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WAR DEPARTMENT
Annual Reports, 1916
(IN THREE VOLUMES)
Volume I
Reports of
THE SECRETARY OF WAR
THE CHIEF OF STAFF
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL
THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
THE SURGEON GENERAL
THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE
THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER
THE CHIEF OF MILITIA BUREAU
THE CHIEF OF COAST ARTILLERY
THE SUPERINTENDENT MILITARY ACADEMY
THE CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA
PARK COMMISSION
THE GETTYSBURG PARK COMMISSION
THE SHILOH PARK COMMISSION
THE VICKSBURG PARK COMMISSION
ARRANGEMENT OF THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1916.
Volume I Secretary of War.
Chief of Staff.
The Adjutant General.
Inspector General.
Judge Advocate General.
Quartermaster General.
Surgeon General.
Chief of Ordnance.
Chief Signal Officer.
Chief of Militia Bureau.
Chief of Coast Artillery.
Superintendent Military Academy.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga Park Commission.
Gettysburg Park Commission.
Shiloh Park Commission.
Vicksburg Park Conmiission.
Volume II Chief of Engineers (without Appendices).
Volume in Chief of Bureau of Insular Affaire.
Governor of Porto Rico.
The Philippine CommJaaioiu
i
i M
CONTENTS.
PagiL
Report of the Secretary of WarX 5
Report of the Chief of Staff .K 153
Report of The Adjutant General.^ 233
Report of the Inspector General i^. 295
Report of the Judge Advocate Genei a! i 307
Report of the Quartermaster General .". 329
Report of the Surgeon General.*! 463
Report of the Chief of Ordnance.*: 803
Report of the Chief Signal Officer !: 857
Report of the Chief of Militia Bureau 893
Report of the Chief of Coast Artillery 1161
Report of the Su^rintendent Military Acadenay .". 1179
Report of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga rark Commission 1219
Report of the Gettysburg Park Commission 1227
Report of the Shiloh Park Commission 1239
Report of the Vickaburg Park Commission 1249
3
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
War Department,
Washington^ D. (7., November £0^ 1916.
To the President:
I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of
this department for the past year :
On February 10, 1916, Hon. Lindley M. Garrison resigned as Secre-
tary of War, and on February 11, 1916, Maj. Gen. Hugh L. Scott,
United States Army, Chief of Staff, was appointed by you Secretary
of War, ad interim, under the provisions of section 179, Revised
Statutes. Gen. Scott served until March 9, 1916, when I took the
oath of office as Secretary of War.
THE MEXICAN SITUATION.
TJie raid on Columbus^ N. Mex.^ and the Pershing Expedition. —
The disturbed conditions on the Mexican border culminated in an
attack by Mexican bandits on Columbus, N. Mex. A description of
this attack and of several engagements that followed it, gathered from
the reports received by the Department, is given below :
On the night of March 8-9, 1916, the Mexican outlaw, Francisco
Villa, with a force variously estimated at from 500 to 1,000 men,
crossed the international border from Mexico to the United States
at a point about 3 miles west of the border-line gate and concentrated
his force for an attack on the town of Columbus, N. Mex. The attack
was made during hours of extreme darkness and was for the purpose,
according to information subsequently obtained by the military
authorities, of looting the town after disposing of the garrison. A
fight ensued in which 7 American soldiers were killed and 2 officers
and 5 soldiers were wounded, and 8 civilians killed and 2 wounded-
The Mexican bandits killed in the town, the camp, and on the border
line numbered 67, while the wounded and captured number^ 7.
7
8 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
Immediately after the raid one troop of Cavalry crossed the border
and pursued the Mexicans. An additional troop, stationed at the
border-line gate, also mounted and struck the retreating Mexicans
in the flank; the two troops, then joining, continued the pursuit of
the Mexicans south for a distance of 12 miles, discontinuing the pur-
suit only when their ammunition was e2diausted and the horses and
men, without water and almost exhausted, could continue- no longer.
The bandits in the meantime retreated in a southeasterly direction.
During this running fight a nimiber of Mexicans, estimated to be
between 70 and 100, were killed, but no accurate estimate of the
woimded can be made. Much property and many animals were aban-
doned by the Mexicans in their flight.
On March 10, 1916, the commanding general of the southern de-
partment was directed to organize an adequate military force under
the command of Brig. Gren. John J. Pershing, with instructions to
proceed promptly across the border in pursuit of the Mexican out-
laws who had attacked Columbus. Under these instructions, two
colunms were organized, one starting from Columbus and the other
from Culberson's ranch. The advance of the Columbus column, con-
sisting of 7 troops of the Thirteenth Cavalry, the Sixth and Six-
teenth Infantry, Battery C, Sixth Field Artillery, and Ambulance
Company No. 7, started, on March 15, on the road, through Palomas,
Ascension, Corralitos, toward Casas Grandes. The Culberson col-
umn, consisting of the Seventh Cavalry, 10 troops of the Tenth
Cavalry, and Battery B, Sixth Field Artillery, left the same night,
via the Ojitas route, and arrived at Colonia Dublan, 4 miles north of
Nueva Casas Grandes, on the night of March 17. These troops pushed
rapidly south, the bandits scattering and fleeing from their front.
Gen. Pershing was acting under orders to respcQt in every manner
the sovereignty and rights of Mexico and her people, and to avoid
all possible occasion of conflict with, or irritation to, the representa-
tives of the de facto Government of Mexico.
The ParroL incident, — During the pursuit of Villa and his fol-
lowers, Maj. Frank Tompkins, Thirteenth Cavalry, with Troops K
and M of that regiment, imder the command of Col. W. C. Brown,
Tenth Cavalry, camped outside of the town of Parral, Mexico, and
sent a detachment of soldiers to the town for the purpose of purchas-
ing supplies, at about 11 o'clock a. m., April 12, 1916. Maj. Tomp-
kins was cordially received by the higher civil and military officials.
REPOBT OP THE SECBETABY OP WAB. 9
The Meidcan general, Lozano, accompanied Maj. Tompkins on his
way to the camp. On the outskirts of the town, groups of native
soldiers and civilians jeered, threw stones, and fired on the colunm.
Maj. Tompkins at once took a defensive position north of the rail-
road but was soon flanked by Mexican troops and forced to retire.
The American troops continued to withdraw to avoid further com-
plications until they reached Santa Cruz, 8 miles from Parral. Gen.
Lozano attempted to control his men when the fighting first began
but failed. The known casualties were 2 American soldiers killed,
2 oflRcers and 4 soldiers wounded, 1 soldier missing, and 40 Mexican
soldiers killed. The number of Mexican soldiers wounded is not
known, although it is known that one Mexican civilian was wounded.
The Carrizal incident, — For some time subsequent to this, Gen.
Pershing's force maintained itself in substantially the same position,
using scouting parties and detachments for the purpose of locating
the force of Villa, which had been broken up and scattered in various
directions through the difficult and mountainous country through
which the expedition had penetrated.
On the morning of the 21st of June, 1916, Troops C and K of the
Tenth Cavalry, under the command of Capt. Charles T. Boyd, while
on the way to Villa Ahumada on such a scouting expedition, reached
the town of Carrizal, and sought permission from the commanding
officer of the Mexican forces garrisoned there to pass through the
town in order to reach Villa Ahumada. Gen. Gomez, the Mexican
commander, sent an officer of his command to the American troops
denying the permission requested. During the conference, Mexican
troops were seen to move toward the flank of the American troops.
The latter assumed a defensive position, but an engagement immedi-
ately ensued, in which Capt. Charles T. Boyd and Lieut. Henry R.
Adair, Tenth Cavalry, and 7 enlisted men, were killed, and Capt.
Lewis S. Morey, Tenth Cavalry, and 9 enlisted men were wounded.
Twenty-three enlisted men of the Tenth Cavalry and 1 civilian in-
terpreter were captured and sent to Chihuahua City. The number
of Mexicans killed is estimated to have been 39, including Gen. Gomez.
The number of wounded is not known. The 23 enlisted men and the
civilian interpreter captured by the Mexicans were released and re-
turned to the United States with their property and equipment.
Gen. Pershing's force has been on Mexican soil since the 15th
day of March, during part of the time engaged in active and vigor-
10 BEPOBT OF THE BECBETABY OF WAB.
ous pursuit of bandits, but during the larger part of the time en-
camped generally in the neighborhood of Colonia Dublan. The
orders to this expedition pointedly enjoined the maintenance of cor-
dial relations with the native population and the most entire respect
for the dignity and sovereignty of the Government of Mexico and its
military commanders and forces. It gives me great pleasure to point
out the fidelity with which these instructions have been obeyed.
Gen. Pershing's force has not only maintained itself in a state of
physical fitness and cheerful loyalty to its task, but the men have
developed into a robust and vigorous body of troops, and their rela-
tions with the native population in Mexico have been characterized
by cordiality and friendliness, which was highly creditable to the
discipline and spirit of American soldiers. I can not too highly
praise the members of this expeditionary force, its commander, and
its men, for the restraint, self-control, and zeal which they have dis-
played and for the credit which they have reflected upon American
arms.
Bandit raids across the Mexican border. — In addition to the raid
on Columbus, N. Mex., several raids of more or less importance have
occurred during the period covered by this report, the most notable
of them being :
Glenn Springs, Tex., May 5, 1916, the casualties being 3 American
soldiers and 1 civilian killed ; 8 American soldiers woimded. At this
place, it is believed that 2 Mexican bandits were killed and a number
wounded, although it was impossible to secure definite information.
San Ygnacio, Tex., June 15, 1916, the casualties being 4 American
soldiers killed and 5 wounded ; 6 Mexican bandits killed.
Near Fort Hancock, Tex., July 31, 1916, 1 American soldier and 1
civilian (United States customs inspector) killed, and 1 American
soldier woimded; 3 Mexicans killed and 3 captured by Mexican de
facto Government troops.
Call of the Organized Militia and National Guard into the service of
the United States. — ^The known presence of large numbers of bandit
forces and irregular military organizations, hostile alike to the de facto
Government of Mexico and to the Government and people of the United
States, made it apparent that further aggression upon the territory of
the United States was to be expected. The Mexican border is a long
and irregular boundary line, passing in places through cities and
EEPOBT OP THE 8ECRETABY OP WAB. 11
towns, but for great stretches running through sparsely settled re-
gions and through a wild and difficult country. The forces at the
disposal of the commander of the Southern Department for the
protection of this border had been strengthened from time to time
by the transfer to that department of a very large part of .the Regu-
lar Army within the limits of the continental United States, includ-
ing some detachments of Coast Artillery forces, withdrawn from
their coast defense stations. It was, however, clear that even thus
strengthened the forces under Gen. Funston's command were inade-
quate to patrol this long and difficult line and to assure safety to the
life and property of American citizens against raids and depreda-
tions. The President, therefore, deemed it proper to exercise the
authority vested in him by the Constitution and laws to call out the
Organized Militia. On May 9, 1916, he issued a call, through the
governors of the States of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, direct-
ing the concentration of the militia of those States at places to be
designated by the commanding general of the Southern Department.
San Antonio, Columbus, and Douglas were designated as the
places of concentration for the Militia of Texas, Arizona, and New
Mexico, respectively, and upon the arrival of the militia, the neces-
sary procedure for their muster into the service of the United States,
under the provisions of the act approved January 21, 1903, as amended
by the act of Congress approved May 27, 1908, was at once entered
upon and vigorously prosecuted, the greater part of the militia, so
called, having been mustered into the service of the United States
before the close of the fiscal year. It was also directed by the de-
partment that the Federal authorities assume the duty of recruiting
for the militia service of the United States. In accordance with
these directions, the commanding general of the Southern Depart-
ment was ordered on May 27, 1916, to detail officers and enlisted
men from the Texas Militia mustered into the service of the United
States to recruit the Militia of Texas to its full strength, and similar
orders with respect to recruiting were issued with regard to the
militia of other States at a later date. The reasons which caused the
President to issue the call for the Militia of Texas, Arizona, and
New Mexico on May 9, 1916, impelled him, on June 18, 1916, to call
into the service of the United States a large part of the Organized
Militia and National Guard of the other States of the Union and the
12 REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
District of Columbia, the call being duly issued on the date last
mentioned through the governors of all the States concerned and the
Commanding General of the District of Columbia Militia.
In the meantime, the National-Defense Act had been approved June
8, 1916, providing, among other things, for the transition of the
Organized Militia of the several States and the District of Columbia
into the National Guard, by taking the oath prescribed by that act,
and this transition was in progress in the several States when the
call of June 18 was made. The call of the President found the
militia at the very beginning of its transition from the Organized
Militia, provided in the earlier legislation, into the National Guard,
provided by the recent National-Defense Act. There had been no time
for the completion of the procedures provided for perfecting the
National Guard, so that the mass o'f detail which under ordinary
circumstances is involved in the concentration of the militia at
various mobilization points was increased by the fact that some of
the organizations existed wholly under their earlier status, some had
completed their organization under the National-Defense Act, and
some were in the course of changing their relation to the Federal
Government from that provided by one to that provided by the other
of these laws. Moreover, the provisions of the National-Defense Act,
not having previously been applied, were required to be interpreted
in many respects. There had not yet been time to work out in an
orderly way interpretations of the act and instructions under it
for the guidance either of officers of the Begular Army or of the
militia, who were required to cooperate in such a movement. The
task thus imposed upon the department and the chiefs of the bureaus
concerned was most exacting, and I can not too highly praise the zeal
and intelligence with which these difficulties were met or the self-
sacrifice with which the personnel of the department devoted itself
day and night to the speedy, orderly, and successful accomplishment
of its task.
To have worked out each detail, completed the transition of such
State organizations, and i-ecruited it to its full strength before trans-
ferring these forces to the border would have taken more time than
the exigencies of the situation permitted. Instructions were there-
fore given on June 28 to the commanding generals of the Eastern
Central, and Western Departments to transfer each unit to tlie
border as soon as it was reasonably equipped for field service.
BEPOBT OF THE SECRETAKY OF WAR. 18
On August 31, 1916, the date of the latest complete returns re-
ceived, the troops in the Southern Department consisted of 2,160 offi-
cers and 45,873 enlisted men of the Regular Army, and 5,446 officers
and 105,080 enlisted men of the National Guard, making a total of
7,606 officers and 150,953 enlisted men in that department. On the
date given there were 1,557 officers and 28,176 enlisted men of the
National Guard in the other military departments, making a total of
7,003 officers and 133,256 enlisted men of the National Guard in the
Federal service on August 31, 1916.
The 'present situation. — The mere presence of this enlarged force
on the border has served to preserve peace and to protect life and
property. Disturbances by outlaws and bandits in northern Mexico
have continued and roving bands of various numbers have moved
through the territory, harassing Mexican forces and raiding Mexi-
can communities, but they have not ventured an attack upon the
people of the United States. In the meantime the militia forces on
the border have been drilled, their organizations perfected, and
their personnel accustomed to life in camp in the performance of
this defensive duty. On the advice of the military commanders, it
has been determined that full protection can be given on the border
without utilizing the entire force of the National Guard in the
service of the United States. The department therefore determined
to send from time to time from their State mobilization camps por-
tions of the National Guard which had not as yet done border duty,
and in exchange for these freshly arrived contingents, the command-
ing general of the Southern Department has been directed to select
equivalent nimibers of troops which have been in actual border
service for return to their home stations for muster out. ThcHe
movements have been taking place with some rapidity and are now
substantially completed. The number of National Guard now on the
border is substantially 110,000 officers and men.
From the beginning the department appreciated the sacrifice which
the members of the National Guard were called upon to make in the
interest of the national defense. These organizationw, made up of
men engaged in all sorts of industrial, commercial, and profeiwional
activity, were sununoned suddenly and without op[Xirtunity ade-
quately to provide for a prolonged absenr^e from home. In many
instances family illness, business commitmentM^ and other pressing
14 REPORT OP THE SECRETART OF WAR.
©ngagements had to be faced, and an effort was made by the depart-
ment in the presence of extreme cases of hardships to minimize the
sacrifice. The most distressing class of cases were, of course, those
of men with dependent families or relatives for whom no provision
had been made and who were entirely dependent upon the peace-
time earnings of the citizen soldier. A number of cases were pre-
sented in which members of the National Guard were the occupants
of public office, the continued functions of which were essential to
the National and State Governments, and in some instances members
of the National Guard were found to be pivotal and apparently in-
dispensable directors of industrial and commercial enterprises upon
which the Government is obliged to rely for the proper supply of
commissary and equipment to the Army itself. The department
attempted to deal with these embarrassments on the principle that the
thing best for the National Guard, the thing which would tend to
strengthen and build it up, would be most in harmony with the inten-
tion of the Congress in the National-Defense Act. A limited number
of discharges were therefore granted on the ground of public policy,
so as not to weaken the spirit of the National Guard at home by de-
priving it of the regular performance of the governmental functions
or of the industrial and commercial operations upon which its sup-
ply and maintenance depended. For the relief of those members of
the National Guard having dependent families or relatives an order
was made authorizing the discharge of all soldiers so circumstanced
upon their own application. A relatively small number of members
of the National Guard took advantage of this order and were re-
turned to their homes. By this means acute distress was prevented
and the organization of community relief for dependent families,
which had been imdertaken in many places as soon as the call for the
Guard was issued, was rendered less burdensome. The Congress later
appropriated the sum of $2,000,000 to be expended by the department
under certain limitations provided in the act in the care of the de-
pendents of soldiers, and this operation made unnecessary the con-
tinuance of the original order authorizing the discharge of such
members of the Guard. The order was therefore withdrawn, and the
department is now engaged in the distribution of the funds provided
by Congi*ess for the object stated.
The National Guard is, both by law and in contemplation of its
members, the line of defense immediately back of the Regular Army.
BEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAB. 15
It is organized for the purpose of responding quickly to emergency
calls, but our country has been singularly free from international
boundary difficulty which required more force than could be found
in the organizations of the Regular Army within the country. The
sort of duty presented by the Mexican difficulty, therefore, is un-
usual and may well have been unanticipated. The readiness with
which the militia responded to this call was most gratifying, and
when the transitional condition in which it was found by the call is
remembered, the confusions and difficulties attending the mobiliza-
tion will seem insignificant in comparison with its success and with
the splendid spirit with which both men and officers of the National
Guard responded.
The duty in Mexico and on the border has been of the most trying
kind which soldiers can be called upon to perform. The move-
ment and enthusiasm of active military operations supplies a spirit
of its own, but the soldier who is required to wait inactive finds it
difficult to reconcile himself to the privations of camp life and to the
separations from home, friends, and normal occupation required
of him, and yet this most trying of services is just what has been
required of our Regular Army and of the National Guard on the
border. Their time has of course been used in profitable military
training, and an enormous incidental advantage has accrued to the
country therefrom. But it is not strange that some restlessness and
complaint have been heard both from an occasional member of one
of the Guard forces and from their friends at home who have not
appreciated the necessity for their sacrifice, in view of the absence
of active operations. These complaints, however, have been minor
and infrequent. The spirit of the regiments has been high, their
service cheerful, and their appreciation both of their opportunity
for public service and of the value of the training received by them
has been evidenced from all quarters.
In a subsequent part of this report I deal with the question of
health and sanitation, so that I here but remark in passing that the
health of the soldiers on the border has been remarkable; their
freedom from camp fevers and from serious illnesses of all kinds is
perhaps as striking an incident of efficient medical supervision as
can be found in the history of any army. The initial difficulties of
supply and transportation were soon solved. I have personally met
the officers and men of several regiments which have returned from
14 REPORT OF THE SECBETART OF WAR.
engagements had to be faced, and an effort was made by the depart-
ment in the presence of extreme cases of hardships to minimize the
sacrifice. The most distressing class of cases were, of course, those
of men with dependent families or relatives for whom no provision
had been made and who were entirely dependent upon the peace-
time earnings of the citizen soldier. A number of cases were pre-
sented in which members of the National Guard were the occupants
of public office, the continued functions of which were essential to
the National and State Governments, and in some instances members
of the National Guard were found to be pivotal and apparently in-
dispensable directors of industrial and commercial enterprises upon
which the Government is obliged to rely for the proper supply of
commissary and equipment to the Army itself. The department
attempted to deal with these embarrassments on the principle that the
thing best for the National Guard, the thing which would tend to
strengthen and build it up, would be most in harmony with the inten-
tion of the Congress in the National-Defense Act. A limited number
of discharges were therefore granted on the groimd of public policy,
so as not to weaken the spirit of the National Guard at home by de-
priving it of the regular performance of the governmental functions
or of the industrial and commercial operations upon which its sup-
ply and maintenance depended. For the relief of those members of
the National Guard having dependent families or relatives an order
was made authorizing the discharge of all soldiers so circumstanced
upon their own application. A relatively small number of members
of the National Guard took advantage of this order and were re-
turned to their homes. By this means acute distress was prevented
and the organization of community relief for dependent families,
which had been undertaken in many places as soon as the call for the
Guard was issued, was rendered less burdensome. The Congress later
appropriated the sum of $2,000,000 to be expended by the department
under certain limitations provided in the act in the care of the de-
pendents of soldiers, and this operation made unnecessary the con-
tinuance of the original order authorizing the discharge of such
members of the Guard. The order was therefore withdrawn, and the
department is now engaged in the distribution of the funds provided
by Congress for the object stated.
The National Guard is, both by law and in contemplation of its
members, the line of defense immediately back of the Regular Army.
, »- •
1. •*
v::
K
BEPOET OF THE 8ECRETAEY OP WAR. 17
opportunities of the kind. In the development of such a program
we can remember that for the most part any Army is made up of
young men, and those wholesome recreations and activities to which
young men normally resort can be made the basis of what the Army
ought to undertake to supply for its own uses,
r ^ Transportation of the Regular Arm/y and militia to the Mexican
harder, — In a previous portion of this report I have discussed the raid
on Columbus, N. Mex., and the military measures adopted in con-
sequence of it, including the call of the Organized Militia and
National Guard into the service of the United States. It seems
to me worth while, however, to make a somewhat detailed refer-
ence to the transportation of these troops to the Mexican border,
both because I desire an opportunity to report specifically the efficient
cooperation of the railroads with the Government and also be-
cause the general question of transportation facilities is one of
very great military importance.
The railroads of the United States have been built in response
to commercial and industrial needs. Our continent has been de-
veloped and opened up by a process of railroad building which
had in view the transportation of raw materials and finished prod-
ucts, rendering our mineral and lumber resources accessible and
enabling our rapidly increasing population to develop the agri-
cultural and economic resources of the Nation. It is probably just
to say, however, that very little thought has been given in our
railroad development to their possible use for military purposes.
We have built no strategic railroads, our frontiers have been neg-
lected as possible scenes of military operations, and there has ac-
cordingly been little or no railroad building which had as its object
a possible call upon the railroads of the country rapidly to trans-
port large bodies of men and to maintain continuous streams of
military supplies for their support. This was not unnatural, as
the wide seas have been the frontier of the United States, and we
have been in contact with no highly organized and powerful mili-
tary nation. Our relations with our continental neighbors have
been peaceful and friendly, and the development of civilization
on this continent has had an industrial and commercial aspect
with little or no suggestion of military preparation. We have,
it is true, given far less thought to the problem of transportation
69176*'--WAB 1916— VOL 1 2
16 EEPORT OF THE SECBETAEY OF WAB.
the border, and without minimizing the inconvenience to which
these men have been put and the sacrifices which they have made, I
can not help feeling that they have received some compensation from
the experience, as they present uniformly pictures of splendid,
vigorous bodies of men, trained and disciplined, and with the added
dignity which comes from having performed a saving service for
their country.
