept. 8, 1904.

Indorsement, Nov. 8, 1904.
Dec. 15, 1904.

Indorsement, June 89, 1905.
Apr. 22, 1906.

Indorsement, Jun^lO, 1906.
Indorsement, Aug. 18, 1904.
Indorsements: June 14,

1004, et seq.
Indorsement, Jan. 4, 1906.

Indorsement, June 80, 1906.
Indorsement, May 88, 1906.
Do.

76 • APPENDIX I.

in the present service rifle, and embodied all of the improvements
which the skill at the armory had been able to introduce, and orders
had been given, with the approval of the Secretary of War, for the
manufacture of 5,000 of these rifles for issue to the sei'vice in order
that a pro^r trial in the hands of troops might determine whether
the new rifle should be adopted for the service, superseding the
Krag-Jorgensen. The guns mtended to be manufactured were to be
equipped with the rod bayonet, but the length of barrel was the same
as that of the service rifle, 30 inches.

3. As preparations for the manufacture of these 5,000 rifles pro-
ceeded I became impressed with the slowness of this process of
determining the suitability of the new arm, involving as it did a
continuation of the manufacture of the Krag-Jorgensen for a lonjgf
period, and with the unsatisfactoriuess of the method by which it
was proposed to arrive at a conclusion. There being no wars in
progress, and very little active service involving the use of the
rifle, there could have been had in the service only the same kind
of trials and tests as those which had been previously made at the
armory, but under much poorer conditions and by people with
whom the trials of the gun and the reports thereon would be only
incidents of their duties. The method also involved the manufacture
of a large number of the new rifles after only such sanction as had
been given to this expenditure by trials of the gun in the hands of offi-
cers and employees of the Ordnance Department alone. Upon a rep-
resentation to this effect and the recommendation of this Department a
board was appointed of the following membership: Capt. Frederick S.
Foltz, Second Cavalry; Capt. Frank DeW. Ramsey, Ninth Infantry;
Capt. Fred. L. Munson, Ninth Infantry, and Capt. Tracy C. Dickson,
Ordnance Department.

The board was directed to ascertain, first, if the new rifle was a suit-
able one for the United States service; second, if it was sufficiently
superior to the service rifle to justify its substitution therefor in the
service, and, third, what modifications or changes, if any, were needed
or recommended before its issue for general trial by troops. Seven
noncommissioned officers were assigned to duty with the board to
assist in all the trials of the rifle; and the board and this detachment
of enlisted men were directed to proceed first to the Springfield
Armory, there to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the operation
and manufacture of the rifle, and afterwards to proceed to the Sandy
Hook Proving Ground, N. J., to complete the firing tests of the gim.
The commanoing officers of these two establishments were instructed
to afford the board all possible facilities for the performance of its
duty. The board met at Springfield on February 16, 1903, and sub-
mitted its report on March 28 of the same year.

4. I will first consider the subject of the barrel. Of this the board
tested four lengths, 22, 24, 26, and 30 inches. The elements which
may be affecteaby the length of the barrel are the velocity, the accu-
racy of aim, and the reach when the gun is used as a pike. The last
feature concerns the use of the gun with the bayonet. With the car-
tridge first furnished the velocity of the bullet fired from the 24-inch
barrel was 87 feet less than from the 30- inch barrel; but this difference
was removed by the development of a cartridge with which the velocity
was made the same with both lengths of barrel by the use of a slightly
larger charge of powder. As the bullet used witn both lengths oi bar-

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 77

rel is in all respects the same as that used with the present service rifle
the relative range and penetration are dependent wholly upon the ini-
tial velocity. In regard to the general accuracy of the rifle the board
reports as follows, the experimental carbine mentioned in the table
having a length of barrel of 22 inches:

Each marksman w&h required to make a target on the same day with all the arms
tested, in order that the conditions of wind, Tisht, temperature, etc., should be as
nearly identical as poraible for the taints made by him at each range and the results
obtained to be comparable. Each tai^t consisted of ten consecutive shots, of which
the mean absolute aeviation in inches is recorded in the following tables:

[Range, 500 yunlH.]

Marksman.

Experimental rifle.

30-inch
barrel.

Captain Foltz 6.79

Captain Ramsey 7. 29

Captain Munaon 7.29

Sergeant-Major O'Keefe 11.40

First Sergeant Scliolle 8.19

Quartermaster-Sergeant Leabaek 11 . 00

Quartermaster-Sergeant Siemens 5. 68

Sergeant Collins 9. 94

Sergeant Hall 8.60

Corporal Saalbach 11.80

Avenge 8.80

26-inch
barrel.

7.49
10.04

7.08
10.20
10.10

9.89

9.79
8.87
9.10

9.12

24-inch
barrel.

7.38
7.45
6.43
8.24

10.90
9.37
8.10

12. 15
8.21

10.60

8.88

U.S.

magazine

riae.

model

1898.

12.42

10.75

6.32

9.83

9.65

9.69

13.10

11.80

9.79

10.26

10.81

Experimental car-
bine.

8-inch
twist.

10-fnch
twist.

9.81
8.06

7.87

10.67

9.12

14.70

16.50

11.18
14.80

8.67

11.06

11.12

The results obtained at this range, together with other considerations, caused the
board to suspend firing for accuracy, etc., with the 26-inch experimental rifle and
the experimental carbines.

[Range. 1,000 yards.]

Marksman.

Captain Foltz

Captain Ramsey

Captain Dickson

Captain Munson

Sergeant- Major O' Keefe

First Sergeant Scholle

Quartermaster-Sergeant Leaback
Quartermaster-Sergeant Siemens.

Sergeant Collins

Sergeant Hall

Corporal Saalbach

Average

Experimental rifle.

30-inch

24-inch

barrel.

31.64

17.80

21.15

11.50

15.70

26.50

14.80

15.20

13.60

26.10

22.46

25.04

21.15

20.76

19.85

15.30

19.80

18.86

28.10

24.90

25.50

26.45

21.24

20.81

U.S.
magazine

rifle,
model of

loBo.

22.50
83.00
26.90
21.40
11.90
19.40
14.46
26.45
18.80
28.30
17.70

21.81

After repeated efforts to obtain accuracy tareets at 1,500 yards under the conditions
imposed — namely, that all three rifles should oe fired by the same marksman under
identical weather conditions at each range — it became evident to the board that if
this part of the programme was completed its report would be unwarrantably
delayed, because of the stormy and foggy weather prevailing here at this season of
the year. All accuracy firings atand TOyond 1,500 yards were therefore omitted.
■A number of targets with the three rifles were obtained at 1,500 yards, and they
show that the experimental rifle is more accurate at that range than the present
service arm and that the 24-inch is practically as accurate as the 30-inch barrel.
These results at 1,500 yards, together with those obtained at 500 and 1,000, show
that the barrel of the experimental rifle can be reduced in length from 30 to 24 inches
without eacrifice of appreciable accuracy.

78 APPENDIX I.

It will be observed from the first of the above tables that at the
range of 500 yards the 24-inch barrel gave better accuracy than either
the 22rinch or the 26-inch, and was within 1 per cent of the result
attained with the dO-inch barrel; while at a 1,000 yards range its accu-
racy was superior to that of the 30-inch barrel, and at botn ranges it
was superior to that of the Erag-Jorgensen rifle.

5. Upon the subject of the suitability of the general design of the
rifle for the military service the board reported as follows:

These tests show that the degree of skill and effort required for its manipulation
are less than that for most arms of the same t^pe, and that while the SCV-incn barrel
rifle is eajsily handled, the 24-inch is more easily handled under all conditions.

6. Concerning the recoil of the piece the following is stated:

In all the firing done by the members of the board and by the noncommissioned
ofl^oers the recoil of the experimental rifle with the 24-inch barrel was not notice-
ably greater than with the present service arm.

7. Under the heading ^^Test of rapid-aimed fire to establish the
comparative value of the rifle at the critical stage of action" the board
reported as follows:

It was assumed by the board that an enemy, during[ the final charge after ceasing
fire, would occupy about one minute in reaching the intrenchments of tbe defense.
Each of the members of the board and the seven noncommissioned oflloeni fineMd
for one minute at a taiget 6 feet high by 2 feet wide at a 100-yard range, position
kneeling or prone, as the firer elected, but to remain the same throuffhout the test
of the three rifles. For macazine fire the clips were carried in a pocket belt worn
by the firer and loaded therefrom; for single-loading fire the cartridges were carried
in the present service belt and loaded therefrom; with magazine fire the test com-
menced with the magazine filled and gun loaded, and with single-loadini; fire the
test commenced with the gun loaded.

This compArative test shows, when rapid-aimed fire is used, that: (I) The exi>eri-
mental rifie is superior in rapidity and accuracy to the Unitea States ma^^azine rifle,
model of 1S98, when both are used as magazine arms only. Notwithstandinff
the familiarity of the marksman with the latter arm, the experimental rifle exceeded
it 9.3 per cent in rapidity and 18.6 per cent in hits on the flrst trial of both guns.
The rapidity of fire obtamed with the United States magazine rifle is believed to be
a maxmium, as the marksmen were thoroughly familiar with its operation. A com-
parison of the result of the third and fourth trials shows that in rapidity the experi-
mental rifle exceeded the service arm by 19^ per cent and in hits by 34.9 per cent.
A comparison of the average of the results obtained in the eighth and ninth trials
with that of the seventh shows that the new rifle exceeded ihe service arm by 21.1
per cent in rapidity and 17.4 per cent in hits.

8. In making a general comparison between the 24-inch and the 30-
inch barrels, toth for the experimental rifle, the board said:

A comparison of the 24 and 30 inch barrels shows that —

First The former is 0.72 pound lighter than the latter, but as the 30-inch rifle
must also have a full-length hand guard, the saving in weight will be somewhat
greater.

Second. The former is equally accurate.

Third. The former will nave the same penetration when its muzzle velocity is
increased to 2,300 feet per second.

Fourth. The former can be more easily manipulated and is better balanced.

Fifth. The length of the former is such that the same gun can be issued to all
branches of the service without the slightest modification.

The board therefore recommends that the length of the barrel of the experimental
rifie be reduced to 24 inches, and that all troops of the Regular Army be equipped
with the same arm, accessories, and cartridge belt

9. In reviewing the proceedings of the board and the conclusions
which it reported weight nmst be given to the following important
statement:

The board was unanimous in its action on each opinion, suggestion, and recom-
mendation contained in this report.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. 8. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 79

10. After the conclusion of the work of the board as a body the
members separated and each, with the exception of Captain DicKson,
taking some of the noncommissioned officers with him, visited several
military posts, where they exhibited the rifle to the officers and men of
the command, explained the proceedings of the board, and made a
sufficient number of firings to show the characteristics of the piece.
The opinions of the officers and men at the posts were considered by
the officers of the board and a report was made by each to the Chief
of Ordnance.

11. Captain Foltz visited Madison Barracks, Plattsburg Barracks,
and Fort^than Alien. In regard to the length of the barrel he stated
as follows in his individual report:

The idea of the short 24-inch rifle, with its consequent saving of weight and handi-
ness, was ver^ favorably received at both of the infantry garrisons, and at the cavalry
station no objection waa expressed to carrying the extra 2 inches of len^h of barrel
as proposed, nor to the necessary increase of three-fourths of a pound weight beyond
that ot the present carbine.

The cavalry appreciate fully, I think, the advantage they gain in getting a bayonet
for sentry dutv and foot work, the stacking swivel, and the sling for use on foot
when the hands are occupied, and I believe they are generally of the opinion that
the short rifle is quite as nandy as the carbine and better balanced for both aiming
and for manipulation in loading.

It is proper to note that, although it was remarked that the recoil was greater than
that of the present rifle, no serious complaint was made as to its severity, though
many men shot in their shirt sleeves.

I heard no one express a preference for the long rifle. The garrison at Plattsburg
had recently reportcKl against a reduction in length of the present rifle. I therefore
made it a point that their best shots should snoot with the short and long barrel
alternately at 600 yards, with the result that they expressed themselves in lavor of
the short barrel.

I have not heard any cavalrvman express a preference for a shorter barrel than
the 24-inch shown, nor any objection to having a rifle identical with that of the
infantry, including the stacking swivel, the bavonet, and the sling.

To resume, the reception of the new rifle with 24-inch barrel has been most flatter-
ing; much less conservatism has been encountered than was expected, and the con-
clusions of the board have been strongly conflrmed.

12. He received written statements of opinions from some of the
officers, from which the following are extracted:

From Colonel Robe, Ninth Infantry:

I have the honor to state that I am in favor of the new short-barreled rifle not-
withstanding its present drawbacks, as in the friction of bolt, its liability to drop out
under certain conditions, the clip and its claw, and the deposit of cartridges from
clip into magazine, regarding the imperfections as all readily overcome.

From Lieutenant Gibson, Ninth Infantry:

I myself and all the noncommissioned officers and privates of the company are
greatly pleased with the 24-inch barrel, experimental rifle. J jud^ from the test
scores, which I witnessed at this post, that the 24-inch model is quite as accurate as
rifles with longer barrels, and there can be no question that the shorter rifle is the
more convenient under general circumstances and especially in the thick underbrush
of tropical countries, such as the Philippine Islands, Cuba, and South America.

From Captain Palmer, Ninth Infantry:

I am fully convinced that the new model 24-inch barrel rifle is greatly preferable
for military purposes to any of the other forms and to the Krag-Jorgensen; and I
accordingly favor its adoption.

13. Captain Ramsey visited the posts of Fort Myer, Fort McPher-
son. Fort Columbus, New York, and Washington Barracks, and also
exhibited the rifle to the officers of the Navy and Marine Corps at the

80 APPENDIX I.

Washington Navy- Yard. He reported as follows concerning the
length of the barrel:

The unanimous opinion of all officers to whom the rifle haa been shown is:

First. That it is suitable for the military service.

Second. That it is much superior to the rifle now in use.

Third. That it should be adopted for all branches of the military service.

Captain Ramsey concludes as follows:

At Atlanta several of the expert shots of the well-known Geoi^gia rifle team experi-
mented with the rifle and were highly pleased with it.

In conclusion, I would unhesitatmgly express my belief that the new experimental
rifle with the 24-inch barrel is the best military arm in existencte, and I recommend
that it be adopted for all troops armed by the United States.

14. Among the opinions received in writing by Captain Ramsey are
the following:
By Colonel Price, of the Sixteenth Infantry:

I have asked the opinion of all the company commanders and staff officers (the
older shots) as to the suitability of the new rifle, and all of them recommend its
adoption.

I neartily concur in this recommendation, and hope that it mav be in the hands
of the troops before long. Everyone was tremendously impressed by the advantages
it possesses over any rifle we have used.

By Major Burr, Corps of Engineers, commanding Washington
Barracks:

The rifle is thought to be an improvement over the present arm, and to present
several advantages.

The rear siffht is improved, although the sight radius is much shorter than in the
present arm, but the latter is compensated for by bringing the rear sight nearer to
the eye.

The piece is lighter, but it is not thought to be so well balanced as the present arm.

By Captain Brett, of the Second Cavalry:

In my opinion the 24-inch rifle is a superior shooting arm to that at present in use,
but it will require some changes to make it suitable for cavalry service.

A carbine of the same pattern, with the rear sight set farther back and the addi-
tion of a gun sling, would, in my opinion, answer equally well, and would not add
any extra weight to the cavalry equipment, nor would any change be required in the
present carbine scabbard.

By Captain Kochersperger, of the Second Cavalry:

The new carbine and rifle shown by Captain Ramsey is a bttter weapon than our

E resent carbine in regard to range, accuracy, and penetration. It is too long and
eavy to be used as a carbine.

By Captain Trout, of the Second Cavalry:

No length of barrel should be permitted over and aljove that necessary to render
the arm as accurate up to 1,000 yards as the present rifle.

By Lieutenant Martin, of the Second Cavalry:

I have the honor to state that in my opinion this rifle is an improvement on the
Krag-Jorgensen carbine in use at present by our troops.

By Lieutenant Smith, of the Second Cavalry:

For cavalry it may be a little too long and heavy for packing on the saddle; in all
other respects I consider it a better weapon than the one we now have.

By Lieutenant Gordon, of the Second Cavalry:

I tried the rifle on two different days, observing about 60 shots in all at ranges in
the neighborhood of 100 yards. From my observation I am of the opinion that
markanwnship of great accuracy is possible with this gun.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 81

16. Captain Munson visited Fort Thomas, Columbus Barracks, Ohio,
and Fort Wayne. He reports the views of the oflScers and men of
Columbus Barracks as follows:

Upon the completion of these firings both officers and men spoke most enthusi-
astically of the shooting qualities of the short rifle and appeared to be unanimous in
their opinions as to its superiority over the Krag.

And of those at Fort Wayne as follows:

As there was no tai^et ranse at or near Fort Wayne no demonstration of the rifle
took place other than an exhibition of its mechanism. Everyone was heartily in
favor of the adoption of the short rifle.

16. Captain Dickson visited Fort Leavenworth, and as the result of
his exhibition of the rifle at that post stated, among other things, the
following:

Infantry. — The officers and men of this arm of the service were practically unani-
mous in their praise of the gun, and desired its adoption.

17. The rifle was thus exhibited at 10 posts, at which there were
serving 223 officers and 4,669 enlisted men.

18. The new rifle was also referred to the infantry board at Fort
Leavenworth, Eaus., and to the cavalry board at Fort Riley, Kans.,
both of which unanimouslv recommended the adoption of 24 inches as
the length of barrel for all arms of the service.

19. Among all the expressions received none were in favor of the
'long barrel as against that of 24 inches length.

20. The above shows as careful consideration as it seemed possible
to give it of the subject of the proper length of the barrel, and by
methods which 1 do not now know how to improve upon. The line
officers of the board were all expert with the rifle, and the ordnance
officer was expert both with it and in its manufacture. Two of the
line officers, Captain Ramsey and Captain Munson, had seen active
service in the I%ilippine Islands, in China, and in Cuba, and Captain
Foltz had seen such service in Cuba. I consider it a great advantage
that these officers, after having been carefully selected, were with-
drawn from their duty and instructed to give all their time and thought
and attention to the subject which thev were directed to consider,
with the benefit of discussions among themselves and with the large
number of officers at the posts which they visited. As a single ques-
tion was under consideration, it was possible to make the trials more
thorough and more varied than those which preceded the adoption of
any previous small arm, as known to this Department. Nothing hav-
ing since arisen which was not considered by the board or to throw
doubt upon the conclusions which it reached in regard to the length of
barrel, as this feature concerned the characteristics of the piece as a
shooting weapon, it is recommended that this question be not reopened.

The comparative field trial of 24-inch and 30-inch barrels, spoken of
by the President, could not very well be made by firings with the
Krag-Jorgensen rifle and with that of the new model; both for the
reason that the distance between the sights on the Krag-Jorgensen is
not as great as it could be made with the 30-inch barrel on the new
rifle, and because other elements affect unfavorably the accuracy of
the Krag-Jorgensen as compared with the new gun. Such a trial
would therefore require the manufacture of some 500 of the new model
rifles with a barrel 30 inches in length, the cost of which would be

WAB 1906— VOL 9 6

82 APPENDIX I.

about $7,000. For 500 men to fire 100 rounds apiece from each of
the two lengths of barrel would require 100,000 rounds of ammuni-
tion, which would cost about ^,000. It is thus seen, as far as the
cost is concerned, the figures are not prohibitive. The 30-inch barrels
could afterwards be cut off to the standard length, and the guns
utilized.

21. In regard to the rod ba3'^onet the following expressions are found
in the report of the board:

Bayonet test. — For this test a batt was made of alternate layers of white pine and
air, each 1 inch thick. A bayonet was fixed and driven into the butt by the regula-
tion ba}ronet lunge executed with as much force as possible. In eight trials the
penetration varied from 2 to 2f inches, and two bayonets were broken by the same
noncommissioned officer, who did not execute the lunge properly. The bayonet
ieatedj when fixed, projected 15} inches from the muzzle. In the opinion of the board
this length is unnecessarily great and a source of weakness.

Defects. — ^The bayonet is unnecessarily long. The section in rear of the point is
knurled, which would increase the effort required to withdraw it from the numan
body and is liable to t^arry infection into the wound. A cleaning-rod head is pso-
vided for screwing on the lower end of the rod bayonet, so the latter can be used for
cleaning the bore, whereas the use of a steel cleaning rod would injure the rifling
and burr the muzzle.

Recommendations. — ^The length of the bayonet should be reduced so its point when
fixed will project 10 inches beyond the muzzle. The knurling should be replaced
by a smooth groove of the same length and of the same depth at its middle point as
the catch slot. The diameter of the rod should be the same throughout its entire
length and have its lower end flat with a well rounded edge. The cleaning-rod head
should be omitted. The use of the rod bayonet in the bore, except when necessary
for removing mud or a cartridge shell, should be prohibited. For cleaning the bore,
see recommendation under section ((/) of Fart II.

In recommending the adoption of the rod bayonet the board was influenced by the
weight saved, the unsatisfactory means provided for carrying the knife bayonet, the
unavoidable noise made by the bayonet m its scabbard, the frequent loss of the bayo-
net in the field, that the use of the bayonet with a clip-loading magazine arm will be
very limited, and that as a matter of fact the muzzle of a military rifle carries with it
a well-known moral effect regardless of the presence of a bayonet.

22. In his individual report Captain Foltz states as follows:

The rod bayonet was considered a desirable substitute for the knife bayonet;
though the officers and men of the Ninth Infantry generally advocated the carrying
of a bolo on Philippine service, as a side arm and' intrenching tool.

Among the written opinions submitted to him by o£Bcers are found
the following:
By Captain Noyes, of the Ninth Infantry:

A good knife is an important accessory in the Philippines. When, as in the new
rifle, the bayonet can not be used as a knife, a knife or bolo should be provided. It
should be of such form that it can be used advantageously as a cutting tool, a cutting
and stabbing weapon, and an intrenching implement for making a hasty intrench-
ment for one man. It should not be used on the muzzle of the rifle.

By Lieutenant Gibson, of the Ninth Infantry:

I believe the rod bayonet on this 24-inch model, if firmly fastened in the piece,
will be quite effective as to strength and piercing power and will have almost as great
an effect as to the moral confidence of the troops using it. For troops serving in the
Philippines or other semicivilized communities and for tropical countries, I would
recommend that each man be furnished with a bolo, as a weapon in the first ctLee,
and as a chopping tool in the second case.

By Captain Palmer, of the Ninth Infantry:

I heartily favor the rod bayonet (not over 10 inches long), but the spring to hold
same in place should be strong and the slots deep enough to permit a very firm hold,
so as to avoid the rod t)ecoming loosened while piece is being fired, or when rod is
used as a bayonet

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903, 83

In view of the aoove, which involves the abolishing of the present oayonet ana
scabbard, I recommend provision (for use in active service in the field and whenever
a side arm may be necessarv for men otherwise unarmed) of a *' bolo" (similar to
the ''bolo" bayonet recently issued for experimental purposes). This makes an
efficient side arm, as it is an excellent cutting or thrusting weapon, and is, besides,
well adapted for use as a knife or hatchet, and as an intrenching tool to obtain quick
cover for one man. It should not be arranged to use as a bayonet and should be
carried only in active field service, or, in garrison, only when among a population of
doubtful fidelity of allegiance and when the soldier would otherwise be unarmed.

23. From the individual report of Captain Ramsey there is the
following:

After discussion with many officers of all services who are interested in the subject,
I make the following recommendations. * * * The rod bayonetshould be retained
for ordinarv service. For special service, as among savage tribes, a special type can
be provided.

The following opinions Were submitted to him by Major Burr, Corps
of Engineers, commanding Washington Barracks:

The substitution of a ro<l bayonet for the present knife bayonet is not approved.
It is believed that the knife bayonet should be retained on account of its usefulness
in breaking up soil when necessary in obtaining hasty cover in the field. Recent
experiments have shown that, short of substantial intrenching tools (picks and
shovels) , the best implements for obtaining quick shelter are the knife bayonet and
the tin cup or meat can or even the soldier's hands. Of these implements the one
most essential is the knife bayonet. It has been found that a tool for breaking up
the ground is absolutely necessary, and that the knife bayonet will serve this pur-
pose fully as well as any implement that can be regularlv carried upon the soldier's
person. A pick is of course better, but it is not expected to be regularly carried by
the soldier. Given a knife bayonet, or its equivalent, the soldier can quickly protect
himself, using his tin cup or meat can or even his hands for scraping up the earth
once it has been broken by the bayonet. If the knife bayonet be removed from the
rifle, its equivalent must be furnished to the soldier if he is to be in a position to
properly protect himself in the field. No saving in weight would therefore appear
to l)e sained by the substitution of the rod bayonet for the present knife bayonet.

Additional comments have been made upon the substitution of the new rod bayo-
net for the old knife bayonet. These comments are adverse to the change and based
upon the reasons stated in my former letter. The principal of these reasons may be
stated shortl3(, that the old knife bayonet served many useful purposes in addition
to its value as an intrenching tool, and is, moreover, a good bayonet. The necessity
of carrying a special intrenching tool for breaking up the ground in case the old knife
bayonet is replaced by the proposed rod bayonet is reiterated.

24. Captain Munson, in his individual report, says:

The enlisted men had no criticisms whatever to offer, nor had the officers, with
the exception of a very few, on the subject of the rod bayonet.

The arguments presented by these officers against the adoption of a rod bayonet
were as follows:

As it does not resemble a bavonet in form it is therefore lacking in moral effect.

That it is too slender to proauce a ** knock out** wound.

That such a bayonet has already been tested by the Army and found wanting.

That as the successes of many battles in the past were largely due to the bayonet
charge, in order to continue these successes in the future a long, dangerous-looking
bayonet is absolutely indispensable to the infantry soldier.

To the above statements 1 replied in brief as follows:

In my opinion the usefulness of a bayonet as an attachment to a military arm
diminishes in proportion to the rapidity with which that arm can be fired.

Because battles were freauently won by the bayonet charge against an enemy
armed with a gun that could not possiblv be loaded and fired faster than twice in
one minute, it certainly does not follow^ that in the future such successes are going
to be nnmerous against an enemy trained to hold its trenches, and in whose hands
is a modem rifle from which ten times that number of aimed shots can be fired in
the same period of time.

From experience gained by the Ninth Infantry in resisting bolo attacks while
serving in 8amar, Philippine Islands, the present broad bayonet was found to be

84 APPENDIX I.

objectionable, as in many case^, when thrust into a haman body, it ooald be
extricated only with the greatest difficulty. From the form and size of the rod
bayonet such an experience as above described could hardly be expected to occur.

As it is almost certain that the infantry soldier will soon be equipped with an
intrenching tool, the question of the additional weight a man will be required to
carry must be seriously considered.

The substitution of the rod bayonet for that of the present type produces a saving
in weight of 1 J pounds.

Its other good features are that it is much more readily adjusted than any other
form of bayonet, and is instantly available for use as a means for driving out mud
from a choked bore or a shell from the chamber, should one fail to extract In
other words, the rod bavonet is a compromise over all other types, with a laige
majority of points in its lavor.

Many of the officers who had previously offered objections to the possible adoption
of a rod bayonet publicly withdrew them after I had replied to them as above
quoted.

In regard to the characteristics which an intrenching tool should
possess, he states as follows:

Although I have not been instructed to report upon a prospective intrenching tool
fur the infantry soldier, still, as so many questions were recently asked me about it
during my recent trip, I believe the Otxinance Department would care to know
that if such a tool were constructed resembling a small spade in form, the blade of
which to be composed of a metal sufficiently soft to prevent its being easily bent or
broken, and still of sufficient hardness that one or both of its edges can be sharpened
and the instrument used as a hatchet or bolo, I feel quite confident in saying that
such an intrenching tool would be very favorably received bv all who would be
required to use it. A combination tool that will really dig and really cut is most
urgently required.

25. It will be noted that Major Burr considers the bayonet in use
with the Krag-Jorgensen rifle to be a good intrenching tool, and that
there is no need to abandon it for a better implement for this purpose.
On the other hand, there are found objections to the use of any in-
trenching tool which also serves as a bayonet; the reasons usually
given bemg that the latter use is apt to involve digging with the bay-
onet while it is attached to the gun, and the danger of landing the bar-
rel or of clogging it up with earth.

26. Before the appointment of the board I remarked as follows in
regard to the rod bayonet, in my annual report for the year 1&02:

The **rod bayonet," as it is called, has been considered before, but has never
received a thorough trial in the service. Its great advantage is that it lightens the
weight made up of the gun, bayonet, and bayonet scablmrd, and by dispensinff with
the latter two as separate articles to be carried permits the soldier to carry with him
an intrenching tool of sufficient size and weight to be serviceable. There are differ-
ences of opinion as to the value of the rod })ayonet; although less effective as a liay-
onet alone than the one now in uwe in the service, it is undoubtedly of some value
in converting the musket into a pike, and in view of the increaning prominence of
the intrenching tool and the decrt^asing occasion for the use of the bavonet its experi-
mental substitution is in line with apparent progress in subordinating the latter to
the former.

It will be noticed that it was appreciated that things could be said
both for and against the use of this implement, but in view of the
great preponderance of opinion of practical officei*s in favor of the
new rifle, including the rod bayonet, I recommended to the Secretary
of War that the unanimous conclusions of the trial board, reenforced
by those of the infantry board and the cavalry board, be accepted and
that the new arm l>e adopted. 1 did not malte this recommendation,
however, without assurance by examination that, should it subse-
quently be considered advisable to go back to a bayonet of a form
which had been previously used, there would be no difficulty in attach-

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 85

ing to the new rifle either the bayonet which is used with the Krag-
Jorgensen or, indeed, one of almost an}- other type, without involving
radical or expensive alterations.

27. Reports which have been made by officers recently returned
from duty with the Japanese army in Manchuria supply information
which seems to indicate a still greater confirmation of the lesson of
previous wars, notably of that in South Africa, that the increasing
efficiency qf the rifle was operating to prohibit the ground in front of
troops in position to assaulting troops, and that this might in some
cases be supposed to have proceeded so far as to force the abandon-
ment of the attack of such positions by daylight, and the recourse to
the method, heretofore considered almost impi-acticable, of night
attack, the means for carrying out which as a regular operation will
apparently have to be learned. There is thus the somewnat singular
effect of the excellence of the rifle that it in some cases necessitate the
abandonment of an attempt to face it, by the introduction of condi-
tions under which hand-to-nand fighting may be again expected. This
development constitutes a new consideration, and if it can be re^rded
as established the bayonet again becomes a weapon of first-class impor-
tance, and must be so designed as to be an efficient instrument. Fi*om
this point of view the roa bayonet fails to meet the requirements, as
it is not, and never was thought or intended to be, a thoroughly
efficient weapon for purposes of hand-to-hand combat. The question
of its use would therefore seem to be one which should properly be
reopened, and as it can be easily changed, and as no issues of the new
rifle have yet been made to troops, the subject of the adoption of
almost any form of bayonet can be considered without embarrassment.
The subject would seem to be a proper one for consideration by the
General Staff. Several rifles are now being fitted with bayonets of
different forms and will shortly be ready for examination.

28. A copy of the report of the boar(i of officers mentioned herein
is inclosed.

29. The letter of the President inclosed with your note refers also
to the sword carried bv officers. This sword was prescribed by Gen-
eral Orders, No. 81, of July 17, 1902; a cut and description of which
are inclosed herewith.** It was adopted by the board of officers
appointed by paragraph 14 of Special Orders, No. 52, of 1902, which
consisted of Brig. Gen. Robert P. Hughes, U. S. Army; Col. Theo-
dore A. Bingham, Corps of Engineers; Lieut. Col. Thomas H. Barry,
assistant adjutant-general, U. S. Army; Lieut. Col. Wm. S. Patten,
deputy quartermaster-general, U. S. Army; Lieut. Col. Marion P.
Maus, Second Infantry; Lieut. Col. Charles G. Treat, Artillery Corps;
Lieut. Col. John Van R. Hoff, Medical Department; Maj. George P.
Scriven, Signal Corps; Capt. Joseph T. Dickman, Eighth Cavalry;
Capt. Hugh J. Gallagher, Subsistence Department; Capt. Lawson M.
Fuller, Ordnance Department.

The sword is intenaed for both cutting and thrusting purposes, hav-
ing a sharp point and very slight curvature. It is rather light for a
good cutting weapon, and for a perfect thrusting weapon it should be
straight It is in some respects possibly a compromise between light-
ness and efficiency, and in tne last respect is a considerable imjjrove-
ment on the one which it replaced. The board which adopted it had

o Not printed.

86 APPENDIX I.

also to consider all other articles of equipment and all articles of uni-
foim, and was thus not only burdened with duties of a widely varied
character, but was perhaps not selected as it might have been if the
subject of the sword had been its principal consideration; notably
there is not known to have been an expert swordsman among the
membership. The sword as made has not a very sharp edge; of
course, it could be shai*pened to any degree, but as it is used with a
metal scabbard it is probable that a fine edge would soon be dulled.
1 am having made a wooden scabbard and also a metal scabbard fitted
with a wooden ^trip upon which it is sought to make the edge of the
blade bear, in an effort to produce something which will be serviceable
and at the same time will not turn a sharp cutting edge. These scab-
bards will shortly be ready for examination by anybody which may
be directed to consider the subject.

Very respectfully, Wiixiam Crozier,

Brigadier- Oeneral^ Chief of Ordnance.
26791 0—612-1.

EXHIBIT B.

memorandum for the secretary of war.

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washington^ April i, 1905,

On receipt of the President's note, dated January 4, quoted on the
first page of this report, the Chief of Staff convened a committee to
make special inquiry and report on the subject of the bayonet, the
inquiry to cover the bayonet in all of its phases as a weapon and
article of equipment of a soldier.

This committee does not find the rod bayonet with which our new
rifle is furnished as fully answering the purposes of a bayonet. In
fact, when adopted, it was known not to be an efficient weapon for
hand-to-hand fighting, the geneml belief being that in modern warfare
there is likely to be so little of hand-to-hand conflict as to justify the

Practical elimination of the bayonet as an instrument of offense or
efense.

The reports, official and unofficial, of recent hand-to-hand conflicts
in the war in the East have revived consideration of this question, and
the possibility, in fact, probability, that in future wars night opera-
tions particularly may be forced upon all armies, thus increasing the
liability to personal contact, and hence, too, the apparent necessity of
a useful bayonet.

I am of the opinion, also<, that we should no longer attempt a com-
bination tool, VIZ, bayonet and intrenching tool, but that we should
decide finally that the troops should be furnished with both imple-
ments, each efficient for its own purpose and separate and distinct.
This the committee recommends.

The bayonet recommended is of the style at present issued to the
Army for use with the Krag rifle, differing only in that its length is
increased by 6 inches. On examination it is found to be a serviceable
bayonet, efficient in every way needful for such a weapon.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OP 1903. 87

The proceedings of this committee were sent to the General Staff in
full committee March 28, the Chief of Ordnance and his assistant, Cap-
tain Dickson, being also present. The subject of the adoption of the
report of the committee was fully discussed and practically a unani-
mous conclusion arrived at adopting the report.

I concur in the report of the committee and recommend to the Sec-
retary of War that the knife bayonet, 16 inches long, be adopted for
issue with the new rifle, and that the Chief of Ordnance be instructed
to proceed at once with their manufacture so that as soon as practica-
ble the new rifle may be issued to the Army supplied with tne knife
bayonet.

The bayonet should not be issued to the cavalry.

The several styles of bayonet mentioned by the committee may be
seen by the Secretary of War in the office of the Chief of Staff if he
wishes to make a personal examination of same.
Respectfully,

Chaffee,
Lieutenant' General^ Chief of Staff,

War Department,

April S, 1905.
Approved.

Wm. H. Taft,
Secretar^y of War.

26791 0—657-6.

REPOKT*OF A SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL STAFF IN ACCORD-
ANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING ORDER.

[Memorandum.]

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washington, January gS, 1906,

A letter from the President, dated January 4, 1905, together with papers from the
Chief of Ordnance relating to the subject mentioned by the President, viz, the
len^h of the new Springfield rifle, the bayonet, and the sword, are herewith referred,
for investigation and report, to the following committee ot the General Staff: Lieut.
Col. Walter S. Schuyler, Capt. Joseph T. Dickman, Capt. Frank DeW. Ramsey,
Capt. Frank Mclntyre, Capt. Peyton C. March.
By order of the Chief of Staff:

Benj. Alvord,
Captain, General Staff, Secretary.

The committee met, pursuant to the foregoing order, at 2.30 p. m.,
February 3, 1906, ail the members being present.
There were laid before the committee the following:
Letter from the President of the United States:

White House, Washington, January 4t 1905,

The Secretary of War: I must say that I think that ramrod bayonet about as
poor an invention as I ever saw. As you observed, it broke short off as soon as hit
with even moderate violence. It would have no moral effect and mighty little phys-
ical effect. I think the suggestion of short triangular bayonet a great improvement.
After you have gone over this subject of the Jmyonet and the sword, do take it up
with. me.

88 APPENDIX I.

I wiah oar officers oould carry rifles. If they carry any sword, they ought to catry
a sword that they can cut or thrust with. Personalfy I do not see any point in hav-
ing the cavalry armed with a bayonet, even though the modem cavidryman is nine
times out of ten on foot. He might have a sword in his belt, only it oqght to be a
sword that can do dama^.

I am particularly anxious that we should have a thorough test made of the long
and the short rifle (that is, of the 24-inch and 30-inch rifle) at some place like that
in Utah, where several companies of men can be employed at firing both weapons at
long range. This nunrod-bayonet business does not make me feel that we can afford
to trust too much to theory of the closet variety. I would like to have the opinion
of Captain March, and then the opinion of the other military attach^ who saw the
fighting between the Russians and Japanese, about both the bayonet and the sword.
I would also like to have the opinion of any of our officers in the Philippines who
have seen the bayonet actually used.

Theodore Roosevelt.

The following mefmorandum of the Chief of Staff, dated January 23,
1905:

[Memonuidom for Qeneial GiUenpie.]

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

January gS, 1905,

Please have this read at the next meeting of the General Staff, with a view to
suggesting a committee of five officers to take this matter under consideration and
sural it report.

The Chief of Ordnance has in preparation, and will present for the inspection and
consideration of the General 8tan, several different styles of bayonet adapted to the
new Springfield rifle. Upon examination of these a complete and careful report
will ))e m£^e upon the suggestion of the President of the Unit^ States, taking into
consideration also the report of the Chief of Ordnance, herewith, the ideas involved
being —

f aj Shall we adhere to the 24-inch barrel, or have it lengthened to 30 inches?

(b) Shall we change the style of the bayonet, and if so, what kind shonld be
adopted, and shall it be used in any other way than as a bayonet? •

Attention is invited to the last paragraph of the report of the Chief of Ordnance,
stating that be is preparing a different style of fcaboard, with a view to preserving
the edge of the sword.

Chaffee,
LUuUnarU-Oeneralf Chief of Staff.

A letter from the Chief of Ordnance, dated January 19, 1905,
inclosing a memorandum upon the subject of the new rine, bayonet,
and sword, appended, marked '"A."

Memorandum of Capt. P. C. March upon use of bayonet and
sword in the Russo-Japanese war, dated January 6, 1905, appended,
marked ^*B."«

Two letters from the Chief of Ordnance, dated January 31, 1906,
appended, marked '*C" and '*D," respectively. °

The specimens of bayonets submitted by the Chief of Ordnance and
described in Appendix C,® were carefully examined, Capt. T. C.
Dickson, Ordnance Department, bein^ present, and explaining in
detail the ordnance features of the specimens.

The small triangular rod bayonet fitted to rifle 74724 was broken
into several pieces while being tested by a member of the committee.
The rifle was held by the stocK and the point of the bayonet struck on
the floor a moderately hard blow.

oj^ot printed.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. sl MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 89

By direction of the committee, the Ordnance Department was
requested to construct bayonets of certain lengths ana types, as set
forth in the following letter:

February 4, 1905.

Sir: The Greneral Staff committee, of which Lieut. Col. VV. S. Schuyler is presi-
dent, would like to have samples of the new Springfield rifle fitted with: (1) A rod
bayonet, similar to those now before the committee, projecting 12 inches bevond
muzzle; (2) one projecting 16 inches beyond muzzle, one rod to have three flutes
and one four flutes; (3) one rod bayonet 16 inches long, similar to the one fittted to
rifle 74733 now in possession of the committee; (4) one knife bayonet projecting 16
inches beyond muzzle; (5) one bolo bayonet on the lines suggested by you yesteraay
afternoon.

In connection with this subject I desire to inform you that in testing rifle 74724
yesterday with the smaller triangular rod bayonet, I struck the floor a moderatelv
bard blow and the bayonet was shattered into a number of pieces. It is worth
while for you to investigate this matter to determine whether it is defective steel or
whether the bayonet is not strong enough.

The Board would be glad to receive any suggestions as to improvement in method
of fastening the present knife bayonet. It is claimed by some that if this bayonet
were used in a hand-to-hand flght, your enemy, grabbing at the muzzle of your ^un,
would almost naturally take hold of the bayonet at the point where the spring is in
the hilt of the bayonet, would press it, and the bayonet would come off.
Respectfully,

P. C. March,
Captairij General Staffs Recorder,

Capt Tracy C. Dickson,

Ordnance Department,

Pending the receipt of these specimens the committee adjourned to
meet at the call of tne President.

March 6, 1905.

The committee met at 2 p. m., all the members being present.

There was submitted to the committee a design for a new bayonet,
proposed by Capt. C. B. Humphrey, Twenty -second Infantry, the
papers in the case being appended hereto marked '^E."**

Also, an extract from memorandum report No. 26 of the Third
Division, General Staff, upon the question of the saber, scabbard, and
revolver, appended, marked "F.*"^

Also, one knife bavonet with blade 16 inches in length, and one bolo
bayonet with a blaoe 16 inches in length, as set forth in letter from
Capt. T. C. Dickson, Ordnance Department, IT. S. Army, dated Feb-
ruary 14, 1906, appended hereto, marked "G."°

One triangular bayonet 18 inche^s long, as set forth in letter from
Captain Dickson, dated Februarv 28, 1905, appended, marked "H;"
ana one bolo bayonet of special design, as set forth in letter dated
February 25, 1905, appended, marked "I."^

The Board, after consideration, determined that the questions
referred to it should be taken up in accordance with the following
programme:

1. Should the present length of the rifle be changed?

2. Is a bayonet necessary?

3. Should a bayonet be designed for use in any way except as a
bayonet?

4. Is the new rod bayonet satisfactory?

5. What type of bayonet should be adopted ?

o Not printed.

90 APPENDIX I.

The consideration of the subject of the sword was postponed until
after the determination of the matters set forth in the above questions.

Pending receipt of other specimens of bayonets under construction
by the Ordnance Department, the committee adjourned, to meet at the
call of its president.

March 15, 1906.

The committee met, all the members being present.

There were laid before the committee translation of a dispatch from
General Kuropatkin, referring to men wounded by bayonet, furnished
by the Second Division, General Staff, appended, marked "J;"* a copy
of a dispatch from Colonel Wood, attach^ at Tokyo, to the effect that
statistics with reference to losses by bayonet would not be furnished
by Japan until after the war, appended hereto, marked "K;"* letter
from Captain Dickson, dated March 14, 1906, with three forms of
bayonet, appended, marked "L."^

All the specimens of bayonets proposed being now before the com-
mittee, the consideration of the programme already determined upon
was begun.

1. Should the present length of the rifle be changed?

The committee is of the opinion that any further test of the ballistic
properties of this weapon would simply be a duplication of the very
thorough test of the previous Board; tnat the only reason for such a
change is to give greater reach when the bayonet is used, and not to
improve the Bring qualities of the gun; that a large number of these
rifles have already been constructed, and if there are defects in the
gun they will become apparent during the practical tests give^ it by
the Army during its target practice; that the life of the barrel is very
limited, and will have to be replaced in a comparatively short time,
anyway, when a longer barrel can be constructed, should practical
experience dictate such a change.

The committee is therefore of the opinion that the relative importance
of the bayonet is not such as to justify abandoning all the guns now
constructed, particularl}^ as the shortness of the present gun, plus the
bayonet, can be compensated for by increasing the length or the bayonet
itself, and that any type of bayonet adopted can be fitted to the present
gun at comparatively small cost.

2. Is a bayonet necessary?

The offi(;ial evidence before the committee of the use of the bayonet
in the Russo-Japanese war by both combatants shows conclusively that
the bayonet is not a weapon of the past; that the introduction of night
attacks on a large scale as a feature of nearl}^ every battle of this war
increases its relative importance.

The committee is therefore of the opinion that a bayonet is necessary-.

8. Should a bayonet be designed for use in any way except as a
bayonet?

After a careful consideration of the advantages claimed for bayonets
whi(!h combine various other features in addition, such as the saw and
file, the bolo, and the entrenching tool, the committee is unanimouslv
of the opinion that the bayonet should be a fighting weapon only. It
is either that or it is nothing. The only combination worthy of serious
consideration is the one which makes the bayonet also an entrenching
tool. This is l>elioved to be a radically faulty proposition. A bayonet

« Not printed.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 91

used to dig the earth becomes shortly a blunt piece of metal, of little
more killing value in hand-to-hand work than the muzzle of the gun
would be if lunged into an oppoqent.

4. Is the new rod bayonet satisfactory ?

The Chief of Ordnance in his memorandum herewith states (p. 85):

From this point of view (i. e., the bayonet as a weapon of importance) the rod
bayonet fails to meet the requirements, as it is not, and never was thought or intended
to be, a thoroughly efficient weapon for purposes of hand-to-hand combat. The
question of its use would, thereiore, seem to be one which should properly be
reopened, and it can be easily changed, and as no issues of the new rifle have yet
been made to troops, the subject of the adoption of almost any form of bayonet can
be considered without embarrassment.

In addition to the above statement of the Chief of Ordnance con-
cerning the rod bayonet, practical experiment has shown it to be
weak and faulty in design as a fighting weapon; and the committee
is of the opinion that it is not at all satisractory for issue to the troops.

5. What type of bayonet should be adopted?

As a corollary of the decision of the committee under (8), i. e., that
a bayonet should be desired for use as a bayonet only, the combined
bolo, saw, and file submitted by Captain Humphrey, and the bolo
bayonets of various designs, but of value primarily as hand weapons,
were not considered by the committee as suitable for adoption.

A separate bayonet in the form of a pike, and, like the rod bayonet,
a noncutting weapon, was also rejected, as it would necessitate a scab-
bard, and the principal argument in favor of any form of rod bayonet
was its doing away with the necessity for a scabbard, with consequent
saving of weight.

The Board considered carefully the various types of rod bayonets
before it, and rejected all except the two fittea to rifles 75215 and
93775, described in « Appendix L* herewith, the general objections
to the t^'pes first submitted being the impossibility of "fixing" the
bayonets with sharpedged triangular points, in action, without cutting
the fingers.

The remaining rod bayonets were then carefully weighed, and after
mature consideration the one fitted to rifle 93775, having a radius of
0.25 of an inch, and with 4 flutes of uniform depth throughout its
entire length, and weighing 9i ounces, was regaraed as the best type
of the rod bayonet before the committee.

Pending a decision between this bayonet and the knife bayonet 16
inches long, of the same general shape as the present Krag-Jorgensen
bayonet, the committee adjourned to meet Friday, March 17, at
2 p. m.

it having appeared informally that Brig. Gen. George F. Elliott,
Commandant, Marine Corps, was desirous of submitting his views
upon this subject, a formal invitation to that effect was extended to
him by the committee.

March 17, 1905.

The committee met at 2 p. m., all the members being present.

Attention having been directed to the desire of the President to have
the views of officers who have served in the Philippines, who have
seen the bayonet actually used, it is made of record that all the memi
bers of this committee nave had service in the Philippines in time of

fl Not printed.

92 APPENDIX I.

war: Captains Ramsey and Mclntyre in their own arm, the infantry;
Lieutenant-Colonel Schu\'ler, as colonel of the Forty-sixth Infantry,
U. S. Volunteers; Captain Dickman, as lieutenant-colonel of the
Twenty-sixth Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, and Captain March, as
lieutenant-colonel of the Thirty-third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers. All
the members of the conmiittee haye, therefore, had infantry experi-
ence in time of war, without regard to their actual arm of the senrice.

The arguments submitted in Sty or of a rod bayonet by Capt. G. H.
McMaster, Twenty -fourth Infantry (appended hereto, markea *'M''"),
and by Brig. Gen. G. F. Elliott, Commandant, Marine Corps (appended
hereto, marked *^X"**) against any bayonet at all, were laid before the
committee.

The committee then proceeded to a further consideration of (5)
" what type of bayonet should be adopted i '' The following reasons
were adyanced for the adoption of a rod bayonet of the type shown
on rifle 93775:

(a) It is a practical thrasting weapon of requisite strength.

(b) It weigns 9i ounces, against a weight of 18 ounces for the knife
bayonet, and ayoids the neee^ssity of an additional weight of a bayonet
scabbard, estimated at about 10 ounces, a total saying of 19 ounces in
weight which must be carried b}' the soldier.

M It ayoids the encumbrance of a bayonet scabbard hanging below
the belt a total distance of 20 ^ inches.

Id) It is practicable for issue to all branches of the service.

e) It allows a hand guard and stock protection for over an inch
more of the barrel near the muzzle.

(y) A bayonet stud can be made a part of the upper band for attach-
ment at any time of any special type of bayonet, knife, bolo, or sword,
or the attaichment of the bayonet now used on the Krag rifle, and of
which 500,000 have already been manufactured.

Considering (a) ''It is a practical thrusting weapon of requisite
stren^h," it may be stated that a thrust from a rod bayonet may bo
effectiye if it happens to strike a vital part, but a knife bayonet, kept
sharp, is not only equall}^ effective with the rod bayonet as a thrusting
weapon, but in the mel^e of night attacks or hand-to-hand work, will
cut the hands of an opponent and disable him when the rod bayonet
would be ineffective. It can })e stated without fear of contradiction,
that in the night attack the us(» of the bayonet is not one of the finesse
of the fencing school. The rough blows and thrusts of such combats
find the knife bayonet a far more suitable fighting weapon than a ixkI
bayonet whose only use must }>o the thrust.

(b) It is a fact that the rod })a3'onet weighs less than the knife bayonet
of equal length, plus the s<*abbard. The committee is of the opmion,
however, that the last place to m\e in the weight a soldier has to
carry is in his arms ana ammunition. The first requisite is to make
his weapons as effective for fighting as possible, and from this stand-
point the difference in weight of the two types is more than compensated
for by the increased general fighting efficiency of the knife type.

(e) The rod bayon(»t is, of course, carried in the gun itself, which is
its scabbard. It is not }>elicved that the bayonet scabbard is fitly
described as an "encumbrance." It is simply a convenient means of
transporting a necessary weapon. The Japanese, who are very much

oNot printed.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 93

smaller in size than the average American soldier, carry their bayonets —
which are 16 inches long with the infantry, and 24 inches long with the
artillery and transport — in a scabbard, without its length apparently
interfering with their work in the least.

(d) ''The rod bayonet is practicable for issue to all branches of the
service." While recognizing the advantage of a uniform arm for all
troops, it is not thought that the utility of the bayonet should be sacri-
ficed to provide for itp issue to mounted troops, where it would be of
very doubtful value.

(e) "It allows a hand guard and stock protection for over an inch,
more of the barrel, near the muzzle." This is a fact, but it is not
regarded as of determining value. In fact, where the v^ooden hand
guard can best be spared is at the muzzle.

{/) While it is possible to put a stud on the upper band of a rifle
fitted with the rod bayonet, thus providing for two bayonets with the
same piece, this is. not believed to be desirable from any standpoint.
The 500,000 Krags now in the hands of State troops, etc. , would all
have to be altered for the rod, while a knife bayonet can be used on
these rifles without any change in the method of attachment.

The rod bayonet has one other important disadvantage as compared
with the knife type. While it is not desirable to use the bayonet as an
intrenching tool, if the worst comes to the worst and it has to be done,
the knife can be used for that purpose while the rod can not. The
absence of the cutting edge is, too, an essential disadvantage inherent
to the rod types.

If it is desired to stack the guns with the knife bayonets fixed, this
can easily be effected along the lines of the Japanese, who have the
guard of the bayonet curved up in such a way that the "stack" is
made by a juncture of these curved parts.

If the knife bayonet is adopted, a ramrod, or cleaning rod, in one
piece, can be adopted in place of the jointed rod now furnished in the
base of the new rifle. As a matter of practical common sense it is
believed that the jointed ramrod would never be used on the firing line.
It is too much to expect that, under the conditions of actual combat, a
man will screw together the various joints and eject his cartridge shell.
What he will do, practically, under those circumstances, may be pre-
dicted to be that ne will throw away his gun and take one from the
nearest wounded or dead man. The one-piece ramrod, possible with
the knife bayonet, would do much toward obviating this state of affairs,
and is recommended. Furthermore, a one-piece rod could be made of
soft metal.

A further and very important disadvantage of the rod bayonet on
rifle 93775 is that if bent up slightly, which is possible to be done by
the hand, it comes in the path of the bullet. Tnis alone should cause
its rejection.

It may be pointed out, also, that of the great military powers of the
world, none nave a rod bayonet, while most of them, as a result of
their experience, have adopted the knife bayonet.

The committee, after mature consideration, therefore, recommends
the adoption for the United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, of a
knife bayonet in place of the present rod bayonet.

It is recommended that the bayonet be 16 inches in length. This
adds the 6 inches to the bayonet, lost by reducing the barrel of the
gun from 30 to 24 inches.

94 APPENDIX !•

It is further recommended that the bayonet be of the type submitted
by the Chief of Ordnance, attached to rifle 60909 (267910 O. C. O. ;
971668 M. S. O.); the bayonet be carried in a scabbard, which shall be
constructed of light material and be free from the rattling incident to
the present scabbard. The bayonet to be made of a guiuity of steel
whicn will take an edge, and to be kept sbai*p at all times; the front
of the blade to be sharpened throughout its entire length, and the back
to a length of 5 inches from the point of the blade; the scabbard to be
constructed so as to preserve the sharp edge.

If this recommendation is approved, tne only change necessary in
the Infantry Drill Regulations is to keep the present method of fixing
bayonets, w^th which the troops are already familiar and which is con-
tained in the appendix.

In consideration of the fact that the United States magazine rifle is
being held pending a decision upon the points at issue, the committee
decided to submit this portion of its report at once, and make the
sword the subject of a separate report.

W. S. Schuyler,
Lieutenant- Colonel^ General Staffs

J. T. DiCKMAN,

Captain^ Gene7*al Staff.
Fkank De W. Ramsey,

Captain^ General Staff,
Frank McIntyre,

Captain^ General Staff.
P. C. March,

Captain^ General Staff.

[First indorsement.]

March 22, 1905.

To the Chief of Ordnance, requesting remark for the information
of the General Staff in full committee at its next meeting, when it is
desired also that the Chief of Ordnance and Captain DicKson shall be
present, that this matter may be thoroughly discussed at that time.

Chaffee,

Lieutenant' General^ Chief of Staff.

[Second indorsement.]

Office of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washington^ March 28^ 1906.

1. Respectfully returned to the Chief of Staff, United States Army.

2. The following points mentioned in the within report are re-
ferred to.

3. The experience thus far had shows that the barrel of the rifle of the
model of 1903 shows the effects of wear at from 1,200 to 1,400 rounds,
in somewhat diminished accuracy at long ranges, and in an occasional
stripping of the bullet.

4. When considering the subject of the weight to be carried by the
soldier, no difficulty is found in concurring with the view of the Board
that the fighting equipment is the last element in which attempt should
be made to save weight; but it is well to bear in mind that weight
saved any wljere enables the soldier to carry additional ammunition, at
the rate of about 14 rounds to the pound.

KNIFE BAYONET FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 95

5. Whatever conclusion may be reached with reference to the bay-
onet for the new rifle, the alteration of the Krags already manufac-
tured has not been contemplated.

6. Whether or not there may be considered to exist danger of per-
manently bending the rod bayonet so that it would be in the path of
the bulfet, it is extremely probable that the bayonet in its normal
extended position would affect somewhat the flight of the bullet.

7. No mention is made in the report of the difficulty which has been
reported to have been encountered of withdrawing the knife bayonet
from a body into which it may have been plunged; a few distinct state-
ments as to this fault are on file in the Ordnance Office. There seems,
however, to have been no mention of it in connection with the expe-
rience in Manchuria which has revived the entire subject.

8. The experience of this Department in the equipment of rifles
with a metallic cleaning rod, carried under the barrel, has not been
satisfactory. It has been difficult to retain the rod in place; it has
been said to injure the barrel in use, and the thong is thought to suc-
cessfully serve its purpose as a cleaner, while with reference to its
other objects the opinion of the Board is thought to be sound, that in
action tne soldier would be much more likely to discard his weapon
and pick up an available one than to make use of it. The Ordnance
Department would much prefer not to furnish it as an attachment to
the rifle.

9. It is presumed that the recommendation of the Board involves
the arming of the cavalry with the same gun as the infantry, but with-
out the bayonet. There may be something to be said in favor of the
necessity lor arming the cavalry with the same weapons which are
considered indispensable for the infantry for the circumstances under
which it would be expected to do the same kind of fighting; and this
may introduce an argument of some force in favor of the rod bayonet
for the cavalry arm. But, on the other hand, it may be said that the
cavalryman has the revolver for close work, and if the progress of
events and opinion lead to the conclusion that the cavalryman should
carry something in the way of a bayonet, it will always be possible to
issue it to him as adopted, or to furnish him with the short one which
has been used with the Krag- Jorgensen rifle.

10. The Ordnance Department will find no inconvenience in issuing
the new rifle equipped with the bayonet recommended.

William Crozier,
Brigadier- General^ Chief of Ordnance.

(267910-657.)

Appendix II.

PROCEEDINGS OF A BOARD OF OFFICERS CONVENED BY SPECIAL
ORDERS, No. 91, OF 1905, TO TEST SIGHTS FOR UNITED STATES
MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 190S.

Rock Island Arsenal,
Rock Island, III., May SI, 1905.

Sir. 1. I forward herewith proceedings of the board of oflScers convened by Special
Orders, No. 91, War Department, current perief, and in separate package, by'express,
United States magazine rifle, moidel 1903, No. 95641, w^ith the model rear sight, raised
hand guard, and front-sight cover, which had been approved by the board, and which
in their report they recommend for adoption.

2. I am also sending two drawings, <> one showing elevations and the otlier the plan
of the sight proposed bv the boara. These drawings show the general design only
and are not exact as to tne final dimensions, elevations of the leaf, the drift cur\'e, or
numbering on the leaf, and similar details. Attention is invited to the fact that the
top surface of the movable base is slightly inclineti downward to the front in order
to maintain the correct angle of departure for 400 yards, no matter what may be the
position of the slide when the leaf is down.

3. I would remark that neither the sights, as shown on rifle No. 95641, nor the
drawings above alluded to could be made very accurate in the limited period which
it was believed could be considered available for the deliberations of the board. They
should be considered, therefore, merely as indicating the general design recommended
by the board rather than absolute models for future constructions.

Respectfully,

S. E. Blunt,
LieutenarU' Colonel, Ordnance Department, U. S. Amiy, Commandiuy.

The Chief of Ordnance,

VnUed Stales Army, Washington, D. C.

[First indorsement.]

Office of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washington, June 10, 1905.

1. Respectfully submitted to The Militarv Secretary, recommending approval of
the general design of rear 6\^ht, hand guard, and front-sight cover suggested by the
board. United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, No. 95641, to which these articles
have been assembled, is forwarded herewith.

2. The following minor changes are deemed advisable, viz:

(a) The tangent screw to be lengthened about 0.1 inch to enable the screw head to
be more easily grasped; the end of the screw head will project less than that on the
slide and be within the lines of the hand guard. Its diameter should also be slightly
enlarged.

(6) The white metal line on the model of 1903 sight met with such general
approval as to warrant its application to the new sight without further trial.

3. The issue of an auxiliary leaf for ranges from 2,600 to 3,500 yards does not seem
warranted, as small-arms fire is of little value bevond 2,000 yards; at longer ranges
the shrapnel fire of field artillerv is much more effective.

The issue of sights having different sizes of peep holes does not appear necessary,
and is not recommended.

William Crozier,
Brigadier- General, Chief of Ordnance.

<» Not printed.
war 1905— vol 9 7 97

APPENDIX II.

[Second iiMlonemexit.1

JiTNE 27, 1905.

Respectfully submitted to' the Secretary of War, recommending anproval of the
proceedings of the board of officers convened by paragraph 1, Special Ordeis, No. 91,
current series, War Department, as modified on the lines suggested by the Chief of
Ordnance.

Herewith is a memorandum report of the first division, General 8taff, who have
carefully reviewed the proceedings of the board and concur in the views of the Chief
of Ordnance. The sight recommended is submitted herewith for the inspection of
the Secretary of War.

Chatfbx,
LieuUnanirCfeneral, Chief of SUtff,

[Third indorsement.]

Wab Dbpabtment, June 29, 1906.

Approved as recommended by the Chief of Staff in the preceding indorsement.

Wm. H. Taft,

Secretary of War.
26791 Q— 736.

Proceedings of a board of officers convened by the following order:

Special Orders, \
No. 91. ;

[Extract.]

War Dbpabtmsmt,
WashingUm, April W, 1906.

1. A board of officers is appointed to meet at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., on Tues-
day, May 2, 1905, at 10 .o'clock a. m., or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the
purpose of testing; such designs of siehts for the United States magazine rifle, model
of 1903, as may be referred to it by the Chief of Ordnance, Unitetl States Army.

Detail for the board. — Lieut. Col. Stanhope E. Blunt, Ordnance Department; Capt,
John T
Infantry

Infantry,. ^ ..... ^

Eleventh Cavalry. Captain Thorn pj»on will act as recorder of the board.

The commandmg officer of Fort Leavenworth will afford all assistance and facilities
required in the conduct of the te8t8, including the services of such enlisted men as
may be requested by the president of the board.

The programme of the tests will be drawn up and the trial conducted and expedited
in the most practicable manner, for the purpose of ascertaining which form of sight
is most suitable for use in actual service, the relative excellence for taivet-range work
being considered with reference to the training of the soldier to shooting under
battle conditions.

The different forms of front-sight protectors will be tested for the purpose of ascer-
taining which is most suitable for ufte, particularly by mounted troops.

Upon the completion of the programme the board will submit a report of the tests
with recommendations to the Chief of Ordance. Upon the adjournment of the board
the mem here not Htalioned at ^'ort leaven worth will return to their proper stations.
The travel enjointnl is necessary for the public service. (1003482 M. 8. O.)

By order of the Secretary of War:

Official:

F. C. A I NH worth,

7^f Military Secretary.

Adna R. Chaffee,
Lieutenant'Generalj Chief of Staff .

Special Orders,
No. 95.

}

[Extract.]

War Department,
Washington^ April 26, 1905.

6. Capt. Harry LaT. ('avenaugh, Tenth Cavalry, is detailed as a member of the
board of offic<»r8 appointed by paragraph 1, Sne<Mal Orders, No. 91, April 20, 1905,
War Deimrtment, to meet at Fort U»ftvenwortlJ, Kann., for the purpose of tef>tin^
such designs of sights for the Unitwl Statcn nmgnziue rifle, model of 1903, as mav V»e
referred to it by toe Chief of Ordnance, United States Army, vice Capt Letcher Har^

SIGHT FOR U. 8. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 99

deman, Eleventh Cavalry, who is hereby relieved. The travel enjoined is necessary
for the public service. (1005463— M. S. O. )

By order of the Secretary of War:

Gbobgb L. Gillespib,
Official: Major- Oeneraly Acting Chief of Staf.

F. C. AiNSWOBTH,

The Militari/ Secretary.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May 2^ 1905.
The board met pursuant to the above ordere; present, all the mem-
bers. The above orders and the following letters were then read to
the board:

Oppicr OF THE Chief OF Ordnance, U. S. Army,

Washington, D. C, April Sly 1906.

Sir: 1. I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of paragraph 1 of Special
Orders, No. 91, War Department, dated Washington, April 20, 1905, convening a
board of officers, of which you are the president, to meet at Fort Leavenworth,
Kans., on Tuesday, May 2, 1905, at 10 a. m., or as soon thereafter as practicable, to
test such designs of sights for the United States magazine rifle, mo<lel of 1903, as may
be referred to the board from this office.

2. A copy of the letter, O. O. file 26791 0—679, by which the convening board was
requested, is also inclosed for your information, as it explains the reasons for giving
further consideration at this time to the design of sight with which the new rifle
should be provided. It is also desired to take advantage of the opportunity thus
offered to test different designs of front-si^ht protectors and muz/.le covers, particu-
larly with reference to the form of protection required for preventinjj the front sight
from cutting the rifle scabbard, issued to mounte<l troops using the nfle.

3. In accordance with the order convening the board, two designs of rear sights,
known as models of 1901 and 1902, are submitted for test by it. The commanding
officer, Springfield Armory, has been instructed to ship by express to Capt. John T.
Thompson, Ordnance Department, recorder of Tms board, care of the post ordnance
officer, Fort Leavenworth, Kans., the following arms and sij^hts for its use, viz:

Three United States magazine rifles, model of 1903, with model of 1901 sights.
Three United States magazine rifles, model of 1903^ with model of 1903 sights.
One United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, with model of 1903 sight; the
combined upper band and sight stud of which is provided with two lugs for
protecting the sight; the form of upper band should not be considered, as
the lugs, if desirable, could l)e made part of the front-sight sleeve.
One Lee rifle of the latest model, adopted by the British Government, which,
it will be noted, is equipi>ed with a rear sight similar to the model of 1903
and a front-sight protector of the same design as the at>ove-mentioned rifle.
One rear sight of each of the following models, viz: 1873, 1879, 1884, 1892, 1896,
1898, 1901, 1903, which sights will inform the board of the different desi^[ii8
used in service during the past thirty-two years and the lines along which
the two designs submitted for test have been developed.
The commanding officer, Frankford Arsenal, and the commanding officer. Rock
Island Arsenal, have been instructe^l to ship to Captain Thompson 3,000. ball car-
tridges, model of 1903, and 3 rifle scabbards, model of 1903, respectively, for the use
of the board.

4. In addition to the sight protectors on the rifles referred to above, the command-
ing officer, Springfield Armory, has been instructed to ship the following, viz:

Three front sight and muzzle covers for United States magazine rifle, model of

1903, of the design shown in fig. 109 of the description of the United States

magazine rifie, model of 1898.
Three front-sight covers for the United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, of

the design shown in fig. 110 of the same descriptive pamphlet.
Three front sight and muzzle covers for the United States magazine rifle, model

of 1903, of the design now being made.

Very respectfully, William Crozisr,

Brigadier- Generaly Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army.

Lieut. Col. Stanhope E. Blunt,

Ordnance Deparlmeni, V, S, Army.
(President Boara of Officers, convened by Spt'cial Orders, No. 91, War Depart-
ment, dated Washington, April 20, 1905.)
(26791 0-691. )

100 APPENDIX 11.

Office of the Chief of Obdnance, U. S. Akmy,

Washington, D. C. , April 17, 1905,

Sir: 1. The recent adoption of a knife bayonet of increased length for the rifle of
the model of 1903, has necessitated a pause in the issue of that rifle to the troops; it
is thought best to utilize that pause to give some further consideration to the sight
with which the rifle shall be provided. The choice seems to lie between two
sights known, respectively, in general terms, as the model of 1901 and the model
of 1902. The principal claim of merit for the sight of the model of 1901 is that it has
the better peep, and for the model 1902 that the field of view is less obstructed;
advocates of both sights claim superior serviceability. The difference in the cost or
difficulty of manufacture of the two sights above mentioned is not sufficient to influ-
ence a decision as to which is the more suitable. A sight is so much a matter of
Sersonal preference that any form adopted is certain to encounter criticism, but it is
esired to base a choice upon such judgment as can afterwards be quoted as the best
which care and attention to the subject can secure for this department.

2. It is thought that the consideration which should be kept in view is the suit-
ability of the sight for the use in the field for which it is intended, and that relative
excellence for target range work should be considered with reference to training of
the soldier to shoot under battle conditions which is the object of such work.
The board of officers which recommended the adoption of the rifle of the model of
1903 ^ve due consideration to all of its features, and it can not be said that any new
facts m regard to the sight have since been brought forward which would present
considerations not before that board. There can be no question as to the skill and
judgment and experience of the members of the board, and the only reason for now
suggesting a review of its findings lies in the fact that its attention was not specially
directed by the convening authority to the sight, and that the conclusion of a large
number of officers, upon a matter so difficult to bring under precise rules, would be
a better basis upon which to found a decision as to the model which must be repro-
duced in such large numbers.