Many valuable lessons will be learned from this mobilization experi-
ence which the department hopes can be applied in further organiza-
tion of the National Guard. As yet it is too soon to sum up in detail
all of these experiences, nor would it be just to the Guard to measure
its response to this need by a mere statistical exhibit of its condition
at the time of the call or the time of the transfer of its units to the
border. In this connection, however, I desire to point out that
under modern conditions one of the great needs of the Army organ-
ization is a suitable program of recreational activity for soldiers
during periods of enforced inactivity. In his home station the
soldier of the Regular Army will undoubtedly in the future make
use more and more largely of educational opportunities and there
will be automatically evolved certain recreational activities proper
to the place, the climate, and the disposition of the men, but the
soldier in camp has not the permanent facilities which can be found
in the well-ordered Army post. His entire time can not be spent
in drill, and there is, therefore, very great need for the development
of a systematic plan which will provide for the soldier under such
conditions an opportunity for sound, healthful, and agreeable recrea-
tion. The Young Men's Christian Association has realized this need
and most generously undertaken to provide facilities for our troops
on the border which under the conditions may be regarded as com-
parable to social and recreational opportunities offered by their
institutions to the young men of our cities. Undoubtedly, this
service has been of the highest value and has been appreciated by
the men as well as by the department. I venture, however, to express
the hope that we shall be able to devise, as a part of our own siys-
tematic provision for the Army, recreational facilities and opportuni-
ties which will follow the Army to its camp, and both brighten the
life of the Army and occupy the leisure of its members when the
exigencies of the service require their separation from accustomed
BEPOET OF THE 8ECRETAEY OP WAB. 17
opportunities of the kind. In the development of such a program
we can remember that for the most part any Army is made up of
young men, and those wholesome recreations and activities to which
young men normally resort can be made the basis of what the Army
ought to undertake to supply for its own uses.
Transportation of the Regulor Arm/y and militia to the Mexican
border, — In a previous portion of this report I have discussed the raid
on Columbus, N. Hex., and the military measures adopted in con-
sequence of it, including the call of the Organized Militia and
National Guard into the service of the United States. It seems
to me worth while, however, to make a somewhat detailed refer-
ence to the transportation of these troops to the Mexican border,
both because I desire an opportunity to report specifically the efficient
cooperation of the railroads with, the Government and also be-
cause the general question of transportation facilities is one of
very great military importance.
The railroads of the United States have been built in response
to commercial and industrial needs. Our continent has been de-
veloped and opened up by a process of railroad building which
had in view the transportation of raw materials and finished prod-
ucts, rendering our mineral and lumber resources accessible and
enabling our rapidly increasing population to develop the agri-
cultural and economic resources of the Nation. It is probably just
to say, however, that very little thought has been given in our
railroad development to their possible use for military purposes.
We have built no strategic railroads, our frontiers have been neg-
lected as possible scenes of military operations, and there has ac-
cordingly been little or no railroad building which had as its object
a possible call upon the railroads of the country rapidly to trans-
port large bodies of men and to maintain continuous streams of
military supplies for their support. This was not unnatural, as
the wide seas have been the frontier of the United States, and we
have been in contact with no highly organized and powerful mili-
tary nation. Our relations with our continental neighbors have
been peaceful and friendly, and the development of civilization
on this continent has had an industrial and commercial aspect
with little or no suggestion of military preparation. We have,
it is true, given far less thought to the problem of transportation
69176'— WAB 1916— VOL 1 2
18 BEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAB.
from a military point of view than other great nations, but our
occasion for thinking in that direction has been less urgent. The
War College Division of the General Staff has made interesting
and valuable studies upon the mobilization and use of transpor-
tation equipment, and undoubtedly the Council of National De-
fense will give further valuable study to this question; but the
disturbed condition on the Mexican border in consequence of the
Columbus raid gave us an actual experiment in the use of our
railroads, the readiness with which their facilities could be organ-
ized in the service of the Government, and' a most instructive and
helpful demonstration of the hearty cooperation which the Gov-
ernment can expect from those who manage these great trans-
portation enterprises. From the report of the Quartermaster Gen-
eral I quote the following description of the steps taken and the
results obtained :
OOOPKBATION B rf WI U CN THS TBAN8P0BTATI0N OOICPANDBS AND THE QUABTEBMA8TEB
C0BP8.
Especial attention was devoted daring the fiscal year 1916 to the establish-
ment of a closer cooperation between the Quartermaster Ck)rps and the various
transportation interests with a view to coordination in the movements of troops
and supplies for the Army. The officer in charge of the transportation division.
Office of the Quartermaster General, appeared before several of the transporta-
tion associations and outlined a plan of mutual cooperation which would be of
benefit to both the carriers and the Government in case any necessity arose
involving the transportation of large numbers of troops, the plan outlined being
practically that which has since been placed in effect.
Under date of October 16, 1915, a letter was prepared in the Office of the
Quartermaster General recommending that the Secretary of War communicate
with the American Railway Association (which association is composed of the
presidents, general managers, and other chief operating officials of the Ameri-
can raUways), and suggest the establishment within that association of a
committee on military transportation to whom the department could look for
any information that might be desired as to the railroads of the United States,
and with a further view to coordination and cooperation between the raUroads
and the War Department in the transportation of troops and suppUes of the
United States. On October 26, 1915, a letter of the nature indicated was sent
by the Secretary of War to the American Railway Association, and after some
further correspondence a "special committee on cooperation with the mUitary
authorities" was appointed by that association. This conunittee was, and is,
composed of the foUowing gentlemen:
Fairfax Harrison (chairman), president Southern RaUway.
R. M. Aishton, president (Chicago & North Western RaUway.
EEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OP WAB. 19
A. W. Thompson, vice president Baltimore & Oliio Railroad.
W. G. Besler, president Central Railroad of New Jersey.
Conferences were held with this committee, and a general plan of cooperation
outlined to be placed in effect at the time of any public emergency.
Immediately after the call for mobilization of the State troops was issued
this committee met in the Office of the Quartermaster General with Lieut Col.
C3hauncey B. Baker, representing that office, and the plans previously determined
were at once placed in effect Arrangements were made for placing a compe-
tent railroad official at each department headquarters, at each mobilization
camp, and in the Office of the Quartermaster General. These representatives
were to act as an advisor to the officers of the Quartermaster Corps at these
various points on any matters affecting rail transportation. They were all
men of the highest reputation in the railroad world and did not represent any
particular railroad, but were representatives of all lines interested.
Directly after the announcement of the mobilization this committee of the
American Railway Association also called upon representatives of the various
railroads of the country to meet in Washington for the purpose of extending
every possible assistance among the railroads themselves. The object of this
meeting was to make all of the railroad equipment motive power, and personnel
of the country available to affect this movement in the most expeditious manner
possDile.
The main object of the special committee on cooperation with the military
authorities was to asHst the War Department in the transportation of troops
and supplies, and the committee acted only on instructions from the War
Department except in matters directly affecting the operation of trains.
When it was definitely known that an organization was to move the camp
quartermaster consulted with the American Railroad Association representative
at his camp and advised him as to the strength of the organization, and it was
the duty of the American Railway Association representative to see that all
railroad equipment other than tourist cars, was promptly assembled in time
for the movement Tourist cars were ordered direct from the Office of the
Quartermaster General, and the camp quartermaster was immediately advised
by wire whether tourist cars could be furnished from point of origin; if not,
the American Railway Association representative was so advised, and it was
his duty to see that coaches were senired for the movement
In 1912 the Quartermaster General's Office took up with the American Rail-
way Master Car Builders' Association the question of placing placards, in time
of war or threatened war, on all carload shipments of Government property.
As a result of a large amount of correspondence a plan was formulated which
was accepted by all the railroads in the country, and a series of placards adopted.
Through the agency of the American Railway Association all railway officials
and employees were notified that cars so placarded must be given right of way
from point of origin to point of destination. Such cars are placed in the
fastest moving freight trains and kept constantly moving to point of destina>
20 BEPOBT OP THE SEOBBTABY OP WAB.
tlon, where they are immediately delivered, and at once identified, shifted Into
position, discharged, and released without the necessity of waiting for the
formal bills of lading and official papers of the railways and the Government,
the placards themselves serving to fully identify all shipments. All placards
bear the legend " UNITED STATES ARMY " at the head, followed by the de-
partment to which supplies belong, the car initial, car number, point of
shipment, contents, consignee, destination, routing, date shipped, and con-
signor. Oars bearing these cards are never sidetracked nor shifted into yards
except to be placed in through freight trains. Should a car become dam-
aged through any cause, it is given preference and precedence for any repairs ;
and if repairs require an extended period, contents are loaded into another car
and the movement continued.
As a result of this understanding between the railroads and the Quarter-
master Qenerars Office shipments of freight are being made with remarkable
expedition. Many instances are cited where freight shipments have been sent
through from Washington and vicinity to the Texas border in four days, and
from New York and vicinity In five days or less; freight from Philadelphia,
Pa., has reached San Antonio, Tex., in 79 hours ; from the Lakes to the border
shipments have been made in an elapsed time of a little more than 48 hours.
The hearty cooperation of the railroads in making these shipments has been
rendered without any hesitation whatever, with all the energy possible, and
without additional charge to the Government.
It is believed that this simple device, with the fullest cooperation of the
railroads, has removed one of the principal sources of criticism applicable to
the period of mobilization in 18d8.
Where special, urgent shipments have been made they have been followed
through by wire to destination, and most satisfactory results have been obtained
in every instance.
As a specific example showing how the cooperation of the railroad com-
panies assisted the Army there may be cited the case of the first motor truck
company purchased for the expeditionary forces in Mexico.
Bids were Invited for a number of trucks, and award made about 5 o'clock
the evening of March 14. Twenty-seven trucks were purchased under this
advertisement in Wisconsin. These trucks were inspected, the personnel to
operate them employed, the trucks were loaded in 14 cars, and tourist car
furnished for the personnel, and the train left at 8.11 a. m. March 16. It
arrived at Ck)lumbus, N. Mex., 1,601 miles away, shortly after noon on the 18th ;
the trucks were unloaded from the cars, loaded with supplies, and sent across
the border, reaching Gen. Pershing's command with adequate supplies of food
before he had exhausted the supplies taken with him from Oolumbus.
In a little more than four days after orders were placed with the manufac-
turers these trucks had gone across the border at Columbus, 1,000 miles away
from the factory, loaded with supplies.
The general plan of cooperation also provided for coordinating the duties of
the Pullman Co. in furnishing sleeping-car equipment, and under this plan, when
BEPOBT OF THE 8ECRETABY OP WAB. 21
it became necessary to mobilize the Organized Militia, tlie supply and distri-
bution of tourist sleeping cars was handled directly under the Instructions
of the Quartermaster General of the Army. In order to centralize the furnish-
ing of tourist sleepers at the point most convenient to the Oovemment, to
utilize the available supply of these cars to the best advantage, and to ke^
them constantly in service the Pullman Ck). changed the supervision of the
supply and movement of these cars from the headquarters of the company at
Chicago to Washington, where they stationed Mr. C. W. Henry, assistant to
superintendent of car service, with a competent force. Mr. Henry was In Imme-
diate touch with the Office of the Quartermaster General, and on receipt of
request from camp quartermasters for tourist cars he was advised of the needs
and at once took steps to supply the cars if they were available at any point
Reports were received by him dally from all parts of the United States showing
the number of tourist cars that were available In all sections of the country, and
in cases when, on account of the necessity for immediate departure. It was
Impossible to furnish cars from the starting point, this branch of the Pullman
Co. used every effort to furnish the cars en route, Inunedlately starting such
cars as could be secured over the route to be taken by the troops, so that they
could be transferred to tourist sleeping cars at the first possible opportunity.
During the first two weeks of the concentration this force was on duty until
nearly midnight every day, including Sundays, and deserves great credit for
the excellent assistance rendered the Government
The great value of the plans made for cooperation and coordination between
the railroads and the War Department was fully demonstrated In the mobiliza-
tion and concentration of the Organized Mllltla. Every assistance possible was
rendered the Government, not only by the American Railway Association and
the Pullman Ck)., but by the various passenger associations, and by the officials
and employees of all the railroads concerned, from the presidents of the com-
panies down to the minor employees. In addition to the representative of the
American Railway Association, nearly all the Important southwestern railway
lines had representatives In Washington during the entire movement, and these
representatives kept In close touch with the transportation over their respective
lines and were available for consultation at any time, if desired by the depart-
ment. The cooperation of the American Railway Association representatives,
with their expert knowledge of transportation conditions, has proved of great
value to the department, and quartermasters Imve been relieved of a great
deal of trouble and annoyance heretofore experienced In the mobilization of
large bodies of troops.
It is believed that the careful plan of cooperation adopted and the assistance
of the transportation interests in this plan has demonstrated that the problem
of rail congestion, which was the bugaboo of the mobilization of troops In 1898,
has been entirely eliminated.
The arrangements entered Into with railway lines in eastern and western
territory, as referred to in the Ajmual Report of the Quartermaster (General for
1015, pages 50 and 51, were continued during the fiscal year 1916, and resulted
22 EEPOBT OP THE SECRETAEY OF WAB.
In a saying of approximately $40,000 on passenger traffic. Negotiations are
now under way witli lines in New England and soutlieastern territory on a
similar basis with every prospect of a successful conclusion ; this arrangement
will then cover the entire United States. Briefly, it provides for a deduction
of 5 per cent from the usual fare available to the Government and for an equita-
ble distribution of the traffic between all lines Interested ; it simplifies the settle-
ment of accounts and insures the cooperation of the various carriers.
During the early days of the transportation of large bodies of the
militia to the Mexican border some uneasiness was felt throughout
the country lest the great distances to be traveled by some of these
organizations and the hurried preparation of their supplies might
produce conditions prejudicial to the health and comfort of the men.
This apprehension was quickly allayed. The cases of inconvenience
were relatively few. No really serious situation developed, and it
seems to me just to claim for the War Department and for the co-
operating railroads that they managed a task, although of unusual
difficulty and size, with great skill and most commendable success.
After the first hurried days order rapidly appeared and although we
have during the past summer moved larger bodies of troops longer
distances than is at all customary, the movements have been carried
out with order, and most comfortable and adequate provision has been
made for the men both going to and returning from the Mexican
border.
Motor-truck transportation. — ^The absence of railroad facilities
paralleling the international boundary between Mexico and the
United States and the penetration of the Pershing expedition into
Mexico at a point removed from inmiediate access to railroad facili-
ties led to very large use by the Army of motor trucks. The report
of the Quartermaster General covers in detail the purchases made
and the service rendered. I refer to the subject only to point out
that the department was able to maintain by motor truck an un-
broken supply service for Gen. Periling and enormously to increase
the efficiency of the border patrol by the use of motor vehicles. The
development of the motor truck in the past few years has produced a
vehicle which is able to traverse wild, unbroken coimtry and, ex-
cept under abnormal conditions, to transport soldiers and their
supplies with certainty and rapidity. Our whole experience in
this regard is of great value, and careful studies are being made
of the efficiency of the various types of motor vehicles in the
border service. Undoubtedly a standard-size truck and a stand-
BEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAB. 28
ard design will be evolved, and the subsequent equipment of the
Army with motor baggage trains and motor-propelled ordnance
will proceed upon a sounder foundation of information than could
have been possible but for the lessons learned from this experience.
Inci^ease in enlisted strength in an emergency. — By joint resolu-
tion approved March 17, 1916, Congress made provision for increas-
ing the number of enlisted men of the Army in an emergency, in the
following language:
• • • When In the Judgment of the President an emergency arises which
makes it necessary* aU organisations of the Army which are now below the
maximum enlisted strength authorized by law shall be raised forthwith to
that strength and shall be maintained as nearly as possible thereat so long
as the emergency shall continue: Provided, That the total enlisted strength
of any of said arms of the service shall not Include unassigned recruits
therefor at depots or elsewhere, but such recruits shall at no time exceed
by more than five per centum the total enlisted strength prescribed for
such arms; and the enlisted men now or hereafter authorized by law for
other branches of the military service shall be provided and maintained
without any Impairment of the enlisted strength prescribed for any of said arms.
The strength of the Army authorized under the provisions of the
act of Februarv 2, 1901, as modified by the joint resolution of
March 17, lOlG, is as follows:
nnnobw of Mrvic«.
Enlbted
men.
<^iMrUnnMt«r Corpi
MsdimI D«paftm«iit
rorra of En^liiccn
OroDaBc* r)«ii«rtm«Dt
Siioial Corfii
OftTslry
Field Artnipry
CoMt ArtUltfy C«n»
InluitrT
Porto Kico Rtflmrot of Inftm try
UnlUd SUtM HOiterY Anuteiiif dttadimtnti
RocniltlDff partita, rttniii d«pMS, and unaaiijEDed raenilta
UaitodStAtM Dlfciplliiary Bvnckacuarda
Bo r rfcx o ch ool dttaenni tnts
With dJaciplinvy or0uUt»tlau
Moimtid orderliw
iBdJan ■DDuta
• 6,409
1,083
l.llS
1,473
17,694
6,368
19,321
64,443
699
683
6,006
360
746
110
7
78
Total R»ffiitar A nay.
PhlllppiM acoitu
117.305
6.733
133.038
• InqladM tnltatod stmiKth (6,000 men) of the Qtmrtermaater Corpa, whlob under the proTliiona of the
•ft of rooKrcMi apnrovcd Aur. 34, 1913 (37 St&t. L., 6(0), are not to be counted aa a part of the eollated
fom provided bv law. Under the proviafona of the act of June 3, 1016, the enlisted atrength of tbe Quar-
termaater Corpa h Included in the s&encth of the Ref^ilar Army.
» The act of Jime 3, 1916, provldaa that the enllated «tr«nfrth of the Hoepital Corps ia not to be oountMl as
a part of the enllated atranj^th of the Army, which la fimilar to the provlaloo contained in the act of Mar. L
107 (M 8^t L., 436). The authorlied strength of the Uoapital Corpa on Jane 30. ivitt. was 6,3881
24 EEPOBT OF THE SECRETARY OP WAR,
Recruiting. — For some time prior to the date of this enactment the
general recruiting service had been so successful in keeping the Army
filled to the strength then authorized that recruiting had been cur-
tailed and at various times it had been found necessary to discon-
tinue the acceptance of new applicants for enlistment in some arms
of the service.
Anticipating the action of Congress in enacting the joint resolu-
tion of March 17, 1916, orders were given en March 13, 1916, to re-
open recruiting stations that had been closed and to open additional
ones in productive places and to prosecute the work of obtaining
recruits for the Army without regard to hours. Recruiting oflScers
circularized the population of the districts in which they were op-
erating with special circulars showing the advantages of Army life
and urging all qualified to avail themselves of those advantages.
An experienced sergeant in the recruiting service was detailed
with the Government exhibit on the "Safety-first'' train, which
made a tour of the country during last spring and summer. Printed
matter relating to the recruiting service was distributed in large
quantities, including thousands of copies of the law enacted May 4,
1916, authorizing the appointment of cadets to the United States
Military Academy from the ranks of the Army. This seemed to
arouse a great deal of interest among a very desirable class of young
men who visited the train.
All recruiting oflScers were also advised of the provisions of this
law and instructed to give it the widest publicity possible.
A booklet setting forth the experiences of a recruit for the Army
at a recruit depot was also published. It was prepared by a news-
paper reporter who entered the recruit depot as a recruit and was
afforded every opportunity to acquaint himself thoroughly with the
manner in which the Army prepares its soldiers at recruit depots
before sending them to their organizations. The author lived the
life of a recruit at the depot, was granted no indulgences other than
those extended to other recruits, and relates his experiences in a
thoroughly unprejudiced manner.
Another publication issued by the recruiting service shows the
various employments in civil life open to soldiers who have availed
themselves of the many opportunities for vocational training
afforded by the Army and have been discharged with a good char-
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 25
acter. It is contemplated to have the recruiting officers scattered
throughout the country in the centers of population lend every
assistance possible toward securing for honorably discharged soldiers
employment in civil life in the various capacities set forth in the
publication. It is hoped and believed that the fact made known
through this publication that the Government does not lose interest
in the former soldier upon his discharge from the service, but aids
him in applying in civil life the vocational training he has acquired
in the Army, will go a long way toward convincing the public that
the term of service in the Army is a very desirable experience for
any young man — an experience that will not only aid him physically
and mentally, that will not only train him morally and manually,
but that will also enable him to advance himself by reason of that
mental and manual training in civil life after he shall have been
separated from military service.
There has been an increase in the number of accepted applicants
for enlistment since the passage of the joint resolution referred to,
but it has not been as marked an increase as desired. This is un-
doubtedly due to several causes. The first and probably the prin-
cipal cause is the present labor condition throughout the country.
Recruiting officers from all sections report that never in their experi-
ence has there been the demand for labor in all lines of industry that
exists and that has existed for the past several months. In the large
manufacturing districts the demand for labor is far in excess of the
supply. Wages are high and all who desire employment readily
secure it. In the agricultural districts the demand for labor was
active during the summer and early fall, and the supply was inade-
quate. Thus the recruiting service, which is simply one of many
employers, has been unable to secure the recruits needed. However,
during June, July, and August, 1916, the number of enlistments
increased practically 175 per cent over the number for the corre-
sponding months in 1915.
The National-Defense Act approved June 8, 1916, authorizes the
President, in his discretion, to utilize the services of postmasters of
the second, third, and fourth classes in procuring enlistments of
recruits for the Army, and as a result of your action under this law
all postmasters of the second, third, and fourth classes in the United
States, estimated to be about 56,000, are now authorized to act as
recruiting agents for the Army.
26
BEPOBT OP THE SECRETABY OF WAB.
In addition to the duty of recruiting for the Regular Army, the
recruiting service has been charged recently with the duty of recruit-
ing for the Organized Militia mustered into the military service of
the United States.
Authorized strength. — On June 30, 1916, the authorized strength
of the Kegular Army, including Medical Department, was 5,018
officers and 122,693 enlisted men; an increase of 184 officers and
25,445 enlisted men over the preceding year. In addition, the au-
thorized strength of the Philippine Scouts was 182 officers and 5,733
enlisted men, the same as during the preceding year.
Actual strength. — On June 30, 1916, the actual strength of the
Regular Army, including Medical Department, was 4,843 officers and
97,013 enlisted men; a total of 101,856, and an increase during the
year of 227 officers and 1,248 enlisted men. In addition to this, the
actual strength of the Philippine Scouts was 182 officers, the same as
last year, and 5,603 enlisted men, an increase of 173 during the year.
On that date the Army, including the Philippine Scouts, was dis-
tributed geographically as follows:
Oeognphical distribution.
Officers.
In th€ United States*
In Alflska. . ....... . ••••• •••••»•••••••«..•
In the Philippine Isliuidj:
Uesnilar Army
Philippine Scouts.
In China.
In Porto Rico
In Hawaii
In the Canal Zone
Troops en route and olBoers at foreign stations.
Total.
Total.
71,038
792
U,884
6,785
1,374
714
8,445
7.099
610
107,041
« Includes troops serving In Mexico.
* Includes 154 first lieutenants of the Medical Reserve Corps.
* Includes 4,670 enlisted men of the Medical Department.
Increased strength and organization provided hy National-Defense
Act. — ^The National-Defense Act of June 3, 1916, authorized a con-
siderable increase in the national forces; the increase in the number
of officers and enlisted men of the Regular Army to be made in five
annual increments, beginning July 1, 1916. It provides for four
chesses of soldiers in the United States: First, the Regular Army;
second, the National Guard ; third, the Enlisted Reserve Corps ; all
of which shall exist in time of peace; and, fourth, the Volunteer
Army, which shall be raised only in time of war. The peace strength
of the Regular Army is fixed by the act at approximately 11,450
EEPOBT OP THE SEOEETAEY OP WAB. 27
officers, including the 182 officers of the Philippine Scouts; not to
exceed 175,000 troops of the line (including the Ordnance JDepart-
ment), approximately 42,750 noncombatant troops, including the
unassigned recruits, and 5,733 Philippine Scouts, making a total
of approximately 223,580. The total enlisted strength of the Medi-
cal Department is limited to 5 per cent of the total enlisted strength
of the Army, and it can not be determined at this time because
the strength of all the other staff corps and departments is not fixed.
The National Guard will probably consist of about 17,000 officers
and 440,000 men. The number of men who will join the Enlisted
Reserve Corps can not be foretold. They are practically enlisted
specialists for the technical departments of the Army recruited in
time of peace for use in time of war only, and are subject in time
of peace to short periods of training yearly. Volunteers can be
called in time of war when and in such numbers as Congress shall
authorize.
The maximum number of officers (war strength) of the Begular
Army under the act is approximately 12,030, the additional 580 over
peace strength being in the Medical Department. The exact nimiber
of officers authorized can not be given because the number of addi-
tional officers varies from time to time, and the number of retired
officers that will be transferred to the active list tmder the provisions
of the act of March 4, 1915, can not be foretold. The total maximum
enlisted strength (war strength) of the Regular Army, including the
Philippine Scouts, is approximately 298,000. This figure is based
on total increases in the staff corps and departments in proportion
to the increases authorized for the first increment.
The total nimiber of officers authorized for the fiscal year 1917 is
7,252, including 182 officers of the Philippine Scouts.
By General Orders No. 50, September 23, 1916, as am^ded, the
organization of the authorized enlisted strength of the Army, includ-
ing the first increment under the act of June 3, 1916, was established
as follows :
Infantry, 38 regiments 51, 224
Cavalry, 17 regiments 17, 857
Field Artillery, 9 regiments 7, 881
Engineers, 3 regiments and 1 mounted company 2, 108
Coast Artillery Coii>s 21, 423
Staff corps and departments 19. 224
28 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OP WAR*
Philippine Scouts 5, 783
Miscellaneous organizations and special allowances 18,857
Total enlisted strength of the Army (Including the Medical De-
partment) 188,807
Total enlisted strength of the Army, excluding the Medical Department- 182, 288
Total enlisted strength of the Army, excluding the Porto Rico Regiment,
the Philippine Scouts, and the unassigned recruits, and including the
Medical Department 128, 108
Total enlisted force of the line of the Regular Army, excluding the
Philippine Scouts and the enlisted men of the Quartermaster Corps, of
the Medical Department, and of the Signal Corps, and the unassigned
recruits 106,558
Actual increase. — ^The actual increase in the Army, provided as a
part of the general legislation for preparedness, is as follows:
An increase in the Army of about 6yJi20 officers at minimum or
peace strength and about 7/)00 at maximum strength^ and of about
llfifiOO enlisted men at minimum and about 170/)00 at maximum
strength^ the increase to be m>ade in five annual increments, — The
Army will be increased 34rJ regiments of Infantry, 10 regiments of
Cavalry, 15 regiments of Field Artillery, 93 companies of Coast Ar-
tillery, 5 regiments of Engineers, 2 battalions of Mounted Engineers,
the necessary number of auxiliary troops in the Medical Department,
Quartermaster Corps, Signal Corps, and the unassigned recruits, and
in addition thereto the number of Philippine Scouts that may be de-
termined upon by the President, not to exceed a maximum of 12,000.
The number of general officers of the Army has been increased
from 7 major generals and 17 brigadier generals to 11 major generals
and 36 brigadier generals. This will provide the necessary general
officers to command the divisions and brigades and furnish the gen-
eral officers for the General Staff.
The General Staff Corps has been increased from 38 officers to 57
officers.
The Adjutant General's Department, the Inspector Greneral's De-
partment, the Judge Advocate General's Department, the Quarter-
master Corps, the Medical Department, the Corps of Engineers, Ord-
nance Department, and Signal Corps have all been materially in-
creased to meet the increased size of the Regular Army. There is
nothing materially new in regard to these departments or corps.
The increase in the Regular Army will be made in five annual
increments, beginning July 1, 1916, and running to July 1, 1920,
BEPOBT OF THE SECKETABY OF WAR. 29
although the President is authorized to make the increase more rap-
idly in case of emergency.
The figures given above (except those quoted from General Orders
No. 50) are approximate, and while based upon the best data obtain-
able at this time, are subject to material changes, because the strength
of some of the staff corps and departments is not fixed by the act
but is left to the discretion of the President to be fixed by him from
time to time, in accordance with the needs of the service.
An o-fficera* reserve corps; a reserve oificers^ training corps^ and an
enlisted reserve corps. — An officers' reserve corps is provided which
will authorize the commissioning of civilians up to and including the
grade of major in the various branches of the Army. These men can
be selected and trained in time of peace, and the officers so obtained
will be far better prepared than any volunteers that could be raised
hurriedly at the outbreak of war. In order to obtain these reserve
officers, a reserve officers' training corps is authorized which will
consist of units at the various colleges, academies, and universities
throughout the country where military education and training will
be given which, in connection with six weeks' field training each sum-
mer, will give a personnel for the officers' reserve corps that is far
better equipped for the duties of an officer than any heretofore
available.
In order to provide the enlisted men for the various technical staff
corps and departments, an enlisted reserve corps has been authorized,
which will consist of men whose daily occupation in civil life spe-
cially fits them for duty in the Engineer, Signal, and Quartermaster
Corps, and in the Ordnance and Medical Departments. This en-
listed reserve corps will provide the railway operatives, bridge build-
ers, chauffeurs, hospital attendants, nurses, telegraphers, etc., re-
quired for the departments and corps mentioned. It is impracticable
to keep in the Eegular Army the number of men of these classes that
will be necessary in time of war, and the enlisted reserve corps will
provide for the deficiency.
HEALTH AND SANFTATION.
In the health statistics of the Army the calendar year is used.
During the past year the health of the Army was excellent. There
were no epidemics or unusual occurrences of infectious diseases.
30 BEPOBT OF THE SECRETABY OP WAB.
Typhoid fever. — ^There were throughout the year but eight cases of
typhoid fever in the entire Army, none of which resulted in death.
This record is the more remarkable when it is considered that during
the 14 months from May 1, 1898, to June 30, 1899, covering the
period of the Spanish-American War, there were 2,774 deaths from
typhoid fever, and that this disease was alone responsible for more
than one-half of the entire disease mortality in the Army. The
experience in 1898 was made the basis of an investigation into the
matter of infection and dissemination of the disease in military
camps, and from that time imtil now the medical department of the
Army has waged a ceaseless battle against typhoid fever, culminating
in the adoption of antityphoid vaccination, the results of which are
even more striking than those following the introduction of vaccina-
tion against smallpox. Indeed, the success of science in this contest
constitutes one of the most interesting and brilliant chapters in the
history of preventive medicine.
Malarial fevers, — Malarial fever, formerly one of the largest con-
tributors to the noneffective rate in the service, showed in the year
under examination the lowest rate in the history of the Army. The
record in the Philippine Islands is especially creditable, but in gen-
eral it may be said that with the growth of sanitary knowledge this
disabling group of disease is being brought under control.
The rate for tuberculosis was 3.49 per cent per 1,000, the lowest in
the record of the Army, and real progress was made in the control
of venereal disease.
The general decline in alcoholism throughout the country is seen
in the Army in a steadily diminished rate during the past 15 years,
and, while both in the matter of venereal disease and excessive alco-
holic indulgence we are making obvious progress, I am entirely
clear that the working out of the educational and recreational pro-
grams suggested elsewhere in this report will have a tendency to
accelerate our progress in the prevention and restriction of these
troubles. Both are caused by personal indulgence. Personal indul-
gence is stimulated by unoccupied and uninteresting leisure, and both
are resisted by that sort of sound body and mind which result from
a life lived under normal and wholesome circumstances and filled
with an interesting variety of work and refreshment.
The health statistics of the Army are especially interesting, in view
of the fact that they cover about 100,000 men having a far extended
REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR. 31
field of action, distributed literally over two hemispheres, and there-
fore subject to epidemic contact and to the presence of contagion in
foreign service, from which the civilian or nonmilitary population of
the continental United States is more adequately protected by local
sanitary safeguards.
Expedition into Mexico. — ^The expeditionary force which, in
March, 1916, entered Mexico comprised troops of all branches, num-
bering approximately 10,000 men. During the several months of
their stay these "men have been under the most trying climatic and
sanitary conditions, having to construct the sanitary appliances and
facilities of their camps, and frequently being in stations where ade-
quate water supply was difficult to secure. It is a matter of interest
to note that the health of these troops is really remarkable. They
have made plain their efficiency, and their noneffective rate has com-
pared favorably with the best attained by home troops under garri-
son conditions.
The mobilization of the National Guard on the Mexican border
presented to the medical staff of the Army a large and delicate prob-
lem. The men comprising these Guard regiments were drawn from
all parts of the United States, from our great cities and from the
rural districts, from high uplands and low valleys, from mountain
and plain. They were transported at the height of the summer heat
to the climate of southern Texas, to which few, if any, of them were
in the least accustomed. They exchanged home life for crowded rail-
road trains and crowded railroad trains for hastily prepared camps.
They underwent at once an immediate dietary change and as com-
plete a change of habit and occupation. All of the facilities of the
health service of the Army were at once devoted to sanitary and
prophylactic measures for the safety of these men. The resources of
the Department of Agriculture were generously and freely placed at
the disposal of the War Department to aid in food examination and
in the extermination of pests, which are nearly always the carriers
of disease, with the astonishing result that the sick rate of the com-
bined forces on the border since the mobilization has been less than
2 per cent. This is equivalent to a noneffective rate of 18 per
1,000. This I believe to be the lowest noneffective rate maintained
in any similar body of men in our history, and I am told that it
compares favorably with the best done by any country at any time.
The credit therefor belongs primarily to commanding officers, the
y
32 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
Surgeon General and Quartermaster General and their associates.
They have, however, been intelligently aided by the medical officers
of the National Guard, and of course have had the hearty cooperation
and support of the War Department and the use of all the facilities
of the other departments of the Government which could contribute
to the accomplishment of their task. The result is not only gratify-
ing in that it shows what progress we have made in sanitary science
in the Army, but it has given the country confidence in the ability
of the military authorities to safeguard the health of soldiers, and
an assurance that the inevitable casualty list of military operations
will not be supplemented by the horrors of preventable sickness and
death, as was formerly the case before preventive medicine had so far
wrought its saving service to mankind.
ADDITIONAL LEOISLATION ENACTED FOB PBEPABEDNESS.
Increase in rmmber of cadets at the United States Military Acad-
emy. — The enlargement of the Army provided by the National De-
fense Act clearly called for an increase in the number of trained
oflScers available for service. Experience both in our own Army and
abroad has shown that while longer and longer periods of training are
necessary to fit the soldier for his task in modem war the most serious
delay in preparation for a great national emergency arises in the
training of officers, who must have not only the vigorous health and
hardened bodies of the soldier but technical knowledge of those
new and mechanical implements which have been devised and are
being devised for use in warfare. The officer must have too the dis-
cipline of mind which can both obey and command, and this sort
of discipline comes only with training and experience.
The art of war under modem conditions engages vastly larger
bodies of men and a more complete coordination of all the national
resources than was formerly the case. Success may depend upon
rapidity of transportation both of men and supplies. The use of
railroads and of motor transportation has taken the place of the
old-fashioned marching and maneuvering, and under modem con-
ditions a smaller number of men moved by carefully prepared trans-
portation facilities is sometimes enabled to ma^ its strength so as
to overcome disparity of numbers. As no army is stronger than
its supply train the dependence of any military force upon properly
coordinated and efficiently served transportation facilities is obvious.
EEPOBT OP THE 8ECEETAEY OF WAB. 8C
The implements of war have multiplied and we now have direct fire
from the artillery, rifle fire from the infantry, and the cavalry
reconnaissance and charge supplemented, if not replaced, by indirect
artillery fire at vastly increased ranges, the high explosive shell,
the machine gun, and the aeroplane. These added agents are the
contributions of science to the art of war. They are scientific in
their principles of construction and in their mode of use, and the
whole art of war is as different from that practiced a few genera-
tions ago as the processes of higher mathematics are different from
simple algebraic computations. The strength of the individual
soldier has passed out of his arm and into his head, and as his art
now depends upon intricate mechanical tools his skill must often be
that of the trained mechanic and his knowledge that of the scientist.
Especially are these higher requirements made of officers and the
necessity for a longer period of training and for training of a finer
kind is more and more apparent.
The United States Military Academy at West Point has almost
from its origin ranked foremost among the military schools of the
world. Its site is one of the most impressive in America, its equip-
ment of buildings adequate, convenient, and inspiring in their beauty
and suggestiveness. The officers educated there have made a body
of men who from the beginning of the Republic have demonstrated
the spirit of self-sacrifice for the preservation of the liberty of the
country, and while many brilliant officers have come into the Army
from civil life it remains true that the great body of officers needed
in the Army have come from the Military Academy and in the future
must be expected to secure their education and discipline there. As
the art of war has grown more intricate special service schools have
been established, in which young officers are gathered for courses,
post-graduate in their nature, in the several arms of the service, and
these schools deserve enlargement and encouragement at the hands
of Congress. This, in my judgment, is especially true of the En-
gineer School for reasons to which I shall refer later, but the funda-
mental basis of the officers' education must for the greater part con-
tinue to be supplied at the Military Academy at West Point, and it
is therefore fortunate that Congress, in the act approved May 4,
1916, has authorized an increase in the number of cadets and has
made that increase in such fashion that it will fall gradually upon
69176*— WAB 1916— VOL 1 3
34 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR,
the teaching facilities of the academy and enable it to absorb its
increased work without confusion or loss of quality.
For a number of years the department had urged Congress to make
some provision that would afford a wider opportunity for desirable
young men with a taste for militry life to secure appointments to
West Point. It was pointed out that Congress had made large
expenditures to build and equip this splendid educational institution,
and that there was every reason why it should be operated and main-
tained at its maximum capacity.
By the terms of the act of May 4, 1916, the Corps of Cadets —
• • • shaU hereafter consist of two for each congressional district, two
from each Territory, four from the District of Ck>lumhia, two from natives of
Porto Rico, four from each State at large, and eighty from the United States at
large, twenty of whom shall be selected from among the honor graduates of edu-
cational institutions having officers of the Regular Army detailed as professors
of military science and tactics under existing 4aw or any law hereafter enacted
for the detail of officers of the Regular Army to such 'institutions, and which
institutions are designated as " honor schools " upon the determination of their
relative standing at the last preceding annual inspection regularly made by the
War Department. They shall be appointed by the President and shall, with the
exception of the eighty appointed from the United States at large, be actual resi-
dents of the congressional or Territorial district, or of the District of Columbia,
or of the Island of Porto Rico, or of the States, respectively, from which they
purport to be appointed: Providedy That so much of the act of Congress ap-
proved March fourth, nineteen hundred and fifteen (Thirty-eighth Statutes at
Large, page eleven hundred and twenty-eight), as provides for the admission
of a successor to any cadet who shall have finished three years of his course at
the academy be, and the same is hereby, repealed : Provided further. That the
appointment of each member of the present Corps of Cadets is validated and
confirmed.
Sec. 2. That the President is hereby authorized to appoint cadets to the United
States Military Academy from among enlisted men In number as nearly equal as
practicable of the Regular Army and the National Guard between the ages of
nineteen and twenty-two years who have served as enlisted men not less than
one year, to be selected under such regulations as the President may prescribe :
Provided, That the total number so selected shall not exceed one hundred and
eighty at any one time.
Sec. 3. That, under such regulations as the President shall prescribe, the in-
crease in the number of cadets provided for by this act shall be divided Into four
annual Increments, which shall be as nearly equal as practicable and be equitably
distributed among the sources from which appointments are authorized.
The total number of cadets authorized prior to the passage of the
act of May 4, 1916, was 668. The new act authorizes an increase of
EEPOBT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 35
664, to be made in four annual increments, so that the number of
cadets authorized for the first year is 834 ; second year, 1,000 ; third
year, 1,166; and for the fourth year, 1,332.
On September 1, 1916, the beginning of the current academic year,
there were 769 cadets on the rolls, including 4 Filipino cadets and 2
foreign cadets, 1 from China and 1 from Cuba. Those cadets were
divided among the four classes as follows: First class, 141; second
class, 156 ; third class, 147 ; and fourth class, 325.
The usual examination of candidates for admission to the Military
Academy was held at various military posts, beginning March 21,
1916. An additional examination was held, beginning June 6, 1916,
to fill the 102 vacancies that existed after the regular examination,
and also to fill the vacancies (166) in the first annual increment of the
increase in the Corps of Cadets provided for by the act above quoted.
Inasmuch as it became apparent that not enough cadets to fill the
vacancies in the first increment would be obtained from this exami^
nation, it was decided to hold still another examination (physical)
on June 27, 1916, mental qualification being by certificate only. The
total number of candidates designated for the three examinations
was 1,228. Of that number, 202 failed to report for examination;
12 declined appointment, their appointments were canceled, or they
were prevented by sickness from reporting; 515 were rejected upon
mental or physical examination, or upon both ; 109 failed to complete
the mental or physical examination, or both ; 1 was refused admission
because of cribbing; and (at the June 27 examination) 2 qualified
physically and failed to submit educational certificates. There were
no vacancies for 58 alternates and 5 candidates at large who qualified.
The remaining 324 candidates were found qualified and were ad-
mitted to the academy. After the examination of June 27 there
were 26 vacancies in the first increment.
The number of cadets authorized for 1916 is 834. There being 767
cadets on the rolls (excluding the 2 foreign cadets) on September 1,
1916, there was a total of 67 vacancies on that date. That number
has been increased by resignations and death, so that the number of
vacancies now is 77.
The training of citizens; Reserve Officers* Traming Carps. — In
addition to the provision made for an enlargement of the student
body at the Military Academy, the country has witnessed a rapid
36 REPOET OF THE SECRETABY OF WAR.
development of interest in citizen training. The reorganization
and federalization of the militia, provided by the National-Defense
Act, is in part a response to this impulse, but several interesting
and promising experiments of a more novel kind are in progress.
First of these is the establishment and maintenance at various edu-
cational institutions throughout the country of a reserve officers'
training corps. By this means it is hoped to utilize the facilities
of public and private educational institutions to give instruction
to large bodies of students in the elements of military science and
tactics. Officers of the Army are detailed to these institutions as
professors. In 1915, 5,200 students who had completed courses of
training under the supervision of officers were graduated from
colleges, while the total number of students in colleges who had
received some military instruction in that year imder officers of the
Army was 82,000. The total enrollment of male students in colleges
to which this sort of instruction may be applied is about 170,000.
By an enlargement and development of the plan it is hoped that a
substantial portion of these students may be given the benefit of
military instruction. An association of collegiate authorities for
the consideration of this subject is working actively in harmony
with the War Department and with the aid of the War College
Division of the General Staff studies have been made which it is
hoped will make this training increasingly acceptable and useful.
Indeed, it may fairly be said that among the best educators of the
country, the disoiplinary value of elementary military instruction
is coming to be realized and appreciated, and, without at all trans-
forming our institutions of higher learning into military establish-
ments, the spirit of order and devotion to the service of the country,
which is the normal result of military discipline, is being incul-
cated into an increasing number of young men with results bene-
ficial alike to the student body and to the institutions and with
very promising results in the matter of preparedness against any
emergency which may arise.
Vocational training in the Army. — ^This is a subject to which
serious attention has been given, but its possibilities are only begin-
ning to be developed. The primary purpose of the soldier when not
in active operations is, of course, preparation for active operations;
EEPOET OP THE SECKETABY OF WAR. 37
but armies are made of young men, in a large number of cases a
single enlistment only is served, and these young men with strong
and vigorous bodies return to the conmiercial and industrial life of
the Nation often to find themselves at a disadvantage in securing
industrial or commercial employment, because other young men of
their age have spent years in apprenticeship and are therefore more
available and better trained. The Army posts of the Nation can
not be suddenly converted into schools. So far a system of volun-
tary educational opportunity has been offered. In some posts sub-
stantial progress has been made, and the opportunity for progress is
particularly present in the stations of the Coast Artillery, where
the garrisons are more permanent than are the organizations of the
mobile army.
The recent National-Defense Act provides on this subject:
In addition to mUitary training soldiers while in the active service sliall
hereafter be given the opportunity to study and receive instruction upon educa-
tional lines of such character as to increase their military efficiency and enable
them to return to civil life better equipped for industrial, commercial, and
general business occupations. Civilian teachers may be employed to aid the
Army officers in giving such instruction, and part of this instruction may con-
sist of vocational education either in agriculture or the mechanic arts. The
Secretary of War, with the approval of the President, shall prescribe rules and
regulations for conducting the instruction herein provided for, and the Secre-
tary of War shaU have the power at aU times to suspend, increase, or decrease
the amount of such instmction offered as may in his judgment be consistent
with the requirements of military instruction and service of the soldiers.
Under this provision consistent plans can be made, and highly
beneficial results should follow.
Undoubtedly we shall ccone to a mode of Army life, which, while
doing full justice to military drill and to that physical training so
necessary to give the soldier a robust endurance of physical hard-
ship, will at the same time afford him an opportunity to acquire
mental tri^ining and manual skill, and at the same time round out
his life with wholesome recreations and diversions, so that member-
ship in the military forces of the Nation will have added to its
patriotic usefulness a compensating opportunity for growth to the
soldier and preparation for him which will make his nonmilitary
years useful and happy.
38 EEPOBT OF THE SECRETABY OF WAR.
Training camps. — Something over three years ago Maj. Gen. Leon-
ard Wood, then Chief of Staff, put into operation a plan for camps of
instruction at which students were permitted to attend for training
without cost to the United States. The plan was later enlarged to
permit the attendance of business men and has been carried forward
year by year with increasing success and interest. During the present
year the need for the Regular Army on the Mexican border has deprived
these training camps of some of the officers and troops which would
have been desirable as aids in the instruction and organization of
the work; but in spite of this difficulty, five camps were held at
Plattsburg, two at Oglethorpe, one at Fort Terry, six at Fort Wads-
worth, in the Eastern Department, with a total attendance of 12,200
men and boys. In the Western Department camps were established
at the Presidio and at American Lake. A satisfactory camp was
held at San Antonio, Tex.; and in view of the recognition of this
mode of training by Congress, it is safe to assume that much greater
usefulness can be predicted for them in subsequent years, and that
the field of selection of those applying to attend will be greatly
enlarged by reason of the provision made for the payment of trans-
portation and subsistence by the Federal Government for those who
attend.
Council of National Defense. — ^The challenge of the European
war brought the attention of Congress not merely to the neces-
sity for an increase in the personnel of the Regular Army, pro-
vision for a larger supply of officers, and a better organiza-
tion of the National Guard, but also to the fact that in any great
national military emergency industrial mobilization was an indis-
pensable element to success. Legislation was therefore enacted
looking to an investigation of the financial, industrial, and com-
mercial resources of the Nation and such prevision of them as
would enable them to be speedily mobilized for the national defense.