3. It is therefore recommended that a board of officers representing all branches of
the service concerned with the sight be assembled at such point as may present
suitable facilities for trials, and where there may be a number of enlisted men avail-
able for practice under the direction of the board, with instructions to recommend
the form of sight, among those submitted by the Ordnance Department, which is
best suited for adoption for use in the service on the rifle of the model of 1903.

4. It is also suggested that the board consider different forms of protectors for the
front sight, particularly for rifles issued to the cavalry which are to be carried in
scabbards.

William Crozier,
Brigadier- General, Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army.

The Military Secretary, U. S. Army.
26791 6—679.

Office of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washington, April 24, 1905,

Sir: 1. Referring to letter from this Office dated April 21, 1905, 0. 0. file 26791
— 691 , in which you were informed in regard to the models of sights and different
sight protectors which are to be tested by the board, I have the honor to send you
inclosed herewith, for the information of the board, all of the criticisms on file in this
Office relating to the two designs of rear sights to be tested by it, namely: O. 0. files
37927—49, 35825—39, 37927—39, 35979—53 with inclosure 1, 16964—153, 16964—191,
25109—23, 25301—369, 28487—20, 31627—712 with inclosure 1, 28487—21, 37329—15
with inclosure 1, 30496—409, 30496—403, 30843—250^ and 31149 0—24 with inclosures
2, 3, and 4; also the reports submitted by the individual members of the board of
officers convened by Special Orders, No. 19, Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-
General's Office, Washington, January 23, 1903, which board recommended the adop-
tion of the United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, and the model of 1903 sight,
namely: O. O. files 26791 0—185 with inclosures 1 to 10, inclusive, 26791 0—167,
26791 0—183 with inclosure 1, 26791 0—168 with inclosure 1.

Upon the adjournment of the board all of these papers should be returned to this
Office.

2. You are also instructed to obtain from the commanding officer of Rock Island
Arsenal, for the use of the board, O. O. file 38660 — 76, which is the report of Capt.

SIGHT FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. lOl

George Monteomery, Ordnance Department, I'nited States Army, in connec^tion with
his duties at tne maneuvers at Manassas, Va., referred to the commanding ofiii^er ot
Rock Island Arsenal by fourth indorsement, dated January 10, 1906. Upon the
adjournment of the boanl this paper should be returned to the commanding officer
of Rock Island Arsenal.

Respectfully, William Cbozier,

Brigadier-Cfeneralf Chief of Ordnance.
Lieut. Col. Stanhope E. Blunt,

Ordnance Department^ V. S. Army^ Rock Island Arsencd.
(President Board of Officers, convened by Special Orders, No. 91, War Depart-
ment, 1905.)

26791 0—697.

The board then entered into a discussion of the provisions of the
orders convening it, of the nature of the duties devolved upon it, and
of the appropriate methods of procedure. After further discussion,
the i>oard adopted the following programme of tests, to be modified as
circumstances might necessitate:

PROGRAMME OF TESTS.

1. An examination of the various reports from line and Ordnance
officers, submitted to the board by the Chief of Ordnance, and the
compilation of the comments therein on the sights, giving in every
case the name of the officer and date of report.

2. A critical examination of each sight as to general design and of
each comnonent thereof, in order to determine whether it is amply
strong ana properly designed for its purpose, by each member of the
board.

3. A consideration of the essential features of a sight '^for use in
actual service, the relative excellence for target range work being con-
sidered with reference to the training of the soldier to shooting under
battle conditions." What features are desirable? What preferable?
Particular consideration to be given to any essential feature not pos-
sessed by either sight.

4. Firing tests. Since the courses in target range work given in the
Firing Regulations for Small Arms, 1904:, embooy the experience of
the Army in the final step of increasing the soldier's accuracy of fire
in action, the test of each sight will consist in firing through the rec-
ord portion of the marksman's course by marksmen, fipst-class men.
second-class men, third-class men, and unclassified men, selected for
each class from the infantry, cavalry, and engineers; similarly for the
sharpshooter's course and expert rifleman's test.

Expert firing by the distinguished marksmen will also be had. At
the conclusion of the firing, each firer will name his preference, and
give reasons therefor, to tne board. Each member or the board will
do such firing as he may deem necessary to form his opinion as to the
relative merits of the sights.

5. The sights will be exhibited to such officers, expert riflemen,
sharpshooters, and marksmen of the various organizations serving at
Fort Leavenworth as may desire to see them, and the opinion thereof
considered by the board.

6. Rifles with each sight will be tested in rapid mounting by caval-
rymen at the conclusion of the firing test.

7. A final consideration of the sights under test as to features deemed
essential, preferable, and desirable.

102 APPENDIX U.

8. The different kinds of front sight protection submitted to the
board will be practically tested to deteroune which is most suitable for
use, particularly for mounted use.

9. Findings and recommendations.

In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of the programme^
the various criticisms of the models of 1901 and 1903 sights contained
in the letters and reports submitted to the board by the Chief of Ord-
nance (O. O. file 26791 O — 697) were read and carefully consider^
by the board. A compilation of the portions of these papers relating
to the sights is appended and marked '^ A."°

At 6 p. m. the board adjourned until 9 a. m., the 3d instant.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May J, 1905.

The board met pursuant to adjournment. Present, all the members.
The board then examined the following rifles, rear sights, and form^i
of front-sight protectors received from Springfield Armory.

One Lee-Enfield rifle "S 4765."

£ight United States magazine rifles, model of 1903:

No. 76419— combined front band and sight protector.

No. 76762 — ^front band and front-sight sleeve combined.

No 4^63 i °^^^fi<^^io'^ o^ ^^^ sight (windage screw).

No! 99725 )

No. 95698 } model of 1903 sight, with peep plate.

No. 78565 J

No. 95641 — front band, correct siae and form.

Note. — The other front bands are not exactly right.
Three front-sight covers, carbine, caliber .30, mo<lified for model of 1903 rifle.
One front-sight and muzzle cover.
Three front-sight and muzzle covers, model 1898, modified for model of 1903

rifle.
Nine rear sights, complete (one each models of 1878, 1884, 1892, 1896, 1901,

1903, and two model of 1879).
One rear-sight model of 1901 on base sleeve.

A letter dated April 26, 1906, from Col. Frank H. Phipps, Ordnance
Department, commanding Springfield Armory, to Lieut. Col. Stan-
hope E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, president of the board, stating
that the limited time allowed had not permitted the graduation of the
modified model of 1901 sights for the model of 1903 rifle, was then read.

In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of the programme
of tests, each«member of the board made a critical examination of the
modified model of 1901 rear sight and of the model of 1903 rear sight,
examining also the different components which had been dismounted
for this purpose. The various models of sights received from Spring-
field Armory were carefully examined.

In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3 of the programme,
the board then considered the essential features of a sight ''for use in
actual service, the relative excellence for target- range work being con-
sidered with reference to the training of the soldier for shooting under
battle conditions." Besides the usual requirements that a service sight
must be simple, strong, and compact, the board deems the following^
features essential to a sight satisfying the conditions above quoted:

1. A good peep sight as well as the usual open sight on account of
the general use of a peep for firing at the longer ranges.

2. A wind-gaugearrangement which will giveconstantangular correc-
tion for each point on wind-gauge graduation, irrespective of elevation.

o Not printed.

SIGHT FOR U. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 103

3. A leaf which will readily fold completely back upon the barrel
or receiver, thus preventing its being injured or broken if inserted,
when raised in the rifle scabbard.

The following features are considered preferable:

1. A movement of the sight in azimuth by means of a screw, giving
minute windage corrections or larger changes without removal of the
rifle from the shoulder to a binding lever and movement by hand.

2. A windage screw with head onr right side of rifle to one with head
on left side, as it more readily permits of manipulation without re-
moval of rifle from shoulder.

3. A sight in which any error in setting the leaf slide for elevation
is not multiplied, to one in which such error is multiplied.

4. A peep which does not change at diiferent elevations its form as
viewed by the firer to one which does.

5. A U-shaped open notch to a V-shaped one.

6. For the protection of the rear sight, a projection of the wooden
hand guard di recti v in front of the rear sight, to a metal band, raised
on top, placed at that point.

The following features were considered desirable:

1. An extensive field of view.

2. Sufficient metal above and below peep to prevent blurring. The
members of the board noted the very small changes of elevation of the
model of 1903 rifle for the ordinary fighting ranges and its large maxi-
mum continuous dangerous space of about 600 yards against infantry
(when gun is fired from shoulder of soldier standing, with 400 yards
elevation and at middle point of a target or man, 68 inches high).

The president of the board stated that he had requested from the
commanding officer of Fort Leavenworth the use of the target range
and the services of officers and enlisted men to carry out the firing tests,
and that these requests had been granted.

The board at 12 o'clock took a recess to meet at 1.30 p. m. on the
Fort Leavenworth target range for the purpose of conducting the
firing tests, as prescribed in paragraph 4 or the programme.

At the range Lieut. C. W. Cole, Ninth Cavalry, and Sergts. J. W.
Spicer, Company B, Eighteenth Infantry, C. Mika, Company D,
Eighteenth Infantry, and S. Thomas, Troop G, Ninth Cavalry, having
been detailed by the commanding officer. Foil Leavenworth, repoi'ted
for duty and remained with the board until May 6, each firing at least
one score with the open and peep notches of both 1901 (modified) and
1903 sights at all the prescribed ranges up to 1,000 yards, and partici-
pating in the skirmish firing. Corporal Randolph, Company B, First
mttalion of Engineerts, performed like dut}'^ for the board. As two
companies of the First Battalion of Engineers were in camp and firing
on tne range a number of officers and enlisted men of various quali-
fications as to marksmanship fired from time to time at the various
mnges, as did also some of the officers and men serving at Fort Leav-
enworth. The members of the board fired from time to time at all
ranges. Upon completion of each firer's score he was asked by the
board his preference as to the sights, his reasons therefor, and requested
to make any criticisms and recommendations on the subject deemed
necessary. At the close of each half day's firing this information was
duly considered by the board. Important points or defects developed
were considered at once by boai'd on the field.

As the modified model of 1901 sights had not been graduated for
the model of 1903 rifle, and as the m^el of 1903 sights were used for

104 APPENDIX II.

this first time by some of the firers, the scores made are not appended,
the purpose of the firing being to secure the opinions of the firers as
to the best form of rear sight satisfying the conditions given by the
order convening the board. During the afternoon slow firing at 200
and 300 yards was conducted. At 6 p. m. the board adjourned until
9 a. m., the 4th instant.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May ^, 1905,

The board met pursuant to adjoui*nment. During the morning ses-
sion slow firing at 500 and 600 yards and during the afternoon session
at 800 yards was carried on with the various rifles and sights under
conditions previously mentioned. During the firing the peep plate on
model of 1903 sight on one of the rifles worked loose, so that it would
not retain its pasition up or down. Lieut. Charles R. Pettis, Corps
of Engineers, submitted a letter containing recommendations as to
sights, which is appended and marked ^^B."^

jPursuant to the provisions of paragraph 5 of the programme^ the
models of 1903 and 1901 (modified) si^ts were shown at various times
in the board room and on the target range to a number of officers and
enlisted men, some of whom participated in the firing. Their opinions
were duly considered by the board.

At the close of the afternoon session the board, pursuant to the pro-
visions of paragraph 7 of the programme, duly considered the results
of its investigations and of the firings up to date and after extended
discussion decided —

First. That neither the model of 1903 nor the modified model of
1901 rear sights satisfy the essential conditions for a sight ** suitable
for use in actual service, the relative excellence for target-range work
being considered with reference to the training of the soldier to
shooting under battle conditions."

The general design of the model of 1903 sight does not lend itself
readily to the attachment of a good strong peep. The peep plate on
this sight is attached by a small screw to a thin portion of the eyepiece
and is apt to work loose. If the leaf be raised for setting the slide,
the peep plate pushed up and the leaf permitted to snap down on the
base, the peep plate is apt to jar down into its lower position. The
amount of metal around the top of the peephole is so small that the
metal is scarcely visible at the longer ranges, where most used. The
peephole appears elliptical and blurs somewhat at all ranges, except
500 vards. The model of 1903 rear sight does, therefore, not satisry
the nrst essential condition laid down by the board, but does satisfy
the second condition.

The modified model of 1901 rear sight satisfies the condition of a
good peep at all ranges, but is considered defective as to the second
condition, as it requires the use of the leaf down for an open sight up
to about 500 yards. As the slide is moved forward in this position of
the leaf the open notch thereon approaches the center of rotation of
the movable base, and hence its wind gauge does not give constant
angular correction for each point irrespective of elevation.

Neither model of sight satisfies the third condition as to bedding
back down on the barrel if inserted with the leaf liaised into the rifle
scabbard. The form of the model of 1903 sight apparently does not
admit of a modification permitting such a movement.

flNot printed.

SIGHT FOR U. 8. MAGAZINE RIPLE, MODfiL OP 1^03. 105

As the form of the modified 1901 rear sight admitted of further
modifications satisfying the essential conditions as to constant angular
windage corrections and folding back on barrel, and hence all the essen-
tial conditions, the board recommended that the following changes be
made therein:

The open sight or leaf down to give in all forward positions of slide
an elevation of 400 yards corresponding to the battle range, thus
utilizing the straight trajectory of the model of 1903 rifle.*

This requires the ears at rear end of movable base to be raised, so
that^ in connection with an increase in the length of drift slide due to
the msertion of an open sight therein (in shape like that in sliding leaf
of 1884 sight) above the peep, the leaf can be thrown fully back on
barrel, the top of open sight resting on top of receiver in most posi-
tions of slide on the leaf. The open siglit on drift slide can be used
from 100 yards up to near 1,800 yards as can the peep. From 1,800
yards to 2,500 yards (which latter graduation can oe obtained on the
1901 leaf, very slightly len^hened, on account of the higher velocity
and shorter sight radius oi the 1903 rifle) the open notch on the top
of the slide must be used.

The inside of the leaf (like the 1901 leaf for rifle) should be provided
with an automatic drift correction curve as far as practicable.

The top of the leaf should be bright and the figures and lines dark
as in the model of 1901 sight.

The board liked the addition of the strong tangent screw to the model
1901 sight, and the position of head on right side, but recommends that
the diameter of the head, if found practicable, be somewhat increased.

Protection of rear sight should be given by a swell on the rear end
and top of hand guard.

The outer left side of the leaf should be roughened by cross lines to
prevent slipping of the slide when slide screw is tightened.

The base, the movable base, and the leaf should each be made wider
in order to give a less obstructed field of view and the sides of the leaf
broadened so as to strengthen this part of the sight.

The leaf should be slightly lengthened so as to be more readily
raised by the finger from the ifront end and to admit of the 2,500 yards
graduation.

The U-shaped open sights on the model 1901 sight were considered
siitisfactory.

Peep sights with holes of 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, and 0.06 of an inch,
were desired for trial.

The board, believing it desirable to test a sight of the general design
of the model 1901 sight, but so modified as to embody its conclusions
as above expressed, then decided to send the following telegrams:

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May 4, 1905.

The Military Secretary, Wcahingion, I), C:

Board does not approve any sight testeil. Recommends alterations that can be
made at Rock Island Arsenal and that board now adjourn and return to stations to
meet on completion about May 23, or earlier, at call of president.

Blunt.

Chief of Ordnance, U, S. Army, Washington^ D. C:

Board has recommended adjournment to meet again upon completion at Rock
Island Arsenal of changes they desire in sight.

Blunt.

At 6.30 p. m. the board adjourned until 9 a. m., the 5th iastant.

106 APPENDIX IT.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May 5^ 1905.

The board met pursuant to adjournment; present, all the members.
Rapid firing at 2U0, 300, and 600 yards was carried on during the
morning session and slow fire at 1,000 yards during the afternoon
session under usual conditions. The 1901 sight slide was criticised
for not remaining fixed at times after much use. The 1903 peep was
criticised as giving a blurred effect at 1,000 yards. The good field of
view of the 1903 open sight was commented upon.

The board adjourned at 6 p. m. to meet at 9 a. m., the 6th instant.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., May 6^ 1905.

The board met pursuant to adjournment; present, all the members.

Several skirmisn runs were made by members of the board, the
selected marksmen, and other officers and enlisted men.

Three mounted cavalrymen reported to the board for trial of front-
sight protectors. The different forms before the board were fixed to
the rifles, which were repeatedly drawn from and returned to new
rifle scabbard. The cavalrymen, with the different forms (both per-
manent and detachable) on rifles placed in scabbards, galloped for
some time. The results were examined as to bending the protector
or front sight and as to cutting the scabbards.

The board decided from test of the rifle so altered that no perma-
nent front-sight protection was desirable, as it interfered with the
light on front si^nt during firing, as the ears on sides were apt to be
taken, especially in rapid firing, for the front sight (although it was
realized that this action on part of firer is somewhat due to his want
of familiarity with the use of a rifle provided with such a protector),
and as it was heavy and unsightly.

The board does not consider any muzzle cover necessary.

The board recommends the adoption of the front-sight cover for the
caliber .30 carbine, modified for model of 1903 rifle. This cover should
be retained on the rifle when in scabbard. Experience shows that this
form of protector will give ample protection to the front sight when
rifle is in or out of scabbard, and will also protect the scabbard from
wear or cutting by the front sight.

The following telegram to the president of the board was received:

Order made directing members of board to test design rifle sights to return to proper
stations and to reconvene at Fort Leavenworth at call of president of board.

McCain,
Military Secretary.

The board then, at 6 p. m., adjourned, to meet at the call of the presi-

^®"*^- John T. Thompson,

Captain^ Ordnance Department^

U. S. Army, Recorder.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans. , May 2S, 1905.

The board met. present all the members, pursuant to call of the
president, as authorized by the following order, and continued its
daily sessions until final adjournment:

Special Orders, \ War Department,

No. 106. i Washington, May 6, 1906.

(Extract.)
*******

9. The members of the board of oflScers appointed by paragraph 1, Sjjecial Orders,
No. 91, April 20, 1906, War Department, will return to their proper stations for duty,

SIGHT FOR 0. S. MAGAZINE RIPLE, MODEL OP 1903. 107

and the board will reconvene at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., at the call of the president
of the board. The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service.

By order of the Secretary of A^'^ar.

George L. Gillespie,
Mo^or General, Acting Chief of Staff,
Official:

F. C. AiNSWORTH,

The Military Secretary.

The board then considered a letter from Capt. N. F. McClure,
quartermaster Fifth Cavalry, dated Fort Huachuca, Ariz., May 2,
1905, recommending a wind-gauge sight that will change uniformly
and suggesting that this defect may be obviated in the 1901 model
sight by alwa^'s shooting with the leaf raised. He also suggests that
the sight be simple, does not think a peep sight of much advantage,
but, at critical point, it might be a cause of confusion, mentions that
on present carbine the sight can be fixed for certain ranges in three
different ways, making the sight too complicated for the average soldier.

In letter to president of the board, dated Fort Huachuca, Ariz.,
May 1-1, 1906, Capt. N. F. McClure, quartermaster Fifth Cavalry,
acknowledges the receipt of a reply dated 9th instant and states:

My main reason for objection to the peep sight is the danger of confusion in excite-
ment of battle, etc. The simplest sight ought to be the best. Since I wrote to you,
however, I have been using the peep sight in my regular range practice and with
such good results that I must confess that I have been won over and now have no
objection to its being put on our new sight.

The board then considered the following letter and indorsement:

Springfield Armory, Mash., May 5, 1906,

Sir: 1. I am forwarding you to-night by express a model of 1903 rifle with new
front band and sight protector, which, if it meets the approval of the Department, I
should be glad to have submitted to the board at session at Fort Leavenworth. It
will be noted that the front band was made from an old band, as shown by the
brazing, but it represents in outline the front band, which has been recommended.

2. Tne front sight, it will be observed, is an adjustable si^ht, and should the pro-
tecting ears be adopted it would do away with the necessity of pinning the front-
sight stud to the front-sight band and would also obviate the necessity of a front-sight
protector. Blueprints of this protector are inclosed. «

3. The holes in the sides of the protecting ears permit of a ready adjustment of
the front sight, and forwarded herewith is a brass set, which can be used with this
gun.

Respectfully, Frank H. Phipps,

Colonely Ordnance Dejyartmerd, U. S. Army, Commanding,

The Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army,

Washingtan, D. C.

26791 O— 71C

[First indorsement.]

Office of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washington^ May 10, 1905,

1. Respectfully forwarded to Col. Stanhope E. Blunt, Ordnance Department, United
States Army, president of the board convened by Special Orders, No. 91, War Depart-
ment, April 20, 1905, with request that the front-sight protector on United States
magazine rifle, model of 1903, No. 83000, be tested in connection with those referred
to in 0.0. file 26791 0—691, dated April 21, 1906. The rifle in question has been sent
him at Rock Island Arsenal by express this date.

2. His attention is invited to the liability of one of the sides of the protector being,
in case of excitement, used instead of the front sight. It should also be noted that
the front sight is retained in its correct position only by friction.

William Crozier,
Brigadier-General, Chief of Ordnance,

« Not printe<l.

108 APPENDIX 11.

United States magazine rifle, model of 1003, No. 83000, with front
band and sight protection, was then carefully examined by the board,
which adhered to its former opinion against the use of a permanent
front-sight protection. The board further recommends no change in
the form, thickness, or size of the front sight proper.

The board then examined three modified 1901 rear sights as further
modified at Kock Island Arsenal to meet its views, as previously
expressed in these proceedings. These sights are of the same design
and have widths of base of 0.70, 0.80, and 0.90 inch, respectively.
The width of the leaf and of its sides has been increased proportion-
ately in each case. These sights should be regarded as showing mainly
the design of sight desired and as only approximately establishing the
final dimensions, the position of the graduations on the leaf, and the
form of the drift curve. The limited time for the modifications did
not permit of doing anything more than this, or of the production of
worKing drawings.

The three rifles with proposed sights, hand guards, and front-sight
protectors were then returned to and drawn many times from the rifle
scabbards of present model, and also from scabbards recently altered
at Rock Island Arsenal to conform more correctly to the rifle with
modified 1901 sight. The board found that protection for the rear
sight is not fully provided by the present model of scabbard, and if the
modified 1901 sight — the raised hand guard and front-sight protector —
be adopted, the present model of scabbard for the model of 1903 rifle
will require modification. The experimental scabbards, however,
showed that this form of sight can be properly protected by some
form of scabbard.

The board found that the sight having a width of base of 0.70 inch
was amply strong for service, and that with any greater width of base
there would be a strong probability of the slide screw projecting so
far as to catch in any practicable form of rifle scabbard, resulting in
injury to the leaf.

The board then proceeded to the target range and fired the rifle pro-
vided with the 0.70-inch width sight, slow and rapid fire. The results
were satisfactory.

The board recommends a peep hole of 0.050-inch diameter, as that
size of hole was found to give the most satisfactory results at all ranges,
and also a strictly U-shaped open notch 0.045-inch wide b}^ 0.0325 -inch
deep. The above dimensions for both sights are understood to be
exactly those determined at Springfield Armory after extensive
experimental firings, supported by all firings at the armory since that
time. The board also recommends that two drift slides, with peep
holes of 0.040-inch diameter and two with peep holes of 0.060-inch
diameter, be issued in each arm chest of ten rifles, and that drift slides,
with peep holes of any diameter required, be issued on special requi-
sition. The board further recommends that some drift slides with
lines of white metal, as on the model of 1903 sight, placed under the
open notch and peep hole but terminating at 0.05-inch therefrom in
each case, be issued for trial.

The board recommends that the open notch be placed at the base of
a triangular opening in the drift sliae above the peep, armnged in the
manner modified at Rock Island Arsenal, in accordance with its direc-
tions. This combination of peep and open sight provides a sight which
will be used at all ranges with the leaf vertical, permits use of a peep

SIGHT FOR V. S. MAGAZINE RIFLE, MODEL OF 1903. 109

sight for ranges from 100 yards to 2,000 yards, inclusive, and for an
open sight in the drift slide above the peep for all ranges from 100
yards to 2,100 yards, inclusive; for other ranges up to 2,400 yards an
open sight is provided by a notch on the top of the drift slide, and for
a range of 2,500 yards by a notch on the upper cross arm of the leaf.
With the leaf turned aown upon the movable base, the open notch
on the face (or cap) of the slide corresponds for any position of the
slide along the leaf up to 2,200 yards to a range of 400 yards, and would
therefore De suitable for battle conditions at the shorter ranges without
any adjustment.

The sight also affords automatic correction for drift with the leaf
raised and a correction for 400 yards with the leaf down, and a wind
gauge in which the actual correction is constant for all adjustments of
the sight with the leaf raised.

The sight is also so constructed that the leaf can be folded back hori-
zontally upon the receiver.

In order to secure the advantage of volley fire at longer ranges than
the leaf is graduated, the board recommends the issue of a number of
slides graduated from 2,600 to 3,500 yards, if practicable.

These slides should be made to slip into the undercuts inside the
leaf and should be attached to the latter by a suitable clamping device.
Such an addition to the sight would enable trained infantry to use
indirect fire at these extreme ranges.

After mature deliberation the board finds that the rear sight on the
United States magazine rifle, model of 1903, caliber .30, No. 95641,
Sprin^eld Armory, with width of base of 0.70 inch protected by
the raised hand guard thereon, embodies the changes ordered by the
board, in the modified model of 1901 sight, submitS^d to the board by
the Chief of Ordnance, United States Army, and provides a sight with
the features above enumerated, and that, as thus modified, this "form
of sight is most suitable for u$e in actual service, the relative excel-
lence for target-mnge work being considered with reference to the
training of the soldier to shooting under battle conditions."

The board therefore recommends the adoption of this sight for use
on the United States magazine rifle, model of 1903.

There being no further business before it, the board then, at 4 o'clock
p. m., May 24, 1905, adjourned sine die.

S. E. Blunt,
Lieutena?it' Colonel^ Ordnanee Departinent^ President.

J NO. T. Thompson,
Captain^ Ordnance Departrrtent^ Recorder,

W. H. Gordon,
Captain and Adjutant^ Eighteenth Infa/ntry.

G. W. Read,

Captain^ Ninth Cavalry.
Peter Murray,
Captain^ Eighteenth Infcmtry,
Herbert Deaktne,
Captain^ Corm of Engineers*
H. LaT. Cavenauqh,
Captain^ Tenth Comity.

26791 0—736-1.

Appendix III.

TEST TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF LOSS hV ACCURACY PRODUCED BY

EROSION OF CALIBER .SO RIFLE BARRELS.

(5 plates.)

ACCUKACY OF THE MODEL OF 190»S RIFLE.

1. Careful comparative erosion and accuracy tests of two model of
1903 rifles show that while the accuracy, as represented by the mean
radius of the circle of shots, is approxiraatel}" 9 inches at 1,000 yards,
using either the fixed or muzzle rest, there is an appreciable tailing
oflf in accuracy at 2,000 rounds, the me^m radius increasing to approxi-
mately 13.5 inches. A rifle fired 2,000 rounds will therefore be
considered unsuitable for accurate target work. From this point the
accurac}'^ falls off more rapidl}^, and at 4,500 rounds, if not before, the
suitability of the rifle for even active service will certainly be ques-
tioned, as the mean radius becomes approximately 26 inches, and about
20 per cent of the bullets fail to reach the target. After 5,000 rounds
the average mean radius with one rifle was 38.3 inches, and it was
practically impossible to obtain a target with the other.

2. It should be noted that in firing the intermediate rounds in these
tests magazine fire was employed and that in cooling the bore after
each 25 shots the tempei^ature was sufficient to boil the water. These
erosion tests, as conaucted at Springfield Armory, represent there-
fore the most severe conditions that could exist in service.

EFFECT OF METALLIC DEPOSIT.

3. The first of the experiments undertaken to determine, if possible,
the causes of this marked falling off in accuracy was to determine the
effect, if any, upon the accuracy of the deposit made by the bullet
during its passage in the bore. In view of the minuteness of this
metallic deposit and the difficulty of removing it, the investigations
were limited to determining the effect of this deposit by finding the
force required to drive three service bullets through the bore when
new and three bullets after 3,500 rounds had been fired. In cleaning
the barrels during and after the firing, soda water, oil, and rags were
used, but no brushes of any kind.

DEPOSIT BARREL NO. 1.

4. Plate 1 gives the plotted values of the force required to force the
six bullets through deposit barrel No. 1, as determined at Watertown
Arsenal. The apparatus consisted of a piston or rod 0.\2950 of ^n inch

112 APPENDIX III.

in diameter, 0.005 of an inch less than that of the bore, acting against
the base of the bullet and having an adjustable load applied at the other
end. An endeavor was made to maintain a uniform velocity of the
bullet of about 1 inch per minute, but this was found impracticable,
the velocity varying from 0.04 of an inch to 3 inches per minute.
When the barrel was new the maximum force required was 1,267 pounds,
and the three broken lines are very uniform. After the barrel had been
fired 3,600 rounds the force required was considerably greater, rising
to 4,300 pounds with the first bullet. The first and third bullets are
shown on pi. 3, B-1 and B-2. The following may be stated of these
three bullets, the quotation marks indicating extracts from the report
of the commanding officer, Watertown Arsenal:

First bullet after firing: *'The head was forced through the jacket
of the metal, the conical point being detached from the cylindrical part
of the jacket. The rear part of the jacket fell behind tne base of the
lead core a distance of one-fourth inch on one side of the bullet, and
apparently got between the piston and the walls of the barrel, thereby
increasing tne frictional resistance." This evidently occurred in the
second inch of travel, resulting in the maximum resistance of 4,350
pounds.

Second bullet after firing: "The bullet entered freely to a place
where its base was five-eighths inch beyond the forward end of the
cartridge case." There was a flowing back of the jacket metal beyond
the base of the lead core, and it is possible that this metal, getting
between the piston and walls of the barrel, was partly responsible for
the maximum force rising to 2,430 pounds.

Third bullet after firing: '' Bullet showed marks of the rifling for a
length of 0.95 to 1 inch. The conical point of the jacket was ruptured
circumferentially about 0.8 inch around the body. The metal of the
jacket at the base of the bullet flowed over the end of the piston, 0.06
mch maximum length of the thin fin." The maximum force was
3,220 pounds.

5. As the star gauge for caliber .30 rifles had not been completed
when this test was commenced, the bore was star-gauged at the end of
the test only. The measurements showed that tne diameter of the
lands for a distance of 12 inches from the muzzle, and of the grooves
for a distance of 20 inches from the muzzle (total length of rifling
21.26 inches), were yet within the limits permitted in manufacture.
At 21 inches from the muzzle the diameter of the lands and grooves
was 0.0038 and 0.0008 of an inch, respectively, greater than the
maximum permitted.

DEPOSIT BARREL NO. 2.

6. Owing to the incomplete and unsatisfactory data obtained from
the above barrel, a second barrel was taken from the regular stock of
Westmoreland steel, lot 11, for a continuance of these experiments.
The lands and grooves were star-gauged and the barrel fired for
velocity and for accuracy at 500 yards. After 3,500 rounds, the star-

Suge measurements of the lands and grooves were again taken and
s firings for velocity and accuracy repeated. The star-gauge meas-
urements showed, after 3,600 rounds, no appreciable change in the
bore for a distance of 12 inches from the muzzle. At that point
the enlargement was 0.0001 inch and increased to 0.0068 inch at 21
inches. The grooves show^ less change, the measurements agreeing

EROSION OF CALIBER .30 RIFLE BARRELS. 113

with those made when the barrel was new for a distance of 19 inches
from the muzzle. At 20 inches, however, the enlarg^ement was 0.0005
inch and at 21 inches 0.0065 inch. The muzzle velocity had fallen
off 100 feet per second and the accuracy (mean of 5 targets of 10 shots
each at 500 yards), as represented by the mean radius of the circle of
shots, had decreased from 4.2 inches to 6.3 inches.

7. Plate 2 contains the plotted value of the force required to force
service bullets through the bore of deposit barrel No. 2, as determined
also at Watertown Arsenal. The bullets forced through after 3,500
rounds do not show the stretching and rupturing of the jacket metal as
was the case with the bullets forced through deposit barrel No. 1 after
the same number of rounds; neither do the broken lines on pi. 2 show
the excessive resistance of those on pi. 1.

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS OBTAINED.

8. With barrel No. 1 (before firing), the force required varied from
to 1,260 pounds, and was practicafiy the same for all three bullets,
the maximum resistance occurring at the end of about the first half -inch
of travel, as was to be expected. With barrel No. 2 (before firing),
the force required varied from to 1,600 pounds, the maximum resist-
ance occurrmg, for the three bullets, at the end of 3.5, 12.6, and 14
inches of travel respectively. The star-gauge measurements failed to
indicate any cause for the greut difference in the positions of the points
of maximum resistance, and no reasonable explanation suggests itself.

9. With barrel No. 1, after 3,500 rounds, the broken Tines, pi. 1,
show a great variation in the force required, which varied from to
4,350 pounds, the maximum resistance being encountered for the three
V>ullets after 1.5, 20.1, and 10 inches length of travel, respectivelv.
With the first bullet it is possible that in the enlarged cavity maae
by the erosion the bullet wedged in the rough and eroded part, rup-
turing the jacket metal, whicn flowing to the rear of the lead core,
caught between the piston and the walls of the barrel, thereby increasing
the frictional resistance. It is evident from the low force required
that the second and third bullets encountered no such resistance over
the eroded part, and that they reached a point beyond before the fric-
tional resistance became great enough to lead to yielding of the jacket
metal. The metal of the second bullet yielded slightly, but that of
the third bullet mat-crially. Neither the star-gauge measurements
nor the sectioned portions of the barrel indicate any cause for the
great frictional resistance encountered b^ these bullets after passing
the eroded part, and it is believed that it was un(][uestionably due to
other causes than the deposit.

10. With barrel No. 2, after firing 3,500 rounds, the force reauired
was practically the same for all three bullets. It increased graaually
until the bullets were beyond the badly eroded part of the barrel and
was at its maximum where the bore and lands have their least diam-
eters. The curves therefoie agree very closely with the deductions
to be made from the star-gauge measurements which show that for all

Soints along the bore the erosion and wear are greater than the
eposit.

11. In conclusion, therefore, it may be said that while the accuracy
after 3,500 rounds falls off, nothing in the experiments made indicate

WAB 1905— VOL 9 8

114 APPENDIX III.

that the slight deposit which can not be removed with the usual appli-
ances in the hands of the troops, could be, even to a slight extent, the
cause of this decrease.