The most conspicuous step in this program was the creation of the
Council of National Defense, consisting of the Secretaries of War,
the Navy, the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor, under
whom, and upon whose nomination, the President is authorized to
appoint an advisory commission of seven citizens qualified by the
possession of special knowledge of the industrial and commercial
resources of the country, and to this Council of National Defense,
EEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OP WAB. 39
advised by the advisory commission, is committed the task of coordi-
nating the military, industrial, and commercial resources of the
Nation in connection with its defense. Its duties are set forth in
the act as follows :
It shall be the duty of the Ck>uncll of National Defense to supervise and direct
investigations and make recommendations to the President and the heads of
executive departments as to tlie location of railroads with reference to the
frontier of the United States, so as to render possible expeditious concentration
of troops and supplies to points of defense ; the coordination of military, indus-
trial, and commercial purposes in the location of extensive highways and
branch lines of railroad ; the utilization of waterways ; the mobilization of mili-
tary and naval resources for defense; the increase of domestic production of
articles and materials essential to the support of armies and of the people dur-
ing the interruption of foreign commerce; the development of seagoing trans-
portation ; data as to amounts, location, methods, and means of production and
availability of military supplies; the giving of information to producers and
manufacturers as to the class of supplies needed by the military and other
services of the Government, the requirements relating thereto, and the creation
of relations which will render possible in time of need the immediate concentra-
tion and utilization of the resources of the Nation.
Power is given to the council to select a director who will be the ex-
ecutive oflScer, and an adequate appropriation is made for the employ-
ment of expert and clerical help, so that there will be established in
Washington as an agency of the Government a central body which
will catalogue the resources of the Nation and create such relations
between our industrial and commercial agencies as will equip them
to respond instantly to any call from the Government. In this way,
the problems which in some countries had to be faced unforeseen until
after a national emergency had arisen will be anticipated in the
United States, and the confusion, delay, and loss due to haste in a
moment of national danger will be obviated by rational, just, and
timely provisions made in advance of trouble. It may well be that
some part of the work of the council having a purely military useful-
ness will not be needed, but the general effect of such a plan in opera-
tion will be to produce more healthful and harmonious relations be-
tween the Government and business, and to give to the great industrial
and commercial enterprises of the country a national and patriotic
aspect, which will both keep the country prepared, should emergency
arise, and stimulate sound business and industrial methods through-
out the country. The Council of National Defense is authorized to
40 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
create commissions, subordinate to the advisory commission, for the
study of special problems. Thus many committees of inquiry of a
technical and scientific character, casually created heretofore for the
consideration of special problems, will be able to be coordinated under
the general direction of the council, and duplication of work and
conflict of jurisdiction avoided. The act provides for reports to be
made through the council to the President, and from the President
to Congress, so that a great body of valuable and healthful informa-
tion will undoubtedly result.
Progress in aviation. — Congress has recognized the great im-
portance of aviation to the United States Army and has made this
recognition effective by increasing the appropriations of the last
fiscal year from $300,000 to more than $14,000,000 for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1917. It has enlarged the aviation personnel by
increasing the commissioned force from 60 officers to 77 for the year
1917 and the enlisted men from 260 to 1,800. In addition, there have
been provided for aviation, an officers' reserve corps and an enlisted
reserve corps.
The project for the development of the aviation section con-
templates 7 aero squadrons for the Eegular Army, 12 squadrons for
the National Ouard divisions, and 5 for the defenses on both coasts
besides aerostatic units for the mobile Army and Coast Artillery.
The personnel for these will be made up from officers and enlisted
men of the Regular Army, of the Reserve Corps, and of the National
Guard units.
On May 20, 1916, Lieut. Col. George O. Squier, Signal Corps,
assumed command of the aviation section. Since that date the
general plan of administration has been to incorporate in the design
and construction of equipment and in the system of training mili-
tary aviators, lessons gained by experience in the present European
war and in our own actual field experience in Mexico and elsewhere.
The problem of organization of the Army air service has been
studied with a view to establishing a sound base which will lend itself
to future expansion into an efficient service.
A thorough study of the aeroplane industry has been made by a
technical board of officers and civilian engineers, to learn the pro-
ductive capacity of the manufacturers in the United States. This
was to insure that the War Department might obtain the best equip-
REPOBT OF THE SEOBETABY OF WAB. 41
ment available and also to improve and develop the general design
of aeroplanes of various necessary military types. In this latter
connection the department has published specifications for the differ-
ent types of military aeroplanes, endeavoring to incorporate in these
specifications the requirements from the military standpoint and
those lessons in design and construction learned from actual field
experience.
Endeavor has been made toward the development of equipment
for our military air service to meet conditions which are very
similar to those that obtain in the European war and those peculiar
to this country. Every effort has been made to improve power plants
for aeroplanes. Bombs, bomb-dropping sights, special cameras,
mounts for machine guns, automatic controlling devices, instru-
ments for navigation, and for aid to the pilot, and many other acces-
sories have been developed. A radio set has been developed which
has transmitted messages across 140 miles.
In all this development the policy has been to endeavor to obtain
assistance from the greatest civilian specialists in the country.
Material assistance has been received from the National Advisory
Conmiittee for Aeronautics, the. Bureau of Standards, and the
American Society of Automobile Engineers, all of which have dis-
played a degree of interest which is extremely encouraging.
Orders have been placed (or proposals solicited) to date for mili-
tary aeroplanes as follows :
Two-plane reconnoissanoe biplanes 91
Advance training aeroplanes 120
Primary training aeroplanes 84
One-plane pursuit aeroplanes 18
Two-plane reconnoissance hydroaeroplanes 155
Two-plane land combat aeroplanes 6
Total 419
Five captive balloons for field artillery fire control have been
ordered.
Specially designed portable weatherproof hangars, machine shops,
special trucks, and portable machine tools have been purchased, or
ordered.
Schools conducted by competent personnel have been established
at Mineola, Long Island, near New York City, and at Chicago, lU.,
in addition to that already established and in operation at San
42 EEPOBT OF THE SECBETARY OF WAR.
Diego, Cal. A base for equipping land squadrons and instructing in
advanced military aviation has been established at San Antonio, Tex.
As a result of the training at these schools, the following have
qualified since May 20, 1916, as junior military aviators:
At San Diego, Cal., officers of the Regular Army 22
At Mineola, Long Island, N. Y., officer of the National Guard of New
York 1
Total 28
The following have qualified as reserve military aviators:
At Mineolo, Long Island, N. Y. :
Officers of the National Guard 8
Civilians 4
Total
7
In addition, the following students are at present under instruc-
tion:
At San Diego, Cal., officers of the Regular Array 38
At Mineola, Long Island, N. Y., officers of the National Guard L 16
At Chicago, 111. :
Officer of the National Guard 1
Civilians 7
Total 62
The nucleus of a division to operate lighter-than-air craft has been
established.
Procurement of military supplies. — Under the former law the Fed-
eral Government in time of war would have to enter the markets of the
country to obtain ammunition, arms, and other supplies just as an in-
dividual would, but the new law authorizes the President in time of
war to exercise a power analogous to that of eminent domain over the
various manufacturing plants in the country and gives Government
orders precedence over all private orders. Authority is also given to
the Ordnance Department to prepare, in time of peace, the necessary
gauges, jigs, dies, and other special tools required in the manufacture
of arms and ammunition, and to give to specially equipped manufac-
turers educational orders which while limited in amount will insure
private manufacturers having the necessary experience and force to
enter rapidly upon the manufacture of munitions in the event of neces-
sity. Congress authorized the appointment of a board to study and
report to Congress upon the advisability of exclusive Government
BEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 43
manufacture of war materials. This board has been appointed and is
proceeding with its investigation. No forecast can as yet be given of
the conclusions, but the subject is one of very great importance.
There are in the United States at the present time a great many
industrial establishments which have turned aside from their ordi-
nary business to the manufacture of war materials, and large plants
have been established for this special object.
After the passage of the occasion for which these enterprises
were established the difficulty will arise as to whether their facilities
are to be transformed and devoted to other industrial uses or any
part of them preserved in readiness for similar supplies for the
United States. Some of these plants are located on the seacoast and
others at more remote places. It will therefore be incumbent upon
the department to select for patronage and encouragement certain
of them, and in determining which are to be so chosen a variety of
military considerations arise. It would seem, however, that with
such facilities in existence it will be unwise to allow them to be dis-
mantled, and the necessary large additions made to existing Govern-
ment facilities which would be required to equip the Government to
supply its own needs under war conditions, and as any war condition
requires a mobilization of the entire industrial resources of the
Nation there would seem to be no reason why munitions of war
should be separated out for Government monopoly, unless that course
should turn out to be necessary to prevent the appearance of pro-
spective war profits as a disturbing element in the policy of the
Nation.
Nitrate plant. — The National-Defense Act appropriates $20,000,000
for the establishment of a nitrate plant. The manufacture of powder
depends upon nitric acid, and the supply of nitric acid is in a large
part based upon importations of Chile saltpeter. European Govern-
ments finding their supply of nitric acid from a similar source inter-
rupted have resorted to the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. As there
is no adequate body of natural nitrate to be found among the min-
eral resources of the United States, Congress wisely provided for the
establishment of a plant or plants upon which the United States
could rely as an alternative to the foreign source which at present is
the basis of all powder manufacturing in the country. Immediately
after the making of the appropriation the department began a study
46 KEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
did not seem to work well, although its theory met with the
approval of the War Department, and constant efforts were made
both to broaden its scope and increase the efficiency of its opera-
tion. My immediate predecessor, Secretary of War Garrison, in his
annual report for 1913, drew the analogy between the practice of in-
dustrial concerns and the Army, suggesting the tendency of mere
seniority promotion to cause a lack of initiative and study on the part
of officers. He very justly observed that there is a surprising amount
of ambition and initiative in the Army, but that it is largely self-
generated and receives very little stimulation from the promotion
system. As a matter of fact, we see the same condition in civil life —
young men of great ingenuity and devotion who are attending the
postgraduate courses in our universities and are ordinarily required
to do a piece of original research work as the basis of their pretensions
to the degree of doctor of philosophy. They are filled with research
zeal. When, however, they are through with their university course
and undertake the daily grind of teaching in academic institutions,
their separation from the inspiring university atmosphere and from
daily association with others engaged in original work tends gradu-
ally to lull the impulse to investigation, and the task of original
research is passed along to their successors at the universities, while
they become drill masters, disciplinarians, and teachers, but not con-
tributors to the original thought of their science.
The life of the Army officer when he is at the War College or
in one of the service schools where military matters are the daily
concern of a large number of brilliant men is full of that inspii*ation
which maintains interest in the latest developments of military
science. But as officers scatter to outlying Army posts, some-
times in the Tropics and sometimes in remote sections of the conti-
nental United States, the officer soon feels the loss of contact with
other investigating minds, and if mere seniority is to continue to
secure an orderly promotion for him which can neither be accelerated
by his effort nor retarded by his inactivity, a substantial encourage-
ment to development is lost. In response to considerations of this
sort the act of June 3, 1916, extended the provisions of previous laws
requiring examination to determine fitness of officers for promotion
so as to include examination for promotion to all grades below that
of brigadier general. Under the operations of this law there will be
constantly before the mind of the officer the necessity of keeping him-
BEPOBT OP THE SECBETABY OF WAB. 45
that an invasion of this field would probably not greatly increase
the available stock of fertilizers in peace times, because it would not
increase the actual nitrogen supply of the country but would merely
divert a part of it, or all of it, at certain times into war materials.
Of course, if the Government were to adopt this source, it would
lead to a large increase in the by-product oven method of coking, and
in that way the fertilizer supply would be augmented. The cyanamid
process, which undoubtedly is the most useful from the point of view
of fertilizer product, depends upon a large supply of electrical power
and the proximity of certain mineral and shale bodies for its economic
iiQccess. The arc process, which likewise depends upon the presence
of a large supply of electrical power, is independent of mineral
resources, but is less valuable in peace times as a source of fertilizer
production.
We thus see that if either of the electrical processes are resorted to
it will be necessary to select a site or sites for the production of hydro-
electric power, and this selection will have to be made with a view
to the accessibility of mineral elements needed for association in the
peace and war time products of the plant, and the selection will also
have to consider the location of the site with a view to its defense in
the event of war and the readiness and economy with which its prod-
ucts can be distributed in war times to the military forces of the
Nation and in peace times to the farming community which can be
expected to use the fertilizer product. The subject is thus seen to be
one of intricacy, and, while the solution of the questions presented
has not yet been made, the studies being made are of such character
as to insure a scientific treatment of the question and a careful and
effective use of the funds appropriated by Congress for this im-
portant object.
Examinations for promotion, — As early as October 1, l»yu, Mr.
Redfield Proctor, Secretary of War, advocated in his annual report
and secured the enactment of a measure providing a system of
examination for all officers of the Army below the rank of major
and making the right to promotion conditional thereon. The
theory which has long obtained in the Army, of promotion by
seniority, was not disturbed except that the requirement of a suc-
cessful examination was made an additional condition precedent,
the examinations not being competitive but qualifying. The law
46 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
did not seem to work well, although its theory met with the
approval of the War Department, and constant efforts were made
both to broaden its scope and increase the efficiency of its opera-
tion. My immediate predecessor, Secretary of War Garrison, in his
annual report for 1913, drew the analogy between the practice of in-
dustrial concerns and the Army, suggesting the tendency of mere
seniority promotion to cause a lack of initiative and study on the part
of officers. He very justly observed that there is a surprising amount
of ambition and initiative in the Army, but that it is largely self-
generated and receives very little stimulation from the promotion
system. As a matter of fact, we see the same condition in civil life —
young men of great ingenuity and devotion who are attending the
postgraduate courses in our universities and are ordinarily required
to do a piece of original research work as the basis of their pretensions
to the degree of doctor of philosophy. They are filled with research
zeal. When, however, they are through with their university course
and undertake the daily grind of teaching in academic institutions,
their separation from the inspiring university atmosphere and from
daily association with others engaged in original work tends gradu-
ally to lull the impulse to investigation, and the task of original
research is passed along to their successors at the universities, while
they become drill masters, disciplinarians, and teachers, but not con-
tributors to the original thought of their science.
The life of the Army officer when he is at the War College or
in one of the service schools where military matters are the daily
concern of a large number of brilliant men is full of that inspiration
which maintains interest in the latest developments of military
science. But as officers scatter to outlying Army posts, some-
times in the Tropics and sometimes in remote sections of the conti-
nental United States, the officer soon feels the loss of contact with
other investigating minds, and if mere seniority is to continue to
secure an orderly promotion for him which can neither be accelerated
by his effort nor retarded by his inactivity, a substantial encourage-
ment to development is lost. In response to considerations of this
sort the act of June 3, 1916, extended the provisions of previous laws
requiring examination to determine fitness of officers for promotion
so as to include examination for promotion to all grades below that
of brigadier general. Under the operations of this law there will be
constantly before the mind of the officer the necessity of keeping him-
REPOBT OF THE SECBETARY OP WAR. 47
self abreast of the developments in military matters and of not allow-
ing his general education to stagnate or be lost in a dull routine of
disciplinary observances. The law ought not to be harshly em-
ployed, but in the normal development of its operation eliminations
will take place of oflBcers who have lost interest in their career and
in the development of military science, and a certain minimum of
growth will become a fixed requirement as officers advance in the
service to positions of larger responsibility.
* Revision of the Articles of War. — From the point of view of the
daily discipline and control of the Army, perhaps no step in recent
years has been more helpful than the revision of the Articles of War,
enacted into law as a part of the Army appropriation act approved
August 29, 1916. For many years the Army has felt that the Articles
of War needed revision. Many of these articles have remained
unchanged for a century, while new theories of discipline have
been current in all the civilized countries of the world, and in our
own country profound modifications have taken place in the admin-
istration of both civil and criminal law. The extension of the field
of operations of the Army of the United States beyond our conti-
nental borders and other changes in the domestic and international
situation of the United States have presented conditions which the
old articles were not adapted to meet. The revision of the articles,
therefore, was most needed, and the work of the Judge Advocate
General in preparing the revised articles is a singularly able piece
of work, introducing needed reforms, and throughout characterized
by moderation and a conservative attitude toward an established and
well-imderstood disciplinary system.
Revision of military laws. — ^The act of August 29, 1916, further
directs a revision and codification of all the military laws of the coun-
try. This is a large and difficult task and yet one very necessary to
be performed. For many years Congress has enacted a great variety
of laws, some of them directly military in character and others touch-
ing the Military Establishment only at a tangent, so that scattered
through the statutes is a lot of piecemeal legislation requiring the
most expert and trained knowledge for its use. It will be a great ad-
vance in the conduct of the Military Establishment to have all of
these laws brought together, placed in their true relation to one
another, their accidental conflicts eliminated, and a consistent and
48 REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
plain body of laws erected for the guidance of those who come
within the scope and operation of our so-called military laws. It
is my hope that this code can be submitted to Congress at an early
day, and while the Congress will undoubtedly find it necessary
carefully to examine the work before giving its approval, it will
be presented in a form which will show that the effort has been
to omit obsolete and redundant matter without substantially chang-
ing the effect of existing law except in such obvious cases as will
appeal at once to the lawmaking body.
MILITABY TBAINING IN HIGH SCHOOLS.
The statement made by the War College Division of the General
Staff entitled "A Statement of a Proper Military Policy for the United
States," gave us some idea of the size of an army which would be needed
in this country in the event of any serious emergency. As one contribu-
tion to the preparation of the necessary number of men, a proper sys-
tem of training for high schools was developed by Capt. E. Z. Steever
and applied with marked success in the public high schools of the
State of Wyoming. The Steever plan has come to be known as the
•* Wyoming plan." It has been extensively written up in periodicals
of general circulation and interest, and requests come almost daily
to the War Department for the services of Capt. Steever to introduce
the system into the public secondary schools. The plan embraces the
preparation of a high -school boy in military, moral, civic, business,
and educational equipment, and its fundamental basis rests upon the
natural evolution of leadership among boys and the value of organi-
zation and coordination in groups of young men. The system can
not be said to compete with recognized athletic diversions, but it
offers opportunities for larger masses and spreads its benefit in the
physical training over wider areas than is possible under the inten-
sive form which modem athletics has taken. The entire enlistment is
voluntary and the exercises are carefully adjusted so as not to com-
pete or interfere with the normal academic work of the school. The
exercises are only in part directly military and are designed to
stimulate the interest of all normal and healthy boys, thus afford-
ing an invitation to those who are not normally the most fit physi-
cally to develop vigorous, sturdy bodies, with clean minds and or-
dered and disciplined habits.
BEPOET OF THE SECBETAEY OP WAE. 49
There is just enough of a soldier aspect to teach constantly the
lesson of the obligation of the citizen to serve the State in a crisis,
and under the wise restraints which have been introduced into the
system even the most devoted adherents of peaceful policies for our
Government have not felt that there was any danger of the devel-
opment of a militarist attitude in the student body.
GENEBAL STAFF COBPS.
Duties and functions as prescribed hy National-Defense Act. — The
act for making further and more effectual provision for the national
defense, and other purposes, approved June 3, 1916, provided many
enlargements and changes in the Army. A large part of the dis-
cussion in Congress and of the illustrative and preparatory work
in the War Department had been done prior to my assumption of
the duties of Secretary of War. Some questions as to the results
of this act, however, and of the intention of Congress in passing
it arose for almost immediate consideration and required a careful
historical study of Army legislation covering a long period of
years. None of these questions was more important or diflScult
than that affecting the organization of the General Staff and the
relation of the Chief of Staff alike to the Secretary and the Army.
For many years the superior military authority in the Army
was vested in the Commanding General of the Army. The em-
barrkssments attending the somewhat uncertain duties of that officer
and the growth of the principal staff organizations in the armies
of other countries sharply directed the attention of various Sec-.
retaries of War to the need of a reorganization, and the first step
in that direction was taken by the creation of the Army War College
Board, which Secretary Root described to be as near an approach
to the establishment of the General Staff as was practicable under
the law existing in 1899. In 1901 Secretary Root, in his report,
formally urged the establishment by law of the General Staff, of
which the War College Board should form a part. In his annual
report for 1902 Secretary Root again urged his recommendation,
saying :
Our mUitary system Is, however, stUl exceedingly defective at the top.
We have a personnel unsurpassed anywhere. ♦ ♦ ♦ We have the dUferent
branches of the military service well organized, each within itself for the
X)erformance of its duty ; our administrative staff and supply departments have
eOlTe'—WAB 1916— VOL 1 1
50 BEPORT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAB,
at their heads good and competent men, faithful to their duty, each attending
assiduously to the business of his department; but when we come to the co-
ordination and direction of all these means and agencies of warfare, so that
all parts of the machine shall work true together, we are weak. Our system
makes no adequate provision for the directing brain which every army must
have to work successfully. Ck)mmon experience has shown that this can not
be furnished by any single man without assistants, and that it requires a
body of officers working together with the direction of a chief, and entirely
separate from the Army. • ♦ • This body of officers In distinction from
the administrative staff has come to be called a general staff.
The subject thus presented was very fully and earnestly considered
by the Military Committees of the two Houses, and resulted in the
passage of the act of February 14, 1903, which abolished the separate
office of Commanding General of the Army, provided for a military
Chief of Staff, who, under the direction of the President or of the
Secretary of War, representing him, should have supervision not
only of all troops of the line, but of the special staff and supply
departments, which theretofore had reported directly to the Sec-
retary of War, and it created for the assistance of the Chief of Staff
a corps of 44 officers who were relieved from all other duties. The
inauguration of this system was a complete and fundamental change
in the administration of the AVar Department. It was not unnatu-
rally attended by some misunderstanding and difficulties, growing
out of the transfer of authority and independence from a series of
uncoordinated administrative staff officers into a harmonized and
coordinated body under the supervision and control of a single
military officer. The embarrassing question constantly presented
itself as to just how far the functions of the Chief of Staff invaded
the administrative independence of various bureau chiefs, and, while
the question was always considered in a fair and tolerant spirit, it
sometimes became the basis of anxious controversy, if not misunder-
standing.
In the act of June 3, 1916, and particularly in section 5 of that act,
some language was introduced by Congress apparently for the pur-
pose of setting at rest some of this misunderstanding. Unhappily,
however, doubt immediately arose as to the scope, effect, and inten-
tion of the language so employed. One possible view of its meaning
would have in effect limited the Chief of the General Staff and his
associates to the consideration of more or less abstract questions of
military policy and would have deprived him of that basis of
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 51
knowledge necessary for the performance of any coordinating func-
tion. In effect, this would have been a return to the old system of
more or less independent bureau organizations reporting to and
dealing directly with the Secretary of War and coordinated only to
tlie extent that his personal information enabled him to effect such
a result. It would, of course, have left the Chief of Staff and the
General Staff in existence, but would have limited their functions
practically to the work originally undertaken by the War College
Board, and later by the War College Division of the General Staff.
Since Congress had apparently addressed its attention to this sub-
ject and had used some new language, it became important very
earnestly to inquire just what the legislation intended to accomplish
and how far the interpretation above suggested as possible was
necessitated by the language used.
As this question is one of far-reaching importance, I take the
liberty of attaching to this report as Appendix A the decision of the
Secretary of War * on the effect of section 5 of the National-Defense
Act, in which the subject is examined with critical care and the
conclusion reached that —
The structure [General Staff] erected by the act of 1903 remains as then
created, except for the explicit modifications provided in the act of 1916.
And—
That the Chief of the General Staff is charged with the supervision of the
various departments, bureaus, and offices of the War Department for the pur-
pose of coordinating their activities and for the purpose of so informing the
Judgment of the Secretary of War that he may not by inadvertence or unfamll-
iarity with military practice take action which would be prejudicial to
harmonious results In the military service.
This conclusion was reached by a study of the language actually
used, which, after all, was merely a prohibition upon the officers de-
tailed into the General Staff Corps from the performance of adminis-
trative duties and was in no expressed sense a repeal of any of the
earlier legislation which subjected the administrative staff officers to
the supervising, coordinating, and informing powers reposed in the
members of the General Staff Corps by the act of 1903. It seemed
entirely clear to me that had the Congress intended a larger effect for
>The able opinion of the Judge Advocate General on this question Is attached as m
part of Appendix A, so that the perplexity of the question from both points of view may
ba seen.
52 REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
its language it would not have been content to leave that effect to
inference and expanded definitions of terms ordinarily having much
more limited meaning. The result of all the legislation, therefore,
including the provisions of the act of June 3, 1916, dealing with this
subject seemed to me to be that Congress has adhered to the policy
inaugurated in 1903, that it continues to recognize the wisdom of a
General Staff in the American Army, and that not a staff for the
academic consideration of theoretical problems, but such a staff as
can, on the basis of intimate acquaintance with both the War De-
partment bureaus and the Army at large, act as a coordinating and
reconciling agency. The considerations which moved Congress to
the passage of the act of 1903 were of the weightiest character. For-
eign experience, which was then considered determinative of proper
military policy in this regard, has since that time become more con-
clusively persuasive in the same direction, and I am clear that any
abandonment of the theory of the General Staff, or any diminution
of the coordinating power of the Chief of the General Staff, would
be a backward step and would scatter the military energies of our
Army, which are now so happily concentrated and coordinated. It is
proper to be remembered in this connection that the Chief of the
General Staff bears a more personal relation to the Secretary of
War and, through him, to the President than is borne by any other
officer in the Army. The occupant of the office changes at the will
of the Secretary of War, and in order that the policy of the Presi-
dent may be aptly and sympathetically impressed upon the military
establishment, it seems imperative that there should be continued in
the Chief of Staff the largest power of supervision and that he should
be enabled to keep constantly informed, even in detail, as to the
operations of the various subdivisions of the military activities of
the department, so that the Secretary of War may rely upon him in
un immediate and personal sense for advice which is based upon a
view of the whole Army rather than upon the advice, however frank
and disinterested, of individuals whose chief interests are associated
with subdivisions of, or specialties in, the service.
Having reached a definite opinion as to the intention of Congress,
I have directed obedience to that intention by a continuation of the
policy established inmiediately upon the passage of the act of 1903,
and this result, I am confident, will be regarded by the Army as
conducive to its growth in efficiency and to the establishment of har-
REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR. 53
monious and just relations between the various elements of the
service.
Number of oificera required. — At the time of the creation of the
General Staff Corps the number of officers at first detailed thereto
was fixed at 45 as the proper number to perform this new and some-
what experimental duty. In 1912 the General Staff was reduced by
one general officer and eight captains. The reduction so seriously
interfered with the work of the General Staff as to cause a special
emphasis to be laid by the department in its recommendations to
Congress on the subject. Having an intimate knowledge of the
increase and development of its own fimctions and possibilities of
usefulness, the General Staff recommended 94 as the number that
should compose that body. The new National-Defense Act as passed
by the Senate fixed the number at 92, but when the bill emerged from
conference, the General Staff, aside from its general officers, was
increased by 18 officers only, and they were to come, like the other
increases authorized for the Army, in five annual increments. And
the National-Defense Act further provided that not more than one-
half of the officers detailed in the General Staff Corps shall at any
time be stationed or assigned to or employed upon any duty in or
near the District of Columbia. It seems quite clear that the law as
thus enacted leaves the General Staff Corps insufficiently provided
for, so far as numbers are concerned, and the department is em-
barrassed in the selection of suitable officers for this most important
duty, both by the restriction prohibiting the assignment to duty in
or near Washington of more than one-half of the corps and also by
the detached-service law and other restrictions which limit choice.
The detached-service law was a part of the appropriation act for the
Army approved August 24, 1912, and requires that commissioned
officers of the line of the Army below the rank of major shall not be
detached unless they have been actually present for duty for at least
two of the last preceding six years with troops of that branch of the
service in which the officer in question is commissioned.
With the purpose of this law I have complete sympathy, in that it
is an effort to require the return of officers to service with troops at
such frequent intervals as to assure knowledge of troop conditions
and line service in those who are from time to time detached for
special and expert work. It seems to be a very safe generalization
that all officers of the Army, with the possible exception of a very few
54 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
performing highly specialized service, ought to be returned to service
with troops from time to time, so that their details, or periods of de-
tachment, will be refreshed by knowledge of actual army conditions.
But I doubt the wisdom of allowing this principle to limit the choice
of the department in the selection of officers for the General StaflP.
The duties of that body are of such paramount importance to the
success of the whole military establishment that the War Department
ought to be free from any arbitrary restriction in reaching out into
the service at any time for the man or men best qualified to perform
this central and pivotal function.
A board of officers was recently constituted in the War Department
to recommend for selection the necessary number of officers to fill
vacancies in the General Staff. The board reports that it —
was seriously han<llcnpped by the fact that many of the officers whom it con-
sidered eminently fit were either on the detached officers* list, on duty in the
Philippines with a considerable period to serve, or were within one year of their
promotion, or detailed In other staff departments.
T^ndoubtedly the difficulty here sought to be solved by Congress is
a real one. Washington, being the Capital and the seat of the War
Department, is a desirable place of residence for officers of the Army,
and, where personal preference is allowed to control, undoubtedly the
tendency will be, for one reason or another, to allow too large a num-
ber of officers in Washington, at the expense of an adequate officering
of outlying posts. It would seem, however, that, in view of the
firmly established theory and practice of the dominance of the Chief
of the General Staff and his supervision over and coordination of all
the various branches of the military establishment, the power might
safely be left to the Secretary of War to set aside in individual cases
restrictions of this kind in the interest of the most efficient organiza-
tion of the General Staff Corps. Incidentally it may be remarked
that these restrictive provisions impose upon the Government a very
substantial increase in the expense of the military establishment, re-
quiring, as they do, arbitrarily, frequent changes in the assignment
of officers, and their transportation from place to place.
SCIENTinC MANAGEMENT.
The supplies of the Army are in part purchased in the open market
and under contract and in part manufactured in Government arse-
nals. The question of the relation between the Government as em-
REPOBT OF THE SECBETAKY OP WAB, 55
ployer and its employees in these arsenals is a part of the general
labor question of the country. The theory which the department
attempts to follow is, in general terms, that the Government should
be the model employer, and to a large extent this theory is successfully
applied. In the matter of hours of labor, sanitary conditions, holi-
days, and sick leave there is perhaps no better industrial condition in
the United States than that maintained by the War Department in
these industrial plants. The question of wages and the basis of
wages is, however, under more or less constant discussion. Roughly
speaking, the department undertakes to establish wage rates by deter-
mination of the prevailing rate of wages in similar employments
within the district in which the particular arsenal is located, and it
uses Bureau of Labor statistics of the Department of Labor in select-
ing the territory which shall comprise the district and in determining
rates of wages for similar work. The result is that the employees
of the Government receive the prevailing rate of wage in their respec-
tive occupations, but usually for a day of shorter hours than is
observed in the private industries from which the information is
drawn, and clearly for work done under conditions much more favor-
able to the public employee than to the private employee. The diffi-
culty in this whole matter, however, arises from the use of more or
less arbitrary methods for piecework and day wage determination.
Many efforts have been made to introduce just principles into this
delicate determination. A system of time studies and premiums
known as the " Taylor system " was adopted in part in some of the
arsenals, but it met with the opposition of organized labor and Con-
gress prohibited the use of the system. We have been obliged, there-
fore, to fall back upon the less scientific and less just methods pre-
viously employed.
It seems without doubt that an efficiency system properly con-
structed and justly applied is fairer alike to the Government and to
the employee than any more haphazard method. The objection of
organized labor is not unnatural; it proceeds from the belief that all
efficiency systems tend to become "speeding-up" systems and that
their logical operation increases the output without a corresponding
increase of wage. This, however, must, of course, be due to the
method of applying the system rather than to the system itself, and
after examining the results obtained in Government arsenals where
the system was in whole or in part followed, I am persuaded that
56 BEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAB.
no such evil effects as these were permitted to occur. How far the
action of Congress was dictated by a belief that efficiency systems
inevitably tended to the enervation of the employee I have not the
means of knowing, nor do I know what evidences of such results in
private establishments were considered, but under the law as it now
is the department is prohibited from using time studies and pre-
miums, and is therefore deprived of the means of acquiring the sort
of knowledge without which just wage regulation is impossible, or of
offering inducements to zeal and good workmanship, which if offered
in moderation constitute a just recognition of individual skill and
energy. My own belief is that most of the difficulties which have been
felt to inhere in efficiency systems arise from the fact that they are
employers' systems and that the employee has no voice nor part
either in the making or application of the systems. We are un-
happily prevented by existing legislation from any experiments.
Were it otherwise I would be much interested to discover, if possible,
a plan by which the Government and its employees might cooperate
in the devising and application of methods fair to both for the
determination of relative skill and zeal among operatives, which
would at the same time protect the interests of the Government as
employer, and while conserving the strength and energy of the
employees distribute justly among them the rewards of faithful
service.
STJGK^ESTED LEGISLATION.
Engineer School. — ^I have referred above to the special-service
schools already established in the Army to supplement with post-
graduate courses the fundamental training given to officers at West
Point. The Army War College is, of course, one of these and de-
votes its teaching force to the study of the principles of strategy and
military policy. The service schools seek to specialize in their par-
ticular branches of the service, and the rapidity with which new
implements of war are developing and their highly scientific char-
acter make it increasingly important that special study should be
given to such subjects as precision in indirect Artillery fire, the use
of the machine gun, the modern uses of Cavalry and military avia-
tion. To one of these schools, however, I desire to ask particular
attention. The Engineer Corps of the Army for many years com-
prised a large part of the most eminent engineering talent in the
BEPOBT OP THE SECRET ABY OP WAR. 57
country. Its oflScers are still men of great distinction and ability,
but the science of engineering in its various aspects has become
fundamental to the entire industrial life of the Nation. The civil,
electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineer is to be found in every
great industry, and the rewards offered in civil life to the engineer
are now attractive in the highest degree. It is very necessary that
the Army should be continuously supplied with well-trained en-
gineers.
The peace-time occupations of the War Department and of the
Army rest in a high degree upon the Engineer force, and the great
problems of river and harbor improvement and development for the
promotion of navigation and for the conservation of the water power
of the countrj' are in the hands of that corps. Of course, in war
the engineer, as bridge builder, road maker, builder of fortifications,
and a variety of other construction enterprises, is essential to military
success. But the science of engineering, like all other sciences now-
adays, is rapidly developing. Every new application of scientific
principles to industry affects the engineer, and it is of the highest
importance that the Engineer Corps of the Army should continue to
contain a progressive, highly trained body of men thoroughly abreast
of all the developments in science applicable alike to those engi-
neering functions of the Government in times of peace and to the
great call made upon the engineer in times of war. The Engineer
School maintained at the Washington barracks seems to me an inade-
quate response to this obvious need, and I trust the attention of
Congress can at some suitable time be called to the wisdom of
providing facilities for original research and continuous and funda-
mental training for our body of engineers, that will keep them in the
very forefront of engineering science.
National preparatory schools. — The suggestion made with regard
to preparatory military schools is, of course, independent of the
widespread movement for vocational training in the Army here-
tofore mentioned.
The method of selection of cadets for West Point has for years con-
sisted of designation by the President, Senators, and Representatives,
with examination as a prerequisite to acceptance ; but we are learning
daily that a nation efficiently organized from a military point of
view must of necessity be efficiently organized industrially. We are
learning also that the ideal military preparation of any country is
58 KEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OP WAB.
one which is readily expanded in an emergency so as to include
great numbers of men in the industrial and commercial life of
the nation who have had enough preliminary training to make
them convertible by brief additional training into oflScers. Should
the United States ever be called upon to meet a great military
emergency a large army would have to be sustained and sup-
ported by a highly coordinated industrial system. There should
therefore be in the country at all times a great body of men trained
as mechanics, whose places in such an emergency would be not
in the ranks of the fighting forces but at the lathes and forges
from which the anmiimition supply of the Army must be drawn.
I venture to believe that if the Federal Government were to estab-
lish in a number of places throughout the country schools prepara-
tory to the Military Academy at West Point and the Naval
Academy at Annapolis, in which the rudiments of a sound edu-
cation, the elements of mechanical skill, the principles of business
coordination, and the beginnings of military science were taught,
these schools would develop the natural aptitudes of the students
in such a way as to supply those fittest by temperament and talent
to pursue in the Military Academy and the Naval Academy the study
of military science; and incidentally these schools would furnish a
great body of men returning to civil life fitted by training either
to respond in an emergency to a call to the colors or to take their
places as civil soldiers in the service of the Government in those
industries and undertakings fundamental to the successful conduct
of military operations.
The suggestion here made ought not perhaps to be further elabo-
rated in this report, but I think it will be apparent on reflection
that no expenditure in contemplation of a great military emer-
gency would be more apt or helpful than one which gave to 25,000
or 30,000 young men the inspiration of industrial education at the
hands of the Government, indoctrinated them with the spirit of serv-
ice to their country, and tabulated them so that they would be always
available for either the military or industrial service which
their academic experience indicated most in accordance with their
aptitudes. It seems equally likely that schools of this sort would
spread the field of selection ideally over the country and make
the cadets at West Point and midshipmen at Annapolis bodies of
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 59
young men selected by a demonstration of their special aptitude for
the pursuit of military service.
THE BOABD OF OBDNANCE AND FOBTIFICATION.
The Board of Ordnance and Fortification is one of the most
important standing boards of the War Department. It meets
weekly for the consideration of questions affecting the fortifica-
tions of the United States and the arming of our forces with
suitable implements of war. Scientific discoveries and invention
are being made on every hand imder the stimulus of the world
war, and this board endeavors to keep abreast of the progress made
throughout the world, to consider and weigh the claims of inventors
and the possible applications of science to warfare, to the end
that our Army may be provided with equipment of the best, at
least to the extent possible under the appropriations made by Con-
gress for the purpose. I do not undertake to give any detailed
account of the operations of the board, but two or three subjects
considered by it are sufficiently interesting for passing comment.
During the past fiscal year the Board of Ordnance and Forti-
fication has conducted important tests at Fort Morgan, Ala., in
cooperation with the Navy, to determine the effect of hostile gun-
fire on our coast fortifications. An experimental emplacement with
a gun mounted on a disappearing carriage was fired upon by ships
with their heaviest guns at varying ranges. These tests were con-
ducted in the presence of members of the board and accomplished
the purpose for which they were made.
Hammond radiodynamic system of torpedo control, — Further
study and tests of an apparatus for the control of submarine tor-
pedoes by radio, which had been under consideration by the board
since the early part of 1913, had resulted in a recommendation by
the board on February 12, 1915, for the purchase of all the secrets,
patents, and developed methods pertaining to the Hammond radio-
dynamic system of torpedo control. This recommendation was
renewed by the board at its meeting on February 15, 1916, and was
supported in hearings before congressional committees. Appro-
priations were made for the purchase of the rights to the invention
and the installation of one unit of the system, subject to the approval
by the President after a satisfactory demonstration before a board
60 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
of three Army and three Navy officers. This board has been named,
and preparations for the test are in progress.
The board has also been engaged in the development of railway
mounts for certain types of ordnance, motor trucks, armored cars,
serial photography, searchlights, and flare bombs, and in the de-
velopment and test of the radio control of torpedoes from an aero-
plane in flight under the Hammond system.
Development of a portable searchlight for field artillery, inaugu-
rated in 1906, was finally completed and the searchlight turned
over to the Field Artillery Board for test.
MACHINE OTJNS.
Perhaps no invention has more profoundly modified the art of
war than the machine gun. In the European war this arm has been
brought into very great prominence. It had, however, been de-
veloped to a serviceable state at the time of the Spanish-American
War, although its use on a large scale had not been developed in any
army until the outbreak of the European war. In 1912 Congi«ess
by an appropriation sanctioned the allowance of the War Depart-
ment of four machine guns per regiment. From time to time tests
have been made by the War Department to determine the relative
serviceableness and efficiency of various machine guns. These tests
have been attended by considerable controversy and the claims of
different types of machine guns have been urged upon the public
attention by widespread newspaper comment. In the meantime, in
response to the stimulus of the European war, inventors and makers
have hastened to develop and improve their respective arms and the
field of selection has constantly widened so that when the Congress
at the last session appropriated $12,000,000 for the procurement of
machine guns it seemed important, for obvious reasons, to free the
air of the various controversies and to set at rest in as final a fashion
as possible the conflicting claims of makers and inventors. A board
was therefore created in the War Department, made up in part of
officers and in part of civilians, all of whom were selected so as to
avoid any suggestion of prejudice on their part growing out of
previous controversies and tests.
The board was instructed to take into consideration all tests pre-
viously made and to collate and study the European experience and
KEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 61
hear from the representatives of all makers, and to conduct under its
own guidance such tests as in its judgment were necessary or appro-
priate to a final determination of the present state of the art. On
the basis of this sort of an investigation, the board was instructed
to advise the department on the expenditure of the $12,000,000
appropriated for this purpose. A preliminary report has been made
by this board, selecting the Vickers-Maxim type for heavy machine
guns, recommending the purchase of a large supply of them, and
fixing a date in May at which time exhaustive tests to determine
the relative excellence of various types of light machine guns are
to be made. The nature of military operations plainly dictates that
our Army should be supplied in some proportion with guns of a
heavy and of a light type for defensive operations. From fixed
points the heavier type is doubtless the more reliable, but in rapid
charging and field operations and in aeroplane work the mo-
bility of the arm is an important consideration. It is therefore
highly important that the Army should be supplied with an ade-
quate number of both types of arm. The recommendations of the
board already made recognize the wisdom of this course, and its
c'onclusions when finally reached will no doubt be accepted as
authoritative, although this is the field of most rapid advance in the
perfection of arms, and the department will welcome each improve-
ment and seek to avail itself of the progress made so that our equip-
ment can at all times be of the most modern and effective kind.
THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT.
Governor General Harrison's administration has continued to be
marked by cordial relations between the executive and legislative
branches of the government and between the upper appointive house
of the legislature and the lower house. The recommendations of the
Governor General to the legislature have been promptly formulated
into law. The legislature passed satisfactory appropriation bills and
imposed additional taxes to meet decreases in the revenues as the
result of the European war.
Progress among the Moros and other non-Christians in the De-
partment of Mindanao and Sulu, where Gov. Carpenter has con-
tinued in office, has exceeded the most sanguine anticipation.
Peace and good order have so marked the administration of
Governor General Harrison that it should be unnecessary hereafter
62 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
in official reports to mention these subjects, of such frequent reference
in past reports of the Philippine Islands.
The financial condition of the government is excellent.
Detailed information with 'reference to our government in the
Philippine Islands will be found in the annual reports of the Gov-
ernor General and the Philippine Commission and of the Bureau of
Insular Affairs of' the War Department, transmitted with this
report.
Congress at its last session was most attentive to the reconmienda-
tions of the Philippine government and of this department with
reference thereto. In addition to making effective several of the
less important recommendations, it enacted the new Philippine
organic act, which was approved by the President on August 29,
1916. While there has been continuous progress in the development
of the Philippines toward self-government during American occu-
I)ation, this is the first step of importance that Congress has taken
in recognition of this development since the passage in 1902 of the
act for the temporary government of the Philippine Islands.
POBTO RICO.
The past year has been one of marked prosperity in the industries
of Porto Rico, particularly in what has become by far the greatest
industry, the production of sugar.
There was natural disappointment in Porto Rico at the failure
to secure the enactment by Congress at its last session of the proposed
new organic act. It passed the House of Representatives, but failed
to receive consideration by the Senate, and is still pending. It is
hoped that at the coming session of Congress this act will be passed.
It may be said now to have been pending for six years, since the
House of Representatives in 1910 passed a bill which embodied the
most important features of the pending bill. The disappointment
of the Porto Rican people is greatest because of the continued failure
to grant to them American citizenship, an aspiration in which they
have been encouraged by every President of the United States since
1905.
The progress of the government and people of Porto Rico is set
forth fully in the annual repoil of the governor, transmitted here-
with.
BEPORT OP THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 63
THE PANAMA CANAL.
The Panama Canal has been opened to commerce since August
15, 1914. However, on account of slides, the canal was closed to
traffic from September 18, 1915, to April 15, 1916. The governor
of the Panama Canal, in his last annual report, has again reported
very fully on the slide situation and corrects many misapprehen-
sions that exist concerning conditions on the Isthmus. He is con-
fident that the slides will be overcome finally and for all time, and
that there will be no further serious interruptions to traffic.
These same general conclusions were also reached by a committee
of the National Academy of Sciences, appointed at your request,
from which I quote the following paragraph from the preliminary
report made by that committee :
The committee looks to the future of the canal with confidence. It is
not unmindful of the labor necessary to deal with the present slides; and
it realizes that slides may be a considerable, but not an unreasonably large,
maintenance charge upon the canal for a number of years; it also realizes
that trouble In the Culebra district may possibly again close the canal.
Nevertheless, the committee firmly believes that, after the present dlfllculties
have been overcome, navigation tljrough the <anal is not likely again to be
seriously Interrupted. There Is absolutely no Justification for the statement
that traffic will be repeatedly interrupted during long periods for years to
come. The canal will serve the great purpose for which it was constructed,
and the realization of that purpose in the near future Is assured.
During the part of the fiscal year that the canal was open to
traffic, 411 vessels passed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, with
a total net tonnage of 1,308,230 tons and 1,434,236 cargo tons. Of
this total number of vessels, 50 were engaged in United States
coastwise trade, with a net tonnage of 183,372 tons and a cargo
tonnage of 227,103 tons. Three hundred and seventy-six vessels
passed from the Pacific to the Atlantic, with a total net tonnage
of 1,171,531 tons and a cargo tonnage of 1,705,810 tons. Of this
number of vessels, 41 were engaged in the coastwise trade, with
a net tonnage of 167,594 tons and a cargo tonnage of 217,285 tons.
The total cargo tonnage that traversed the canal during the fiscal
year amounted to 3,140,046 tons.
Canal tolls. — ^The tolls collected during the fiscal year ended June
30, 1916, from vessels using the canal amounted to $2,399,830.42.
64 EEPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
In his annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, Gen.
Goethals, Governor of the Panama Canal, again calls attention to
the confusion resulting from the application of the United States
rules of measurement of vessels in addition to the Panama Canal
rules of measurement, and invites attention to the necessity of adopt-
ing some one rule for levying tolls on vessels passing through the
canal. He states that as time goes on and traffic increases, with a
resulting increase in the number and classes of vessels using the
canal, experience has shown beyond a doubt that the fairest rules for
determining the tonnage of a vessel on a just basis are the Panama
Canal rules of measurement ; in short, on the earning capacity of the
ship. Furthermore, the application of the United States rules for
measurement has resulted in exempting practically all sheltered
spaces and deck loads of vessels transiting the canal, which, in turn,
has resulted in discrimination against most of the United States
vessels utilizing the waterway, due to the fact that almost all of the
United States vessels are so constructed that they are unable to take
advantage of shelter-deck space. On the other hand, the United
States rules provide for the exemption of certain cabin space above
the upper deck that is not a deck attached to the hull, which would,
in most cases, result in discrimination against foreign vessels and in
favor of United States passenger steamers, if the national register
of the vessel were recognized as a factor in the levying of tolls. Had
the Panama Canal rules for measurement been in force, the revenue
from this source would have been $2,790,544.47, instead of $2,399,-
830.42 as stated above, showing a direct loss of revenue on this ac-
count of $390,714.05.
Out velatioTiB with Panama. — Gen. Goethals also again calls atten-
tion to the necessity of an agreement between the Governments of the
United States and Panama for modifying the so-called Taft agree-
ment, which is, in many respects, disadvantageous to both Govern-
ments, and should be substituted by an agreement made in accord-
ance with our present mutual needs and with our rights under the
treaty.
THE PANAMA BAILBOAD.