EFFECT OF EROSION.

12. The results of the above experiments not only demonstrated
that the metallic deposit has no appreciable effect upon the accuracy,
but the star gauge measurements and the examination of the sectioned
barrels revealed no change in the bore from any cause for a distance
of from 16 to 17 inches from the muzzle that could have any appre-
ciable effect upon the accuracy. It was plainly evident from the con-
dition of that part of the barrel and from recovered bullets that the
bullets left the muzzle with a rotational velocity decreased only by the
decrease in the muzzle velocity. This decrease in muzzle velocity,
due to a portion of the gases escaping around the bullet and the bullets
being farther forward when they encounter the maximum resistance,
would not, however, appreciably affect the accuracy.

13. It was necessary to look in rear of this section for the causes of
the falling off in accuracv. In the examination of the bullets forced
through deposit barrel ISo. 1, it was observed that the axis of the coni-
cal pomt of the bulfets is no longer parallel to the axis of the cvlindrical
part, and it was thought that this warping of the longitudinal axis may
nave been due to the bullot wedging as it took its seat m the rifling in the
eroded barrel. Whatever the cause it was inferred from the appearance
of these bullets that this warping probably occurred in firing also and
would, if sufliciently great, account for the falling out in accuracy.

14. Experiments were then inaugurated to determine this point, and
advantage was taken of a comparative test then in progress to deter-
mine the effect upon the accuracy life of the barrel bv reducing the
muzzle velocity from 2,300 to 2,200 feet per second. In order to ren-
der the results conclusive, the bullets were tested for eccentricity and
those only used which, when held at the cylindrical bearing in a
lathe, gave an eccentricity of the point of less than 0.001 inch. The
base of the bullets entered the chuck three-eighths of an inch and the
eccentricity was measured at approximately three-sixteenths of an inch
from the point. At the beginning, firings were made into both saw-
dust and water to determine their relative value as substances into
which bullets could be fired without being materiallv deformed. The
advantage, if any, having been found to lie with the sawdust, firing
into water was discontinued about the middle of the tests.

15. Table I following contains the record of the firings made and the
eccentricity of the point of the bullets recovered. In the last column
is the accuraw at 1,000 yards, corresponding to the period in the test
noted in the first column.

Table II contains the star-gauge measurements of the rifles used in
these firings. Plate 5 shows the erosion in barrels fired 3,500, 4,000,
and 5,000 rounds, respectively.

EBOSION OF CALIBER .30 RIFLE BARRELS.

115

Table I. — EcoeniricUy of unfired service bullets and of service bullets fired from ttvo United
States magazine rifles uging ammunition giving 2,300 and 2,200 feet per second muzzle
velocity, respectively.

[Bullets taken from Frankford Arsenal manufacture of February 23. 1906.]

Substance
fired into.

Unflred bullets.

Firings made with rijle No. 115,S7f in
Vfhtch only ammunition ffi^ng f,SO0 feft
per tecona muzsle vdocUy teat %ucd.

At beginning II*?^"^

After 2,500 rounds '{water**^

After 3.500 round.M I Sawdust

Alter 4,600 rounds ' do . .

Firings made xoUh riJle No. 118,111 in
teh&h only ammunition giHng 2,iOO/eet
per seeoTta muzzle velocity uwu rued.

After 2,500 rounds iw^e?^!

After 8,600 rounds Sawdust

After 4,600 rounds l do . .

Eccen

Num-

ber of

bullets

Maxi-

meas-

ured.

mum.

Inch.

O.OOl

.008

.0025

.0110

.0150

.0105

.0106 ,

Mini-
mum.

iTlch.

,0005
,0006

.001
,0015

.003
,0015

Mean.

Inch.
0.0015

.001
.001
.0065
.0056
.0a'V9
.0062

.0065

.008

.0075

.0130

.001
.0015

.002
.0015

.0085
.0051
.0045
.0057

Mean abso-
lute devia-
tion.
Average of

5 targets
of 10 snots

each at
1,000 yards,
(fixed rest).

Inches.

8.7

19.1

21.8
27.4

}

8.2

11.8
16.8

n One jacket stripped.

Table II. — Star-gauge measurements of rifles uised in t fie firings, the restdts of which are

tabulated in Table I.

RIFLE NO. 115372, MODEL OF 1903.'
[2,300 feet per second ammunition.]

Lands.

At be-
ginning.

Grooves.

Distance from mnule.

At be-
ginning.

Inch.

0.3002
.JI0()2
.3002
.3002
.3002
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.'3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000

.:)ooo

.8000
.3000
.3002

After

2.500

rounds.

After

4,500

rounds.

Inch.

0.3003
.3005
.3005
.3005
.30a5
.3005
.3005
.3005
.3005
.3005
.3005
.3005
.30a5
.3005
.3007
.3010
.3015
.3020
.3030
.3070
.8087
(«)

After

2.500

rounds.

Alter

4.500

rounds.

MuffTle .X

Inch.

0.3004
.3004
.3004
.3000
.8000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3003
.3005
.3007
.3008
.3008
.3010
.3010
.3017
.3030
.8080
(«)

Inch.
0.:«)81
.3081
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.SOW
.3080
.8080
.8060
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.8080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3082
.8062
I

Inch.

0.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.3080
.8080
.3082
.8082
.3082
.3082
.8082
.3082

.soe2

.9082
.8082

(°)

Inch.
0.8082

linch

.8082

2 inches

.8062

8 Inches

.3062

4 inches

.3082

5 Inches

.8062

6 inches

.3082

7 inches

.3082

8 inches

.8082

9 inches

.8062

10 inches

.8082

11 inches

.8062

12 inches

.8084

13 inches

.808t

14 inches

.3084

15 Inches

.8082

16 inches

.8062

17 inches

.8082

18 inches

.8082

19 inches

.8065

20 inches

.3100

21 inches .......^.. .t

(«)

a Beyond limit of star gauge, 0. 815 inch.

116

APPENDIX m.

Table II. — Star-gauge meamiremenU of rifles uaed in thefirmgSj the remiif of

tabulated in TMe /— Oontinaed.

RIFLE NO. U6111. MODEL OF 1903.
[2,200 feet per second ammimiUon.]

are

Lands.

GrooTea.

Dittanoe from mozcle.

At be-
ginning.

After

2.500

rounds.

After

4.500

rounds.

At be-
ginning.

After

2,600
itxmda.

After
4,500

rOIUMlA.

Mnn1i«

Inch.
0.3002
.8002
.3002
.3002
.3002
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3002

Inch.

aaooi

.3001
.3004
.8000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3000
.3003
.8006
.3007

.30oe

.3008
.3010
.3010
.3017
.3090
.3030

Inch.

O.3006

.3005

.3006

.3005
.3005
.3005
.300f>
.3005
.8005
.3005
.3005
.3005
.3005
.3006
.3007
.3010
.301d
.3020
.3030
.3070
.8037

Inch.

o.aoei

.8061
. .3060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3080
.8060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.8060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3060
.3062
.3062

JmdL

O.806O

.8060

.aoeo

.3060
.8060
.8060

.aoeo
.aoeo

.8060
.8060
.8060
.3062
.3062
.3062
.8062
.8062
.3062
.8062
.8062
.3062
(«)

JndL

aao82

linch

^sm9

2 inchei

,8062

8 inches

306?

4 inches

.3062

5 inches

.3062

6 inches

.3062

7 inches

8082

e inches

.8062

9 Inches

.3062

10 inches

.aOB2

11 inches

.3082

12 inches

8064

la inches

3064

14 inches

.3064

16 inches

.3062

16 inches

.3082

17 inches

.8062

le inches

8082

19 inches

3066

20 inches

5nnn

21 inches

(a\

a Beyond limit of star gauge, 0.315 inch.

16. The results, tabulated in Tables I and II preceding, show that
when the barrel is new the eccentricity of the point of the bullets, as
thev leave the muzzle, is onl^ a fractional part of a thousandth of an
inch greater than the eccentricity of the same bullets before firing, and
that as the firing is continued both the erosion and the warping of the
longitudinal axis increases.

It. This eccentricity, howevei*, large as it is, does not indicate the
full deformation sustained by the bullets (see pis. 3 and 4). As the
erosion increases, not only the point of the bullet becomes eccentric,
but the surface of the rear half of the bullet is deeply scored by the
powder gases, the bullets from the point back a half an inch or more
are variously deformed, there is a considerable difference between the
length of the rifiing marks on the ^samo bullet, and the jacket metal is
stretched very unequally, as shown by the oblique base of the bullet.
It will be noted further that many of the bullets at about three-eighths
of an inch from the point have a curious depression.

The bullets are so variously distorted at this point that explanations
of the deformation of one is contradicted by the chaiucter of the defor-
mation of another. It is evident, however, that there is an oblique
and side impact of the bullet as it takes the rifling. In moving forward
through the badly eroded part of the bore the bullet acquires con-
siderable velocity and, no longer centered, strikes the rifling obliquely
and with greater stress on one side. As the jacket metal is softened
by the ereat heat, the result is a warping of the longitudinal axis of
the bullet and unequal stretching of the jacket metal, as shown by the
oblique base of the bullets recovered, (rl. 4.)

18. In this connection it may be of interest to state that in the firings
made to determine to what extent the accuracy life of the model of

EROSION OF CALIBER .30 RIFLE BARRELS. 117

1903 rifle would be prolonged were the muzzle velocity reduced from
2,300 to 2,200 feet per second the first appreciable fallmg off in accu-
racy, which occurred with the 2,300 feet per second ammunition at
2,000 rounds, was not encountered with the 2,200 feet per second ammu-
nition until 4,000 rounds had been fired, and that the accuracy with the
latter ammunition after 7,000 rounds was better than with the former
ammunition after 4,000 rounds. This difference in accuracy was due
to the lower maximum pressure and temperature of the 2,200 feet per
second ammunition, which results in less erosion, less heating of the
jacket metal, and less violent projecting of the bullet through the
eroded section into the rifling.

CONOI.U8ION.

19. It is believed that these experiments have demonstrated that the
comparatively short accuracy life of the model of 1903 rifle is due,
almost entirely, to the distortion received by the bullet in the exces-
sively eroded part of the barrel in front of the mouth of the cartridge
case, which erosion is relatively insignificant elsewhere. Though the
bullet after leaving the badly eroded section passes through two-thirds
of the bore, the lands and grooves of which nave remained practically
unchanged, and leaves the muzzle with a rotational velocity only
slightly less than when the barrel was new, it is eccentric, irregular in
shape, the metal jacket and lead core are no longer disposed symmet-
ricail J about the axis of rotation, and irregularity in flight ana loss of
accuracy result.

20. These experiments were planned and the results discussed with
Capt. W. S. Peirce, Ordnance Department, to whom the writer desires
to express his appreciation for the valuable advice given.

Respectfully submitted.

Jay E. Hoffeb,
Captain^ Ordnance Department^ U, 8. Army.
Springfield Armory, Mass., September 26^ 1906,

26791 O— 481-27.

PLATE I

a ifi 19 20 21

y/P/X ///. /SOS. H Doof /^/i^50 1

PLATE 2

'f/T/V/P/X ///, /SCS

H Docf i^/<?59 1

ORCED OR FIRED
BARRELS OF
■S, MODEL OF 1903.

i NEW BARREL.

EL FIRED 3500 TIMES.

iEL INTO SAWDUST.

M BARREL PREVIOUSLY
TIMES.

Plate 4.

"ORCED OR FIRED

BARRELS OF
ES, MODEL OF 1903.-

>M BARREL PREVIOUSLY
> TIMES.

M BARREL PREVIOUSLY
TIMES.

Appendix III, 1906.

• E RIFLES, MODEL OF 1903.

|l, Z300 PEET PER SECONO, M. V.

//;

Appendix IV.

?ORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS RELATING TO NEW DESIGN OF
EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTEp MEN.

memorandum fob the secretary of war.

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

Wdshingtoii^ June ^4j 1905.

In the President's note to the Secretary of War, dated January 4,
1905, he referred to the undamaging character of the sword with which
>fficers and enlisted men are now armed, and remarked that if they
;arry a sword "they ought to carry a sword that they can cut or
ihrust with."

The board of army and navy officers, of which Brigadier-General
Vlills was president, recommended that sword exercise be taught at
iiV^est Point and Annapolis, which was approved by the Chief of Staff,
ihe Secretary of War, and the President,

Since the date of that report a committee of the General Staff has
reported on the bayonet. This committee discarded the rod bayonet
recently adopted and readopted the knife bayonet, increasing its length
3y 4 inches. The General Staff in full committee concurred in the
f'eport of the special committee, and the Chief of Staff and Secretary
rf War approved. The knife bayonet as recommended is now being
Manufactured for issue with the new service rifle.

Herewith is a report of the special committee of the General Staff
ipon the saber; also report of the General Staff in full committee upon
^he same subject, in which they recommend that "sufficient swords of
ihe type recommended by the committee be manufactured and issued
^ the troops for trial unaer all conditions, the swords for the use of
nfantry officers and dismounted men to be of three lengths, viz, 27, 30,
ind 32 inches; for cavalry officers to be of two lengths, viz, 30 and 32
nches, and for the cavalry enlisted men 32 inches, and that reports on
Jwords issued be required to be rendered within one year after date of
heir issue for trial.^'

^ This report of the General Staff is not satisfactory to the Chief of
>taff in that it does not arrive at a definite conclusion. Any test for
I period of one year and the reports rendered thereon, unless a war
should intervene, would give no more information on the subject than
^^ have now. As this would be the situation, as it seems to me, and

119

120 APPENDIX TV.

as also I think the recommendation of the committee places us in a
decidedly better condition than we are at present, it is tne opinion of
the Chief of Staff that its report should be adopted and swords manu-
factured as recommended and issued to the Army at as early a date as
practicable — with one exception, viz, I concur with the recommenda-
tion of the.General Staff in full committee that three lengths of the
sword be furnished for foot oflScers and men and two lengths for
mounted officers, and that the sword for mounted men be 32 inches
long.

The personal objection of the Chief of Staff to the sword recom-
mendea by the committee is its lightness — insufficient weight of metal.
If it were a pound heavier, I think it would be a better weapon; but as
regards the weight the Chief of Staff will not seriously press his per-
sonal opinion in opposition to the opinion of the committee which nad
before it the masters of the sword at West Point and Annapolis.

If the Secretary of War approves the recommendation of the com-
mittee and these remarks, the Chief of Ordnance will cause the swords
tb be manufactured for issue in accordance with the statements herein
contained.

The sword is to have a wooden scabbard covered with leather; the
wooden scabbard will enable us to keep a sharp edge on the sword,
rendering it an effective cut and thrujst instrument.
Respectfully,

Chaffee,
Lieutenant- General^ Chief of Staff ,

The sword seems very light to me, but I concur tentatively.

Wm. H. Taft,

Secretary of War,

26791 0—757-2.

PART II OP REPORT OF A SPECIAL COMMITTEE OP THE GENERAL STAFF

APPOINTED BY THE FOLLOWING MEMORANDUM:

Memorandum.] War Department,

Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washingtoriy January i'.'J, I90S.
A letter from the President, dated January 4, 1905, together with papers from the
Chief of Ordnance relatinj? to the subje<»t nientione<i by the Presicient, viz, the length
of the new Springfield rifle, the bayonet, and the swonl, are herewith referred, ior
inveetigation and report, to the following committee of the General Staff: Lieut. Col.
Walter S. Schuyler, Capt. Joseph T. Dicknian, Capt. Frank DeW. liamsey, Capt
Frank Mclntyre, and Capt. Peyton C. March.
By order of the Chief of Staff. Bbnj. Alvord,

Captain^ General Staff, Secretary.

The first part of the report of this committee, relating to the length
of the new Springfield rifle and the bajonet, having been Hubmitted
to the Chief of Staff, the committee proceeded to a consideration of
the subject of the sword.

The letter of the President (Exhibit A) states:

If they (our officers) carry any sword, they oiiirht to carry a pword that they can
cut or thruHt with. Personally I do not see any iH>irit in havinj? the (»valry arme(l
with a bayonet, even though the modern cavalryman is nine times out of ten on foot.
He might have a sword in his belt, only it ought to be a sword that can do damage.

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS A|^D ENLISTED MEN. 121

The Chief of Staflf, in his memorandum of January 23, 1905
(Exhibit B), states the following:

A complete and careful report will be made upon the suggestion of the President
of the United States, taking mto consideration also the report of the Chief of Ord-
nance, herewith, the ideas involved being:

Attention is invited to the last paragraph of the report of the Chief of Ordnance,
stating that he is preparing a different style of scabbard, with a view to preserving
the edge of the sword.

Chaffbe,
LieutenanlrGenercd, Chief of Staff .

The portion of the report of the Chief of Ordnance bearing upon
this subject is as follows (Exhibit C):

29. The letter of the President inclosed with your note refers also to the sword
carried by officers. This sword was prescribed by General Orders, No. 81, of July 17.
1902. A cut and description are inclosed herewith. « It was adopted by the board
of officers appointed bv paragraph 14 of Special Orders, No. 52, of 1902, which con-
sisted of Brig. Gen. Robert P. Hughes, U. 8. Army, Col. Theodore A. Bingham, Corps
of Engineers, Lieut Col. Thomas H. Barry, assistEint adjntantnzeneral, U. 8. Army,
Lieut Col. Wm. 8. Patten, deputy quartermaster-general, U. 8. Army, Lieut. Col.
Marion P. Maus, Second Infantry, Lieut. Col. Charles G. Treat, Artillery Corps,
Lieut Col. John Van R. Hoff, Medical Department, Maj. George P. Scriven, Signal
Corps, Capt Joseph T. Dickman, Eighth Cavalry, Capt Hugh J. Gallagher, Sub-
sistence Department, Capt. Lawson M. Fuller, Ordnance Department.

The sword is intended for both cutting and thrusting purposes, having a sharp
point and very slight curvature. It is rather light for a {^ood cutting weapon, and for
a perfect thrusting weapon it should be straight. It is, in some resj^ects, possibly, a
compromise between lightness and efficiency, and in the la^t respect is a considerable
improvement on the one which it replaced. The board which adopted it had also to
consider all other articles of equipment and all articles of uniform, and was thus not
only burdened with duties of a widely varied character, but was, perhaps, not selected
as it might have been if the subject of the sword had been its principal consideration;
notably there is not known to have been an expert swordsman among the member-
ship. The sword as made has not a very sharp edge; of course it could be sharpened
to anv degree, but as it is used with a metal scab&rd it is probable that a fine edse
would soon be dulled. I am having made a wooden scaV>bard, and also a metal scab-
bard fitted with a wooden strip upon which it is sought to make the edge of the blade
bear, in an effort to produce something which will be serviceable and at the same
time will not turn a sharp cutting edge. These scabbards will shortly be ready for
examination by anybody which may be directed to consider the subject
Very respectfully,

William Crozieb,

Brigadier- General f Chief of Ordnance.

After a preliminary consideration of the entire subject, the commit-
tee communicated with Capt. H. J. Koehler, U. S. Army, master of
the sword at the Military Academy, and with Civil Engineer A. C.
Cunningham, U. S. Navy, who has charge of the fencing teams from
the Naval Academy, and who is a practical swordsman of great experi-
ence and known reputation, requesting their opinions, as experts, upon
the best style and weight of swords for effective fighting, and whetner
the present sword answers such conditions.

There was also referred to the committee the report of the joint
board of officers of the Army and Navy convened by Special Orders,
No. 32, War Department, February 8, 1905; which order directed

« Not printed.

122 APPENDIX IV.

them, among other things, to ^^ consider and report upon the question
of swords and swordsmanship in the Army and Navy.
The portion of their report pertinent to this subject is as follows:

II. — BW0RD8 AND 8WORD8MANBHIP IN THE ARMY AND NAVY.

It is obvious from the experiences of recent wars tluit the question of swordsman-
ship in the Army and in the Navy must be approaclred from different standpoints.
Sea fights under 'mo<iem conditions give no examples of the use of ttie sword, and it
can be said that its use is purely ceremonial on board ship, and on shore at formal
military functions. The present naval sword answers this purpose as well as may be
desired. The Navy, however, may be used in landing parties, and in such cases a
fighting sword is necessary for the officers.

It is recommended that the sword which is or m&y be in future used by the Army
be part of the equipment of every ship in the Navy m sufiicient numbers for issue to
officers when engaged in landing parties only; such swords to be carried as part of
the ordnance equipment of each ship.

As regards the Army, it may be said that as far as the evidence at the disposal of
the board goes, the sentiment of the Army is lai^ely against the use of any sword at
all by officers in the field, the idea being to replace the sword by the revolver. This
was the practice in the Philippines b^ almost universal consent^ and without any
orders in connection therewith emanating from superior autboritv.

This widespr^id opinion against the sword ana in favor of tne revolver only is
founded upon service under abnormal conditions in a country laif^ly underbrush,
and against a foe who rarely stood against a determined advance, and with a sword
which itself was an inferior weapon.

A careful consideration of the fighting in the Russo-Japanese war, under modem
conditions as regards firearms, and under greatly improved conditions as regards
artillery fire, has shown conclusively that the sword is not a weapon of the past

The increased killing power of the magazine rifie and rapid-fire field ^n has oper-
ated to force both the Japanese and Kussian armies, in order to minimize tneir
losses, to make many night attacks. These night attacks are not surprises by small
bodies of troops, but movements of divisions and armies in battle formation. The
result of this aevelopment has been to force the frequent emplovmentof the bayonet
by the enlisted man, and of the sword bv the officer, and to increase their impor-
tance as fiffhting weapons. The losses aue to "cold steel'' in this war will prob-
ably never oe accurately known, but enough has already been reported officially on
both sides to show that the sword has been effectivelv used, particularly in these
night attacks. These being facts, it follows as a corollary that the sword adopted
for officers of the Army should be a fighting weapon, and not merely a badge of
office.

The board does not consider it part of its duties to ^o into the matter of types of
sword best fitted for use in the Army; this question, it is understood, is now under
consideration by a committee of the General Staff. It recommends, however, the
adoption for officers of the Army, and for enlisted men who are armed with a sword
or saber, of an efficient cut-and-thrust sword (saber), such as shall 1)e determined,
after thorough tests of different types of weapon, under the advice of expert swords-
men, to be u)e best suited for fighting.

The board recommends that instruction in swordsmanship at the Military and
Naval Academies be continued throughout the four years' course and that this
instruction be, as far as possible, under service conditions as regards the weight and
balance of the weapons used; i. e., that broadswords be constructed for use in the
fencing instruction of the two academies conforming as far as possible to the weight
and bfuance of the sword adopted for use in the Army.

The board recommends that a manual of sword fencing be prepared for the use of
the Army, and that the exercises therein set forth and skill in the use of the weapon
be made obligatory upon all officers and enlisted men of the Army who are armed
with the swora or saber.

In order that the foregoing requirement may be carried into practical effect, the
board recommends that smtable broadswords, masks, and other necessary equip-
ment be constructed by the Ordnance Department, and issued to all posts in the
Army in such quantities as are necessary for instruction in the use of the sword.

The report of the board was approved by the Chief of Stall, by the
Secretary of War, and by the rresident of the United States, who
directed, also, that repoil be made to him in sixty days of what had
been done to carry the recommendations of the- board into effect.

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOB OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 123

The committee also considered the extract from memorandmn report
No. 26, of third division, General Staff (Exhibit F), and subn^itted a
separate report thereon (Exhibit O), which may be summarized by
stating that the committee considered the proposition to discard the
swordas part of the field equipment of the infantry officer, to have been
decided adversely by the action of the War Department and the Pres-
ident upon the report of the joint army and navy board, quoted in the
foregoing; that a leather scabbard for the sword was desirable; and
that the proposition to arm a cavalry regiment with three or four
revolvers per man, in lieu of the saber, for purposes of test, was not
recommended

On March 30, Civil Engineer A. C. Cunningham, U. S. Navy,
appeared before the committee and gave opinion as to the various
models of sword and saber before the committee. The replies, in writ-
ing, of Captain Koehler and Civil Engineer Cunningham to the request
of the committee for opinions as to style and weight of sword (appended
hereto, marked Exhibits '*E" and *'D"^ were carefully considered in
the presence of Civil Engineer Cunningnam.

The blade of the officer's saber furnished by the Ordnance Depart-
ment was pronounced to be a good one, as to curvature and general
design, but too long; and the hut and gripe were considered faulty for
fighting purposes. The glittering scabbard was also condemned, and
the suggestion offered tnat possibly the wood pulp used in making
modern trunks could be used for making a seaboard which would be
lighter, strong, and nonglittering. The recorder of the committee
therefore consulted Mr. 'i&ppan, of Washin^on, D. C, who has Gov-
ernment contracts involving the use of this material. Mr. Tappan
stated that it would not be practicable to make the scabbard of wood
pulp, at any reasonable figure, because of mechanical difficulties
involved.

The following was found to be the number of sabers on hand in the
Ordnance Department on March 30:

Offioexs. Cayairy.

United States

Philippines

Total 819 9,382

Under contract 260 20,000

A preliminary report was then submitted to the Chief of Staff, stat-
ing tnat ^' the committee, while it is agreed upon the desirability of
certain features of the sword and scabbard — as, for example, that the
sword be a fighting weapon and kept sharp, and that the scabbard be
of leather, or at least not glittering — can not render a report upon the

E roper weight and length, and style of gripe, basket, etc., without
avin^ expert advice and types of different swords and sabers before
it, which are now being sought."

The Chief of Staff thereupon, March 30, 1906, relieved Lieut. Col.
Schuyler ^^from further service on special committee to enable him to
proceed to headquarters Southwestern Division." (Exhibit H.)

The committee also called for all papers on file in The Military Sec-
retary's Office and in the office of the Chief of Ordnance containing

124 APPENDIX IV.

comments of officers of the Army, whether favorable or otherwise,
upon the present saber and scabbard.
An analysis of all papers so obtained gives the following criticisms:

1. Scabbard shoula be nonglittering.

2. Form of gu&rd of officer's saber faulty.

3. Material of which guard is made too soft.

4. Enlisted man's saber too heavy.

5. Enlisted man's saber should be primarily a cutting weapon.

6. Sabers should be discarded for cavalry.

7. There should be at least two different lengths of saber, to meet
height of officers.

8. Saber should be sharpened.

9. Basket hilt should be flattened.

The onl V paper on file which submits definite recommendations to
improve tne saber, in view of criticisms submitted, is from Lieut. Col.
James Parker, whose memorandum upon this subject is appended
hereto, marked *' I."

The following letter from Henry V. Allien & Co., of New York
City, together with accompanying models of scabbards, was laid before
the committee:

Majich 11, 1905.

. The present regulation sword, General Orders, No. SI, July 17, 1902, was not
adopted after a sudden inspiration, but was the result of some years of studv and
ex^riments. The former regulation sword, which when ordered was for all o&cers
d infantrv, artillery, and stim, was adopted in the following manner: About 1S71
(jeneral Marcy, then Adjutant-General, called at our store and saying that the swords
then worn, r^ulation of 1851, were objectionable on account of their weight, and
asked if we hcul anything that was lighter. We did have a sample sword made in
Fmnoe and then regulation for the french staff. He asked to be allowed to take it
to Washington, and in a short time we heard that it had been adopted for officers as
above.

Then changes were gradually made until it was only retained for foot officers of
infantry and all staff officers.

Some years ago a movement was started among some officers for a change to a
sword more like those used in foreign services^ but not so heavy as the British pat-
tern, as the one then regulation was too insignificant in appearance and had the
objectionable feature of the shoe and bands on the scabbard oeing of separate pieces,
screwed on, which were constantly getting loose and lost, and the wire around the
gripe working loose. Then the gold-plated mountings soon became soiled and
required replating at a great expense.

These ofncers appealed to us, and after working over the matter for sometime
and making a number of patterns, both with straight and curved blades, and with
the information our Mr. Allien gained during his numerous trips to Europe, the
present regulation sword was completed and laid before Gen. J. C. Kelton, with a
reputation of bein^ one of the best swordsmen in the Army, and the only change we
had to make was in the curve of the blade, making it less curved from center to
point, the latter to be in line with the gnpe, so as to give greater force in thrusting.

When the uniform board met in Washington in June, 1902, the writer was
requested to appear before them for advice and consultation in regard to numerous
patterns of caps, shoulder knots, etc., we had made for their consideration and was
told to bring the five pattern swords we had been working on — three with straight
blades and two with curved — and, as we understood it, the Ordnance Department
had the same number to submit, and the result was that one of our swords was
adopted, the very one approved by General Kelton.

Those we submitted all had steel scabbards, nickel plated, and, contrary to our
experience and advice, the scabbard was ordered to be of German silver, which we
knew was too soft a metal to use for that purpose and as you know had to be changed
to steel.

We have three wooden scabbards covered with russet leather to fit this sword
that the writer had made in Europe after the pattern of the British service scabbard,
and should you wish to see them will send them to you with pleasure.

EXPERIBi^NTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 125

Should you take up the deei^ and pattern of the present r^rulatiou sword we
respectfully request that you will not only examine those made by the Ordnance
Department— we have one in our possession, and if you will examine the comparative
outline of blades you will find that their blade departs from the thrusting principle of
a curved blade, and they are ground too thin, alx>ut one-quarter the length from the
pK>int, which will weaken it for thrustiuff. Th^ir scabbards are too flat — not aoffl-
dently convex — which weakens them, ana the branches of guard are too light — will
bend if sword is dropped.

The committee also made a careful study of such works upon
swords and Hwordsmanship as were available in the library of the
second division^ General Staff, and the War Department library,
adjourning from day to dav with the progress of the work.

On April 13, 1905, the following letter was prepared, formulating
the ideas of the committee as far as they had progressed:

Capt T. C. Dickson,

Ordnance Department^ U, S, Army,

Sib: The committee of the Greneral Staff, having under consideration the general
subject of the bayonet and saber, request (the Chief of Ordnance having given his
approval verbally) that you will have constructed for the inspection of the com-
mittee a saber according to the following design:

Blade to be of same curvature and general appearance as the blade on the present
officers' saber, but 27 inches in length, and to be sharpened throughout its edge and
for 8 inches of the back from the point, which is to be very sharp; the gripe to be
of the design submitted herewith, but the swelling in the center to be removed; any
roughening to increase security of gripe to be put upon it which may be convenient;

gipe to be free of all metal; guarcT to be a straight knuckle bow, which will clear a
rge hand, running into a solid cross plate, which will give protection to both sides
of the hand against a thmst for a distance of 1 inch from the olade on the sides, and
1^ inches on tne back; the tumed-up knob on the present guard to be replaced by
curving the crosspiece slightly upward, somewhat on the lines of the enlisted man^s
cavalry saber; guard to be of light steel. The whole guard to be made as light as is
consistent with strength.

Very reepectfmly, P. C. March,

Capiainf General Staffs Recorder,

The Ordnance Department was requested also, verbally, to have a
leather scabbard made for the 27-inch sword described, in the fore-
goings the general type of scabbard to follow the lines of the British
pigskin scabbard, a model of which was furnished them.

On April 19, 1905, Capt. Frank Mclntyre was relieved from further
dutv with the General Staff and with the committee.

The model saber was furnished by the Springffield Armory on May
1, 1905, and in forwarding it the commanding officer of that armorv
pointed out that ^Hhis saber is more to illustrate the shape as it is
understood to be wanted than to show finished work.'*

On May 24, samples of scabbards were received from the Ordnance
Department, with the following letter:

1. In compliance with your request, I am instructed by the Chief of Ordnance to
return herewith the leather covered English service scabbard lent by you to this
Department and to inclose three similar scabbards for the special officers saber hav-
ing a 27-inch blade, made by this Department at your request.

2. The hickory scabbard covered with hard rawhide and pigskin would cost, if
manufactured in quantity, $3.15.

3. The hickory scabbard covered with hard rawhide and collar leather would cost
$2.90, and is believed to be the most serviceable of the three designs submitted. The
scabbard made of pine covered with rawhide and collar leather could be made for
$2.75.

4. It will be noted that the rings have been covered with leather so as to prevent
their rattling. It is thought that the tips on the three samples are unnecessari|ly
large.

5. When no longer required by the special committee, it is requested that the three
scabbards made by the Department be returned to this Office.

126 APPENDIX IV.

It was foand that none of the scabbards would fit the sword (the
scabbards being made at Rock Island and the sword at Springfield),
and they were returned for necessary alterations.

The samiples prepared were carefully examined in consultation with
Civil Engineer Cunnineham^ who appeared before the committee on
several occasions, and Captain Koehler, who was ordered in personal
consultation with the committee May 29 and 30 by the War Depart-
ment. After mature consideration, and with the above expert advice,
the committee recommends the following:

I. That the saber adopted for the Army shall be both a thrusting
and a cutting weapon.

^ 2. That the same saber is not suited for use by both mounted and
dismounted officers, as is the present custom.

3. That there should be two types of saber for the men — one for
mounted and one for dismounted men.

4. That the length of blade for dismounted officers and men should
be 27 inches and both be of the same general type; the length of blade
for mounted officers and men 32 inches; the blade for officers to be of
the same type as that recommended for infantry; the blade for the
men to be of the same type as that now used in the service, the x>oint
being thrown slightly more toward the axis of the blade.

5. That the center of gravity of the dismounted saber should be, as
in the model herewith, 3i incnes, more or less, from the base of the
hilt: in the mounted saber 5 inches, more or less, from the base of the
hilt.

6. That the blade should be sharpened throughout its edge, and for
8 inches from the point along its back, and snould always be kept
sharp.

7. That the gripe of all sabers, mounted and dismounted, be of the
type of the model herewith for both officei*s and men; the rough wire
to oe inclosed on both sides by a smooth wire in the manner shown on
the small m6del herewith.

8. That the guard be of the type of the model; with the guard,
when projected on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the blade, pro-

{'ecting 1} inches from the right side of the blade (toward back of
land) instead of 1 inch as in the model; none of the branches of the
basket to project outside of the guard; other dimensionn of guard as
in the model. The -nut on the tang of the blade should be counter-
sunk, or covered, as in the old style saber; the metal portions around
the pommel to be roughened so as to give a firm grasp for the hand;
and the steel of which the guard is made, to be chased or dull-finished
so as not to reflect light.

9. The saber knot to be retained.

10. The officers' scabbard to be made of wood, covered with dark pig-
skin; the men^s scabbard to be of wood, covered with collar leather, as
in sample; the wooden slats composing the scabbard to be treated with
oil, under pressure, before being covered with the pigskin or leather;
tip on the model to be reduced in size.

II. The steel of which the blade is made should be of such a quality
as to take an edge.

12. Each saber issued to the Army to be numbered in the same way
that tb^ riflQ i«.

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 127

In arriving at the foregoing conclusions the committee was governed
by the following considerations:

The sword for a foot officer is not for individual combat with another
swordsman. The occasions when he will use a sword will be limited
in number, in a mSl^e or in night attacks. His opponent will almost
invariably be a man armed with a bayonet and not an officer armed
with a sword. No sword can compete with the gun and bayonet as to
length. The chief requisites for a practical sword for this class of
work is that it should be "quick," not heavy on the point. It should
be primarily suited for " in " fighting. Approaching* the subject from
this standpoint the committee recommended the 27-inch model. This
sword is believed to be exceptionally well suited for an infantry officer.
Its shortness makes it easy to carry through rough country on foot;
it is light and perfectly balanced for quick work.

The committee recommended only one length for the dismounted
officer for the following reasons:

The joint army and navy board recommended that the broadsword
made for instruction at West Point and at the posts have the weight,
balance, etc., of the sword adopted for use in the Army. As officers
gi-aduate at West Point they wul in future have had four years' train-
ing with a saber of definite weight and balance. If, after graduation,
they were allowed to choose between, say three lengths of saber with
different weights, etc., as at present, the practical effect of their long
training would be lost, unless, as would seem likely, they all choose
the one they had been trained to use. It was, therefore, thought better
to limit the length to one type for dismounted officers and one type
for mounted.

The man who uses a sword on horseback only must have a longer
sword than the footman. The committee while recommending the
retention of the general shape of the blade of the present men's cavalry
saber has reduced its lengtn to 32 inches from 34.8, and put on it a
fighting gripe and guard in place of the present one, which is unani-
mously condemned.

It is to be pointed out that sharpening the back of all blades for a
short distance from the point throws the point slightly nearer the
center line of the blade and increases both its cutting and thrusting
properties, the ability to make quick, sharp cuts with the back of the
blade without reversing the weapon after a parry being considered a
great advantage.

The gripe recommended is due principally to Civil Engineer Cun-
ningham. It is constructed so that it tightens in the hand as the saber
goes forward in the cut, all sides of the gripe increasing in dimensions
toward the pommel. It is more than an inch longer than the present
gi'ipe, whicn increases the actual length of the model recommended by
that amount in the thrust, the pommel being in the ball of the hand..
It can be used with both hands at a pinch in a mSl^e.

The deliveries on the contract given by the Ordnance Department
for 250 officers' sabers and 20,000 cavalry sabers have been suspended,
pending the report of the General Staff upon this subject. In this
connection it is to be pointed out that the date of the adoption of the

S resent enlisted man's saber goes so far back as not to bo lOQAted
efinitely, but is supposed to be about 1847.

128 APPENDIX IV.

The committee recommends also that the provisions of paragraph
1551, Army Regulations, 1904, be extended to include sabers. This
paragraph provides:

1551. Officers serving with troops mav draw for their personal use, from stores
belonging to the command with wnich they are serving, one regnlation rifle or car-
bine and one revolver, with the appropriate equipments and the usual quantity of
ammunition for each arm. This ordnance property may be used in action or target
practice and will be accounted for on returns to the Chief of Ordnance.

The officers' sabers herein recommended are intended to be fighting
weapons and nbt mere badges of authority, and officers should be
allowed to dmw them on memorandum receipt, as they are now author-
ized to draw revolvers, etc.

This principle was recognized in the approved report of the joint
army and navy board, which makes the fighting sword a part oi the
ordnance equipment of a ship, to be issued to navy officers.

Exhibit K, nerewith, contains a summary of data concerning the
swords of the different armies of the world as far as such data is
available.

J. T. DiCKMAN,

Captain^ General Staff.
Frank DeW. Ramsey,

Cavtaiuj General Staff.
P. C. March,

Captain^ General Staff.
June 6, 1906.

MINORITY REPORT.

The only point on which the action of the committee is not unanimous
is the len^tn of the blade for foot officers. The recent fate of the
bayonet disposes the undersigned to caution in recommending radical
changes in the armament of infantry.

There are several ways of looking at this question of length of
blade:

1. Fighting xitllity. — This is the most important consideration. The
bayonet has the advantage of length of reach. Against a bayonet charge
made by a group of men a short '^ quick" sword is just as ^ood as a
longer one, perhaps better. When there is any chance for individual
combat the following advantages accrue to the sword: Greater freedom
of movement, greater quickness, greater endumm^e, play against the left
hand, wrisst, and forearm of the adversary, with a sharp cutting edge.
In shortening the blade of the sword we soon arrive at a stage where
the swordsman can no longer attack this weak point of his antagonist
without coming in reach of the short, quick thrust of the bayonet, and
which renders it unnecessary for the latter to resort to the lunge, which
is more uncertain, more easilv deflected, and more dangerous if parried.
For this reason it is believed to be unsafe to go much below 80 inches
in length of blade.

2. SuitabiUty. — While a 27-inch blade might be well suited to an
officer 6 feet in height, a 3u or 32 inch blade would probably be wielded
with equal ease by a 200 pound man, feet tall. The advantage of
increased power and length of reach available would thus be better
utilized.

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 129

3. Appearance. — This question, though of minor importance, should
not be aisregarded, other things bein^ equal. A 27-inch weapon, worn
by a large, powerful man, would invite unfavorable comment. In the
past our officers have had choice as to length of weapon — most recently,
30, 32, 34 inches. The French infantry sword varies in length — 900,
850, 800, and 760 ram., or, approximatelj', 36, 34, 32, 30 inches.

4. General usefulness. — A large proportion of our infantry officers
are mounted at times. A sword of medium length would serve both
purposes, mounted and dismounted, combat and ceremony.

Tnis committee recently recommended the lengthening of the bayonet
by 6 inches; the shortening of the sword by from 3 to 7 inches seems
to present a contradiction.

For these reasons the undersigned recommends that the sword for
infantry officers be 28, 30, or 32 inches in length. The master of the
sword at West Point concurs in the view that officers be allowed some
choice as to length of blade.

J. T. DiCKMAN,

Captain^ General Staff.

Exhibit A.

White Houbx,
WashingUmj January 4i 1906,
The Sbcbbtary of War:

I inuBt say that I think that ramrod bayonet about as poor an invention as I ever
saw. As you observed, it broke short off as soon as hit with even moderate violence.
It would have no moral effect and mighty little physical effect. I think the sugges-
tion of a short triangular bayonet a great improvement. After you have gone over
this subject of the bayonet and the sword, do take it up with me.

I wish our officers could carry rifles. If they carry any sword they ought to carry
a sword that they can cut or thrust with. Personally I do not see any point in hav-
ing the cavalry armed with a bayonet, even though the modern cavalryman is nine
times out of ten on foot. He might have a sword in his belt, only it ought to be a
sword that can do damage.

I am particularly anxious that we should have a thorough test made of the long
and the short rifle (that is, of the 24-inch and 30-inch rifle) at some place like that
in Utah, where several companies of men can be employed at firing both weapons at
long ranges. This ramrod-bayonet buniness does not make me feel that we can afford
to trust too much to theory of the closet variety. I would like to have the opinion
of Captain March, and then the opinion of the other military attach^^ who saw the
fighting between the Russians and Japanese, about both the bayonet and the sword.
I would also like to have the opinion of any of our officers in the Philippines who
have seen the bayonet actually used.

Theodore Roosevelt. .

Exhibit B.

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

January es, 1905,

Greneral Gillespie:

Please have this read at the next meeting of the General Staff with a view to
suggesting a committee of five officers to take this matter under consideration and
submit report.

The Chief of Ordnance has in preparation, and will present for the inspection and
consideration of the General Staff several different styles of bayonet adapted to the
hew Springfield rifle. Upon examination of these a complete and careful report will

WAR 1905--VOL 9 9

180 APPENDIX IV.

be made, upon the Boggeetion of the President of the United States, taking into
consideration also the report of the Chief of Ordnance herewith; the ideas involved
being:

(a) Shall we adhere to the 24-inch barrel or have it lengthened to 30 inches?

(^) Shall we change the style of the bayonet, and if so, what kind should be
adopted, and shall it be used in any other way than as a bayonet?

(<^) Is the present saber suitable in every respect, including style and weight, for
the service?

Attention is invited to the last paragraph of the report of the Chief of Ordnance,
statins that he is preparing a dineront style of scabbard with a view to preserving
the edge of the sword.

Chaffee,
Lieutenant' General f Chief of Staff,

Exhibit C.

Exhibit C is printed as Exhibit A to Appendix I.

Exhibit D.

Annapolis, Md. , March t9, 1906.

Dbab Captain: In response to your recent letter, I take pleasure in submitting
some brief notes concerning the sword, its accessories, and use, which I trust may
be of interest to you.

After careful consideration it seems to me that the average length of a sword blade
for a footman should be about 27 inches, and for a horseman about 30 inches; a vari-
ation of about 1} inches might be allowed each wav to suit individual cases. These
lengths seem rather shorter than we are accustomed to, especially for the horseman.
In the case of the footman portability must have consideration and also the passing
over obcrtructions with the sword sheathed, and about 27 inches seem to me to be the
ieneth that meets the most of the conditions. In the case of the horseman I have
had in mind a sword that would still be valuable to him when dismounted and not
an incumbrance.

A footman's sword, I think, should be carried in a frog; this insures a known posi-
tion of the hilt r^bdy for grasping and permits walking or running with the least
interference; moreover, in passing through brush, climoing, or other unusual pro-
ceeding, the frog can be slipped forward or l)ack as best suits the conditions encoun-
tered; if the frog slips on the belt with a back spring it could also be readily attached
to a suitable band sewed on to an overcoat. It does not seem right to me that a
horseman should carry his sword attached to his saddle, in action, at least, though
it might be well done on the march. If dismounted he loses a weapon and perhaps
furnishes one to a foe. A horseman's sword could be carried in a suitable length
frog and still not c^uite drag when he is dismounted; the height of the attachment
oould easily be varied with a buckle.

The gripe on a swoni is very important; the cross section should be such thai the
sword can not turn in the hand and the profile such that an extension can be made
with the least distortion of the wrist. This seems best accomplished by having the
pommel so shaped that it will rest in the base of the hand under the large thumb
muscle and necessitates a change in the ordinary manner of attaching the knuckle
guard. A bctfik on the pommelgives a fine hold for the last three fingers. The gripe
should be free from all metal which makes it slippery, and in cold weather,
uncomfortable.

The guard of a working^ sword must be a compromise between perfect protection
for the nand and adaptability for carrying under service conditions. A knuckle bow
and as much of a cross plate as can be allowed seems the best. In the cross plates
some protection to both sides of the hand and the thumb should be provided. In
ordinary guards the back of the hand receives the most prote(*tion and consequently
confines the user laively to one position. Any sword knot that is used should be
light and simple and attached near the pommel.

The scabbard of a sword should be as light as possible and of a material that will
not dull a sharpened edge or point; it should be of a material that will not clatter
and all mountings should be free from projections tiiat will catch in anything passed
over or through. A scabbard should never drag on the ground. It is possibfe that
properly treated raw hide will fill more desirable conditions than anything else. It
u very strong, light, tough, and hard to cut

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 131

The most attractive sword blade I have seen ia in a sword captured from a Spanish
infantry officer in Cuba. The blade has a full curve which gives a fine balance and
idlows the sword to hang straight from one sling. The outer half of the blade has a
diunond section and the inner half a rectangular section except for the front edge.
It is about three-fourths inch wide and had no grooves.

Both a footman's and horseman's sword should be as light as will stand the gen-
eral conditions of service, and with a suitable steel this can be much lighter than at
present. The weight carried is very important. Lightness also aids in parrying.
With a light sword the smashing blow is lost, but is made up for to some extent if a
sharp edge is maintained. Besides, an attack w^ith the point is the best for both a
footman and horseman; it reaches farther than a blow, is harder to parry, is more
d^ftdly, "and is best delivered with a light sword. A thrust is as easily delivered with
a curved sword as with a straight one. Note that an accomplished fencer has a curve
in his foil blade.

The point of a sword should be very sharp; the entire front edge and from 6 to
12 inches of the back edge should be sharp. On a lightly clad man effective blows
may be delivered with the edges, and there are dangerous cuts made with the back
edge on the neck and arms. On a heavily clad man edge blows will not be danger-
ous, but thrusts can not be stopped by heavy clothing.

The steel from which swora blades are made is very important. That generally
used at present is too soft to take or hold a good cutting edge, and under severe
strain will be permanently bent

The sword blades which have achieved merit in history have been made from steel
produced by processes similar to the ''cementation process," in which verv pure
wrought iron has been converted into steel by being packed in charcoal and heated
until the necessary amount of carbon has been absorbed. Steel made in this way
retains all of the welding properties of the original wrought iron. The raw steel is at
first ununiform, but by repeatedly hammering out, cutting up and rewelding, a well
worked and uniform product is finally secured. In Damascus blades, layers of
wrought iron are introduced to secure more perfect welding and are shown in the
different colored lines, the twisting of which indicate the piling and folding over of
the material as it is successively worked. "Blister steel made from wrought iron
is still produced, but instead of being reworked into single, double, or triple shear
steel, is broken up for melting into crucible steel.

The steels generally used now for all purposes are melted during the process of
manufact^ire. In the melting all o! the cinder passes off and there is no flux left for
welding.

It might be possible to still secure blades made from blister steel; if not they
should be made from a high quality of crucible steel containing enough carbon so
that the blade can not be permanently bent in use.

The use of the sword in the field for a footman has never been developed in this
country. Fencing-room tactics are entirely inapplicable, the conditions being so
very different All parts of the person are open to attack, and there are no rules or
limitations in a combat It is entirel}^ feasible to teach a man to defend himself with
four simple parries in a very short time, and if the attacks are not well made to
make effective returns from these parries. With an emptied revolver in the left
hand to use in parrying, and even thrusting or striking at close quarters, a swords-
man becomes still more formidable.

Swordsmanship can be made an attractive and inexpensive pastime, and is an
excellent physic^ exercise, requiring mental activity as well. The principles of
fencing can ho applied to a club or swagger stick, and the man who understands it is
in a better position for offense or defense, with whatever implement he may have in
his hands, than l^e one who does not

Very respectfully, A. C. Cunningham,

Oivil Engineer, U. S, Nctvy,

Oapt. P. G. Mabch,

General Staff, v. S, Army,

Exhibit E.

United States Milftabt Academy,

Weal Point, N, K, March t8, 1906.

Sm: Your communication of March 22 was received just as I was about to depart
for New York in chaiiife of our fencing team, which engaged in the interoolle^te
fencing competition on March 24 and 26.

132 APPENDIX IV.

The answer to the question, shall a sword be carried at all (by unmounted officers
I suppose this means), is usually dependent upon the degrt^e of familiarity with its
use. If a man has become more or less proficient in the une of the sword the chances
are that he will readily answer in the affirmative. If on the other hand this famil-
iarity is lacking it is likely he will just as readily answer it in the negative.

Having had no experience in the field I am not in a position to speak authoritatively
on this question. However, so far as I am personally concerned, I should certainly
j)ut up with any inconvenience a sword — that is, the carrying of a sword — may occa-
sion in order to have it at my disposal, as I should feel that I still possessed a weapon
with which I could defend myself against anything except bullets. The swonl now
worn by officers is, in my opinion, unserviceable. I have endeavored to find a sword
in our museum here that would fit our requirements, but could find none. I did
find a blade, however, which I like very much and which I am going to send you.
I believe a sword should be useful both as a cutting and thrusting weapon. Its
blade should, therefore, be slightly curved. The curve of our officers' saber is just
about ri^ht, as its curve gives lust sufficient swing in a cutting stroke and is not too
great to mterfere with its usefulness as a thrusting weai)on. The sword I am sending
is straight, but its blade is such a strong one and constructed alon^ the lines best
suited for service that 1 believe if a blade were manufactured embodymg all the good
qualities of this blade and given the curve of ours we would have an ideal sword.
The weight is just about right, too, alx>ut 1.8 {>ound8. I do not approve of the hilt
This should be changed to a basket hilt with three light steel branches; these
branches to be joined and flattened out at the pommel end. so that there is a fiat
surface about six-tenths of an inch presenteil to the inside of the hilt. You will find
this in the saber I am sending. The gripe should be about five inches long, as a
footman will use the sword with his thumb extended along the back of it. The back
of the gripe should be fiat shout six-tenths of an inch and roughened to dve the
thumb a grip. The diameter of the gripe should be greatest in the miodle and
taper slightly to front and rear.

The blade should not exceed 32 inches. I believe such a sword, with the center
or balancing point not more than a scant 5 inches from the guard, will make a useful,
effective, and handy weapon. The edge should l)e sharpened from a point 8 inches
from the guard and the back 12 inches from the point.

I do not know whether your board is going to take up the question of changing
the cavalry saber. I believe a whole lot has been ««aid in condemnation of that saber
that can not be substantiated. Many have complained because of its weight, and yet
it weighs only 2.2 pounds. It also nas been called a club, but that, in my opinion,
is just what a saber should be — a club with a keen edge. If it were not built along
the lines of a club it would lack driving power. In si)eaking about the "feel" and
handiness of the saber we often make the mistake of juduring it from the stand-
point of a foot soldier's weapon, a weapon which is dependent upon the strength
and suppleness of the wrist, while the cavalry sal)er is pnmarily a weapon which the
arm ana not the wrist is intended to wield. That being the case, much that is now
taught in the saber manual for mounted troops is not only wrong but useless, as it

f* ves men false impressions, which leads them to find fault with a really good weapon,
believe we have a good saber, so far as weight, construction, and usefulness is con-
cerned, and the only change I should recommend is the hilt. That is clumsy and
no doubt is the cause of much of what has t>een said in objection to the saber.
Very respectfully,

H. J. KOEHLEK,

Captain, U. S. Army.
Capt P. C. March,

General Staff, U, S. Army.

Exhibit F.

[xxtract fboh memorandum report (no. 26) ok third division general staff.]

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washington, February S6, 1905.

♦ »»«««♦

"The question of the saber, scabbard, and revolver.

'* {a) The defiirability of discarding the swonl as a ))urt of the field equipment of
the infantry officer.

" ^6) The substitution of a suitable leather or dull-covered metal scabt)ard for the
ahinmg scabbard now in use.

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 133

'*(c) The arming of each trooper in a selected regiment of cavalry with three or
four revolvers, and the careful training of the regiment in revolver finng, with a view
to making a practical test of the expediency of substituting the revolver for the saber/'

{Note by Chief of Staff: **The question (c) as stated is not, it is believed, sufficiently
to the pomt.

'* The board is not advised, as it should be, to assume the saber shaipened, effect-
ive as a cutting and pointing instrument, troops properly instructed in its use, condi-
tions possible and expected to prevail, and under such assumptions the board should
report whether or not the saber is of such little value as to justify its abandonment
as an arm of the cavalry soldier." )

*' The division recommends that the first of these questions, namelv, the desira-
bility of discarding; the sword as a part of the field equipment of the infantry officer,
be referred to the infantry board at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., for consideration and.
report.

''In regard to the second question, the present saber scabbard has been universally
condemned bv officers at the maneuvers, and the opinion seems unanimous that it
should be replaced by a scabbard that would not glitter in the sunlight. On many
occasions, at different maneuvers, the location of a body of troops otherwise concealed
has been betrayed by the glittering of the sabem; and there seems to be nothing in
favor of the present scabbu'd that can compensate for this evil.

'* In regard to the third question, it is recommended that this be referred to the
cavalry board at Fort Riley, Kans., for careful consideration and report as to the
means of making a practical test of the expediency of substituting the revolver for
the saber. As set forth in memorandum report No. 131, the question of 'saber
ver8U8 revolver ' has been discussed ad nauseam, but has never yet gotten beyond
the realms of pure academic theory. Moreover, the question is one to which senti-
ment rather than plain practical sense has too often been applied. The question is
an important one, and it seems to deserve practical consideration. It is desirable
that thisquestion be taken up seriously by a board of cavalry officers, as it is believed
that they are the only ones to make a satisfactory decision upon the proper weapon
for their arm of the service. The question should be considered by experienced
cavalrjr officers in a broad-minded, common-sense, practical way, without, if possible,
being influenced by prejudice against or predilection for either the saber or the
revolver.".

Official copy respectfully furnished the special committee of the General Staff
appointed bv memorandum from this office of January 25, 1905, and of which
Lieut. Col. ViTalter S. Schuvler is senior member, for report.
By 6rder of the Chief of Staff:

Benj. Alvord,
Captahiy Oeneral Staffs Secretary,

Exhibit G.

[memorandum report.]

WAsniNOTON, March JPP, 1906.

This is an extract from memorandum report. No. 26, of third division General Staff,
as follows:

**8. The question of the saber, scabbard, and revolver.

"^a) The desirability of discarding the sword as a part of the field equipment of
the infantry officer.

**(6) The sul)8titution of a suitable leather or dull-covered metal scabbard for the
shining scabbard now in use.

'*(c) The arming of each trooper in a select4*<i regiment of cavalry with three or
four revolvers and the careful training of the regiment in revolver firing, with a view
to making a practical test of the expediency of substituting the revolver for the
saber."

This extract is referred by the C;hief of Staff to the special committee of the Gen-
eral Staff, appointed by memoran<luin of January 25 from the Office of the Chief of
Staff (and of which Lieut. Col. \V. S. Schuyler is senior member), for report.

*\a) The desirability of discarding the sword as a part of the field equipment of
the infantry officer."

134 APPENDIX TV.

The report of the joint army and navy hoard convened hv Special Ordeni, No. 32,
War Department, 1905, having been approved by the Chiei of Staff and by the Sec-
retary of War, the qaestion raised in (a), quoted above, has been decided adversely,
and need not be further discussed here.

**(b) The substitution of a suitable leather or dull-covered" (presumably doll-
colored is meant) ''metal scabbard for the shining scabbard now in use."

This point is thought to be well taken. The English, as a result of the Boer war,
have a leather-covered scabbard with their sword; the Japanese, as a result of their
careful study of all military details, have adopt^ the same thing. They have a
leather case which slips on over the shining scabbard. Some were noted in raaset
and some in black. Other officers had a khaki strip of cloth wound around their
scabbards to prevent the g^litter betraying the position of the troops. The proper
scabbard for neld service will be taken up by the committee in rendering its report
under the original memorandum of the Chief of Staff.

* (c) The arming of each trooper in a selected regiment of cavalry with three or
four revolvers and the careful training of the regiment in revolver finng, with a view
to making a practical test of the expediency of substituting the revolver for the
saber,"

Upon this recommendation the Chief of Staff notes:

"The question (c) as stated is not, it is believed, sufficiently to the point.

"The board is not advised, as it should be, to assume the saber sharpened, effect-
ive as a cutting and pointing instrument, troops properly instructed in its nine, con-
ditions possible ana expected to prevail; and under such assumptions the board
should report whether or not the saber is of such little value as to justify its aban-
donment as an arm of the cavalry soldier."

In considering this proposition, it must be remembered that the present equip-
ment of a cavalry soldier includes carbine, revolver, and saber. He already has one
revolver for use when such a weapon can be used, so the proposition to increase the
number to three or four at the expense of the saber, betrays an appreciation of the
inherent weakness of the revolver as a weapon for mounted troops, i. e., the impoB-
sibility of reloading it during a charge.

The committee does not consider the suggestion contained in (c) a practical one.
If a cavalrv regiment were armed with three or four revolvers per man, and the
men carefully instructed in their use, the effect of this regiment against an infiuitry
firing line, as compared with a cavalry regiment armed with an efficient saber and
well instructed in its use, would still be a matter of guesswork and could be really
determined only by actual warfare. These revolver cavalrymen mieht be changed
through dummies, and hits counted; the cavalrvmen armed with the saber might
do the same thins; and the conclusions reached be utterly valueless. •

The training of the American cavalry gives the arm its greatest efficiency when
fighting on foot. The carbine can not be replaced by any other weapon or combi-
nation of weapons. If the revolver is to replace the saber in the charge, the cavalry
officer will have to move to the rear, where he can neither be heard nor lead hiB
men during a chaige; or he will be shot in the back.

The committee, therefore, recommends that (c), memorandum report No. 26,
third division, be not favorably considered.

For the conmiittee.

W. S. Schuyler,
Lieuienant'Colond^ General Staff, Chairman.

Exhibit H.
memorandum.

War Dbparticsnt,
, Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washington, March £9, J905,

The committee, while it is agreed upon the desirability of certain features of the
sword and scabbard, as. for example, that the sword be a fighting weapon and kept
sharp, and that the scabbard be of leather or at least not glittering, can not render a
report upon the proper weight and length, and style of gripe, buket, etc., without
having expert advice and types of different swords and saberB before it, which are
now being sought

EXPERIMENTAL SABERS FOR OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN. 135

The views of the committee upon the propositions of the third division of the
General Staff upon this subject are now in the hands of the Chief of Staff, but a
thorough exammation of the entire subject necessary to render a satisfactory report
will make it impossible to render a report by April I.

W. 8. Schuyler,
lAeutenant-Colonelf General Staffs Chairman.

Colonel Schuyler relieved from further service on special committee to enable him
to proceed to headquarters Southwestern Division.

Chaffkb.
March 30, 1905.

Exhibit I.

MEMORANDUM ON THE CAVALRY SABER.

Much of the objections in our service to the saber as a cavalry weapon arises from
the fact that the saber, as issued, is not sharp.

A sharp saber at close quarters is a formidable weapon. A dull saber is nothing
more than a steel club.

It is therefore recommended —

1. That the saber, not being intended for dismounted work, should be carried on
the saddle exclusively.

2. That it should have a scabbard not of metal, (a) A metal scabbard turns the
ed^e: (b) it reflects light and discovers the position of the troops to the enemy; (c)
it IS heavier than a wooden scabbard.

3. The saber not being easy to sharpen at any time, and especially in the field,
should be issued already sharpened. To avoid accidents a few of the duller sabers,
if necessary, can be issued to recruits.

4. The scabbard should be made of wood and leather, and it should be sufficiently
strong not to break under ordinary usage. It is believed the wood in it should he
thicker and more rounding, as in the scabbard of the Japanese sword. This would
give it more strength. The following is approximately the cross section of the wood
and leather scabbard issued me for trial:

The following is the cross section I would recommend:

6. In case the present saber is to be adapted to the wooden scabbard, it is recom-
mended that the basket hilt, which projects and sticks into the side of the horse, be
changed into a flat hilt like that of tne regular artillery saber; also that the saber
blade be reduced in length, measuring from the hilt, 32 inches. This reduction
in length would make the scabbard less liable to break, and make the saber handier,
easier to carry, and nearly, or quite as effective in a charge against cavalry where the
saber is used only at the moment of the shock and in the mdl^, and where the
handiness of the weapon counts for as much as iti> length.

6. In case a new saoer is adopted I favor a weapon nearly straight, with blade 32
inches long; keen cutting edge; heavy broad blade, so as to brine the center of
impact nearer the point; light hilt and gripe, having a flat hilt like the old artillery
saber. With a saber nearly straight the wooden scabbard will be stronger and easier
to manufacture.

Respectfully submitted.

James Parker,
lAeulenant'Colonelj Assistant Adjutant-General^

136 appendix iv.

Exhibit K.

DATA CONCERNING SWORIS OP VARIOUS COUNTRIES.

i. Great Britain. — Length, blade 32J inches, hilt 5J to 5J inches, gripe 5 inches;
weight, without scabbard, 1 pound 11 ounces to 1 pound 12 ounces.

Note. — This country has changed saber and scabbard since Boer war.

^. Italy. — Officer's sword: Length in proportion to the height of the officer, which
should not be more than 8 centimeters from the ground.

S. Germany. — Length varies, with the several classes of weapon, from 980 up to
1,063 millimeters (millimeter equals 0.03937 inch) ; weight, without scabbard, includ-
ing blade and gripe, varies from 900 up to 1 ,065 grams (28.34 grams equals 1 ounce].

(1) Cuirassier sword: Length, including gripe, 1.035 to 1.065 meters; weight,
1,020 grams; distance from base of hilt to center of gravity, 120 millimeters; guard, of
tombac for officers, brass for men; gripe, of hard wood wrapped with twine, and
covered with leather wound with wire; scabbard, steel, two bands.

(2) Cavalry saber: Length, 992 millimeters; weight, 960 grams; distance from base
of nilt to center of gravity, 130 millimeters; guard, of steel, no basket but flat; gripe,
hard rubber; scabbard, steel, two bands.

Blades double-edged for one-third of length.

Artillery saber: Length, 980 millimeters; blade more curved, otherwise about the
same as cavalry saber.

4. Belgium. — Length, Montmorency sword 1.40 meters.

5. Russia. — ^The universal pattern for all regular cavalry is the so-called shashka,
a curved sword 3 feet 4 inches long and weighing 2 pounds and 11 ounces. Its scab-
bard is of wood, covered with leatlier. Date, 1886.

A somewhat bent sword, 87 centimeters long, with a bent hilt, which is carried in
a wooden scabbard with a black covering by means of a belt over the right shoulder,
is carried only by the officers and color sergeants. There are three sorts of shashkas—
the dragoon, Cossack, and artillery. 1898.

6. Austria-Hungary. — Length, from point to hilt, the sword for different branches
of the service vanes from 654 to 921 millimeters; breadth at hilt varies from 30 to 37
millimeters; thickness of back at hilt varies from 7 to 8.8 millimeters; weight, sword
without scabbard from 660 to 1,240 grams, scabbard from 262 to 940 grams.

7. France. — Length, 29.53 to 35.43 inches; weight (without scabbard), 25.7 to 26.7
ounces.

8. United States. — Officers': 30 to 34 inches; weight, 20.2 to 22 1 ounces.
Cavalry and field artillery saber: Length, 34.8 inches; weight, 34.63 ounces.
Noncommissioned officers' sword: Length, 26 inches; weight, 24.07 ounces.
Cadet sword: Length, 28.7 inches; weight, 19.26 ounces.

26791 0—757-1.

Appendix V.

CORRESPOXDEXCE RESCLTTXG JX THE ADOPTION OF THE CALIBER
.S2, RIM FIRE, LONG rARTRIDGE FOR GALLERY PRACTICE,

War Department,
Otfice of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washingtwi^ May 9^ 1905,

Sir: 1. With the view to reducing the cost of ammunition for
gallery practice without 8at*rilice in accuracy, this Department has
condncted at the Springfield Armory an exhaustive series of experi-
ments with several kinds and calibers of cartridges, some of wnich
require the use of chamber plugs, subcaliber tubes, or barrels specially
bored and chambered.

The results of the tests show the choice to lie between the present
service gallery practice cartridge and a rim-fire, caliber .22, long, car-
tridge. The former cartridge is now used in service arms ; the latter
requires arms provided with barrels specially bored and chambered.
Should the caliber .22 cartridge be adopted in place of the present gal-
lery-practice cartridge, it is proposed to issue to each organization the
necessary number of caliber .22 oarrels with receivers for assemblage,
in place of caliber .30 barrels and receivers, in service arms for gallery-
practice instructions. This method does not require the manufactur-
ing of special arms, and provides an arm for gallery practice differing
from the service one only in the caliber of the bore and a slightly
heavier barrel. This same system could be used by the organized
militia of the several States and Territories.

2. The mean vertical, horizontal, and absolute deviations of the
different targets made with the two kinds of cartridges under consid-
eration, at 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet, are tabulated on inclosure 1, here-
with. Each target consists of 10 consecutive shots fired under as
nearly identical conditions as possible; the dimensions are inches; all
targets were made bv the same marksman. Photographs of eacK tar-
get are also inclosed." The average mean absolute deviation at each
range was as follows:

[Model of 1908 rifle.]

Ammunition.

Mean abaolute deviation.

25 feet.

50 feet.

75 feet.

100 feet.

Oft] Icrv Dractfce

0.15
.20

0.31
.35

0.51
.58

0.52

Calitjer .22. rim fire

.78

a Not printed.

137

138 APPENDIX V.

It will be noted that no material difference in the accuracy exists at
26, 50, and 76 feet. The range prescribed in Firing Regulations for
Small Arms, 1904, for gallery practice is 60 feet. Reports received
from the Army show that ammunition reloaded by troops is less accu-
rate than that loaded at Frankford Arsenal; the latter was used in
these tests.

3. Caliber .22 rim-fire cartridges, long, can be purchased in small
quantities at $2.86 per 1,000; the powaer, bullets and primers for
reloading 1,000 gallery-practice cartridges cost $3.66.

4. The comparative advantages and disadvantages of the use of the
two cartridges appear to be:

ADVANTAGES.

Gallery practice:
Caliber .30—

(a) Requires no cbanee in service arms.

(6) When loaded with care, slightly more accurate up to and including 75
feet, and much more accurate at longer ranges.
Caliber .22—

a^ About 22 per cent cheaper.
6) No reloading.

c) Probably more accurate than gallery practice ammunition loaded by
troops.

DISADVANTAGES.

Gbtllery practice:
Caliber .30—

|a) More expensive.

^6^ Must be loaded by troops.

.c) Unless loaded with great care, accuracy not satisfactory.
Caliber .22—

(a) Requires issue of special barrels with receivers.

6. The adoption of the caliber .22 rim-fire cartridge, long, appears
to be worthy of consideration hy some such board of officers as that
convened for the revision of Firing Reflations for Small Arms for the
United States magazine rifle, mooel of 1903; the infantry board, Fort
Leavenworth, Kans. ; or the board of officers convened by paragraph 1,
Special Orders, No. 91, dated War Department, Washington, April 20,
1906, for recommending a sight for service arms, the members of
which were specially selected as being expert with the rifle.

Reference of this letter to one of the above-mentioned boards is
therefore recommended, with instructions to subject the two systems
to test and to recommend the one found most suitable for adoption.
Due consideration should be g'iven in this connection to the neeos and
facilities of the organized militia of the several States and Territories
for gallery practice.

In case this subject should be referred to the last of the above-
mentioned boards, it is requested that it be instructed to delay con-
sideration of this subject until after a conclusion has been reached as
to the design of sight that is best suited for adoption.

6. The Department has one United States magazine rifle, model of
1903, equipped with a caliber .22 barrel, and upon being informed of
the board to which this paper is referred will give instructions to ship
it, with ammunition, to that hoard.