The result of the company's business of every character for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, after meeting the cost of operation,
together with fixed charges aggregating $79,023.30 and charges for
BEPOBT OF THE SEGRETABY OF WAB. 65
depreciation on rolling stock, floating and plant equipment of
$461,244.48, shows-
Net Income of $2, 453, 5d2. 84
As against : 914, 800. 58
For the previous year, or an increase of 1, 538, 731. 76
During that period $2,148,542.89 was applied to additions and bet-
«
terments of plant and equipment.
The increase in revenue derived from the railroad from its local
and through business as compared with the previous year amounts
to $704,709.37 and is due entirely to the closing of the canal to traffic
for a large portion of the year, which resulted in the railroad's
transporting 306,057 tons of freight in excess of prior period.
The steamship line contributed to the net revenue $1,004,373.05 —
an increase over the previous fiscal year of $504,519.63, due to an
increase in rates and in tonnage carried.
At the end of this fiscal year the company had $2,960,868.55 of
available funds in the hands of designated depositories and, in addi-
tion, securities purchased at a cost of $2,040,168.75 in a reserve fund
established September 12, 1911.
WATERWAYS AND WATEB POWER.
The War Department is constantly dealing with the important
question of waterways and water power, not only under the river and
harbor legislation passed from time to time and dealing with speci-
fied waterway improvements but also under the General Dam Act and
other legislation dealing with the diversion of streams and the
establishment of water powers. Congress is, of course, actively con-
sidering this latter subject, and the prospect is that comprehensive
provision will be made for the conservation of the undeveloped water
power of the United States, which is enormous in its possibilities
and comprises the great unexpended natural resource of the Nation.
Several special problems in this connection are more or less con-
stantly before the department. The first of these is the Chicago
Drainage Canal. This canal was built under the authority of the
State of Illinois for sanitary purposes, but has never had the
approval of Congress. It was completed in 1899, and application
was then made to the War Department for permission to connect
the canal with the south branch of the Chicago River, thus reversing
69176'— WAR 191^— VOL 1 5
66 REPOBT OP THE SECBBTABY OP WAB.
the flow of that stream and diverting its waters from Lake Michigan
into the drainage canal and thence into the Mississippi River. A con-
ditional permit was granted in 1901, authorizing the diversion of
4,167 cubic feet seconds, and this amount has continued to be the
legal limit. The drawing of water from the Chicago River into the
canal affects the general navigation interests of the country on ac-
count of the tendency of such diversion to lower the level of the
waters of the Great Lakes. From the beginning the operations of
the Sanitary District have been looked upon with disfavor by navi-
gation interests, and the Secretary of War has not only declined to
increase the diversion temporarily authorized but has adhered to the
decision that the permit granted was of a temporary character and
that no permanent diversion of the waters of Lake Michigan could
be made without express authority from Congress. Nevertheless the
Sanitary District has for many years been withdrawing a much
larger amount of water than is authorized by this permit. Upon two
different occasions the Sanitary District has refused to conform to
decisions of the Secretary of War declining to grant authority for
larger diversions and has declared its intention to continue excess
diversions imless prevented by injunction. Accordingly, in 1908 and
again in 1910, bills in equity were filed at the instance of the War
Department by the Attorney General seeking to enjoin excess diver-
sion. The two suits were consolidated and tried in the United States
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, but remain
imdecided.
It seems quite clear that with the growth of population in Chicago
the authorities of the Sanitary District contemplate still larger diver-
sions than those already made, perhaps to the extent of 10,000 cubic
feet seconds. This, it is estimated by the United States Lake Sur-
vey, would lower the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron
nearly 7 inches. Lake Erie about 5 J inches, and Lake Ontario about
4J inches, mean lake levels, the reduction being much greater at low-
water periods. The effect of such a lowering of lake levels would
obviously be enormous losses to navigation interests and would neces-
sitate large expenditures by the General Government for the restora-
tion and reorganization of river and harbor improvements on the
Great Lakes and their connecting waters, for which already appro-
priations aggregating more than $90,000,000 have been made.
KEPORT OF THE SECRETABY OF WAR. 67
A related project to the Chicago Drainage Canal is the canal pro-
posed to be constructed for commerce from Chicago through the Des
Plaines River, and applications for permits have been made to the
War Department to authorize this construction. The matter has
also been considered in Congress, but no action taken. At present
the authority of the State of Illinois to issue bonds for the construc-
tion of this canal is drawn in question before the local courts of the
State, and a temporary injunction has been issued against the sale of
the bonds. No action has therefore been considered by the War
Department and none will be considered so long as these legal ob-
stacles remain in the way. It would seem that this subject ought to
have the attention of Congi-ess, for while it is asserted in behalf of
the project that there is no intention of making further withdrawals
of water from the Great Lakes for tlie purposes of the canal than are
already being withdrawn for the drainage canal, yet it seems quite
clear that should this commercial waterway be established and con-
structed, and then a greater volume of water be needed for its opera-
tion than was originally estimated, the pressure to allow additional
lake diversions would be very great; and if it le true in fact that such
diversions are prejudicial to the navigation interests of the Great
Lakes and the eastward-flowing waters, the relative advantages of the
two uses of these waters ought to be weighted and finally determined
by the legislative body.
Another question which has constantly been presented to the War
Department for consideration is the withdrawal of additional water
for power purposes at Niagara Falls. Congress has allowed the
Burton Act to expire without renewal or substitution. There is
therefore no express donation of power from Congress to the War
Department to deal with this subject, and I have such grave doubt as
to the power of the department under the General Dam Act, or any
other general legislation, that I have hesitated to grant any of the
permits so urgently requested. Under the international agreement
between Canada and the United States a maximum of 20,000 cubic
feet seconds is authorized to be diverted on the American side of
the river. At present under permits granted either prior to or under
the Burton Act about 15,000 cubic feet seconds are being so with-
drawn. Plainly the subject is one which Congress ought to deal
with, involving not only the most efficient use and just distribution
of this great power but also affecting the preservation of the great
68 EEPORT OP THE SECRETABY OP WAB.
natural spectacle presented by Niagara Falls. The present position
of the department on the subject is that it ought not to complicate
the consideration of the whole subject by Congress, and that in the
absence of further enabling legislation the present situation must be
maintained.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Annexed hereto as Appendix B, Table 1, is a tabulated statement
showing expenditures for the last fiscal year (1916), estimates and
appropriations for the present fiscal year (1917), and the estimates
for the next fiscal year (1918). This statement shows only expendi-
tures from appropriations made by Congress in pursuance of esti-
mates submitted by the War Department. It does not, therefore,
include expenditures from appropriations made by Congress without
estimates from the War Department, known as "Indefinite annual
appropriations " and " Permanent annual appropriations." Expend-
itures from appropriations of these two classes are included in the
statements annexed hereto as Tables 2, 3, 4, and 5, which are complete
and detailed statements of the financial transactions of the depart-
ment during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, covering every ap-
propriation made for the service of the fiscal years 1916, 1915, 1914,
and 1913, and prior years, showing all balances from appropriations,
the amounts appropriated under each title of appropriation, the
amounts drawn from the Treasury, and the unexpended balance of
each appropriation remaining in the Treasury June 30, 1916, subject
to requisition. These statements show also the amounts covered into
the surplus fund of the Treasury from all appropriations under the
control of the War Department which are no longer available or
required for expenditure.
BETIBEMENT OF GOVEBNHENT EMPLOYEES.
An examination of the reports of my predecessors for a number
of years shows that they have continuously recommended considera-
tion of the subject of an equitable retirement law providing for the
retirement of superannuated and disabled employees of the civil
service. I am very happy to renew the recommendation. From time
to time bills have been introduced into Congress providing for such
retirement, but as yet none has been enacted into law. In the mean-
time, various industrial and transportation companies have found it
to their interest to retire and pension superannuated employees. The
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 69
Federal Government is and should be a model employer. The pro-
visions now made by the Government in the matter of compensation,
hours of labor, vacations, sick leave, and holidays, are all wisely
generous both as an example and as establishing a harmonious and
helpful relation between employer and employee, which both con-
serves the spirit and health of the employee and secures for the em-
ployer that willingness and good will out of which service of maxi-
mum eflSciency naturally arises. There seems to remain as the chief
thing yet to be done this provision for retirement upon superannua-
tion. The law ought not, in my judgment, to provide a mere service
pension as has sometimes been done in municipal and State services
in this country, under which employees who have served a stipu-
lated number of years are authorized to retire irrespective of their
ability still to render competent service. The law ought rather,
upon a minimum service required, to authorize retirement either for
disability arising in the course of the service or occasioned by the
service itself, and this retirement should be in the hands of a com-
petent authority which would determine the inability of the particu-
lar employee further to render adequate service in his place of em-
ployment. The effect of such a law would be to give an assurance of
a competent and comfortable old age. It would relieve the employee
from the fear of loss of occupation and of livelihood, would further
inspire him to loyalty to the Government as an employer, thus im-
proving the general quality of the service rendered by Government
employees, although that is already high, and would permit the
replacement of some employees in the various departments who have
long and faithfully served the Government and reached venerable
but enfeebled years without having had an opportunity to accumu-
late any competence upon which their retirement can rest,
ENUMEBATION OF BEFOBTS SUBMITTED.
I submit herewith the report of the Chief of Staff and the re-
port made to him by the Chief of Coast Artillery ; the reports of the
heads of bureaus of the War Department; and the reports of the
commissioners of the four military parks, the Superintendent of the
United States Military Academy, the governor of Porto Rico, and
the Philippine Commission.
Newton D. Baker,
Secretary of War.
Appendix A.
DECISION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR ON THE EFFECT OF
SECTION 5 OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE ACT.
War Department,
Washington^ September ISj 1916.
The provisions of section 5 of "An act for making further and
more effectual provision for the national defense, and for other
purposes," approved June 3, 1916, relating to the General Staff
Corps, call for an opinion from the Secretary of War as to their
effect upon the transaction of the business of the department and
the relations to exist in the future between the Chief of the General
Staff and the heads of various bureaus of the War Department.
Section 5 provides that the General Staff Corps shall consist of
one Chief of Staff, detailed in time of peace from major generals
of the line, and various other officers, for some of whom specific
duties are provided, as, for instance, that one of them is required
to be president of the Army War College. The General Staff Corps
is made a detailed corps, with the result that upon being relieved
from duty in that corps officers return to the branch of the Army
in which they were permanently conmiissioned, and no officer de-
tailed to the General Staff Corps is eligible to a further detail therein
until he shall have served two years with the branch of the Army
in which commissioned, except in time of actual or threatened hostili-
ties. Thus the Greneral Staff Corps is made to consist of a constantly
changing detail of officers brought from the line of the Army and
returned thereto, with the apparent purpose of having this corps
represent and embody the opinion of the Army upon technical mili-
tary subjects, as that opinion is matured and developed from time
to time by actual experience, and careful provision is made against
the General Staff Corps becoming a permanent body disassociated
from the actual military forces of the Nation, and therefore, to a
greater or less extent, out of touch with the opinion of the active
Army.
So far as the duties assigned to the General Staff Corps by section
6 of the National Defense Act are concerned, they are covered by the
following language:
AU officers detailed In said corps shaU be exclusively employed In the study
of military problems, the preparation of plans for the national defense, and
the utilization of the military forces in time of war, in investigating and re*
70
BEPOBT OF THE SECRETABY OF WAB. 71
porting upon the efficiency and state of preparedness of such forces for service
in peace or war, or on appropriate general-staff duties in connection with
troops, including the National Guard, or as military attaches in foreign coun-
tries, or on other duties, not of an administrative nature, on which they can
be lawfully and properly employed.
Certain redistribution of functions are made by the act, the most
notable being the abolition of the Mobile Army Division and Coast
Artillery Division, the latter of which is created into a bureau of
the War Department, and the business of the former is committed
to the office of The Adjutant General. But scattered through this
section there are statements of this import :
That the War College shall remain fully subject to the supervising, coordi-
nating, and informing powers conferred by law upon members of the Gteneral
Staff Corps.
That the bureau of The Adjutant General shall, " subject to the
exercise of the supervising, coordinating, and informing powers
conferred upon members of the General Staff Corps by act of Con-
gress last hereinbefore cited," perform the business theretofore per-
formed by the Mobile Army Division, and that " the Chief of Coast
Artillery shall be an additional member of the General Staff Corps
and shall also be adviser to and informant of the Chief of Staff in
respect to the business under his charge."
And then follows certain restrictive language which calls for this
opinion. The language is as follows:
Provided further. That hereafter members of the General Staff Corps shall
be confined strictly to the discharge of the duties of the general nature of those
specified for them in this section and in the organic act of Congress last here-
inbefore cited, and they shall not be permitted to assume or engage in work
of an administrative nature that pertains to established bureaus or offices
of the War Department, or that, being assumed or engaged In by members of
the General Staff Corps, would involve impairment of the responslbUity or
initiative of such bureaus or offices, or would cause Injurious or unnecessary
duplication of or delay in the work thereof.
It will be observed that the section under review does not negative
the survival of the "supervising, coordinating, and informing
powers " conferred by law upon members of the General Staff Corps,
but, on the contrary, reiterates those powers, and in the transfer of
certain business in the War Department from divisions abolished by
the act expressly subjects those powers in the hands of the new donees
to the General Staff powers either enumerated in this section or in-
corporated into it by reference to the act approved February 14, 1903,
which created the General Staff Corps, no part of which act is in
express terms repealed. It seems clear, therefore, that the new part
of this legislation, namely, that restricting the work to be done by
members of the General Staff Corps to work of a nonadministrative
nature is the only phase of it calling for interpretation, and it is
72 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
equally clear that this interpretation must proceed upon the founda-
tion established by an understanding of the intention of Congress, as
expressed in the act of February 14, 1903, which is not only the act
by which the General Staff was established, but is plainly the act
assumed by Congress as the fundamental and organic basis of what-
ever modifications are intended by section 5 of the act of June 3, 1916.
The development of a general scheme of systematic instruction in
the Army, leading to the original War College Board, undoubtedly
directed the attention of the Secretary of War to the general subject
of Army organization. In the Report for 1901, Secretary Root said:
The creation of the War CJoUege Board and the duties which wiU be imposed
upon it, as indicated in my report for 1899, is probably as near an approach to
the establishment of a General Staff as is practicable under existing law. ♦ • ♦
No one can doubt that the general and field officers of our Army have been too
exclusively occupied in details of administration, with inadequate opportunity
and provision for the study of great questions, and consideration and formation
of plans, comprehensive forethought against future contingencies, and coordi-
nation of the various branches of the service with a view to harmonious action.
A body of competent military experts should be charged with these matters
of the highest Importance, and to that end I strongly urge the establishment by
law of a General Staff, of which the War CJoUege Board shall form a part.
In the Annual Report for 1902 Secretary Root returns to this
subject and argues it at considerable length, showing continuous
improvement in Army organization, but saying:
Our military system is, however, still exceedingly defective at the top. We
have a personnel unsurpassed anywhere, • ♦ ♦ We have the different
branches of the military service well organized, each within itself, for the per-
formance of its duties. Our administrative staff and supply departments, as a
rule, have at their heads good and competent men, faithful to their duties, each
attending assiduously to the business of his department.
But when we come to the coordination and direction of all these means and
agencies of warfare, so that all parts of the machine shall work true together,
we are weak. Our system makes no adequate provision for the directing brain
which every army must have, to work successfully. Common experience has
shown that this can not be furnished by any single man without assistants,
and that it requires a body of officers working together under the direction of
a chief and entirely separate from and independent of the administrative staff
of an army. * * • This body of officers, in distinction from the administra-
tive staff, has come to be called a general staff.
The whole discussion of this subject by Secretary Root is inform-
ing, and in order to get an understanding of the full weight of the
argument made all that is said on that subject in his report should
be examined. The following sentences, however, are indicative of the
thought in his mind :
Such a body of men doing general staff duty is just as necessary to prepare
an army properly for war in time of peace as it is in time of war. It is not an
executive body; it is not an administrative body; It acts only through the
aathority of others. It makes Intelligent command possible by procuring and
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 73
arranging information and working out plans in detail, and it maliLes intelligent
and effective execution of commands possible by keeping all the separate agents
advised of the parts they are to play In the general scheme. ♦ • •
The title of Chief of Staff, on the other hand, denotes a duty to advise,
inform, and assist a superior officer who has command and to represent him,
acting in his name and by his authority In carrying out his policies and secur-
ing the execution of his commands. The officer who accepts the position
assumes the highest obligation to be perfectly loyal to his commander, to
exclude all personal interest from his advice and representation, and to try,
in the most whole-hearted way, to help him to right conclusions, and to suc-
cessful execution of his policies, even though his conclusions may not agree
with the advice given. For the successful performance of his duties the Chief
of Staff must have the entire confidence of his commander. ♦ ♦ ♦
The Constitution requires the President to be the commander of the Army,
and a great variety of laws require the Secretary of War, who directly repre-
sents the President, to supervise and direct the expenditure of the vast sums of
money appropriated annually by Congress for the support of the Army. As
every important movement requires the use of money, so long as the Secretary
of War performs this duty faithfully he must practically control the operations
of the Army in time of peace, and there can not be any independent command
of the Army, except that which the President himself exercises over the Secre-
tary of War and everybody else in the military establishment. It is because
Congress has always looked to the civilian Secretary at the head of the War
Department to hold the purse strings, that the laws require all the great
departments which build the fortifications and furnish the arms, supplies, and
munitions of war, and actually expend the money for those purposes, such as
the Engineer, Ordnance, Quartermaster's, and Subsistence Departments, to act
under the direction of the Secretary, and withhold from the officer who Is
called " Commanding (General of the Army " all control over those departments.
Continuing the argument thus made Secretary Root shows that
the office of Commanding General of the Army and the powers con-
ferred upon that officer were entirely inconsistent with and inade-
quate for the duty contemplated for the Chief of Staff, which office
he sought to have established. For the latter office he desired powers
of coordination, supervision, and control, in the name of the Secre-
tary of War and under the direction of the Secretary of War, wholly
different from and greater than those previously intrusted to the
Commanding General of the Army.
In his report for 1903, after the passage of the Act of February
14, 1903, Secretary Root says :
The important military event of the year affecting the Regular Army has been
the reorganization of the system of military control under the general stalff act
approved February 14, 1903. ♦ ♦ ♦ This act abolished the separate office of
Commanding General of the Army, provided for a military Chief of Staff to the
President, who, acting under the directions of the President, or of the Secretary
of War representing him, should have supervlson not only of all troops of the
line but of the special staff and supply departments which had theretofore re-
ported directly to the Secretary of War ; and it created for the assistance of the
Chief of Staff a corps of 44 officers, who were relieved from all other duties.
74 REPOBT OP THE SECBETABY OF WAE.
After describing the mode of organization of the first General Staff
Corps, Secretary Root says :
The tenth article of the regulations relating to the Chief of Staff states ex-
plicitly the new theory of control inaugurated by the General Staff act.
That new theory he quotes from the regulations to be as follows:
10. Under the act of February 14, 1903, the command of the Army of the
United States rests with the constitutional CJommander In Chief, the President.
The President will place parts of the Army, and separate armies whenever con-
stituted, under commanders subordinate to his general command; and, in case
of exigency seeming to him to require It, he may place the whole Army under a
single commander subordinate to him ; but In time of peace and under ordinary
conditions the administration and control of the Army are effected without any
second in command.
The President's command Is exercised through the Secretary of War and the
Chief of Staff. The Secretary of War is charged with carrying out the policies
of the President In military aiTuirs. He directly represents the President and is
bound always to act In conformity to the President's Instructions. Under the
law and the decisions of the Supreme Court his acts are the President's acts,
and his directions and orders are the President's directions and orders.
The Chief of Staff reports to the Secretary of War, acts as his military ad-
viser, receives from him the directions and orders given In behalf of the Presi-
dent, and gives effect thereto In tlie manner hereinafter provided.
Secretary Root then says, with his customary clarity and decision
of expression :
It will be perceived that we are here providing for civilian control over the
military arm, but for civilian control to be exercised through a single military
expert of high rank, who Is provided with an adequate corps of professional as-
sistants to aid him In the performance of his duties, and who Is bound to use
all his professional skill and knowledge in giving effect to the purposes and gen-
eral directions of his civilian superior, or make way for another expert who will
do so.
Commenting upon the effect of the inauguration of the system,
Secietary Root says:
In some cases the Intervention of the Chief of Staff and his assistants has re-
sulted In an apparent diminution of the independent authority of other officers.
This has been received almost universally with a cheerful readiness to subordi-
nate personal considerations to the good of the service.
The act of February 14, 1903, is universally regarded as the most
important piece of Army legislation adopted in recent years. It was
recognized at the time as a thoroughgoing and radical change in the
theory of Army control. Not unnaturally this act received very
earnest consideration in Congress prior to its passage. The hear-
ings on it were extensive, and Secretary Root, one of the foremost
lawyers of the country, and one of the great Secretaries of War of
modem times, in his appearance before committees illustrated and
reiterated the purpose and meaning of the measure advocated by him.
I have examined these hearings with some care, and I find that, with-
BEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OP WAR. 75
out exception, witnesses and members of both House and Senate
understood the purpose of the act to be as gathered from the previous
quotations from the annual reports of Mr. Eoot, as Secretary of War.
Thus, in his hearing before the Senate Committee on Military Affairs,
Secretary Root says:
You have imposed by law upon the Secretary of War the responsibUity for the
expenditure of great sums of money which you appropriate every year, and you
have established a great number of corps, bureaus and departments which the
Secretary is bound to supervise. Now, I have doubt whether it is competent
for the Secretary of War to do that through the intermediation of a Chief of
Staff or a General Staff unless there is some statutory authority. I do not
know whether in the face of the statute which makes the Quartermaster General
and tlie Commissary General and the Chief of Ordnance directly responsible to
the Secretary of War I can order them to report to a Chief of Staff.
I do not want you to relieve the Secretary of War of responsibility, but I
want you to enable him to discharge this responsibility through a military officer
who will gather together in the performance of staff duties all the considerations
affecting the decision that the Secretary has to make, and do it with military
knowledge, instead of the Secretary having to dig around and gather them him-
self and coUate the advice and requests that come from the heads of these differ-
ent departments that are all overlapping and interwoven in their action.
In short, I think nothing can be clearer from the written opinions
of the Secretary of War, whose suggestions are responsible for the
creation of the General Staff, and from the hearings before the com-
mittees of Congress and the debates in the Congress upon the pas-
sage of the General Staff bill, than that it was intended to supply to
the Secretary of War a lawfully authorized military adviser to whom
all other heads of departments and bureaus should report, and
through whom the Secretary of War should be constantly kept
advised and informed ; that it should be the duty of this officer, aided
by the General Staff Corps created by the act, so to advise himself
of all operations of the military departments and bureaus of the War
Department as to inform the judgment of the Secretary upon any
question submitted for his decision, and by correlating, coordinating,
and supervising the judgments of the various heads of bureaus and
subdepartments be able to prevent a civilian Secretary of War from
inadvertent error, due either to a lack of familiarity with military
matters or to the vast pressure of business of many and diverse
characters which too far absorb the time of the Secretary of War
to permit him, personally, to undertake the detailed study necessary
in each case.
It was out of this atmosphere and with this intention that the act
of February, 1903, was passed, and the language adopted to meet
this situation seems most apt and adequate. I quote from the
statute :
There is hereby established a General Staff CJorps, to be composed of officers
detailed from the Army at large under such rules as may be prescribed by the
President.
76 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
Sec. 2. That the dutie? of the General Staff CJorps shall be to prepare plans
for the national defense and for the mobilization of the military forces In time
of war; to investigate and report upon all questions affecting the efficiency of
the Army and Its state of preparation for military operations; to render pro-
fessional aid and assistance to the Secretary of War and to general officers and
other superior commanders, and to act as their agents In informing and coor-
dinating the action of all the different officers who are subject under the terms
of this act to the supervision of the Chief of Staff; and to perform such other
military duties not otherwise assignel by law as may be from time to time
prescribed by the President.