Respectfully, Williajm Cbozier,

Brigadier- General^ Chief of Ordnance.

The MiLrTART Secretart, U. S. Armt.

GALIBBB .22 GALLBBT PftACTICB CARTftlBGB. 189

[FInt indonement.]

Mil. Sec. Office,

May 11, 1906.
To the Chief of Staff.
16 inclosures.

Office of the Chief of Staff.
Beceived May 11, 1905.

[Second indonement.]

War DEPABTMEirr,
The Military Secretabt's Office,

Washington, May 15, 1905.

Respectfully referred, by direction of the Acting Chief of Staff,
through the commandant, infantry and Cavalrv School and Staff Col-
lege« to the infantry board, Fort Leavenworth, Kans. , for consideration,
and report
These papers to be returned.

Hekrt p. McCain,

Military Sectary. •
16 incls.

[Third indonement]

Infantry and Cavalry School and Staff College,

Fr/rt Leavenworth, Kans., May 18, 1906.

Respectfully transmitted to Col. Charles B. Hall, Eighteenth Infantry,
president infantry board.

J. F. Bell,
Brigadier- General, JJ. S. Army, Commandant.

[Fonrth indonement.]

Fort Leavenworth, Kans. , October 1, 1905.

Respectfully returned to the Military Secretarv, War Department,
Washmgton, D. C, inviting attention to the inclosed proceedings of
the infantry board, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.
All papers in the case returned.

Chas. B. Hall,
Colonel Eighteenth Infantry,

President of board.
Received back M. S. O., October 4, 1905.

[Fifth indonement.]

War Department,
The Military Secretary's Office,

Wanhington^ October^, 1906.

Respectfully returned, by direction of the Acting Chief of Staff, to
the Acting Chief of Ordnance.

W. P. Hall,

Military Secretary.
Additional A accompanying.

140 APPENDIX V.

[Sixth indonement]

Office of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washington^ October 5, 1905.

1. Respectfully returned to The Military Secretary, recommending
approval of the adoption, for gallery practice, of the caliber .22, rim
fire, long, ball cartridge, in place of the present design of gallery-
prActice cartridge in view of the unanimous recommendation of the
mfantry board. The diflSculty experienced by the board in loading
the experimental arm furnished it can be overcome.

2. It is recommended that there be issued to each company of infantry,
troop of cavalry, and battery of seacoast artillery four caliber .22
barrels with receivers and that each company or troop be given an
annual allowance of 10,000 rounds of caliber .22 cartridges instead of
the same number of the present design of spUery -practice cartridges
provided for in Article XXVII of General Orders Jfo. 122 of 1905.

3. If the adoption of the caliber .22 cartridge for gallery practice is
approved, it is intended to issue four caliber .22 barrels with receivers
to each organization at the time the latter is equipped with the United
States magazine rifle, model of 1903. The manufacture of caliber .22
barrels with receivers for the United States magazine rifle, model of
1898, will be undertaken as soon as practicable in order that the organ-
ized militia of the several States and Territories may, by procuring
these barrels and receivers, secure the advantages resulting from the
adoption of the caliber .22 cartridge for gallery practice. Before the
issue of the caliber .22 cartridge for gallery practice is commenced
recommendations will be submitted as to the changes its adoption will
necessitate in General Orders No. 122 of 1905.

A. H. Russell,
Lieutenant' Colonel^ Ordm,ance Department^ U. S. Army,

Acting Chief of Ordnance.

[Seventh indorsement.]

War Department,
The Military Secretary's Office,

Washington, October 13^ 1905.

Respectfully returned, by direction of the Acting Chief of Staff, to

the Acting Chief of Ordnance approved, as recommended in the sixth

indorsement hereon. Early return of the paper is requested.

W. P. Hall,

Military Secretary.
38763-5

CALIBER .22 GALLERY PRACTICE CARTRIDGE.

141

Exhibit A.

'i:i:

[Model of 1908 rifle.]

. i".n.

Accuracy (each target 10 phots) .

25 feet.

50 feet.

M. V.

M. H.

M. A.

M. V.

M. H.

M. A.

Service-gallery practice ammunition:

(a)

0.07
.11
.15
.12

0.09
.11
.11
.09

0.11
.16
.19
.15

0.16
.22
.32
.25

0.14
.13
.21
.31

0.21

(b)

.25
.39

yvj

.39

Mean

.11

.10

.15

.24

.20

.31

.22-caliber.long, rim-fire cartridges in model of 1903
rifle with special barrel rifled and chambered to
take this cartridge

.11
.11

.17
.15

.20

.25

.22
.30

.34

.19 .20

.36

Mean

.11

.16

.20

.23

.26

.35

Accuracy (each target 10 shots).

75 feet.

100 feet.

M. V.

M. H.

M. A.

M.V.

M. H.

M. A.

Service-gallery practice ammunition:

(a)

0.20
.50
.48
.40

0.25
.21
.30
.46

0.32
.54
.56
.61

0.17
.28
.44
.70

0.32
.20
.26
.49

0.87

\y»j ...............................................

(b)

.84
.51

\VJ ...............................................

.86

Mean ~

.40

.31

.61

.40

.32

.52

rifle with special barrel rifled and chambered to
take this cartridge

.31
.38

.34
.58

.46
.69

.38
.61

.84
.21

.92

.64

Mean

.35

.46

.58

.50

.53

.78

38763—5-2.

Exhibit B.

The board has met from time to time since the receipt of the foregoing letters and
instructions « with all the members present.

Fort Leavenworth, Kans., September £8, 1905,

The board met pursuant to the call of the president at 11.30 a. m.; present, Col.
Chas. B. Hall, Eighteenth Infantry; Lieut. Col. Wm. Paulding, Eighteenth Infantry;
Maj. Geo. S. Young, Eighteenth Infantry; Maj. D. L. Howell, Eighteenth Infantry;
Capt. J. M. Arrasmith, Eighteenth Infantry, and Capt. Walter H. Gordon, Eighteenth
Inmntry.

The matters submitted to the board were fully considered. Its conclusions have
been arrived at after careful deliberation, and they represent the unanimous views of
the board.

The recorder was directed to procure the necessary miniature paper targets and 500
rounds of caliber .30 service-arms ammunition, carefully loaded by the post ordnance-
sergeant for comparison, which was done.

A thorough experimental test w^ made of each, and the board is unanimously in
favor of the adoption of the .22-caliber long cartridges for gallery practice, provided
in the special barrels and receivers proposed for issue, the difficulty that the board
found in loading the piece can be corrected.

In reaching this conclusion reference was made by the board to the foregoing let-
ters « and especially to the letter from Capt. Jay E. Hoffer, Ordnance Department,

« Not printed.

142 APPENDIX V.

under date of September 16, 1905, in which it is believed the difficulty could be over-
come by fitting to these special barrels regolar receivers, in which the upper part has
been entirely cut away, so as to enable the .22-caliber long ammunition to be readily
inserted.

Chab. B. Hall,
Colonel Eighteenth Infaniry,
President.

Wm. Paulding,
Lieutenant-Colonel Eighteenth Infantry,

Member,

' Geo. S. Young,

/ Major Eighteenth Infantry,

Member

D. L. Howell,
Major Eighteenth Infantry,
Member*

J. M. Arrasmith,
Captain Eighteenth Infantry,
Member.

W. H. Gordon,
Captain and Adjutant Eighteenth Infantry,
3876S--5-1. Iteoorder.

Appendix VI.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF INTRENCHING

TOOLS FOR INFANTRY.

Washington, May 6, 1906.

The commandant of the engineer school, under date of March 14,
1905, submitted to the Chief of Engineers a report in the matter of
intrenching tools (which report is appended hereto, marked A^).

This report presents the following conclusions:

(a) The conclusions heretofore reached in the matter of intrenching tools for the
equipment of all arms have been that the knife bayonet of the present small arm,
together with th^ meat-ration can, tin cup or hands, formed a fairlv efficient equip*
ment for hasty entrenchment to the extent of providing individual cover, and that
this equipment was available without adding to the weight to be carried habitually
by the soldier; that a more efficient type of equipment of the ''engineer pattern'' of
small intrenching shovel and pick mattock should be carried for each organization in
its transportation of the first Ime. these tools being suitable also for transportation on
the person and therefore available for carrying into action if so desired.

(o) The proposed substitution of a rod bayonet for the knife bayonet necessitated
a reconsideration of the intrenching equipment, and until the type of bayonet for the
new small arm is definitely adopted an intelligent revision of the proposed equipment
can not be made. If the type of liayonet £iopted for the new small arm should
prove to be as efficient for intrenching as does toe existing knife bavonet, then the
present status could be continued and another tool need not be added to the soldier's
equipment On the contrary, if this bavonet should not be available for intrenching,
or if the bayonet is to be entirely neglected in the consideration of an intrenching
equipment, then the whole subject should be reconsidered with a view to providing
a single tool for intrenching use.

(c) The merits and demerits of the knife bayonet as an intrenching tool are well
known to the service. It is not entirely satisfactory as an intrenching tool and many
objections have been made against it Neither is it the best intrenchmg tool that can
be carried by the soldier. It is, however, the only tool that can be made available to
the soldier without increasing his burden* The selection of an intrenching tool,
therefore, rests necessarily upon a decision as to whether the weight carried oy the
soldier is or is not to be increased to provide a more efficient tool than the bayonet.
A better tool than the bayonet will weigh between 2 and 3 pounds and can be
provided if required.

This report was returned to the commandant of the Engineer School
with the following indorsement by the Chief of Staff, dated March 80,
1906:

It has been definitely decided to adopt the knife bayonet.

It has also been definitely decided that the bayonet shall not be considered as an
intrenching tool. (See report of the special committee on the subject of the bavo*
net, copy herewith, which received the unanimous approval of the General Staff.)

The Chief of StafiE desires that Major Burr now submit a re}K)rt and special recom-
mendation for an intrenching tool. This report to be ready at the earliest practicable
date in order that the matter may be taken up by the General Staff and a decision
rendered.

<iNot printed.

143

144 APPENDIX VI.

In accordance with the foregoing indorsement, Major Burr, on
April 14, 1905, submitted a supplementary report (appended hereto,
marked "B""), which contains the following recommendations:

The following alternate recommendations are therefore made, the choice between
them resting upon a decision as to whether the soldiers' individual intrenching kita
are or are not to be carried habitually on their persons:

(a) If the intrenching tool is to be carried habituallv on the person of the soldier,
an equipment similar to the Japanese is recommendea with some minor alterations,
viz, lengthen the handle of the shovel to a length over all of 24 inches instead of
20, for experiment; finish the handle with a cross or crutch instead of a ball, and
roll the upper edge of the blade to irive a better support for the foot; and give the
blade a reasonable amount of **dish;" fit the handle to the pick-mattock in the
manner customary in this country for commercial tools.

(6) If the intrenching tool is not to be carried habitually by the soldier, but is to
be carried in the company transportation until contact is made with the eneny, an
equipment of the small shovels and pick-mattocks, with hand axes and folding saws,
is recommended. Even upon the assumption of company transportation for tools, it
is evident that these intrenching tools, under modern conditions, must be carried by
soldiers for considerable periods of time, particularly if that transportation is hot
most flexible and capable of keeping in close touch with the company. Weight
should therefore be given to this recommendation accordingly, and in case of doubt
recommendation (a) should- be preferred. At the same time it is to be noted that
while the bavonet of the new rifle is not to be considered as an intrenching tool,
it will nevertWess be, without doubt, as efficient in that capacity as the present
bayonet, and will be used by the soldier in emergencies, as was the old bayonet

The reports (A* and B^) were referred to a special committee of the
General Staff by the following memorandum:

To special committee composed of the following officers of the General Staff for

Srompt report: Major Mallory, Major Gaillard, Captain March, Captain Muir, and
iaptain McRae.
By order of the Chief of Staff:

Bbnj. Alvord,
Captain, General Staff, Secretary,
April 18, 1905.

The committee met at 10 a. m., April 19, all the members being
present, and proceeded to an investigation of the subject before it.

The commandant of the Engineer School was called upon to furnish
the committee with specimens of the intrenching spade and pick-
mattock referred to in his report, and with samples of any other
intrenching tools which he mignt have investigatea before rendering
his report (A). ^

Capt. Peyton C. March, General Staff, made a report to the com-
mittee of his observations of the use of the intrenching tool by the
Japanese arm)'^ in the war in Manchuria, which is appended hereto,
marked "C."«

The committee then adjourned to meet April 20 at 10 a. m.

The committee met, pursuant to adjournment, at 10 a. m., April 20.

Capt. Carl Reichmann, Seventeenth Infantry, appeared before the
committee and made a report upon the use of the intrenching tool by
the Bui)Sian army in the Busso-tJapanese war. This report is appended
hereto, marked ^'D."^

The committee also considered the intrenching tool used in the Davis
pack, a model of which was examined; also the report of the Board
of Ordnance and Fortification for 1903 and 1904, giving the results
of their experiments with intrenching tools.

The committee then adjourned until 10 a. m., April 21, 1905.

a Not printed.

IKTBEKOHIIfO TOOLS FOB FOOT TBOOF8. 145

Upon reassembling Maj. Edward Burr, Engineer Corps, com-
mandant Engineer School, Washington Barrack, D. C, appeared
before the conmiittee with samples of the various tools referred to in
his report and explained in detail the results of his experiments. He
was requested to nave prepared for the inspection of the committee
the following:

One miners shovel, length over b\\^ 22 inches, one 24 inches, one 20
inches; the handle of one to be straight, the handle of another to have
curves intermediate between the sample shown and a perfectly straight
handle.

Also, one shovel with square blade like the Japanese, with the modi-
fications suggested in Appendix B," if possible.

Also, a pick-mattock with 22-inch nandle of the type of sample
No. 1, herewith.

The following data concerning the types of intrenching tools used
with foreign armies was laid berore the committee:

Chiha Rsusf ExPBDinoif.

BRITISH INDIAN.

The following intrenching tools are carried with each battalion of British Indian
infantry:

Saxes.
80 picks.
40 billhooks.
60 shovels.
Three males are allowed to each company and 8 for the two wings.

FRKNCH.

The engineer soldiers are armed and equipped as infantry; strength of a company,
peace 159, war 259.
The following loads are carried by the men of the engineer companies:
12 axes.
66 picks.
66 shovels.
4 folding saws.
12 hatchets (corporal's),
rulers (sergeant's).
The present equipment of a company of infantry is entirely insufficient, since of
the 200-250 men who mav have to cover themselves during the course of the attack,
12 only are furnished with an intrenching tool.

On the defensive the company wagon can be drawn on. It furnishes 30 intrenching
tools, etc.

JAPANBBB.

The strength of an engineer company is 252. The following tools are carried by
some of the men of the company:
6 axes.
80 shovels.

16 picks and combination picks and mattocks.
These men form three working parties.

RUSSIAN.

Actual strength about 200 men; theoretical strength about 225:
80 light spades.
20 light axes.
16 heavy spades.

8 heavy axes.

3 heavy mattocks.

1 crowbar.

a Not printed.
WAB 1906— VOL 9 10

146

APPENDIX VI.

OBBMAN ARMY.

For earthwork.

For timberwork.

Ck>rps.

Spadenand
shovels.

Pick-
axes.

Pioks.

Axes.

Hatch-
ets.

8aws.

For other work.

Large.

Small.

Infantry or rifle bat-
talion:
WaffonH ■ .

'■"ioo*

40'

14
20
48
32
82

Tools and explosives
for railway demoli-

Men

Cavalry regiment. . . ■

> tion. Indndinff 72

Field battery

Horse battery

33
38

81
31

14
11

pounds of high ex-
plosive.

FRANCS.

Carried by the men per company:
24 email spades.

1 saw.

8 pickaxes.

4 picks.
16 choppers.
Carried in the company wagons:

4 axes.
18 lai^ spades.

2 knives.
4 saws.

12 pickaxes.

BTO8IA.

Carried by the men per infantry refi^iment of four battalions:
1, 280 small spaaes.
320 hatchets.
Carried in the wagons per infantry regiment of four battalions:
256 large s^ules.
28 hatchets.
48 pickaxes.
16 crowbars.

ADOTRIA.

Company of infantry:
^ small spades.
2 felling axes.
2 cramp irons.
2 hand axes.

1 tool wallet

2 shovels.

1 handsaw.

Infantry equipped with—

12 s^des.

36 pickaxes.
6 saws.

12 axes.
In wagons, to the regiment —

36 spades.

36 pickaxes.

36 axes.

12 saws.

ITALY.

The portable intrenching spade in most armies is 20 to 21^ inches
long, and weighs about 1 pound 10 ounces.

INTRENCHING TOOLS FOB FOOT TROOPS. 147

Comparing the total weight carried by the infantry Roldier, the fol-
lowing table is given:

[Balck'n Modem European Tactics, toI. 1. 1899.]

Pounds.

Germany 66

Austria 1 61 J

Italy 671

France 61 J

RuBBia 63

England 60

Switzerland 68i

Sweden 64

United States (proposed). (See Appendix F herewith. «)

The committee then adjourned pending the preparation of the
models requested of Major Burr.

The committee met at 2 p. m. , April 25, and proceeded to Wash-
ington Barracks, D. C, where the samples of intrenching tools which
Major Burr had been requested to make were carefully tested ; also
an intrenching spade captured at Tientsin, China, during the Boxer
campaign, supposed to be of German make, and resenabling in its
essential characteristics the Japanese intrenching spade. These sam-
ples accompany this report. »

Capt. G. fL McMaster, Twenty-fourth Infantry, appeared before
the committee and explained his combined intrenching tool and wire
cutter, exhibiting models.

The various tools were then tested in competition with each other,
being handled by engineer soldiers. The ground was average hard
ground with thick turf. The trenches constructed were of the "lying-
down " type, 2 feet wide, 6 feet long, and 4 inches deep in front, slop-
ing to 10 mches in depth at the rear, the earth in front being 1 foot
high by 2^ feet wide at the top.

rirat test, — Construct lying-down trench, using intrenching spade
only:

In this test the man using the German spade completed his work
in 12 minutes and 12 seconds; the man using the No. 1 spade in 13
minutes and 10 seconds; the man using the McMaster intrenching tool
in 15 minutes, with about two-thirds of the amount of protection in
front which the others had.

Second test. — Construct lying-down trench, using pick and shovel:

Short-handled pick with shovel finished in 10 minutes; long-handled
pick with spade in 12 minutes and 25 seconds.

The men who had used the German spade and No. 1 shovel then
changed implements and worked for some time under direction of the
committee, particular attention being paid to the length of handle and
the relative ease of using the cross handle and the spherical end.

The samples of spades were then tested for strength by placing the
point of the blade upon a brick, with the end of the hanale resting on
the ground, while a man first stood and then jumped up and down upon
the handle. The handle was finally broken by^ a man jumping on it
from a little distance. In no case was the blade bent or brolcen. The
samples appeared, therefore, to have all the strength necessary for
intrenching work.

o Not printed.

148 APPENDIX VI.

As a result of their work with the tools of different lengths and
types the engineer noncommissioned officers and privates pronounced
individually m favor of the short pick-mattock with 22-inch handle
and the pointed shovel 22 inches in length over all, and the cross or
crutch in preference to the ball or spherical handle.

The committee then returned to the War Department, and adjourned
to 10 a. m., April 27.

The committee reassembled at 10 a. m., April 27, 1905.

The questions connected with the general subject of intrenching^
tools were then taken up in the following order:

1. Shall an intrenching tool be carried on the person of the soldier?

2. What different kinds of intrenching tools snail be so carried?

3. What is the best type of each ?

4. What proportion oi each shall be carried by a company?
(Considering ''1. Shall an intrenching tool be carried on the person

of the soldiers" the committee is unanimously of the opinion tliat an
intrenching tool should be so carried.

In connection with this conclusion the committee considered an
extract from proceedings of the Board of Ordnance and Fortification,
dated January 8, 1903 (appended hereto, marked ''E''^), which shows
the engineer equipment considered requisite for the seveml branches
6f the service on both a war and a peace footing. The equipment
there proposed was intended to be carried habituiuly in the company
pack or wagon transportation, but when necej^sary shovels and pick-
mattocks of the types proposed could be carried on the person or on
the horse of a mounted man.

This report was approved by the Secretary of War. It assumes
the war strength of an infantry company at 150 men, and prescribes
for them the following:

• 1 auger.
6 axes.

1 crowbar.
6 hatchets.

20 machetes with sheaths.
10 pounds assorted nails.
30 pick-mattocks with carriers.
10 wire-cuttinff pliers.

2 two-foot rules.

1 crosscut saw with sheath.
40 light shovels with carriers.

260 feet of 2^inch rope.

2 odometers.

2 individual reconnoissance outfits.
Total weight, 4S2 pounds.

It will be observed that the war strength of the company does not
correspond with the strength prescribed in the Field Service Regula-
tions, but it is assumed that proportional amounts of the various
articles prescribed would be considered as the engineer equipment of
an infantry organization as therein prescribed, to be earned in the
company transportation.

While the recommendation of this committee that an intrenching
tool be carried on the person of the soldier departs from the approved
recommendation of the Board of Ordnance and Fortification quoted
above, most of the articles there enumerated obviously could not be

« Not printed.

Iin'BENOHING TOOLS FOR FOOT TROOPS. 149

carried any where except in wagons or packs, and the report specifically
states that there is where they are all to be carried habitually.

A different class of tools, of size and weight suitable for carrying
on the person, would therefore be required to carry out the recom-
mendation of the committee.

Considering "2. What different kinds of intrenching tools shall be
so carried?" the committee reconmiends the following:

Intrenching shovel. '
Pick-mattock.
Hand ax.
Wire cutter.
Two-foot rule, folding.

Considering "3. What is the best type of each?" the committee
recommends that a pick -mattock (modef herewith) with 22-inch handle,
and weighing 2 pounds 4 ounces, more or less, be adopted as the
standard.

Upon further consideration of the proper type of intrenching shovel
or spade, the committee requested that a model be constructed by
Major Burr, as set forth in the following letter:

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washington^ April ^, 1906,

Sib: The committee of the General Staff upon the general subject of intrenching
tools requests that you will have constructed for their inspection one intrenching
shovel of the type of No. 1, herewith, with the following modifications:

1. Replace the iron cross handle or clutch with a wooden cross handle, as in model
No. 3, herewith.

2. Construct the reenforce — the upper and lower continuations of the blade along
the handle — to the point indicated on the model. Upper and lower parts of the
reenforce to he of the same length, instead of having the upper one longer than the
lower, as on the present model. Also, a carrier for the pick-mattock with 22-inch
handle, along the lines of the one sent for our inspection belonging to the regular
enjnneer pick-mattock.

The committee requests that all models sent to you with this letter be returned
with the finished articles, and would be glad to have them at the earliest practicable
date.

Respectfully, P. C. March,

Oaptainy Qeneral Staffs Recorder,
Maj. Edward Burr,

C&7nmanda7it Engineer School^

Washington BarrackSy D. C.

Pending the receipt of this model, the committee adjourned to meet
May 1, at 10 a. ni.

The committee reassembled at 10 a. m., May 1.

The following letter from Major Burr, together with the models
requested, was laid before the committee:

War Department, Engineer School,

Washington Barracks, I), C, April f^, 1906.

Sir: In compliance with request of the 27th instant from the committee of the
General Staff, subject, intrenching tools, there are transmitted to you to-day by
messenger the following:

1. Remodeled picket shovel, 22 inches long over all, with wooden crutch handle
instead of iron; also with the tangs of the shovel blade shortened as requested.

2. Small pick-mattock, furnished with leather sheath for carrying, as requested.
The remodeled shovel is in somewhat better shape than those previously furnished

to you and weighs 29 ounces, where the shovel with the iron crutch weighs 31 ounces,
a saving of 2 ounces. I do not consider the wooden crutch as strong and serviceable
as the iron one, nor is it so well shaped to the hand in using the shovel. The differ-
ence in cost between the two should be very slight, if anything. My own opinion

150 APPENDIX VI.

favors the iron-crutch handle, which can probably be made somewhat lighter if
desired. The tangs of the blade have been shortened as requested, but it is my per«
sonal opinion that they should be about 1 inch longer and secured with three rivets.
It is difficult to make this length from the picket shovels by reason of the spacing
of the rivet holes in the latter, but it can be done if desired.

The sheath for the pick-mattock is slightl]^ different from that now in your posses-
sion in that the cover for the pick end is carried high enough to bear upon the socket
for the handle, thus taking the weight at that point and relieving it from the point
of the pick, which is likely to wear through the leather.

An additional memorandum receipt, covering the remodeled shovel and the sheath
for the pick-mattock, is transmitted herewith in duplicate, one copy of which may
be retained by yourself.
The tools sent here with your letter of the 27th instant are also returned herewith.
Very respectfully,

Edw. Burr,
MajoTy Corps of Engiaten^ U. & Army,

Commandant.
Maj. J. 8. Mallory,

Qmeral Staff, U, S. Army,

War Vepartmentj Washington^ D. C,

The committee then proceeded to a further consideration of the best
type of intrenching spade to be adopted for the Army. After con-
sidering the various types of intrenching shovels and spades before
the committee, all were finally rejected except model Ivo. 4 and the
German spade captured at Tientsin, both of which accompany this
report. The model No. 4 is preferred to model No. 1, with the iron
crutch handle, which is recommended by Major Burr, because it weighs
less, and also for the reason that if the handle of No. 1 came off and
was lost it would be practically impossible to use the shovel, while if
the handle of No. 4 came out and was lost the soldier could always
extemporize a crosspiece to insert in the eye of the handle.

It may be pointed out that the experiences of the most recent wars —
the Russo-Japanese war and the Boer war — lead to the conclusion that
trenches, to oe of value against modern rifle and artillery fire, must
be of the kneeling or standing type, and these can not be constructed
with any variety of knife intrenching tool, except with the greatest
difficulty.

The various types of combination intrenching tool — bayonet and
wire cutter, etc. — known to the committee, while possessing merit, as
compared with the knife bayonet alone used as an intrenching tool,
can not compete with the spade and pickvas used under modern condi-
tions of fire action, and it is confidently predicted that after the first
experience the American soldier has in a great battle he will place his
intrenching tool on a par with his arms and ammunition.

The advantage of No. 4 rests in the superiority of its blade and
the crutch handle for digging purposes, while the advantages of the
German type are in the strength and simplicity of the handle, with
consequent greater ease of carrying.

After maturely considering the advantages of each of these types,
the committee recommends the adoption of the model No. 4, it being
considered that its superior capacity for digging outweighs any other
advantages that the German spade may possess.

It is recommended that a suitable carrier be constructed for this
shovel; this matter to be taken up in connection with the subject of
the proper pack to be carried by the soldier, as the place and method
of carrying the shovel will depend upon the kind of pack adopted.

INTBENOHIN0 TOOLS FOB FOOT TBOOPS.

151

The shovel recommended (No. 4) may be described as a remodeled
picket shovel with wooden crutch handle; the top edge of the blade
to be square and turned forward five-sixteenths of an inch at right
angles, to give better support for the foot: Weight, 29 ounces; length
overall, 22 inches; length of blade, 8 inches; widSi of blade, 6|i^ inches;
dish of blade, \i inch.

It may be pointed out that the models submitted were made by hand
at the engineer depot at Washington Barracks, and that the finished
article, ifadopted, would be smoother and neater in appearance.

The carrier submitted for the pick-mattock does not fulfill all the
conditions necessary for permanently carrying the pick on the person.
It was designed to carry the larger type of pick-mattock adopted by
the Board of Ordnance and Fortification to be carried habitually upon
the company transportation and only on the person in emergencies.

The question of the proper carrier and place of attachment of the
pick-mattock should be considered in connection with carrying of
clothing and other articles of equipment upon the person of the soldier,
and it is so recommended.

If an intrenching spade and pick -mattock of the types proposed are
adopted, it is manifest that the engineer equipment for the different
arms of the service recommended bv the Boara of Ordnance and For-
tification and approved b^ the Secretary of War (Appendix E, here-
with^) is in need of revision. It is not desirable to have a shovel and
{)ick-mattock intermediate between the types here proposed and the
arger picks and shovels of commerce, which can be carried on the
company transportation and used when conditions permit.

The type of hand ax recommended for adoption may be described
as follows (model herewith): Weight, 28 ounces; length over all, 15^
inches.

This is the standard quartermaster's camp hatchet, and there are at
present on hand in the depot at Philadelphia 1,800 of them — enough to
equip the entire infantry arm of the service.

The proper carrier for this ax should be determined by experiment,
in connection with the question of the proper pack for the soldier, as
in the case of the spade and pick-mattock.

The type of wire cutter recommended for adoption is known as the
"button plier" (model herewith). This is 10 inches long, weighs 1
pound, and costs 35 cents. A large number of these were used during
the war with Spain, and the type is well known to the service.

The 2-foot rule recommended is the ordinary folding 2-foot rule of
commerce.

Considering "4. What number of each shall be carried by a com-
pany ? " the committee recommends the following for a company of
infantry on a war footing, or of any other arm serving as infantry:

Articles.

One 2-foot rale, folding . . .

Four hand axes

Three wire cutters

One pick-mattock

Three intrenching shovels

Carried by-

First sergeant . . .

1 musician

3 duty sergeants .
3 duty sergeants.

>To each squad...

{

« Not printed.

Length.

Inchet.

15i

10
22
22

152 APPENDIX VI.

The scheme outlined above gives one relief throughout the organi-
zation for all tools, and it is assumed that the men would alternate
daily in carrying them on the march. The duty sergeants might alter-
nate in carrying the hand axes and the wire cutters, as the weights
differ. The scheme provides for responsibility for and supervision
of all tools by an officer or noncommissioned officer — the corporal for
the tools of his sauad, the sergeants for the tools carried by themselves,
and the commanain^ officer i^r the musicians'.

Special attention is invited to the reports of the military attaches
with the Russian and Japanese armies (Appendices C^ and I>>), and also
to the extract from the report of Colonel Wagner, chief umpire, on
the Maneuvers of 1903 (Appendix G*').

The lying-down trench has been shown by practical experience in the
Manchurian war to be of little or no value in modern fij^hting, and has
been so reported by the observers on both sides. This fact has been
of first importance in determining the type of intrenching tool to be
recommended.

This committee has considered the question of the intrenching tools
to be carried on the person as one for the infantry arm of the service
alone. The report of the Board of Ordnance and Fortification (Appen-
dix E^), subject to the revision herein recommended, will proviae the
number of tools of all kinds suitable for other arms of the service, and
to be carried on their transportation.

John S. Maixobt,

Major y Oeneral Staff.

D. D. Gaillard,

Major ^ Oeneral Staff.

Charles H. Muib,

Captain^ Oeneral Staff.

J. H. MgRae,

Captain^ Oeneral Staff.

P. C. March,

Captain^ Oeneral Staff.

46(»-328.

memorandum for the secretary op war.

War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,

Washington, May 23, 1906.

For several years there has been much talk in the Army, and I may
say considerable effort also, to secure proper intrenching tools for the
soldier — intrenching tools of the sort to oe carried upon his person
when about to engage in battle. Chiefly the efforts nave taken the
direction of compromise or combination — that is to sav, the bayonet to
also be used as an intrenching tool and the meat-ration can to serve
also as a shovel, the object being to reduce, or at least not add to, the
weight to be carried by the solaier. None of these efforts has ever

« Not printed.

nffTBBircHiNa tools for foot tsoops. 158

amounted to a substantial advance toward suitable intrenching tools.
The question has been recently referred to a special conunittee of the
General Staff to make a report, and that report has been acted upon by
the General Staff in committee, with the result that it recommends the
adoption of a small shovel^ a pick mattock^ a hatchet, and cutting
plyers, none of which, it will be noted, is a combination tool, each
being simple and useful in itself.

I recommend that the Secretary of War approve the conclusions of
the General Staff in the matter, and that these articles be designated
as ajpart of the soldier's equipment, to be manufactured and issued by
the Ordnance Department.

The scheme of supply is 1 pick and 3 shovels to each squad of 8
men; 4 hand axes per company, to be carried by 1 musician and 3
duty sergeants; 3 wire cutters, to be carried by 3 duty sergeants.
With this distribution the number for a company of infantry on a war
footing (128 men) would be 4 axes, 3 wire cutters, 14 pick*^ mattocks,
42 shovels. The hand axe weighs 28 ounces, the wire cutter 1 pound,
the pick mattock 36 ounces, and the shovel 29 ounces. Including one
day^ ration, 100 rounds of ammunition and a rifle, and the various
other articles which a soldier needs and sometimes carries, and exclud-
ing the weight of clothing worn b^ the soldier upon his person, the
total weight at present prescribed is approximately 45 pounds. Add
to this the heaviest of these proposed tools, which is the pick mattock,
and the weight will be 47 pounas 4 ounces.

It is of the greatest importance that our Army be supplied with suit-
able intrenching tools, and I am satisfied that the ones adopted by the
General Staff as nearly meet the demand as any that can be devised.
Respectfully,

Chaffee,
Lieutenant' General^ Chief of Staff.

May 23, 1905.

Approved.

Send this report and the tools to the President for his examination

and ruling.

Wm. H. Tait,

Secretary of War,

460e— 32S-I.

The White House,

Washington, May 23, 1906.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I return herewith the memorandum of
the Chief of Staff, dated the 28d instant, transmitting the report of the
commandant of the Engineer School on the matter of intrenching tools.
The report and the tools seem to the PiVHident to be just right. Could
the President keep the set of tools?

Very truly, yours, Wm. Loeb, Jr.,

Secretary to the President.
Hon. W. H. Taft,
Secretary of War.

4606—328-6.

154 APPENDIX VI.

[First Indonement.}

War Department,
The Military Secretary's Office,

Washington^ May 26^ 1906.

Respectfully referred to the Chief of Ordnance, inviting attention
to this report and the approval of same by the Secretary of War; also
to the note of the President, expressing concurrence upon the suita-
bility of the intrenching tools adopted.

The Chief of Ordnance should take immediate steps for the manu-
facture of tools for issue to the Arm^ and for procuring a reasonable
reserve, for issue to the volunteers in the event of war; say, 100,000
shovels, and a proper proportion of pick mattocks, etc., for the reserve.

As soon as a sufficient number is manufactured to equip the infantry
of the Army, it is desired that the Chief of Ordnance report the
fact to the Chief of Staff, with a view to an order issuing tor their
distribution.

By direction of the Chief of Staff:

Henry P. McCain,

Military Secretary.