* • 4* * « * •
Sec. 4. That the Chief of Staff, under the direction of the President or of
the Secretary of War, under the direction of the President, shall have super-
vision of all troops of the line and of The Adjutant General's, Inspector Gen-
eral's, Judge Advocate's, Quartermaster's, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, and Ord-
nance Departments, the Corps of Engineers, and the Signal Corps, and shall
perform such other military duties not otherwise assigned by law as may be
assigned to him by the President. Duties now prescribed by statute for the
Commanding General of the Army as a member of the Board of Ordnance and
Fortification and of the Board of Commissioners of the Soldiers' Home shall
be performed by the Chief of Staff or other officer designated by the President
If this act means anything, it means that in large and general
terms the Chief of Staff thereby authorized has supervision of the
corps, bureaus, and departments therein enumerated, and the large
and generous terms employed indicate the plain intention of Con-
gress to empower the Chief of Staff to stand in the relation of mili-
tary aide and adviser to the Secretary of War, and, acting in his
name, so to direct the activities of the heads of bureaus and sub-
departments as to coordinate and harmonize their activities.
If the large and general purpose outlined in the foregoing para-
graph has been changed by the language of section 5 of the National
Defense Act, that change must result from these words :
All officers detailed in said corps shall be exclusively employed * • • on
other duties, not of ah administrative nature,
or from these words in the proviso:
and they shall not be permitted to assume or engage in work of an adralala-
tratlve nature that pertains to established bureaus or offices of the War De-
partment, or that, being assumed or engaged In by members of the General
Staff Corps, would Involve impairment of the responsibility or initiative of
such bureaus or offices or would cause injurious or unnecessary duplication
of or delay in the work thereof.
The weighty part of this language apparently is the prohibition
upon members of the General Staff from performing duties of an
administrative nature, and we are called upon, therefore, to deter-
mine what was meant by the words " administrative duties '^ in this
act.
At the outset it would seem obvious that no such glancing blow
as this could have been intended as an implied repeal of the whole
BEPOBT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 77
fundamental theory of the reorganization act whereby the General
Staff was created. It is fair to assume that Congress did not intend
to inaugurate a race for power among bureau chiefs or to erect the
bureaus of the War Department into a system of coordinated impedi-
ments to one another. It must not be forgotten that the Armv is a
whole— divided, for the purposes of administration, into many parts—
but each action by any of the parts must be consistent with the
healthy action of the whole. A realization of this was the moving
cause to the creation of the General Staff; and if the Congress had
come to believe that its effort to correct the evils sought to be re-
dressed by the creation of the General Staff was a failure and that
no such supervision and coordination as was then aimed at had
resulted from the General Staff when created, and so believing had
desired to abandon that experiment, it would not have been done by
this tentative, obscure, and admonitory sentence. In other words, an
evil of large proportions and menacing character had presented itself
in 1903. Congress erected a new system to deal with that evil. If
the system has failed and Congress is disillusioned with it as an
experiment, the whole structure will be swept aside and some new
corrective of the old evils attempted. But it is quite inconceivable
that the Congress in any such frame of mind would merely paralyze
without removing the corrective agency it had created and provide
no substitute for it — restoring the old system with all of its evils and
the added encumbrance of a paralyzed and inoperative machine
originally designed as a corrective.
I have read the extremely able arguments which have been pre-
pared for my consideration on this subject by the Judge Advocate
General and others. To the extent that I am now disagreeing with
the view therein expressed, it seems to me that my disagreement is
rather one of assumptions than of logic. If it be assumed that a lot
of promiscuous interferences, duplications, and losses of time had
grown up in the operation of the General Staff system, then the
language adopted by Congress would seem to be an admonition to
the Secretary of War to correct those difficulties; and, to the Chief
of the General Staff, recalling to his attention the primary purposes
for which the (Jeneral Staff was created, in order to prevent a prac-
tice growing up which woidd involve the operations of the General
Staff in masses of detail, and so far absorb its mind as to leave no
leisure for the consideration of general-policy questions, which are,
of course, of great moment to be considered. It seems to me that the
Judge Advocate General does assume that the Congress had in mind
the existence of those duplications, interferences, and losses of time,
and that therefore the Congress by the use of the word " administra-
tive " must have intended to provide a rule which would exclude the
General Staff practically from every other concern except the con-
78 REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
sidenition of large-policy questions. I admit that where an evil
exists and a legislative enactment is addressed to it, the rule of in-
terpretation seeks to expand the proposed remedy to accomplish the
purpose for which it was designed. But the Congress had before it
no catalogue of evils. No complaints were made to the Congress by
the Secretary of War — who ?[>eaks with authority for the War De-
partment — that he found himself unable to secure an adequate con-
sideration of major policy problems from the General Staff because
Congress had imposed conflicting duties upon the General Staff.
Individual officers of the Army may have undertaken to express their
opinions to Members of the Congress about the exercise of the coordi-
nating functions of the General Staff. But all such opinions are nec-
essarily partisan and partial, so that we must limit our assumption
to the facts, and in so doing we find no system of facts adequate as
a predicate for action by Congress which would destroy the power of
the General Staff, bind the Secretary of War to rely upon the uncoor-
dinated advice of individual bureau chiefs, and while giving the Chief
of the General Staff the duty of coordinating the functions of the
military bureaus of the department at the same time prohibit that
degree of supervision over the affairs of those bureaus which in his
judgment is necessary to equip him with qualifying information:
As a matter of fact, the word " administrative" is one of extremely
doubtful import. Legally it perhaps means, when applied to duties,
such duties as involve no exercise of discretion. That is to say, if
an officer is directed by statute to pay a dollar a day to each of 10
persons, no discretion is involved in his payments — his duty is adminis-
trative. If such an officer is authorized to pay a dollar a day to so many
of a group of 10 persons as shall have lived up to a certain standard
of performance in duties assigned them day by day, then the dis-
cretion of determining the merit of applicants for the pay is non-
administrative, because a discretionary duty. I doubt very much,
however, whether this word was used in any such technical sense.
The rule of construction in such cases is that unless there is some-
thing in the context to determine that a technical meaning is attached
to a term, it will be assumed to be used in the plain, ordinary, and
popular meaning of the word. Now, the plain, ordinary, and popu-
lar meaning of this tenn in this context obviously is that the Chief
of the General Staff and the members of the General Staff Corps
shall not administer the offices of the bureau chiefs. That is to say,
that the Chief of the General Staff shall give no order to a subordinate
of the Chief of Ordnance or The Adjutant General, for that would
be the administration of that department, and such administration
must proceed from the head of the department. Indeed, it seems to
me entirely likely that the statute under examination provides its
own definition of the meaning of the word " administrative," for it
BEPOBT OF THE 8ECRETABY OP WAB. 79
says, in effect, that these administrative duties are such as those which
pertain —
to established bureaus or offices of the War Department, or that, being assumed
or engaged In by members of the General Staff Corps, would Involve Impairment
of the responsibility or Initiative of such bureaus or offices, or would cause
injurious or unnecessary duplicntion of or delay In the work thereof.
These words last quoted supply all the guide necessary for a work-
ing definition of the word " administrative," and they enumerate the
kind of acts which the Congress does not intend the General Staff
to undertake. They are exactly the kind of acts which the original
act creating the General Staff did not intend to assign to the General
Staff. Secretary Root said the proposed duties are not administra-
tive, are not executive, but are correlating, informing, supervising.
So that we in effect have in this latest legislative expression a reitera-
tion of the intentions of the Congress in the earlier act as defined and
explained by the authority of the act and the policy which it em-
bodied.
It seems to me, therefore, entirely clear that the structure erected
by the act of 1903 remains as then created, except for the explicit
modifications provided in the act of 1916 and not affecting the cur-
rent of this argument ; that the Chief of the General Staff is charged
with the supervision of the various departments, bureaus, and offices
of the War Department for the purpose of coordinating their activi-
ties and for the purpose of so informing the judgment of the Secre-
tary of War that he may not, by inadvertence or unfamiliarity with
military practice, take action which would be prejudicial to har-
monious results in the military service. Finding the intention of the
act to be as here set forth, it is my opinion that the Chief of the
General Staff is the primary adviser of the Secretary of War in all
matters having to do with the Military Establishment; that in order
properly to inform himself, the Chief of the General Staff must know
of the proceedings in the various bureaus, departments, and offices;
that, to as large an extent as possible, the action of these bureaus,
departments, and offices should be regulated by large policies laid
down by the Secretary of War, the carrying out of which would
involve merely administrative activity; but that in order to make
sure that these policies are not being departed from or ought not to
be changed, in order properly to harmonize the relations of several
bureaus, it is not only appropriate but necessary for the Chief of the
General Staff to pursue, with as great detail as his judgment dictates,
the execution of these policies through the several bureaus.
It is easy to imagine a case in which the chief of a bureau or
an officer would feel that some policy provided by the Chief of
Staff in an effort to coordinate the work of several bureaus un-
duly restrained his activities, and that such a bureau chief would
80 REPORT OP THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
desire to argue personally for his point of view before the Sec-
retary of War. In any such cases the Chief of Staff should se-
cure a hearing for the bureau chief before the Secretary, and I
have no doubt that any Chief of Staff or any Secretary of War
would be very zealous to see that opinions earnestly entertained by
officers were considered thoroughly, for, after all, we are all of us
common servants with a common purpose in a common cause, and
our zeal for particular branches of that service is merely a speciali-
zation of our zeal for the welfare and success of the larger whole
which includes it. A recognition of this fact produced the spirit
which Secretary Root referred to with so much pleasure immedi-
ately after the creation of the General Staff, in which slight irri-
tations, due to the unaccustomed machinery, easily gave way and
harmonious relations arose. This fine spirit for the public service
is no less present now and will work as excellent results.
The policy of the War Department, therefore, will remain as
heretofore; the Chief of Staff, speaking in the name of the Sec-
retary of War, will coordinate and supervise the various bureaus,
offices, and departments of the War Department; he will advise
the Secretary of War; he will inform himself in as great detail as
in his judgment seems necessary to qualify him adequately to
advise the Secretary of War. Should any regulations or orders
be necessary to place the determination herein made in proper
form, the Chief of the General Staff will prepare them for my
signature.
Newton D. Baker.
July 24, 1916.
From : The Office of the Judge Advocate General.
I'o : The Chief of Staff.
Subject : The lawful duties of the General Staff Corps.
1. The question of the duties of this corps with reference to their
relation to the duties of the several bureaus of the department
iloubtless presents perhaps less difficulty in its legal than in its prac-
tical solution. Practical delimination of adjacent jurisdiction lying
within a single field of executive authority, definition of the jurisdic-
tional boundary between the functions of the General Staff upon
the one hand and each of the several established administrative
bureaus of the War Department upon the other, must, from the
very nature of the subject, involve some doubt and difficulty. Fortu-
nately, at the threshold the statute establishes a guiding rule, which,
BEPOBT OP THE 8FCBETABY OF WAB. 81
though a rule of legal construction, is at the same time a practical
guide for the government of superior authority, who should be
mindful to apply it in every doubtful case. The recent statute estab-
lishing and defining for the second time the duties of the Greneral
Staff Corps is, like the antecedent and original act of 1903, organic
in nature, and, in addition, is remedial and corrective in its purpose.
It gives clearest evidence of the conviction of Congress that the
General Staff has heretofore been employed not altogether on its own
proper duties, but has been diverted from them, leaving them to
some extent unperformed, and has invaded and interfered with the
long-established jurisdiction of the several bureaus of the depart-
ment, to the consequent impairment of such bureau administration
and to the detriment of general military eflSciency. The primary
purpose of the legislation was clearly to correct what was deemed to
be a departure from established organic functions, to reestablish
such functions, and to prevent future encroachments. Being correc-
tive primarily, the statute must be construed so as fully to effect its
remedial purpose. In so far as the statute invests officers of the
(jeneral Staff with powers and duties in an independent field of mili-
tary activity, it should be liberally construed; but whenever their
powers and duties lie close to, or become such as may impinge upon,
or affect those of an established bureau, the opposite rule of inter-
pretation must be the one to govern. The statute must be so con-
strued, and it ought to be so executed.
2. The duties must be found in the meaning of the language of the
statute measured by that rule. The recent statute (section 5,National-
Defense Act) has to be read in comparison with section 2 of the
original act of 1903 (32 Stat., 831). Both sections contain an enu-
meration of General Staff duties, and the later organic expression is
connected with the former by a general reference to some of the
general duties prescribed in the former act. The enumeration of
duties in the recent act is impressively qualified by limitations and
prohibitions contained in the same section, which serve to give an
accuracy of definition to the enumeration which the old act never had.
Said section 5 provides that —
All officers detaUed in said corps shall be exclusively employed [serializatioii
mine] —
(a) In the study of mUitary problems.
(&) The preparation of plans for the national defense and the utilization of
military forces in time of war.
(c) In investigating and reporting upon the efficiency and state of prepared-
ness of such forces for service in peace or war.
(d) Or on appropriate General Staff duties in connection with troops, includ-
ing the National Guard.
(e) Or as military attach^ In foreign countries.
(/) Or on other duties, not of an administrative nature, on which they can
be lawfully and properly employed.
e0176*— WAB 1916— VOL 1 6
82 EEPOET OF THE SEOBETABY OF WAIL
All the above classes of duties are described with sufficient definite-
ness except the concluding one. What are the other duties " on which
they can be lawfully and properly employed"? Omitting for the
moment all consideration of the limitations upon the quality and
character of the duties thus enumerated, these other unspecified duties
are to be found by reference to the enumeration of duties in section 2
of the original act. The duties enumerated in said section 2 and not
brought forward and specifically enumerated in the recent section 5
and to which therefore the general provision of the later section
makes reference, will be found to be these :
iff) To render professional aid and assistance to the Secretary of War and
to general officers and other superior commanders, and to act as their agents in
Informing and coordinating the action of all the dllTerent officers who are subject
under the terms of this act to the supervision of the Chief of Staff ;
(///) And to perform such other military duties not otherwise assigned by
law as may be from time to time prescril)ed by the President.
This enumeration, then, completed by expressing what section 5
adopts by relation out of the original act, is a full enumeration of
General Staff duties except as to a few detached instances not affect-
ing this question and therefore not here considered. But the duties
thus enumerated are substantially modified and qualified by the ex-
press limitation and prohibition found in the section prescribing the
General Staff duties. Those qualifications are to the effect —
(1) That General Staff duties must not be of an administrative
character.
(2) Specifically, they must not consist of work of an administra-
tive nature pertaining to established bureaus or offices of the
department.
(3) They must be general in character.
(4) If they are not specifically enumerated, they must be of the
same general nature of those that are enumerated.
(5) They must be such as are not assigned by law, custom, or
regulation to other bureaus and officers.
(6) They must not be such as would, if performed by the General
Staff, involve impairment of responsibility or initiative of such
bureaus or offices or cause injurious or unnecessary duplication or
delay in the work itself.
Bestating, then, the duties of the General Staff, for the purpose of
clarity, they may be said to consist specifically —
(1) In the study of military problems.
(2) In the preparation of plans for the national defense and the
utilization of the military forces in time of war.
(8) In the investigating and reporting upon the efficiency and
state of preparedness of such forces for service in peace or war.
(4) Appropriate General Staff duties in connection with troops^
including the National Guard.
BEPOBT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 83
(5) Duty as military attache in foreign countries.
The duties thus far specifically enumerated seem to me to be essen-
tially such as lie beyond the domain of bureau administration, and,
therefore, as to them, there would seem to be little field of applica-
tion of the qualifications mentioned. If, however, those executing
this act should have a different view, they will be restrained in the
assignment and performance of those duties by these same limita-
tion; and if these specific duties can be conceived to come into con-
tact with bureau administration, then the qualifications will mark
the delimiting line.
Proceeding now, by continuing the enumeration, to those duties
which by nature are such that, if not restrained by the limitations,
might in the future, as they have done in the past, encroach upou
and invade the field of bureau administration, they are seen to be —
(6) Rendering professional aid and assistance to the Secretary
of War and to general officers and other superior commanders and
to act as their agents in supervising, coordinating, and informing
the action of the different officers who are subject under the terms
of this act to the supervision of the Chief of Staff.
(7) And to perform such other military duties not otherwise
assigned by law as may be from time to time prescribed by the
President.
Applying to these last two general classes the qualifications just
mentioned, the rule is deduced that the General Staff may not render
professional aid and assistance to the Secretary of War, to general
officers, and other superior commanders, nor act as their agents in
supervising, coordinating, and informing the action of the different
bureaus, nor perform any other duty by special assignment unless
these duties be of a nonadministrative character, not pertaining to
any established bureau or office of the War Department, general in
their nature, of the same general kind as those duties which have
been specifically enumerated, and such as if performed by the Gen-
eral Staff would not involve any impairment of the initiative or
responsibility of bureaus.
3. The meaning of these limitations and qualifications is not diffi-
cult to determine. The Gteneral Staff must not perform administra-
tive duties. The term " administrative " is not one always having a
fixed significance, but its meaning when used with reference to War
Department affairs is one which those conversant with such affairs well
understand. Those duties which by law, regulation, and established
custom are, or heretofore were, habitually performed in the several
bureaus or offices of the department, commonly known as adminis-
trative bureaus or offices, or at the various subordinate headquarters
in the same administrative field under the general direction and
supervision of, and with accountability to, the head of the bureau,
84 BEPOBT OF THE SECBETAEY OP WAB.
are duties of an administrative nature to which the statute refers,
administrative duties as distinguished from those which are essen-
tially and more intimately connected with military power of com-
mand. It may be remembered in passing that in addition to what
is commonly imderstood by the term "administrative duties" the
several administrative bureaus may have duties conferred upon them
by statute which by reason thereof pertain to said bureau, and these
duties may not be performed or interfered with by the General Staff
by virtue of the express provision of the statute to that effect. Of
course, the General Staff Corps is in a very real sense a superior
bureau of the War Department. It has duties of the utmost impor-
tance prescribed for it by statute. The performance of those duties
will render necessary considerable intrabureau administration. Such
administrative duties are a necessary incident of the exercise of their
own power. But beyond such administrative duties I perceive none
that that corps can perform.
Duties performed by the General Staff of whatever nature must
be general in character. So the statute expressly provides. If the
matter be of special rather than of general interest and concern ; if
it be limited rather than general in its effect ; if it be a matter falling
within and confined to the special jurisdiction of a bureau and not
reaching directly other bureaus or the Army as a whole; if it be
routine rather than of far-reaching consequence and importance; if
it deal with details and specifics rather than generalities, with par-
ticular performance rather than general policy, then it is entirely
clear that it is not a subject for General Staff consideration and
functions.
All duties performed by special assignment or otherwise must be
of the same general nature as those that are specifically enumerated.
New jurisdictions and new activities may not be created for General
Staff functions except in the field of general duties of the same
nature as those by the statute specified, not of an administrative
character, not pertaining to established bureaus or offices, not descend-
ing into detail, and not such as by their nature could be beneficially
or more expeditiously performed by established bureaus or offices.
Unmistakably, whether wisely or not, Congress has sought to pre-
jserve untouched the special jurisdiction of each of the several bureaus
of the War Department. It has spared no pains in limiting the
powers and duties of the Greneral Staff to matters of policy, of
general concern, not falling within or directly affecting bureau
jurisdiction. This it does by a reiteration which could be justified
only by the apprehension that with less insistence the purpose of
Congress would not be heeded, and that purpose is sealed with n
drastic penalty. If, however, notwithstanding the effort of Congress
to delimit clearly the boundaries of adjacent jurisdiction, there should
BEPOBT OF THE SEORETABY OP WAR. 85
be by reason of the nature of the subject zones of uncertainty in which
the dividing line is obscure — a twilight zone in which, unaided, it
could not be clearly said whether the duties fall upon one side or the
other — then in such cases, as heretofore said, the statute establishes
for us a guiding rule, which is in effect that in case of doubt the
presumption is conclusive against (jeneral Staff jurisdiction.
4. It may be well to look on the affirmative side of those General
Staff duties lying adjacent to bureau administration. The General
Staff relation of rendering professional aid to the Secretary of War
and superior military commanders, and of acting as their agents in
supervising, coordinating, and informing the action of the different
officers subject to the supervision of the General Staff, becomes
limited, if not by the original act certainly by the express require-
ment of the recent statute, to matters of a nonadministrative char-
acter, not pertaining to a particular bureau, and involving only
general policies. Such a relation or capacity does not confer the
right to command or to administer an established bureau or office,
or to control its details or its methods of administration. The power
may be only generally exercised.
It is pertinent at this point to note the opinion of the committee
of the War College Division, as expressed in an accompanying memo-
randum, as follows:
It is the opinion of tlie committee tliat the organic act giving to the General
Staff " supervising, coordinating, and informing powers," vests in the Chief of
Staff the responsibility, povi^er, and authority to prescribe and dictate the
policy that will govern all bureaus of the War Department in their methods of
administration.
The General Staff passes upon such questions of policy as are referred to
It by proper authority for investigation, report, and recommendation.
The recommendation, when approved by the Chief of Staff and the Secretary
of War, becomes settled policy which then governs all bureaus concerned.
This War College opinion will not stand analysis when tested by
the law. By statute General Staff officers, including the chief, are
made special staff agents in informing, supervising, and coordinating
the action of the different bureaus, within the limitations flowing
from the original act and especially within those expressed in the
recent corrective legislation. This General Staff power is neverthe-
less but a staff power of duty, and, like all staff duty, has no inherent
strength of its own. Neither can it gather aught by representation
of superior authority that can enlarge its functions beyond the limi-
tations of the statute, but must remain confined in scope and char-
acter by the express limitations of the recent act. The General Staff
is not and can not be a source of military command. Its duties do
not involve the power of command, but they rather establish a
connection between commander and commanded, a power conduit
leading from and to the source. To inform, to supervise, to coordi-
86 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OP WAR.
nate, is not to command, not to " dictate." To hold otherwise would
deprive commanders of their inherent functions. Because of the
generality of its position, the General Staff is generally informed of
the operations that may be of general effect occurring within the
special and limited spheres of bureau action; from its general van-
tage point it oversees all such operations, and, observing any lack of
harmony in the general action of such limited authority which may
affect general military efficiency, may devise means of coordination,
and, in their capacity as professional advisors to military superiors,
may address the power of command and the discretion of superior
authority to secure such coordination. Neither the General Staff
nor any officer thereof, including its chief, can lawfully exercise
the power to dictate.
Neither can General Staff power be used to govern all bureaus
of the War Department in their methods of administration.
The power is concerned not with intradepartmental methods, but
rather with action, the result of activity — results, and what is more,
results of a general effect. General policy confined within its proper
purpose can not be concerned with mere administrative methods;
and to adopt the view announced by the War College Division would
be to permit the General Staff to control bureau administration of
every character, to depart from and neglect their own general func-
tions, and thus nullify the law and postpone the reform which Con-
gress intended to inaugurate. It is the effect of the language, and
must therefore have been the real purpose of the act, to reestablish
the relation of the several bureau chiefs as special aids and advisors
to the Secretary of War upon matters which fall within their special
jurisdiction, uninterfered with by an outside agency. As a matter
of organic law established or recognized by Congress, such from
the beginning of the Government has been the special purpose and
function of the administrative bureaus. I am well aware that
bureau chiefs have in times past gone beyond these limited func-
tions, and equally aware that in the old days of the commanding
general and in the hater days of the General Staff control chiefs of
bureau have had their jurisdiction unlawfully restricted and par-
tially absorbed by agencies having no warrant of law for their action.