4606—328.

Appendix VII.

RESULTS OF FIRING WITH le-INCH CAST-IRON, STEEL-HOOPED

MORTAR, MODEL OF 1886.

(5 plates.)

The Ordnance Boabd, U. S. Army,

New York Arsenal,
Governors Island, New York Harbor,

Neio York City, September 20, 1906.

Sir: 1. In obedieDce to instructions in O. O. 37438-28, the Board
respectfully repoils the results of the firing of 88 rounds of 12-inch
cast-iron,, steel-hooped mortar, model of 1886, at Battery Reynolds,
after firing 16 rounds at the proof battery for powder characteristics,
in order to determine zones and ballistic data for 1,046 and 824 pound
capped shell.

2. The following papers, forming part of the report, are attached:

Firing records of 104 rounds.

Table of complete ballistic data for each round of the test.

Curves showmg relations of powder charges, pressures, and muzzle velocities.

Curves showing: relations between quadrant elevations and ranges for seven
muzzle velocities.

Curves showing relations between muzzle velocities and ranges for six quad-
rant elevations.

Carves showing drift as a function of the range for seven muzzle velocities.

Tables of zone dimensions for cast-iron and deck-piercing capped shell.

3. The service velocities prescribed for full charges with projectiles
of the standard weights, 1,046 and 824 pounds, are 950 and 1,050 feet
per second, to be obtained with a powder pressure not exceeding
27,500 {K)unds per square inch and a smokeless powder charge, exclu-
sive of igniter charge, not exceeding 33 pounds. Pending the manu-
facture of a special powder for the 12-inch cast-iron, steel-hooped
mortar, L. & R., lot 6, 1902, for the 15-pounder rapid-fire gun was
used, with the provision that the maximum powder charge, exclusive of
igniter, shall not exceed 33 pounds with the heavier projectile, or 34.5
pounds with the lighter one, and also that a pressure of 29,000 pounds
per square inch shall not be exceeded. The powder to be brought to
70^ temperature for firing.

In order to obtain as full data as practicable for both drill and
battle projectiles, 46 cast-iron and 26 deck-piercing steel 1,046-pound
capped shell were fired with six different initial velocities and 10 cast-
iron and 6 deck-piercing 824-pound capped shell were fired at a
single velocity for the greatest range.

Dummy cast-iron caps were put on both kinds of cast-iron projectiles
in conformity with O. O. drawing 25, div. 14, cl. 75. They are lai^ger

155

156 APPEKDix vn.

than the deck-piercing caps and diflfer from these in shape. They
were assembled on the projectiles by 60 tons pressure from an hydraulic

t'ack after the threads on their shanks had been turned down to fit a
lole bored in the ogive.

4. Prior to the test the settings of the verniers on the mortars were
tested and corrected. The mortars and range-finders used were sur-
veyed and located on the proving ground's plotting board. The line
of fire was established by computation, plotted, and then checked by
taking observations from three of the proving-ground range-finders
on a flag set on the line of fire.

5. The firings were conducted as prescribed by Ordnance Board
Programme 284, as revised February 4, 1905. All firings were made
with the powder at 70^ temperature and the projectiles were ballasted
with asphalt. Effort was made to obtain trustworthy data. The
weighing of projectiles and charges were verified and the laying of the
mortars was checked by Lieutenant Hawkins, Ordnance Department,
who conducted the firings. Observations were made on all the splashes
by observers with azimuth instruments in the four range-finding sta-
tions having 1,000, 2,400, and 4,400 yard base lines, by one observer
with a Warner & Swasev D. P. F. instrument 60 feet high, and a
short distance in rear of the mortar, and by a sixth observer with the
Warner & Swasey D. P. F. instrument 60 feet high, in. Battery
Halleck range tower, during 18 rounds. Hence there were five obser-
vations on every splash and six on some of the splashes. The inter-
sections were generally good. Wind velocity and direction were
taken from the readings of Weather Bureau self -registering anemome-
ter and vane. The temperature, pressure, and humidity of the air
were taken by means of the proving ground's instruments, which are
in constant service.

6. The flight of many projectiles could be seen at different parts of
the trajectory, but not always continuously, by means of field glasses
in rear of the piece. All projectiles seen in the first half of the tra-
jectory were steady or approaching steadiness. In the second half
all projectiles with high velocities or low departures were fairly >^
steady, but when the velocity was low and the angle of departure \
high the axis of the projectile was seen inclined to the plane of \
the trajectory with the point to the right or left, sometimes as V
much as 20°. By holding the glass with the lowest point of the \
field on the striking point in the water and waiting lor a shot to i
cross the field several shell were seen to fall as shown. The *
observations appeared to indicate gyratory motion. But no one pro-
jectile was seen to turn to the extent that the point would pass from
the right of the plane of fire to the left, or vice versa.

7. The mean of the pressures obtained with firings of the test at
Battery Reynolds was lower than that obtained in the preliminary
firings at the proof battery for velocity and pressure with the same
weight, kind of powder, and projectile. Precautions were taken during
the test to keep the powder at the same temperature of 70° by hauP
ing, as required, to the mortar, one-half mile distant from the heat-
ing chamber, each charge of powder in a box warmed by hot brick.
It was not always practicable to insert the charge upon arrival, or,
having inserted it, to fire at once. Difference in temperature of the

12-INCH MORTAR, MODEL OF 1886.

157

powder and difference between the two mortars used for the proof of
powder and the test may account for the difference of pressures. Veloci-
ties for the zones were, therefore, found by referring back from the
mean pressure curve to the corresponding points on the pressure and
velocity curves of the preliminary firings. It was thus found that the
660 feet per second velocity was 8 feet per second short, the 625 feet
per second velocity 12 feet per second short, the 700 feet per second
velocity 14 feet per second short, the 805 feet per second velocity 11
feet per second snort, and the 950 feet per second velocity foot per
second short.

8. For the same velocity and elevation uniformly greater i-anges
were obtained from the deck -piercing steel shell than from the same
weights of cast-iron shell. This can only be accounted for by the dif-
ference in the profile and weight of the caps.

9. The set or curves showing both for cast-iron and steel shell the
relations between muzzle velocities and ranges for various elevations
will facilitate the division of the field of fire of the cast-iron mortar
into zones. A division is made showing seven zones — six for the
1,046-pound and one for the 824-pound projectile. Each of the zones
for the steel deck-piercing shell differs slightl}^ from the one having
the same corrected velocity for the cast-iron shell, owing to the greater
range of the former.

10. The following tables give the width of the zones and the weights
of the charges for the same made up in alicjuot parts. The charge
for the seventh zone could not be made in aliquot part and keep the
range and pressure within the prescribed limits. If a pressure of
29,600 pounds were permissible, the charge for the seventh zone could
be made in aliquot parts. It was sought to have the overlaps of the
successive zones increase gradually in width outward and to avoid
excessive overlaps. The number of packages of powder required for
any zone covered by the 1,046-pound projectile is equal to the number
of the zone, a disposition which should lessen the chance of making a
mistake in loading.

2^ne8 for l^-inch cast-iron^ steel-hooped mortar, model of 1886.

CAST-IRON SHELL, CAPPED.

No. of zone.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7

Weight
of prO'
jectile.

Muzzle
velocity.

Eleva-
tions.

Pounds.
1,046

Ft. sec.
660

o o
4&-65

1,046

643

45-65

1,046

727

45-65

1,046

804

45-65

1,046

875

45-65

1,046

950

45-65

824

1,060

4&-65

824

1,110

45-65

Ranges.

Yards.
2,240- 3,040

2,860- 3,860

3,58«)- 4,800

4,380- 5,740

5,260- 6,660 i

6,360- 7,610

6,900- 9,480

7,750-10,360

Pressure

per

square

inch.

Pounds.
8,450

11,500

15,000

19,000

23,800

29,000

26,800

29,600

158

APPENDIX Vn.

Zones for liS-vnch ocut-iron^ ated-hooped mortar, model of 1886 — Continued.

DECK-PIERCING SHELL. CAPPED.

1
2
8
4

5
6

7
7

No. of zone.

Pounds.
1,046

1,046

1.046

1,046

1.046

1,046

824

Mozsle
velocity.

Ft. sec,
560

648

TT!

804

87B

9S0

1.060

1,110

Eleva-
Uoiw.

o o
4&-65

45-65

4&^

45-65

Ranges.

Yards.
2,320-3,160

2,930- 3,030

8,660-4,900

4,880-5,740

5,850-6,850

6,490- 7.960

7,220-9,720

8,060-10.600

Over-

1bp0.

Charge.

Aliquot
parts.

Yards.
220
, 270
520
890
860
740
120

Lbs. oz.

12 15.4

16 6.8

19 13.2

23 4.1

26 11.0

80 1.0

81 11.0
88 8.8

A
A+ B
A-i-2B
A+8B
A+4B
A+6B

C
A+6B

Preflsare

per

square

inch.

Pounds.
8,460

11,500

15,000

19,000

28,800

29,000

26,800

29,000

A»12 pounds 15.4 ounces. B— 3 pounds 6.9 ounueBa26.47 per cent of A. C»81 pounds 11 ounces**
244.45 per cent of A. Above chargeR, pressures, etc., pertain to Laflln & Rand smokeless powder, lot
6, 1902, for 15-pounder rapid-flrc gun.

11. But the zones for target practice should be the same as those for
battle. To obtain them it will be necessary to diminish to a small
extent the width of the zones and the amount of overlap as given
above.

The table for service then becomes for the above division as follows:

Zones for both cast-iron and deck-piercing capped shell, IS-inch cast-iron mortar, 1886.

No. of zone.

^?i5^» I Hozzle j Eaev^

Ranges.

pounds.
1 1,046

2 ' 1,046

i 1,046

4
5

6
i

1.046

1,046

824

Jfi. sec.
560

643

727

804

876

950

1,060

1.110

o o I Yards.

45-65 2,320-3,040

45-65 2,930-8,860

45-65 3,660- 4,800

45-65 4,380-5,740

45-65 5,850- 6,660

45-65.

45-65

46-65

6,490- 7,610
7,220-9,720
8,060-10,360

Over-
lapi«.

Charge.

Aliquot
parts.

Yards.

Lbt

. oz.

6.4

110

6.8

A+ B

200

13.2

A-I-2B

420

4.1

A-I-8B

890

11.0

A-I-4B

170

1.9

A-I-5B

390

11.0

8.8

A+6B

Pressore

per

square

inch.

Pounds.

8,460

11,600
12.000
10.000
28,800
29,000
26,800
29,600

A ~ 12Ht pounds. B = 8^ pounds. C « 31}^ pounds. Laflln & Rand, lot 6, 1902, for 15-pounder
rapid fire.

12. Other arrangements of zones than the one selected can be taken
from the data furnished. Range tables may be computed with other
divisions, which would give any desired overlap for prediction or would
show the charges necessary to cover the zones and meet local conditions,
or would indicate charges divisible into other aliquot parts.

13. The characteristic curve of the provisional powder used gave
the 1,046-pouDd projectile 950 feet per second with 29,000 pounds

12-nrCH MORTAR, MODEL OF 1886. 159

per square inch by using 3(Vb^ pounds charge, and 824-pound pro-
jectile 1,050 feet per second with 26,800 pounds per square inch by
using 31H pounds charge. These charges are exclusive of imiter.

A much less range than 2,320 yards can not be obtained by means
of a low velocity at 65^ elevation, owing to unsteadiness of the project-
ile. The only advantage of the special powder will then be to extend
the outer range of 9,720 vards. The two limiting ranges obtained with
the 15-pounder powder for which zones and ballistic oata are given are
not far from suitable limits for the cast-iron mortar.

14. From 65^ to 45° in everj zone the drift starting on the right of
the plane of fire begins after a time to approach it. There was no abrupt
change of drift. The decrease of drift to the right with increase of
range resembled that of the 12-inch steel mortar with deck-piercing
and mortar shell for ranj^es beyond the 65° angle of elevation, as shown
in the report of the Chief of Ordnance, 1904.

15. The only additional experiment connected with the foregoing
firings was made to duplicate, if possible, the premature firing of
primers with lanyards attached in adjoining moilars, as reported -
from certain artillery posts. Fifty-three attempts involving all reason-
able disposition which could be suggested failed to afford a premature
discharge. Report was forwarded by second indorsement July 19,
1905, on O. B. 63-148.

Very respectfully,

Chas. S. Smith,
Colonel^ Ordnance Department^ U. S. Army,

President

R. BiRNIE,

Major ^ Ordmmfice Department^ U, S. Army.

Geo. L. Anderson,
Major, Artillery Corps., JJ. S. Army,
Major Dunn absent

The Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army,

Washington, D. C.

(Inclosures as enumerated in second paragraph.)

37438—310.

[First indorsement]

Office of the Chief of Ordnance,

Washingto7i, September SO^ 1906.

1. Respectfully referred to the Chief of Artillery for his informa-
tion, requesting a return of these papers when tney are no l9nger
required.

2. Similar information in regard to the 12-inch steel mortar ^7as
sent him April 21, 1905. (O. O. 26215—282.)

C. B. Wheeler,
Captain^ Ordnance Department^ Acting Chief of Ordnance.

160 APPENDIX VII.

[Second indorsement.]

Wab Dbpabtmknt,
Office of the Chief of Abtillert,

Washington^ Janvary 5, 1906.

Respectfully returned to the Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, noted.
These papers have also received the consideration of the Artillery
Board.

Saml. M. Mills,
Brigadier' General^ Chi^ of Artillery.

Page 161

fi of 18S6, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground, N. J., from March IS to 16, ISOS.
F and WiO feet per m
f pound pnijectire.l

Wind,

"2f-

is:

Ji
33

jss
11

'T.?:fcr--

't.a'.. MBy. IBOl!
reglsltjr rods in

r. A.

ia,OM) I. c
coppers.

M.OOO I. C. F. ,

SST"-

ilortarmDImted on ll-lnch barbette
earrtaae No. 8. W. A., model ISM.
ObturaliDg friction prlmen nsed.
Fired to se«.

The bane ot these Bhot were turned
11 In order to bring llie shot to
,M6 ponndfL weinbt.
-- '— pldced In hcBilng ehamber
. „. —s brought

pen. Maf . 1301.

onFeb.JO.lBOS. Ch.

aultoguninsraan'n

.Uonamu forced fully

minimum
gBUgea, and It was found that th«
mailmum gauge pawert over the
prolectUe wllb a close sliding flt.
and that the minimum gHUge
would not be paned over the
projectile.
Filing oondDCted br Lleot. W. J.
HawklnB, Ordnaace Deportment.

Chab. 8. 8urrB,

ofji

Vzin
of 1
off

of firing with Ig-i

Page 162

Vzimuth
of line
of fire.

310

294

Tem-
pera-
ture of
pow-
der.

294

^^^

-I

; failed electrically.

don. Contact jaws

tecuiely.

iaye a nlight wabble
nil from the summit
h longitudinal axis
ilow.

as to the steadiness

]

[ in its flight by two
be flight of the pro-
ijectile struck water
ectile did not fully
axis and bring its
Ito the trajectory un-
its full. See sketch,
with lower field at
een at the top of the
artical. point down,
'as a little to the left.

. When the projec-

gitudinal axis ap-

to the plane of the

projectile being in-

Qeneral remarks.

>8erTed during tiie
i time the projectile
e plane of fire, th«
the left than the

Mortar No. 15 (No. 1 in pit) mounted on 12-inch
mortar carriage No. 14, model 1891.

Combination electric and friction primers used.

Fired to sea electrically.

Homey firing mechanism No. 4. model 1903, used
in rounds 1. 2, and 8.

Position of throttling plugs, counted from top:
Flnt, open; second, quarter open; third, quarter
open; fourth, open; fifth, open; sixth, closed;
seventh, closed.

Powder was kept at 70** F. while in transit from
heating chamber by means of heated bricks
placed in chests in which the powder was trans-
ported.

Powder placed in heating chamber on Mar. 16.
1906, and was brought out to mortar as stated
above.

The D. P. shell were weighed to 1.046 pounds
with asphalt and a central lead cylinder at the
base of the projectile to simulate the stock of a
detonating fuse in weight and position.

Present May 2, 1905: Maj. R. Blmie, Ordnance
Department; Maj. O. L. Anderson, Artillery
Corps.

PrcRent May 8, 1905: Maj. O. L. Anderson, Artil-
lery Corps.

Firing mechanism belonging to mortar at Fort
Hancock used in rounds 4 to 17, inclusive.

Diagram of position of projectile during flight,
rounds 6, 9. and 10.

Projectiles wiped off with oily waste before load-
ing each round, also gauged with maximum
and minimum gauges.

with Ig-inch B, Lj

Page 163

Azimuth
of line
of fire.

294

Tem-
pera-
ture of
pow-
der.

294

op
70

EJ«.rk..

General remarks.

Azimuth noU^d in column 10 is true azimuth
measured from the true south in a clockwise
direction.

Observations were made on the splash at each
round with the two azimuth instruments at the

Kroof battery, the instrument at beach tower
o. 1. the instrument at beach tower No. 2, and
the Warner & Swawy D. P. F. instrument in
the range tower at Battery Reynolds.

In rounds 1, 2, 6-8, and 10, observations on the
splash were also made with D. P. F. instrument
at Battery Hal leek. This instrument was not
used in all round? on account of the depleted
garrison at Fort Hancock during the artillery
maneuvers.

The shots were plotted on the old plotting board,
as the new one hns no arm from the Halleck
station, nor are the mortars at Reimolds located
on it.

The cuts and intersections were ffood.

Firing conducted by Lieut. W. J. Hawkins, Ord-
nance Department.

Cha8. 8. Smith,
Colonel^ Ordnance Department^ V. S. A.y

Commanding.

WiLFORD J. Hawkins,
Lieutenantf Ordnance Department, U. S. A.,

Assistant Proof Officer,

? THE a/ST^AfC£S AP£ ^f^§ff

V/ILL,£XC£Pr 7V/S LAA/y4/^P

URRiA6£ ON AORTH £NO Or
TTH£ SOUTH £ND TO AAi

Appendix VU, 1905.

rd of firing wit^

Page 164

Azimuth

of line of

fire.

294

op I

TOrred throaghoat ita

Id ffloiBes. The flight

igitudinal axis of the

coniitaDtly parallel to

294

291

294

7(frimer failed electric-
n.

» was obserred with a
Ighout Its flight. The
\e reluctance In bring-
B parallel to the tra-
7(1 summit as was noted

not become parallel
Itout 40 seconds of the

7]flred. Stem was bent
^ve 0.1-inch motion,
not fired. Stem not
»rtar No. 4 same as No.
run rendered It Impos-
it of the projectile.

n fired. Stem bent and
ravel of about i inch,
mot fired. Stem loos-
Bvel of about i inch.
. same as No. 2. The
ired to be steady up to
tory, where it was lost

7|iot fired. Stem bent
Ibout 0.1 inch in its
^fo. 2 not fired. Stem
[1 loose, so that it had
ih in its seat. Primer
I. Stem slightly bent
at, so that It had a
In Its seat.

71he tension was ascer-
;mer in mortar No. 4,
lunds. No spring ten-
\T No. 1, but short lan-
[p by a " sheep-shan k ,"
^d fit in its seat and
on. Primer In mortar
bent and loosened, so
Kbout 0.1 inch in its
ir No. 2 not affected,
not fired. Stem loos-
jut \ inch travel In its

7iort lanyard loose. No

I^r in mortar No. 2 not
[ its seat, so as to have
rimer in mortar No. 4
^d in its seat, so as to
(1 Inch.

aliij

General remarks.

Mortar No. 15 (No. 1 in pit) mounted on 12-lnch
mortar carriage No. 14, model of 1891.

Firing mechanism belonging to mortar at Fort
Hancock used in rounds 18 to 53, Inclusive.

In rounds 25, 27-29, 81-83, observations on the
splash were made with D. P. F. Instrument at
Battery Halleck. This instrument was not used
In all rounds on account of the depleted garri-
son at Fort Hancock during the artillery ma-
neuvers.

Mortar No. 20 (No. 3 in pit) mounted on spring re-
turn mortar carriage No. 4, model of 1891, B. I. F.

iMortars Nos. 1, 2, and 4 (pit numbers) set at the
same azimuth and elevation as mortar No. 3,
and primer inserted and lanyard attached,
the lanyard being an initial tension of 10
pounds. Spring balances were used on the lan-
yard in sucn a way as to r^rister the initial pull
and any subsequent pull due to blast effect on
the firing of mortar No. 8.

Rounds 24 to 53, inclusive, fired by lanvard.

Powder used in rounds 24 to 29. inclusive, placed
in heating chamber on June 3, 1905. Charges
were brought to gun in a box.

Present June 9, 1905: Maj. Q. L. Anderson, Artil-
lery Corps.

ng vjiih IS^nch 1

Page 166

azimuth

>f Une of

fire.

294

t94

buU.

[

und a lanyard was
' of the pit to north
Ird beini? about 60
fllel to the east wall
Ire land 3. Thispo-
B thought that the
>uld be obtained at
ar which the mortar
IT was fired this lan-
M with a wide am-
^llel to the line of
auyard being about
o. 2 not fired. Stem
Irayel of about 0.1
D. 4 same as No. 2.
tl 4 not fired. Lan-
attached to spring.
M shown In sketch

Genera] remarks.

red. Impossible to
Id account of cloud

ired. The flight of
Iroughout its flight
. its flight appeared
'ectlle showed the
ig its longitudinal
tory as was noted

Ired. The flight of
tA appeared steady,
111 tne longitudinal
bed to the plane of
|e to the left by an

•fired. Further re-
D. 85.

ifired. Further re- i
Ko. 36, except that
pe right.

^ed. Remarks same

Mortar No. 16 (No. 1 in pit) mounted on 12-inch
soring return mortar carriage No. 14, model of
1891, B. I. F.

Moptar No. 20 (No. 8 in pit) mounted on 12-inch
spring return mortar carriage No. 4, model of
1891, B. I. F.

Projectiles used in rounds 80 to 58. inclusive, were
provided with dummy caps as per drawing.

> (See p. 166.)

Powder used in rounds 80 to 58, inclusiye, placed
in heating chamber on June 9, 1905.

Combination electric and friction primers with
rear insulation modified Oct. 5, 1904, used in
rounds 86 to 53. inclusive, only.

Present June 22, 1905: MaJ. G. L. Anderson, Artil-
lery Corps.

Mortar No. 64 (No. 4 in pit).

firing vnth 19'inch

Page 166

Ajdmuth

of line of

fire.

294

2»4

294

2f4

294

Tem-
pera-
ture oflLrka.
pow-
der.

70
70
70

General remarks.

Mortar No. IS (No. 1 in pit) mounted on carriac*
No. 14.

Mortar No. 20 (No. 3 in pit) mounted on carriage
No. 4.

In round! 49. 60, and S8 flight of projectile waa
observed and appeared steadv, but during iti
last part of iail. the longitudinal axis of pro-
jectile was inclined to the plane of fire, wltii
point of projectile to the right by an angle of
about 16'' or 20°.

At elevations of btP, W>, and 45<> the longitudinal
axis of the projectile appears to remain nearlv
parallel to the trajectory throughout its flight,
and at these elevations the reluctance of the

SroJectile to bring its longitudinal axis parallel
) the trajectory after leaving the summit is not
90 apparent at the^ higher elevation?.

For this firing of June 24, 1906, mortars Nos. 15 and
20 (1 and 8 in pit) were loaded at the same time
and lanyards wereattached, afterwhich the mor-
tars were fired singly, and no svmpathetic firing
resulted either by firing No. 1 lint or No. 8 first.

12-inch D. P. mortar shell, model 1898, 1,046 pounds.
See drawing No. 4, class 75, division 12.

12-inch D. P. mortar shell, model 1896, 824 pounds.
See drawing No. 8, class 75, division 12.

12-inch mortar shell, C. I.. 1.046 pounds. See draw-
ing No. 2, class 75, division IS.

12-inch mortar shell, C. I., 824 pounds. See draw-
ing No. 1, class 75, division 12.

C. I. caps for 800 and 1,000 pounds C. I. shell. See
drawing No. 25. class 75, division 14.

Firing conducted by Lieut. W. J. Hawkins, Ord-

. nance Department.

Chas. S. Smith,
Cdonely Ordnance Department^ U. S. A.,

Commanding.

WiLFORD J. Hawkins,
Lieutenant, Ordnance Department, U. S. A.,

AssiMant Proof Officer,

JL of firing vn

Page 167

E»e>meter. Thef ">^^-

General renutrks.

I 30.097

30.097

80.089

30.064

30.084

30.081

30.061

29.874

29.873

arent wabble as it left
fctile was lost to view
mit.

off its threads and waa
\X this round.

ead on left hand side
\y counter recoil until
idwheelfl are loonened

kred the same as in pre-
iration. but while it ap-
»ro1ectile showed a re-
igitudinal axis parallel
eaying the summit, this
y stated on account of
•ving the projectile at

Mortar No. 16, motinted on carriage No. 14; mor-
tar No. 19, on carriage No. 16; mortar No. 20, on
carriage No. 4: mortar No. 64, on carriage No. 16.

Firing mechanism belonging to mortar at Fort
Hancock used in rounds 61 to 88, Inclusive.

Rounds 61 to 86, inclusive, fired by lanyard.

Projectiles used in rounds 61 to 88, inclusive, were
provided with dummy caps as per dnwing.
(See p. 166.)

.Powder used in rounds 61 to 88, inclusive, placed
in heating chamber June 9, 1906.

Combination electric and friction primers, with
rear inf<ulat1on, modified Oct. 6, 1904, used in
rounds 61 to 68, inclusive, only.

For rounds 69 to 66, inclusive, the lanyard was at-
tached to mortar No. 2, same as on June 9, 1906.
(See sketch.^

Initial pull on lanyard 8 pounds, no spring balance
attached. The primer was not fired in any of
the rounds.

29.873

of firing with

Barometer.

29.872

»2

»9

80.028

80.068

80.088

i.) 1

80.060

80.076

80.078

80.069

Page 168

larkfl.

ed the same as in pre-
Ution, but while it ap-
hojectile showed a re-
ntudinal axis parallel
kving the summit, this
stated on account of
ing the projectile at

General remarks.

nerred. projectile be-
summit of trajectory.

•bsenred considerably
^mit. When the pro-
^f the piece it had a
. which continued ap-
is of the time of flight,
appeared to decrease
itile was steady after
ve.

appeared steady, but
o the summit on ac-
t of same.

i noted in relation to
ras apparent in flight
dot be distinctly seen
r velocity.

1. Lanyard vibrated

0. Lanyard vibrated
r did not fire.

1. Lanyard vibrated
did not flre.

In rounds 70 to 75, inclusive, a primer was placed
in the Homey flrinff mechanism in mortar
No. 2, and a lanyard attached to the flrinff
leaf. This lanyard was led across the pit and
fastened to tbe south wall of same. Mortar
No. 2 had an elevation of 0^. The iron doors
leading to the pit were closed in order to ascer-
tain whether shutting off the air in the nai-
lery would make a difference to the blast
effect in the pit. The lanyard was given an
initial tension of about 10 pounds. The primer
stem was loosened so that it had a travel of
about 0.1 inch, but was not fired. Lanyard was
observed during rounds 72 and 73 and was
noted to vibrate with amplitude of about 6
inches.

Entrance, iron doors.

'Mortar Mo. SQOh. 8).
Mortar No. 64 (ito. 4jL

ortar No. 19 (No. 2).

mortar No. 15 (No. 1).

(Sketch showing position of lanyard, rounds 70 to

76, inclusive.)

It is thought the difference in recoil on the two
cylinders may account for the swaying of the
projectile in rounds 69, 71, 73, and 75.

firing with If -in

Page 169

^rometer.

« 80.068

tt 30.091

K80.091

M0.096

82). 095

80958

67»8

68)8

^arks.

1 not be observed on
ition.

1 not be obserred on
•osition. Lanvard at-
t and to hydrant at
T did not fire.

\g ronnd. This round
creeching sound, evl-

icreeching sound same
ght Qf projectile as for
teady: after that time
> view,

[g round, except there

i not be observed on
ipper air. Primers in
fired.

General remarks.

"^tlle ^me. Primer in
flred.

ly during first 3 or 4
>roJectile was lost to

Mortars Nos. 2 and 4 have lanvard attached (ele-
vation zero), with a washer oetween the button
and the firing leaf so as to take up all the play
between the firing leaf and the button: this re-
mark applies to mortars Koe. 1 and 8 as well.

fintrance.

w'tion of lanyards at

rounds 85, 66, 87, and 8$,

Position of lanyards at rounds 83 and 84.

Firing conducted by Lieut. W. J. Hawkins, Ord-
nance Department.

Chas. S. S.MITH,
Colonel i Ordnance Department ^ U. S. A.,

Commanding.

WiLFORD J. Hawkins,
Lieutenant, Ordnance Department, U. S. A.,

Assistant Proof Officer,

B. L. mortar, cast iron, steel hooped, model of 1886,

= 5*

a c

i ^

md».,PouwU.

,199

,270

131

113

a, 460

10,726

13,700

19,060

660

626

700

806

rard«,
^,890
2,976
2,855
2,910
2,682
2,605
2,367
2,350
2,273
2,246
2,189
3,080
2,910
2,756
2,566
2.426
2,330
.2.282
3,210
3,616
3,380
3,280
3,060
2,880
2,708
2,640
2,630
2,660
2,570
3,625
3,080
2,760
'4,515
4.406
4,314
4, 175
3,866
3,612
3,365
3,218
3,235
4,420
3,794
3.316
6,664
5,695
5.661
5,252
4,983
4,666
4,386
4,279
4,240
6,775
4,990
4.276

(

Time of
flight

Sect.
24.2
25.0
21.2
28.2
28.0
29.4
30.6
32.4
32.4
31.8
31.2
28.8
26.4
liOSt.

80.0
Lo6t.
32.4
82.2
26.6
26.6
29.0
30.6
32.8
33.8
84.0
84.2
35.0
36.2
35.2
27.0
33.0
36.2
30.4
30.2
32.0
34.6
36.8
87.6
38.0
88.0
38.6
Lost.
36.6
39.4
33.8
33.8
36.6
39.0
41.2
42.6
44.0
44.8
44.4
83.6
41.8
44.8

Sees.
24.0
26.0
24.4
26.2
29.0
30.0
30.4
32.2
32.4
32.0
31.2
24.0
26.0
28.2
30.2
Lost.
32.2
32.2
26.4
26.4
29.0
30.6
32.4
33.6
33.8
34.0
35.0
35.2
35.2
26.8
33.0
36.2
30.fi
29.8
32.0
34.6
36.6
37.4
37.6
38.0
38.2
29.4
37.0
39.4
33.2
33.2
36.4
39.4
41.2
42.6
43.8
44.0
44.0
35.?
43.?
44.6

Wind.

•n

+69 R
+69 R
+69 R
+69 R
-21 R
-21 R
-21 R
-21 R
-21 R
-21 R
+66 L
- 6R
-61 R
-51 R
-66 R
-61 R
-66 R
-66 R
-24 L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L

-69
-69
-69
-69
-69
-69

+66
+66
-51 R
-61 R
-66 R
+66 R
+66 R
-66 R
-^R

R
L
L
L
L
R
R

-21
-24
-24
-24
-24
+66
+66
+21 R
-21 R
-21 R
+79 R
+79 R
+21 R
+21 R
+21 R
+21 R
+21 R
+24 R
+24 R
-66 R

fc4

O
u

Wind com-
ponents.

•i

■OS

ngi
ilea

|s.

+ 4.6

+ 9.6

+ 6.0

+10.0

+ 5.1

+10.2

+ 6.1

+10.2

- 6.0

+ 4.0

- 6.0

+ 4.0

- 8.0

+ 6.0

-13.0

+ 7.0

- 7.5

+ 4.6

-12.6

+ 6.6

+ 6.0

-10.0

-16.0

+ 3.0

- 9.0

+13.0

- 8.0

+12.5

- 7.6

+18.0

-12.0

+16.6

- 7.0

+17.6

- 7.0

+17.6

- 6.0

- 0.6

- 6.0

- 8.0

- 6.0

- 8.0

- 6.0

- 9.0

- 6.0

- 8.0

- 6.0

- 9.0

- 6.0

- 9.0

- 6.0

- 8.0

- 6.0

- 9.0

+ 3.0

-10.6

+ 8.0

-10.6

-12.0

+16.6

-14.0

+ 19.0

- 7.6

+18.0

+ 6.5

+14.0

+ 5.6

+14.0

- 1.6

+ 6.0

- 1.5

+ 6.0

- 4.0

+ 3.0

- 4.6

-0.5

- 4.6

- 0.6

- 3.0

- 0.6

- 3.0

- 0.6

+ 4.0

+ 7.6

+ 4.6

+ 9.0

+ 8.0

+ 1.6

-12.6

+ 5.6

-12.6

+ 5.6

+ 2.0

+ 6.6

+ 2.0

+ 6.6

+19.6

+ 7.6

+17.0

+ 6.0

+17.0

+ 6.0

+15.0

+ 6.0

+15.0

+ 6.0

+ 7.5

+ 2.5

+ 7.5

+ 2.5

-2.0

+ 4.6

Page 170

•

•r^

30.066

74.10

62.78

80.097

78.00

36.00

30.101

76.87

39.08

30.108

76.34

43.26

29.962

62.90

90.00

29.839

84.00

73.00

29.839

83.75

73.40

29.837

82.66

75.26

29.836

81.96

76.40

29.886

78.33

77.70

30.016

74.00

74.40

80.136

52.00

52.90

80.126

62.00

64.30

30.088

69. OQ

48.00

30.031

60.85

44.64

30.087

60.64

46.00

30.043

60.19

47.60

30.047

69.91

48.76

30.091

69.46

66.81

30.104

67.80

78.22

30.104

67.80

78.22

80.106

67.60

64.61

30.106

67.60

74.61

80.106

67.19

76.02

30.106

67.19

76.02

30.108

66.61

77.88

80.108

66.47

78.48

30.020

74.00

75.042

80.019

74.00

75.29

30.118

62.00

66.60

30.064

69.24

61.65

80.062

69.00

62.66

29.874

67.08

61.01

29.874

67.06

61.01

30.081

68.66

71.00

30.081

68.66

71.00

30.084

68.96

69.87

30.084

68.96

69.87

30.089

69.36

67.82

80.097

70.00

64.00

30.097

70,00

64.00

30.131

68.66

48.12

30.127

69.67

46.79

30.126

60.26

46.01

30.083

69.00

85.00

30.083

69.00

85.00

30.023

77.60

30.023

77.60

29.872

68.12

48.61

29.873

67.86

49.14

29.873

67.86

49.14

29.874

67.39

60.74

29.874

67.39

60.74

80.123

60.92

45.12

30.121

61.46

44.40

30.101

67.00

87.00

lOTtaTy c

B c

fl^- Pound

28.71

26.621

+ Later
-Later

Page 171

-, catt iron, Mai hooped, model of 1SS6 — Continued.

p^nen™

2
1

-1!

- \

-11
-1)

t i

;
i

+ 1
+ J

30
31

3(
30
30
30
30
80

08S
06B

073
080

111

957

097

81
61

71
7(

00
00

02
19

«>

16
96

i
i

Lii^ orn/fE

H Doc4^/459 1

W/zTi

/^0f.A

/^Ar€ 2,

at ^*AWbW

lirL'i90X.

._r-

'Ih

AmfAv/x v^usas.

MTfi

UA^.

/B(m

700

\:h -/ooo /r/r ^n

//oo yfafarr^air, /tf^tcH-jcsn: riffle.

H Doc^^k^SO 1

/^ZATJT

-jfgff dufi $m 9c^ xoo 9w HM seoe /m^o /0j:o0 ^JOKfo

noa HDoo^^^N 1

I V

/^'lATE S.

JBC$ 7m em 8m s4m 9M am

INDEX.

Page.

Accounts, money, sTerrBM of 15

ACCUBACT, LOSS OF, AND EROSION, TESTS WITH UnITED StATES MAGAZINE RIFLE,

MODEL OF 1903 ^20,50,111

Allien, Henry V., & Co., model scabbards, aaber, officers' 124

American and British Manufacturing Company, contracts with 48

Ammunition :

Fixed, shell, steel, 15-pounder, contracts for, progress 47

Small arms —
Bullets—

Jacketed, tests on frictional resistance of, at Watertown Arsenal 65

Revolver, experiments to determine design and caliber 21

Cartridges —

Ball, caliber .30—

Manufacture of, at Frankford Arsenal 62

Model of 1898, Frankford Arsenal and private manufacture, com-
parison of, for accuracy 23

Model of 1903, contracts for 24

Models of 1898 and 1903. alteration of 22

New design 76

Ball, caliber .22—

Report of Infantry board, relative to 141-142

Rim-fire, cost of, compared with caliber .30 138

Rim-fire, long, adoption of 140

Dummy, models of 1898 and 1903, alteration of 22

Gallery practice, experiments —

Ref>ort of tests 137

To reduce cost 22

Guard, models of 1898 and 1903, alteration of 22

Reloaded by troops, less accurate than that loaded at Frankford Arsenal . 138

Appendices, list of 188

Appropriations :

Disbursements under, made at principal arsenals 14

Expenditures, etc., of, under control of Ordnance Department 10

For Board of Ordnance and Fortification, for experimental purposes 7, 13

For mines, submarine 7

On hand at beginning and close of fiscal year 12

On hand July 1, 1904 7

Ordnance material (proceeds of sales) 7

Payments from, by disbursing officers 13

Receipts and expenditures 7-1 1

Tabular form 7-11

\ 1905 and 1904, compared 14

Receipts, etc., of, under control of the Ordnance Department 8

Replacing ordnance and ordnance stores 7

Surplus fund, amounts covered into Treasury 14

wab 1905— vol 9 11 173

174 INDEX.

Page.

Archibald Wheel Oompant, artillery wheels, manufactube of 48

Armament chests. {See Chests.)

Armament op fortifications, maintenance of 35

Armor-piercino projectiles. {See Projectiles.)
Artillery equipments. {See Equipments.)
Artillery, mobile, material:
Carriages. {See Carriages.)
Field—

2.38-inch gun, on long-recoil carriage, for seacoast forts, design of 31

3-inch gun —

American manufacture successful 30

Ehrhardt, test of 28

Equipping of Army and militia 30-31

3.8-inch gun, design of 31

3.8-inch and 4.7-inch howitzer, proposed 31

Mountain gun, 75-miIlimeter —

Caliber, desirability of changing to 3 inches considered 29

Suitability of, as field mortar, experiments 29

Siege —

4.7-inch gun, Wheeler design, tests of 32

6-inch howitzer, design of, in progress 32

Artillery fracitce. {See Practice, artillery.)

Augusta Arsenal 67

Automatic machine ouns. {See Quns.)

Automobile foroe and battery wagon, design of 32

Azimuth instruments, system for illuminating cross wires and scales of,

devised 36

Azimuth pointer with deflection and drift scales for mortars, design and

manufacture of 36

Azimuth Prediction Board, design and manufacture of 36

Badges for field artillery practice, new design 56

Bags, powder, cloth for, tests of 43

Ball bearings, tests of, at Watertown Arsenal 65

Balustic test of fixed ammunition, guns, powder, and projectiles, at Sandy

Hook Proving Ground 49

Band, front, design for United States magazine rifle, model of 1903 . . . 107
Barrels, rifle, caliber .30:
Experimental, length of —

Adoption of 24-inch, recommended by boards for all arms of the service ... 81

Comparison of, 24 and 30 inch 78

Opinions of officers relative to 78-82

Recommendation that subject be not reconsidered 81

22, 24 , 28, and 30 inch , test of 76-77

24 and 30 inch, test of, desired by the President 88

Steel for 65

United States magazine, model of 1903 —

Effects of wear of 04

Erosion of Ill

Frictional resistance of bullet in 65

Length of, consideration of« by General Staff 88

Tests of, to determine loss of accuracy 20, 59, 1 1 1

Barrels, cauber .22, wrm receiters, manufactl^e and issue of 140

Battery Reynolds, report of firing, 12-inch mortar 155

INDEX. 175

Bayonet: Pa«e.

Alteration of, for Erags, already manufactured, not contemplated 95

Difficulty in withdrawing from a body 82, 95

Experimental designs constructed for General Staff committee 89

Fencing, manufacture of, improved 22

Not to be considered as an intrenching tool 143

Rod—

Discarded 119

Test, defects, and recommendations 82

Should not be combined with intrenching tool 86

Triangular rod, small, broken while being tested 87, 88

United States magazine lifle, caliber .30 —

Consideration of its suitability, by General Staff 87

Knife-
Adoption of 87

Correspondence and reports relating to 75

Cutting edges sharp 20, 94

Experimental design constructed for General Staff committee 89

Manufacture and issue 119

Not to be issued -to mounted troops 20, 87

Report of special committee, General Staff, relative to 87-94

Style recommended 86

Substituted for rod 19-20, 119

T^pe. submitted by Chief of Ordnance, recommended 94

16-inch blade, recommended 93

(See also Opinions.)
Bayonet scabbabd. (See Scabbard.)

Bearings, ball, tests op, at Watertown Arsenal •. . . . 65

Benicia Arsenal 68

Bethlehem Steel Company:
Contracts —

Carriages 32

Miscellaneous 44

Board Field ^Vrtillery, Moving Target of design of, issued 42

Board of Ordnance and Fortification:

Allotments made by 28

Appropriations, for experimental purposes 7, 13

2.38-inch field gun, on long recoil carriage, design suggested by 31

Boxes, packing:

Ball cartridges, models of 1898 and 1903, new design 22

Mountain gim, simplified 30

Breech mechanism, 3-inch, retracting bushing (Gerdom design), test of. . 29

Brown segmental-tube wire guns. (See Guns.) •

Bullets:

Jacketed, tests on frictional resistance of, in barrel, at Watertown Arsenal .... 65

Revolver, experiments to determine design and caliber 21

Builders Iron Foundry-, manufacture of carrliges 48

Caissons, Artillery, 3-inch field, model of 1902:

Issue of 30

Manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

Manufacture of, by contractors 46, 48

Cans, meat, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 56

Canteens, copper, experimental, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal. . 56

Caps for projectiles, manufacture of, by contractors 47

176 INDEX.

Page.

CaBBINE, experimental (8 AND 10 INCH TWIST), TESTS OP. , 77

Casriaoes, Artillery:

Forgings for, manufacture of 47

Hubs for wheels of, field gun, contracts for .* 48

Manufacture of, at Watertown Arsenal 64

Mechanisms, electric traversing and elevating and depressing, design of 34

Modification of, to later designs', at Watertown Arsenal 64

Mount, 6-pounder, experimental, manufacture of, hj contract 28, 46

Mounts, wheeled, model of 1905, for Vickers Sons & Maxim automatic machine

gun, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 65

Platforms, loading, disappearing carriages, for subcaliber practice, designed. . . 35

Seacoast, contracts for 34

Siege, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

Valve, throttling, counter-recoil, for carriages, adopted 35

Vehicles of, 3-inch batteries, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

Wheels, strength of, for 3-inch field, tests of 65

2.38-inch, long recoil, for field gun, experimental pattern, for seacoast forts 31

2.38-inch, pilot, for field gun, model of 1905, manufacture of ^ 55

75-millimeter, mountain, improvement of 30

15-pounder rapid-fire, manufacture of, by contracts 32

3-inch, for field gun, proof firing of, at Rock Island Arsenal 57

3-inch field, manufacture of, by contract 48

3-inch (15-pounder). semiautomatic rapid-fire (pedestal mount), experimental,

manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

3.8-inch, long recoil, for field howitzer, design of 31

3.8-inch, pilot, for field gun, model of 1905, manufacture of 31, 55

4.7-inch, long recoil, for field howitsser, design of 31

4.7-inch, pilot, for siege gun, model of 1904, hianufacture of, at Rock Island

Arsenal 55

4.7-inch siege, Wheeler design, test of 32

5-inch barbette, model of 1903, contracts for 32, 45

5 and 6 inch barbette, for rapid-fire guns, manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal . 63

6-inch barbette, model of 1900, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

6-inch disappearing, L. F., model of 1903, manufacture of, by contract 32, 45, 47

6-inch disappearing, L. F., model of 1905, new design of 32, 33

6-inch siege howitzer, design of, in progress 32

10-inch Emery, disappearing, manufacture of, in progress 33

12-inch disappearing, L. F., models of 1896 and 1897, alterations of 35

12-inch mortar, improved, design for 33

12-inch mortar, model of 1896, increase of strength of 35

16-inch B. L. rifle, design for, in progress 33

Castings, bronze, iron, and steel, manufacture of.

At Watertown Arsenal 64

By contract 47

Chart, set-forward, board and T square for, design and manufactture of. . . 3G

OiiESTs:

Ammunition, caisson, new design, to protect ammunition servants 31

Armament, for 7-inch siege howitzer, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal. . 55

Chief of Staff, correspondence:

On bayonet 86-88,129

intrenching tools 152-153

sabers, officers' and men's 119

sight for U. S. magazine rifle 98

INDEX. 177

Page.

Clarke, Sir George S., design for automatic sight 34

Clerks, sickness among 6

Cloth for powder bags, tests of 43

Contracts, written, number of, made by Ordnance Officers, 1900 and 1905. 15

Cost system for manufactures at Ordnance establishments 17

Cover, front-sight, new pattern, for United States magazine rifle, model
OF 1903:

Adoption of 20,98

Proceedings of board relative to 9&-109

Cowdrey Machine Works, manufacture op cast-iron projectiles 49

Crozier 6-inch wire-wound gun, test of 28

Crucible Steel Company of America, contracts with 46

Cunningham, A. C, civil engineer. United States Navy, on sabers, officers'

and men's > 130-131

Cups, aluminum, with iron handles, manufacture of new design at Rock

Island Arsenal 56

Cups, standard pattern, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 56

Davis, Capt. W. C, design of automatic sight 34

Deflection board, design and manufacture of 36

Detrick & Harvey Machine Company, contracts for carriages 32, 47

Driggs-Seabury Ordnance Corporation, contracts with 45

Ehrhardt 3-inch field gun, test of 28

Electric firing of mortars and seacoast guns, system for 34

Electric traversing and elevating and depressing mechanisms for car-
riages, design for 34

Elucott Machine Company, contracts, caps for projectiles 47

Emery 10-inch disappearing carriage, progress on manufacture of 33

Equipments:

Cavalry, infantry, and artillery —

Manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 57

No changes of importance in 25

Russet leather 25

Horse, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 57

Stuffed russet leather, extraction of oil from 25

Weight of, carried by infantry soldier 147

Erosion of rifle barrels, caliber .30, and loss of accuracy, tests... 20,59,111

Explosives, high, expenditure of, in firings, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground. 49

Fencing muskets, pattern 21

Field artillery and howitzer material. {See Artillery, mobile, material.)

Field Artillery Board, design of, for moving target 42

Fire commander's plotting board. (See Instruments.)
Fiscal affairs:

Receipts and expenditures 7

1905 and 1904 and 1905 and 1900 compared 14

Fleming, Capt. A. S., design of automatic sight 34

Forge and battery wagon, automobile, design of 32

Forcings:

Gun-carriage, inspection of 47

Gun, streaks in, investigation of 36, 65

Ingot for, treated by Ilarmet process, test of 66

Small, ingots for, production of, at Watertown Arsenal 64

Fortifications, armament, maintenance of 35

178 HTDEX.

Page.

F&ANKFOBD Arsenal 60

Fuse and primer department 60

Shrapnel plant 61

Sights, instruments for fire control, etc., department of 61

Small-arms cartridge department 62

Fund, subplus, of the Treabuby, amounts covered into 14

Funds on Hand at Beginning and Close of Fiscal Year 12

Fuse setters, new design, tests of 31

Fuses, new designs, experiments with, at Frankford Arsenal 60-61

Gas-check pads, new design, test of 37

Gauge, star, for small arms, design perfected 20

Grip, saber, light cavalry, new design, recommended by General Staff .. . 22
Guard:

Hand, new pattern, for United States magazine rifle —

Adoption of 97-98

Proceedings of board relative to 98

Guns:

Automatic machine, caliber .30 —

Issue of, to cavalry and infantry and seacoast forts 22

Manufacture of 22

Ballistic test of, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground 49

Conversion of 3-inch wrought-iron, muzzle-loading, to breech-loading saluting. 48

Experimental, designs and manufacture of 28, 62

Manufacture of, at Watervhet Arsenal 62

Mountain, improvements in, considered 29

Output of, at WatervUet Arsenal 63

Seacoast —

Care and use in service 25

Electrical firing circuit for, being prepared 34

Manufacture of 10 and 12 inch, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

6-pounder semiautomatic, and mount, experimental —

Delay in manufacture of 46

Test of 28

2.38-inch^ field, on long recoil carriage, design of 31

3-inch breech mechanism, retracting bushing (Gerdom design) for, test of 29

3-inch, field, model of 1902— .

Contract for 48

Manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

Proof firing of, at Rock Island Arsenal 57

3-inch , Ehrhardt , test of 28

15-pounder, rapid-fire, contract for 32

15-poimder semiautomatic, rapid-fire, experimental —

Manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

Test of 28

3.8-inch field, contract for : 31

4.7-inch siege, Wheeler design, test of 32

5 and 6 inch, rapid-fire, manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

6-inch Brown segmental-tube wire, test of w 28

6-inch, rapid-fire, wire-wrapped, experimental, manufacture of, at Watervliet

Arsenal 62

6-inch, wire-wound, Crozier design, test of 28

7 and 8 inch Navy, manufacture of, at Watervhet Arsenal 62

INDEX. 179

QuNS — Continued. Page.

lO-inch, Brown segmental-tube wire, repairs to, in progress 28

10 and 12 inch, seacoast, manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

Habness, artillery, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 56

High explosives, expenditure of, in firings, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground. 49

House, proof, with butts, erected at the armories 20

Howitzer:

3.8 and 4.7-inch, for mobile artillery, design of 31

4.7-inch, siege, experimental, manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

6-inch, siege, design of, in progress 32

Hubs, for wheels of field carriages, contract for 48

Ingots:

For f orgings, treated by Harmet process, test of, at Watertown Arsenal 66

For small f orgings, production of, at Watertown Arsenal 64

Insignia for General Staff,' new design, manufacture of, at Rock Island

Arsenal » 56

Inspection of material by Ordnance officers, aggregate value of 6

Inspectors of Ordnance at —

Akron, Ohio 45

American and British Manufacturing Company 47, 48

Arehibald Wheel Company 48

Bethlehem Steel Company 44

Bridgeport Brass Company 48

Bridgeport Forge Cofaipany 48

Builders Iron Foundry 48

Coe Brass Company 48

Cowdrey Machine Company 49

Crucible Steel Company of America 46

Detrick & Harvey Machine Company 47

Driggs-Seabury Ordnance Corporation 45

EUicott Machine Company 47

Midvale Steel Works 46

Morgan Engineering Company 45

Pratt & Whitney Company 48

Scovill Manufacturing Company 48

United States Rapid-Fire Gun and Power Company .* 47, 48

Warner & Swasey Company 45

Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Company 45

Instruments, range-finding 36

Azimuth, S3rstem for illuminating cross wires and scales of, devised 36

Boards —

Azimuth prediction, experimental, manufacture of 36

Deflection, experimental, manufacture of 36

Plotting —

Design and manufacture of 36

Fire commander's, experimental, manufacture of 36

For mortars, manufacture of 36

Test of 31

Whistler-Heam, manufacture of, at Frankford Arsenal 62

Range, experimental, manufacture of 36

Wind component indicator, experimental, manufacture of 36

Chart, set-forward, board and T square for, experimental, manufacture of . . . . 36
Findei^

Position, depression, Swasey —

Contract for 46

180 INDEX.

Instruments, bangb-finding Continued.

Finder — Continued.

Position, depression, Swasey — Continued.

Manufacture of 36

System for illumination of cross wires of, devised 36

Testing instruments for, contract for 46

Range —

Field artillery, new design of 36

Horizontal base, contract for 45

Weldon, issue of, to infantry and cavaliy 36

Pointers, azimuth, with deflection and drift scales for mortars, experimental,

manufacture of 36

Ruler, battery commanders' —

Design and manufacture of 36

Test of 31

Scale, prediction, fd^ mortars, experimental, manufacture of 36

Telescopes, batteiy commanders' —

Contracts for 46

Experimental, design and manufacture of 36

Protected, for mobile artillexy, contract for 46

{See aUo Sights.)
Intrenching tool. {See Tools.)

EOEHLER, CaFT. H. J., ON SABER, OFFICEBS' AND MBN's 131-132

Limbers, field, 3-ingh, model of 19Q2:

Contract for 46

Forge, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

Issue of 30

Manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

Store wagon, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

Liner, 12-inch mortar, test of 44

Magazine rifles, self-loading, new designs, tests of 21

Maintenance of The armament of fortifications 35

Manila Ordnance Depot , 70

Eknployees 71

Fiscal affairs 72

Issues and receipts of stores 71

Office building 70

Power plant 70

Returns, property, examined 72

Storehouse 70

Marksmen's pins, class A, new design, manufacture of, at Rock Island

Absenal 56

Meat cans, aluminum and standard patterns, manufacture of, at Rock Island

Arsenal 56

Mechanism, electric, retracting only, for sraooast carriages, design for,

in progress 34

Medals of honor, contract for 47

MiDVALE Steel Company, conttiacts with 32, 46

Militia, issue of 3-iNcn field-artillery material to 30

Morgan Engineering Company, contracts with 32,45

Mortars:

Electric firing of, system for 34

liner for 12-inch, test of 44

Seacoast, care and use of, in service 25

IKDEX. 181

MoBTABs — Continued. Page.

12-inch —

Manufacture of, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

Model of 1886—

Ballistic data relative to 170-171

Record of firings, Battery Reynolds 161-169

Report of firings, Battery Reynolds 156

Mountain abtillebt carriages, impbovements in 30

Mountain ouns, improvements in, considbbed 29

Mounts:

Tripod, for automatic machine guns, Vickers Sons & Maxim, caliber .30, manu-
facture of 22

Wheeled, for automatic machine guns, Vickers Sons & Maxim, caliber .30, manu-
facture of 22, 55

3-inch (15-pounder) semiautomatic, rapid-fire, experimental, manufacture of,

completed 62

6-pounder, semiautomatic, experimental —

Contract for, delay in manufacture 46

Test of 28

moyino targets, design op fleld artillery board, issued 42

Muskets, pencing, pattern op 21

National Board por the Promotion op Riple Practice, test op car" ^dges. . 23

Navy riples, 7 and 8 inch, manufacture op, at Watervliet Arsenal 62

New York Arsenal 66

Ofpicers:

Instruction of, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground 51

Ordnance, aggregate value of material inspected by 6

{See also Opinions and Personnel of Ordnance Department.)
Opinions:

On bayonet —

Chief of Ordnance 75,83-85,94-96

Chief of Staff 86-87

President 87-88

Other officers 82-83,88-94

On intrenching tools —

Chief of Staff 152-153

President 153

Other officers 84,145-145,147-152

On length of barrel, United States magazine rifle 78-82

On saber, officers' and men's —

Chief of Ordnance 121

Chief of Staff 11^120

Master of the sword. United States Military Academy 131-132

Officer in charge of fencing teams, United States Naval Academy 130-131

President 129

Secretary of War 120

Other officers 121-129, 132-135

On sight for United States magazine rifle —

Chief of Ordnance 97, 99, lOO-KJf , 107

Chief of Staff 98

Other officers 107-109

On suitability of general design of United States magazine rifle, caliber .30,
model of 1903—

Chief of Ordnance 75-82

Other officers 78-81

182 INDEX.

Obdnakob and ordnance stores. (See Stores, ordnance.) PagB.

Ordnance Board 72

Principal subjects reported upon 72

Report of firings with 12-inch mortar, model of 1886, at Battery Reynolds 155

Pads, oas-chsck, new designs, test of 37

Payments, by disbursino officers, amounts 13

Personnel of Ordnance Department 5

Details, oflBcers', expiration of 5

Lack of officers —

Difficulties experienced by 5, 6

Measure of relief for 6

Pms, marksmen's, class A, new design, manufacture of, at Rock Island

Arsenal 56

Platforms, loading, disappearing carriages, for suboaliber practice, adop-
tion OF 35"

Plotting boards. (See Instruments.)

Powder 39

Ballistic test and expenditure of, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground 49

Changes in, and experiments to determine them 39

Explosives, hi^, expenditure of, in firings, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground. . . 49
pRAcncE:

Artillery —

Platforms, loading, disappearing carriages, for subcaliber practice, adop-
tion of 35

Primers, drill —

Cost of, compared with combination electric friction 41

E^ndurance, new designs 41

Projectiles, capped, used in 40

Smoke-producing compound as a shell-filler, test of 40

Subcaliber outfits, 6 and 15 pounder, cleaning brushes and reamers added to 42

Subcaliber tube, 15-pounder, new design 41

Targets, moving, design of Field Artillery Board, issued 42

Gallery, cartridge, ball, caliber .22, rim-fire, long, adoption of 140

Sight, telescopic, for expert riflemen, manufacture of 24

Target, small arms —

Material, satisfactory 25

Revolver, Colt, caliber .38, special, adopted, for issue in lieu of gold medals. 24
Primers, artillery:

Cost 41

Test : 42

Projectiles:

Armor-piercing, effect on plates 44

Ballistic test of, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground 49

Capped, use of, in artiUery practice 40

Caps, cast-iron, for 5, 8, 10 and 12 inch, contracts for 47

Dummy, artiUeiy, new design 41

For small cannon, manufacture of 48

Fragmentation tests of, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground 49

Shell—

12-inch mortar, cast-iron, capped, tables of zones 157, 158

12-inch mortar, deck-piercing, capped, table of eones 158

1-pounder, steel, large capacity, manufacture of 45

Shrapnel —

Ballistic test of, at Sandy Hook Proving Ground 49

New dmgfi, developed at Frankford Araenal 61

INDEX. 188

PBoncTiLBfl — Ocmtinued. Page.

Shrapnel balls, tests of 43

Shot, 5 and 6 inch, armor-piercing, completion of contract for 46

Weight of, for mountain gun 29

(See aUo Ammunition.)
Proof house, with bitits, fob test of United States magazine rifles, ebectbd

AT THE ABMOBIBS 20

Pbopebtt betubns 18, 72

Pbotectob, front-sight, new pattern, for United States magazine rifle,

MODEL OF 1903:

Adoption of 20,98

Proceedings of board relative to 98-109

Quadrant, sight and range, means for oarrting, design for 31

Range boabd, design and manufaoture of 36

Range finders and range-finding instruments. (See Instruments.)

Rapid-fire guns. (/Se«Quns.)

Record of firings:

Garbine, 22-inch barrel, experimental, tests 77

Rifle, United States magazine, 24, 26, and 30 inch barrels, experimental, tests. 77
12-inch mortar, model of 1886 —

Battery Reynolds, Ordnance Board programme 162-169

Proof battery, for powder characteristics 161

Reports, annual, of the War Department, 1905, arrangement of 3

Returns, propertt:

Examination and settlement of, at Ordnance Office 18

Preliminary examination of, at Manila Ordnance Depot 72

Revolver. {See Small arms.)

Reynolds, Battert, report of firing 12-inch mortar 155

Rifles. (See Small arms, and Quns.)

Rook Island Arsenal 52

Additional machineiy 55

Aluminum cups with iron handles 56

Aluminum meat cans 56

Armament chests for 7-inch siege howitzer 55

Aitnory shops 57

Arsenal shops 55

Artillery store shed 52

Badges for field-artillery practice 56

Canteens, copper, experimental 56

Equipments, cavalry, horse, and infantry 57

Harness shop 56

Hospital 52

Insignia for General Staff 56

Kits of tools for repair of parts of cartridge belts 56

Marksmen's pins, new, class A 56

Proving Ground 57

Quarters —

Officers' :.. 53

Quartermaster-sergeant's 53

Rock Island wagon bridge 53

Small-arms plant 57

Stable 53

Stencils, new pattern, for canteens 56

Stimip-bending machine 56

184 IKDBZ.

Rook Island Arsksajj — C!ontinued. Page.

Storehouse 53

Water power 54

Water supply and fire protection 54

Rod, cleaning, metallic, for rifle, not satisfactory 95

Rulers, battery commanders'. {See Instruments.)
Sabers, officers' and men's:

Criticisms relative to, analysis of 124

Experimental, new design —

Correspondence and reports relating to 119

For General StaflF committee 125

light cavalry —

Blade satisfactory 22

GKiard of, new design 22

New design, manufacture of, for trial 22

Manufacture of, suspended 22

Sharpening of 135

Substitution of revolver for, expediency of 133

SuitabOity of design, consideration by General Staff 88

(See also Opinions, and Swords.)
Saddles, pack, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal:

Automatic machine gun, caliber .30 57

Mountain gun, 75-millimeter 57

Sandy Hook Proving Ground 49

Ballistic test of material 49

Chemical laboratory work 52

Constructions, new 50

Department of electricity 52

Expenditure of fixed ammunition, high explosives, and powder 49

Fragmentation tests 49

Instruction of officers 51-62

Machine-shop work 52

Proof battery, improvement of 51

Raiht)ad 49

Scales, railway, Fairbanks *. 50

Shops 51

Survey of post 51

Well points, for water, installed 51

Scabbard:
Bayonet —

Knife, model of 1905—

Adoption of 21, 87

Adoption recommended by General Staff 94

Model of 1898, hook of, same as for model of 1905 21

Sabei--

Criticiams relative to, analysis of 124

Experimental design, for General Staff committee 125

Various designs, submitted by Henry V. Allien & Co 124

Wooden, experimental —

Adoption of 120

Correspondence and reports relating to 119

Manufacture of, for trial 22, 86

Wood pulp, not practicable 123

Sword, to be of wood, covered with leather 120

INDEX. 185

Page.

Scale, fbediotion, fob mobtars, design and manufactube of 36

SooTT, Lieut. Col. L. K., design fob automatic sight 34

SooviLL Manufacturing Company, BfANUFAcrruRB of 1-pounder steel shell.. . 48

Self-loading magazine rifles, new designs, tests ^ 21

Sktters, fuze, new design, tests of 31

Shell. (See Projectiles.)
Shields:

3-mch, for field caissons and carriages, model of 1902, manufacture of, by con-
tractors 46

4.5-inch, for 5 and 6 inch barbette carriages —

Contracts 32

Tests 33

Shrapnel. (See Projectiles.)

Sickness among clerks 6

Siege material. (See Artillexy, mobile, material.)
Sights:

Automatic, seacoast gun, designs, test of 34

Carriage, 3-inch field, manufacture of, at Frankford Arsenal 61

Contract for, delivery 45

Models of 1898 and 1898 M, alteration of 34

Mountain gun, 75-millimeter, improvesients in 30

Objective telescopic —

2-inch, design of 34

3-inch, alteration of 33

Panoramic, 3-inch field, American manufacture 30

Rifle, United States magazine, model of 1903, new pattern of —

Adoption of 20, 98

Front, correction of deviation by expert marksmen 20

Peep, not recommended 107

Proceedings of board relative to adoption of 97-109

Rear, adoption of 98

Stud carrying front sight, redesigned 20

Telescopic, for expert riflemen, manufacture of 24

Wind gauge, suggested 107

Telescopic, 3-inch, contracts for 45

(See also Opinions and Instruments.)

Small arms 19

Carbine, experimental (8 and 10 inch twist), tests of 77

Muskets, fencing, pattern 21

Revolver —

Colt, caliber .38, special, adopted, for issue in lieu of gold medals 24

Substituting for saber, expediency of 133

Rifle-
Self-loading, magazine, new designs, tests of 21

Springfield, caliber .45, alteration of, for fencing muskets 21

Steel for barrels 65

United States magazine, caliber .30, model of 1903 —

Cocking piece of, redesigned 19

Manufacture of —

Rock Island Arsenal 19, 20, 57

Springfield Armory 19, 20, 58

Recoil, not greater than model of 1898 78

Suitability of general design. (See Opinions.)

186 HTDEX.

Small abms — Continued. Paga.

Rifle — Continued.

United States nuigazine, caliber .30, model of 1903 — Continued.
Testr-

Accuracy,'by expert marksmen, before acoeptanoe 20

Rapid-aimed fire 78

Velocity, muzzle, of 2200 F. S., adopted 21

(See Opinions, relative to bayonet, sight, and length of barrel; gee aUo
Barrels, rifle.)
Sfbinqfield Abmort:

EiXperimental firings, with United States magazine rifles, caliber .30, loss of

accuracy 50

Fuel-oilplant 60

Machines, new 58

Magazine rifle, model of 1903 68

Manufactures during year 58

Springs:

Counter-recoil, American manufacture 30

Steely manufacture of 47

Stab gauge, small arms, new design pebfected 20

Steels:

Endurance, against repeated stresses, investigation at Watertown Arsenal 65

Qun carriage, small arms, springs, etc., manufacture of 47

Gun forgings, streaks, investigation of 36, 65

Stencils, fob canteens, new- fatteen, manufacture of, at Rock Island Ab<

SENAL 56

Stobes, obdnance:

Condemned, sales of 7

Receipts and issues. United States Powder Depot 70

Transfers and sales 13

Streaked fobginos, investigations 36, 65

SUBPLUS FUND OF THE TBEASUBY, AMOUNTS OOVEBED INTO 14

SwASET DEPBE88ION POsmoN FINDEB8. {See Instruments.)

SWOBD EXEBCI8E TO BE TAUGHT AT THE UnFTED StATES MiLFTABY AND NaVAL

ACADEMIES 119

SwOBD, OFFICEBS' AND MEN'S:

Data concerning, of various countries 136

Former pattern, United States Army, adoption of 85, 124

New pattern, United States Army —

Adoption of 120

Consideration of, by General Staff 120

Majority report 120-128

Minority report 128-129

Lengths of 119,120

Sharpening of 86, 120

Wooden scabbard, covered with leather, for 120

{See also Opinions on Saber.)

SWOBDS AND SWOBDSMAN8HIP IN THE AbMT AND NaVY 122

TaBGET MATEBIAL, 8MALL-ABM8, 8AT18FACTOBY 25

TaBOETS, moving, DESIGN OF FlELD AbTILLEBY BoABD, ISSUED 42

Telescopes. {See Instruments.)

Telescopic sights. (5ee Sights.)

Tests, fbagmentation, at Sandy Hook Pbovino Qbound 49

IHDEX. 187

Testino: Page.
iDstruments. {See Instniments.)

Laboratory, Watertown Arsenal, operatums at 65

Throttling yalve, counteb-reooil, fob oabbiaobs, adopted '. 35

Tinning, knives, fobkb, and spoons, Rock Island Absenal 56

Tools:

Intrenching —

Consideration by General Staff 143

Correspondence relating to the adoption of 143-152

Kind adopted and scheme of supply 25, 153

Manufacture and issue of 154

Types used with foreign armies. .1 145

(See aUo Opinions.)

Kits, repair cartridge belts, new design, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal. 56

Tbansfebs and sales of obdnance stobes 13

Tube, subcaubeb, IS-poundeb, new design 41

Union Metaluo Cabtbidge Company, contbact fob oabtbitges 24

United States Cabtbidge Company, contbact fob oabtbidges 24

United States magazine bifle. (See Small arms.)

United States Powdeb Depot 69

Buildings, new, progress of work under contracts 69

Dam, new, at outlet of lake, neoessaiy 69

Disbursements 70

Employees 70

Railroad, construction of, progressing 70

Rock-crushing plant of great assistance 69

Stores, receipts and issues of 70

Water supply, immediate increase in, necessary 69

United States Rapid-Fibe Gun and Poweb Company, contbacts with 47

Valve, counteb-beooil, thbottling, fob cabbiages, adopfbd 35

Wagons:

Automobile forge and battery, design of 32

Battery and store, manufacture of, at Rock Island Arsenal 55

WaBNEB & SWASEY CoBfPANY:

Instruments, range-finding, manufacture of 45

Sights, telescopic, for expert riflemen, manufacture of 24

Watebtown Absenal 64

Carriages, gun —

Manufacture and issue of 64

Modification of, to later designs 64

Castings, bronze, iron, and steel, output 64

Electric generating unit with engine, needed 65

Foigings, for carriages, etc., manufacture of 64

Foundry —

Building, wooden parts of, should be replaced and made fire-proof 64

Output during year 64

Ingots, for small forgings, production of 64

Laboratory, testing, operations at 65

Machine shop, new machinery installed 65

Northern Armament District, operations in 66

Principal operations 64

Smith shop —

Increase of capacity, desirable 65

Manufactures 64

Transportation facilities 65

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