Whether the establishment of such special bureau control is neces-
sary or wise is immaterial, if it can be said upon a fair considera-
tion of the statute that it is the organic system which Congress has
prescribed and which it has so recently sought to preserve ; but both
candor and intellectual integrity require me to say that I can see
nothing helpful to be achieved by subjecting the action of a bureau
chief within the sphere of his special jurisdiction to the review of
another ©fficer of the Army whose position alone upon the General
Staff is that which serves to endow him with a special knowledge
BEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAR. 87
of the subject which Congress has exclusively intrusted to a bureau
chief, and success can hardly be expected from such incongruity.
The original statute, as well as the recent one, contemplated, of
course, what ordinary intelligence must appreciate, that the admin-
istrative efforts of the several bureaus must be coordinated, and must
be supervised for that purpose. Such a coordination lies of neces-
sity beyond the power and jurisdiction of any particular bureau, and
must therefore be regulated by agencies outside of those bureaus.
But that regulation must be achieved without absorbing any of the
bureau duties, and it must be of a general kind, and have regard to
matters involving policies. The coordinating, supervising, and in-
forming powers conferred upon the General Staff must be exercised
with this principle in view.
5. Coming now to the duties of the Chief of Staff: I do not believe
that by virtue of any authority he has, either in his capacity as a
member of the General Staff Corps or as chief of said corps, he can
lawfully exercise his power so as to stand between a bureau head and
the Secretary of War himself upon matters assigned by law, regu-
lation, and custom to the administrative bureau except by laying
down general rules of policy and general rules designed to coordinate
the efforts of the various bureaus; nor is he ever justified in substi-
tuting in such matters his judgment for theirs. I know that the
practice under the law as it existed up to the passage of the National
Defense Act did not accord with this view. Whatever may have been
said in justification of that practice heretofore, in view of the unmis-
takable purpose of Congress to reestablish bureau jurisdiction ab-
sorbed by the General Staff and the Chief of Staff, as is so clearly
enunciated in the recent act, the practice ought not to be continued.
The Chief of Staff is but a member of the General Staff Corps, whose
duties are the duties of that corps, except in so far as they may be
found to be otherwise by section 4 of the original act, read in the light
of the recent act, which establishes for him a special relation to the
President and to the Secretary of War. That section is as follows :
That the Chief of Staff, under the direction of the President, or of the Secretary
of War, under the direction of the President, shall have supervision of all troops
of the line and of the Adjutant GeneraVs, Inspector General's, Judge Advocate's,
Quartermaster's, Subsistence, Medical, Pay and Ordnance Departments, Corps of
Engineers, and the Signal Corps, and shall perform such other military duties
not otherwise assigned by law as may be assigned to him by the President ♦ ♦ ♦
He is here given supervision of the line and of the staff departments.
Supervision is a word of broad meaning. It may mean a direct
control or it may mean a general power of overseeing, with a view to
regulation through a power drawn from some other source. Super-
vision does not, as a legal concept, when applied to matters military,
carry the idea of command. The abolition of the old office of com-
88 BEPOBT OF THE SECRETABY OF WAB.
manding general was to bring departmental organization more in
harmony with the constitutional precept that the Secretary of War,
as the constitutional mouthpiece of the President, was himself the
conmiander of the Army. Operating upon the same subject and for
the same purpose as does the supervisory powers of that corps, the
spervision specially conferred upon the Chief of Staff must be the
kind of supervision which is conferred upon other members of the
General Staff, who are in a sense the assistants of the Chief of Staff
in the performance of his duties, though, of course, his supervisory
power is of a much higher degree.
The supervisory power of the Chief of Staff to be exercised under
the direction of the Secretary of War is of a general kind, does not
extend to the invasion or absorption of duties of a special bureau,
but is to be exercised upon general subjects in a general manner,
seeking a general effect, with a general policy in view. It does not
relate to particular and routine performance, it does not descend to
an overseeing of minor or detailed operations. It concerns only the
higher fimctions of command and administration and must relate
to general results rather than to particular means and particular
activities. I see nothing in the statute which substitutes the Chief
of Staff for the several bureau chiefs as an aid and advisor to the
Secretary of War concerning those matters which are committed by
Congress to their special jurisdiction and control. But, on the
other hand, the statute expressly provides to the contrary. Indeed,
the organic act, notwithstanding the practice which grew up under
it, in the very section devoted to the duties of the Chief of Staff indi-
cates clearly that it was never the intention to confer upon him
powers and duties already assigned to the administrative bureaus,
for, as one of several reasons, in a general clause following an enu-
meration, it is prescribed that the Chief of Staff shall "perform
such other military duties not otherwise assigned by law as may be
assigned to him by the President." And the recent National Defense
Act represcribes with emphasis and particularity the same relation
and enjoins that hereafter it shall be observed.
I think the true view is this, that under the statute the jurisdiction
of the Chief of Staff does not absorb that of the several bureaus
nor subject their action or their views upon particular matters fall-
ing within their special jurisdiction to his review and modifying
judgment, but that his function is limited to that of general supervi-
sion, going no farther than to secure by the exercise of general power
under the direction of the Secretary of War harmonious cooperation
and successful general results. Likewise it is only in respect of such
matters and for such purposes that he is the special superior adviser
of the Secretary of War.
BEPOBT OP THE 8E0EETAEY OF WAE, 89
I am well aware that those matters which are within the exclusive
jurisdiction of the bureau chiefs must usually, in their finality,
require executive action, and that it would be absurd to hold that
the Secretary of War or the Assistant Secretary must personally
dictate or prescribe that action in the myriad of matters. To my
mind, this gives rise to no difficulty. Certainly it ought not to be
urged to enlarge the duties of the Chief of Staff by requiring him,
unlawfully, I think, to act ministerially and without discretion in
numerous matters to the neglect of his own higher functions. If
the matters are minor matters of routine or if they are minor matters
subject to government by an established general policy which has
already been established for their government, it would be unwise
administration to require the discretion of the Secretary of War to
be addressed in the execution of such details, and in such matters only
his order evidenced ministerially by the signature of The Adjutant
General or other appropriate bureau chief is needed to give formal
authenticity to his action. If the subject be of more than routine
importance and yet not of general effect nor involving general policy,
such an exceptional case is to be considered by the head of the de-
partment upon the advice of the bureau chief. In all matters falling
within the special jurisdiction of the several bureaus, Congress has
said in effect that the views of the particular bureau chiefs shall
govern the Secretary so far as his own judgment is to be advised;
and if the Secretary of War respects not the advice of his lawful
advisers but subjects it to extra-legal review, he to that extent dis-
penses with the statute and the lawful medium of control, and more-
over destroys the distribution of departmental organic powers or-
dained by law.
E. H. Crowder,
Judge Advocate General.
Appendix B (Tables 1 to 5).
Table 1.
BXPBNDITUBBS, APPBOPBIATIOITS, AND BSTIICATES.
Expendilwres for the hut fiscal year (1916), the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year {1917), and the estimates for the next fiscal year (1918).
Gooeral object.
Civil Estabusoment.
wab depabthemt pbopeb.
Salftrios
Ccmtingeiit expenses. War Department
Stationery, war Department
Postage to postal -union countries, War
Department
Rent of buildings , War Department
salaries and contingent expenses imder
superintendent public buildings and
grounds
Total, War Department proper.
Civic Pttbuc Wobks and Miscellaneous
(Exclusive of Rivers and Habbors).
HIUTABT parks, ETC.
Secretary's ofRce:
ChicVamanga and Chattanooga National
Park
Shiloh National M ilitary Park
Gettysburg National Park
Vicksburg National Military Park
National Memorial Celebration and
Peace Jubilee, Vicksburg, Miss
Engineer Department:
improvement Jf Yellowstone Naticnal
Park
Improvement of Crater Lake National
Park
Expenditures
Cor the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
11,734.131.14
44.326.98 j
20,866.33 I
150.00
0,700.00
82,62L72
Appropria-
tions for the
fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
Total
I repayment of funds heretofore re-
ported as e xpcnded
Total, military parks, etc
BUILDmCS AND GROUNDS tN AND AROUND
WASHINGTON.
Engineer Department:
Improvement and care of public
grounds, Dlstri*^ of Columbia
Improvement and care of public grounds
Repairs, fuel, etc.. Executive ^fansion. .
Li^ting.ctc, Executive Mansion, etc..
Lighting public grounds, Distri(t of
Columbia
Telegraph to connect the ( apitol with
the departments and Government
Printing OfS'^e
Care and maintenance of Washington
Monument
Repairs tu building where Abraham
Littf oUi died
Improvemenu«<. birthplace of Washing-
ton, Wakefield, Va
Erection of monuments, etc
Total, buildings and grounds in and
around Wasidngton
12,076.670.00 11.074.043.33
59,700.00 I 45.000.00
32,000.00
25a 00
39,700.00
94,666.00
20,000.00
250.00
24,700.00
90.808.00
Estimates Cor
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1018.
12, 168, 49a 00
57,000.00
86,ooaoo
25a 00
12,700.00
07,173.00
1,891.796.17 2.302,985.00 2,154,89L33 2,365,613.00
64.092.76
25.874.83
39,113.66
41,523.24
55,260.00
42,189.00
42.500.00
33,000.00
194, .147. 67
4 (,916.00
292.200.00
100.000.00
55,260.00
25.800.00
42.600.00
33.000.00
150.000.00
107,200.00
50,000.00
399,868.16
193.28
565.149.00
553, 76a 00
399, 674. 88 i 565 , 149. 00 i 553, 760. 00
216.093.43
14,374.63
52,94-2.46
6,509.G7
22,218.10
499.87
13,353.21
189.13
45.475.00
421,050.00
19,400.00
57.000.00
8. GOO. 00
26, 12a 00
600.00
13, 82a 00
200.00
100.00
371,654.39
546,790.00
279.660.00
14.400.00
53.000.00
8,600.00
26,120.00
500.00
13, 82a 00
200.00
100.00
55,2eaoo
38.834 00
42,500 00
83,000.00
191,25a 00
75,ooaoo
435,844.00
435,844.00
440, 55a 00
19,400.00
117,000 -00
8,600.00
26,120.00
500.00
13,820.00
200.00
100.00
396,290.00
626,290.00
91
92
BEFOBT OF THE 8ECBETABY 0? WAB.
Expenditures for the last fiscal year (1916) ^ the estimates and appropriations for the present
fi,soal year {1917), cmd the estimates for the next fiscal year {1918) — Continued.
Qeneral object.
Civic Public Works and Miscellaneous
(EXCLUSIVB OF RiVEBS AND HaBBOHS)—
Continaed.
NATIONAL CEMETBBIES.
Qoartermaster Corps:
National cemeteries
Pay of superintendents of national cem-
eteries
Headstones for graves of soldiers
Repairing roads to national cemeteries.
Burial of indigent soldiers
Antietam battle field preservation
Disposition of remains of officers, sol-
diers, and civil employees
Confederate mound, Oakwood Ceme-
tery. Chicago, III
Burial of indigent patients, Army and
Navy Hospital, Hot Springs, Ark
Monuments or tablets in Cuba and
China
Marking graves of Confederate soldiers
and sailors who died in northern
prisons
Can. etc., of Confederate burial plats.
Confederate Stockade Cemetery, John-
ston's Island, Sandusky Bay, Ohio...
Burial sites, ureen Lawn Cemetery,
Columbus, Ohio
Reinterment of remains of Orman K.
Osborne in National Cemetery, San
Francisco, Cal ,
Lodge, national cemetery, Salisbury,
N. C
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
Total national cemeteries.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Adjutant General's Department:
Collecting military records of Revolu-
tionary W ar
Quartermaster Corps:
Arrears of i)ay, bounty, etc. (certified
claims)
Pay, etc., of the Army, War with Spain
(certified claims)
Building Government exhibit. Panama-
Pacific International Exposition, San
Francisco, Ca.1
Transporting and caring for Interned
Mexican soldiers and militarv refugees
Transportation for refugee American
citizens from Mexico
Medical Department:
Artificial limbs
Appliance for disabled soldiers
Trusses for disabled soldiers
Engineer Department:
Survey of northern and northwestern
lakes
Expenses, California Ddbris C^ommis-
slon
Prevention of deposits, harbor of New
York :
Raising of U. S. B. Maine, harbor of
Habana, Cuba
Permanent International Conunisslon
of Congresses of Navigation
Bridge across Potomac Kivor at George-
town, D. C
MRlntenance and repairs of Aqueduct
Bridge, D. C
Bridge across Republican River, Fort
Riley, Kans
|120,55L19
62,401.17
42,758.54
11,275.06
1,820.65
4,37L91
46,827.70
260.00
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
699.46
7,006.39
645.38
250.00
5.46
3,806.75
2,065.88
82,113.21
450.85
74,9?6.9:i
8:9. 15
1,391.33
122,233.61
14,987.05
84,418.85
1,55a 33
1,791.30
1,000.00
$120,000.00
63,120.00
50,000.00
12,000.00
2,000.00
4,500.00
307,50a00
500.00
200.00
1,000.00
1,250.00
250. OG
1,979.60
297,857.45 664,299.60
Appropria-
tions for the
fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
25,907.15 I • 50,000.00
2,0C0.00
65,r-cn.oo
1,000.00
2,500.00
150,000.00
15,000.00
167.760.00
$120,000.00
63,120.00
50,ooaoo
12,000.00
2,000.00
4,500.00
107,500.00
600.00
200.00
1,000.00
1,250.00
250.00
200.00
l.-'iOO.OO
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
soTTois.
364,OiX).O0
50,000.00
2,000.00
65,000.00
1,000.00
2,500.00
125,000.00
15,000.00
160,260.00
250,00a00
25,000.00
so.ooaoo
$150,000.00
63,120.00
5O,O00LOO
12,000.00
2,000.00
4,500lOO
67,500.00
fiOOiQO
200.00
i,ooaoo
1,25a 00
2S0.00
352,320.00
25,ooaoo
1. oca 00
210,000.00
1,000.00
2,000.00
150,000.00
i8,ooaoo
100, oca 00
500,00a 00
BEPOBT OF THE 8ECBETABY OF WAB.
93
Sxpenditures/or the last fiscal year (1916), the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year (1917), and the estimates /or the next fiscal year (iPi^)— Continued.
General object.
Omc ruBuc Works and Miscellaneous
rExcLUsrv'E or Rtvx&s and Habbobs)—
Continued.
MiscsLLANBOua— contlnaed.
Engineer Dopartmont— Continued.
Meeting of Permanent International
Association of Navigation Congresses
in United States
Board of Managers, National Home for Di»>
abled Volunteer Soldiers:
National Home for Disabled Volunteer
Sold iers
State or Territorial homes for disabled
soldiers and sailors
Miscellaneous relief acts, etc
Total
Less repayment of funds horetofioi« reported
as expended
Total miscellaneous.
Total Civil Establishment
MaiTABT E8TABLI8H1CSNT.
8UPPOBT Oy THE A&MT.
Becretary's office:
Contingencies of the Army
Construction and maintenance of mili-
tary and post roads, tnldges, and
trails, A lasica
OlBoe of the Chief of Staff:
Army War College
Contingencies, military inliormation
section. General Staff Corps
Expenses of military observers abroad. .
Umted States service schools
Belief of Matthew E. Hanna, late cap>
tain, Tenth Cavalry. U.S. Army
Belief of Maj. Powell C. Fauntleroy,
Medical CorpSi U.S.Army
Belief of Lieut. CoL Geo. O. Squire,
Signal Corps. U. S. Army
Belief of Lieut. Sherman Mfles, Field
Artillery, U. S. Army
The Adjutant General's Department:
Contingencies, headquarters of military
departments
Chief of Coast Artillery:
Coast Artillery School, Fort Monroe, Va.
Chief Signal Officer:
Signal Service of the Army
Washington- Alaska military cable aiul
telegraph system
Annunciat<»' buxser systems at target
Expcndltmvs
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1910.
1154.87
4,205,342l81
1,100,000.00
1,067,749.89
6.880.763.42
8.85
6,880,759.67
Estimates lor
the fbral year
ending June
30, 1917.
13,901,900.00
1,125,000.00
5,480,160.00
Approprla^
tions for the
fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
13,820,900.00
1,125,000.00
548,940.28
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
3M918.
$3,905,900.00
1,070,000.00
6,220,600.28
5,991,960.00
5,480,160.00 6,220,601)28 5,991,960.00
9,841,742.46 9,460,383.60 9,689,561.61 9,772,007.00
ranees.
Signaling equipment for coast-defense
posts
Comxncrcial telephone service at Coast
Artillery posts
Expenses, commission on selection of
srte for aviation school
Quartermaster Corps:
Pay, etc., of the Army,
Eztm-duty pay to enlisted men as
derlEs, etc. at Army division and de-
partment neadquarters
Oollecting, drilling, and organising
volunteers
Supplies, services, and transportation,
Quartermaster Corps
Subsistence of the Army.
Begular supplies
Incidental expenses...
16,471.87
166,000.00
8,776.91
14,838.81
10,046.66
35,348.23
4,855.41
28,707.72
1,041,213.19
82,518.48
149.89
1,979.84
7,104.13
974.10
52,236,837.73
4,629.17
6.29
48,918,376.01
26,000.00
660,000.00
9,000.00
11,000.00
15,000.00
36,850.00
7,500.00
28,000.00
4,641,624.06
50,000.00
8,500.00
103,425,067.35
27,536,827.03
13,196,422.09
2,846,385.37
60,000.00
500,000.00
9,00000
11,00000
15,000.00
35,350.00
7,500.00
28,000.00
14,281,766.00
50,000.00
8,500.00
87,345,673.00
20,000.000.00
11,000.000.00
2,000,000.00
50,000.00
600,000.00
9,000.00
11,000.00
16,000.00
85,850.00
632.18
60L40
41.46
57.05
7,600.00
28,000.00
16,600,000.00
60,000.00
10,000.00
97,704,995.66
19,293,304.00
13,453,905.19
2,199,419.96
94
BEPOET OP THE SEOBETABY OP WAB,
Expenditures for the last fiscal year {1916)y the estimates and appropriations for (he present
fiscal year (1917), and the estimates for the next fiscal year (1918) — Continued.
Qeneral object.
MiLiTABY Establishment— Continued.
SX7PP0BT or THE ABMT— Continued.
Quartermaster Corps— Continued.
Supplies, etc.— Continued.
Transportation of tiie Army and
Its supplies
Water and sewers at military posts.
Ciotliing and camp and garrison
equipage
Horses for Cavalry, Artillery, En-
gineers, etc
Barracks and quarters
Military post exchanges
Roads, walks, wliarves, and drainage. .
Barracks and quarters, Pliilippme
Islands
Construction and repair of hospitals....
Quarters tor liospital stewards
Shooting galleries and ranges
Maintenance, Army War College
Ofhcers' quarters, remount depot,
Front Royal, Va
Claims for damages to and loss of
private property
Army storehouses, Corregidor Island,
P.I
Rent of buildinra. Quartermaster Corps.
Supply depots, rort Sam Houston, Tex.
Repairs to Duildings, etc., at Uulf ports.
Target range, Vancouver Barraclcs,
Wash
Target range, Fort Bliss, N. Mex
Purchase of land, Coronado Heights,
Cal
Sites for aviation school, Signal Corps,
Cal
Land for aviation purposes, Army
Transportation of rifle teams to national
matches
Vocational training
Council of National Defense
Filing equipment for the Army
Relief of Lieut. H. £. Mhier.
Relief of MaJ. H. E. Ely
Relief of Lieut. Sloan Doak
Relief of Lieut. J. A. Barry
Relief of Lieut. Waldo C. Potter
Relief of St. Francis Hospital, Newport
News, Va. (medical services rendered
George Vay)
Relief of Lieut. J. F. Taulbee
Relief of Acting Dental Surg. Frank C.
Cady
Relief of Lieut. Joseidi T. Clement
Relief of Leland Stanford Junior
University
Relief of Pay Clerk H. O. Foster
Relief of Pay Clerk S.R. Beard
Relief of Pay Clerk Hastie A. Stewart
Relief of Lieut. Col. Frederick T.
Reynolds, Medical Corps, U. S.
Army
Relief of Capt. Leartus J. Owen, Medi-
cal Corps, U. S. Army
Relief of^Capt. Adam E. Schlaniser,
Medical Corps, U. 8. Army
Relief of Capt. Jay D. Whitman, Medi-
cal Corps, U. S. Army
Relief of Capt. £. D. Kremers, Medi-
cal Corps, U. 8. Army
Relief of Capt. L. B. McAflee, Me<ll;al
C<»rps. U. 8. Array
Relief of Lieut. O. D. Graham, Mixiioal
Corpi, U. 8. Army y.
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
I
132,
2,
$2,014,929.93
1,987,030.61
74,423.61
550,473.64
406,170.06
390,629.62
11,966.01
41,140.58
10,060.11
3,444.10
545.50
86.65
31,700.96
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
149,92L85
607,987.05
24,406,740.20
1,
3,
1,
636,465.00
985,872.76
40,000.00
146,000.00
513,98L00
490,000.00
13,750.00
87,620.00
10,700.00
5,000.00
42,740.10
100,000.00
300,000.00
Appropria-
tions for th&
fiscal year
ending June
20, 1917.
$23,000,000.00
4,000,000.00
20,280,000.00
2,500,000.00
3,146,000.00
48,592.00
860,534.00
790,000.00
409,963.00
14,043.00
49,000.00
10,700.00
5,000.00
42,039.10
750,000.00
50,000.00
100,000.00
35,120.00
Estimates lor
the fiscal year
ending June
30,1918.
$16,373,780.00
3,027,964.00
17,393,233.00
433, 4001 00
7,416,767.57
75,445.00
748,33L76
73o,ooaoo
1,250,767.00
70,560.00
45,ooaoo
io,7oaoo
160.00
200.00
150.00
135.00
375.00
103.90
200.00
127.61
50.00
450.01
350.48
108. Sr»
182.40
323.90
191.67
278.00
86.80
340.00
293.00
301.20
300,000.00
300,000.00
00,000.00 I.
•J66,'uu6.6o"t
I
5,000.00
42.225.10
200.000.00
200,()(».00
45,000.00
1
i:::::::::::::*"
*******
"'•••••••••• ••*.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR,
95
Expenditures for the last fiscal year (1916), the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year (1917), cmd the estirtxates for the next fiscal year (1918) — Continued.
General object.
KnjTART EsTABLiSHMKNT— Ckmtinued.
SX7PP0RT Oy TBI ABMT-HX>ntinued.
Quartermaster Corps— Omtiniied.
Payment for rent of buildings, Philip>
pine Islands
Reimbursement to Actbig Dental Surg.
Wm. A. Squlree
Ifedical Department:
Medical and hospital department
Army Medical Museum and Library
Hospital care, Canal Zone garrisons
Replacing medical supplies
Bureau of Insular Affairs:
t are of insane Filipino soldiers ,
Care of insane soldiers, Porto Hico Reg-
iment of Infantry ,
Eoginoer Department:
Engineer depots ,
Engineer Scnool, Washington, D. C...
Engineer equipment of troops
Civilian assistants to engineer ofTicers...
Contingencies, engineer department,
Philippine Islands ,
Building, Engineer School, Washing-
ton, D.C
Engineer operations in the field
Military surveys and maps ,
Ordnance Department:
Ordnance service ,
Ordnance stwes, ammunition
Small-arms target practice
Manufocture of arms
Ordnance stores and supplies
National trophy and medals for rifle
contests
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
Automatic rifles (machine)
Replacing ordnance and ordnonco^ores.
Armored motor cars
Board to investigate Government man-
ufacture of arms
Total ,
Less repajrment of funds heretofore reported
as expended
Total suppOTt of the Army (including
pay of reserve corps and National
Guard)
RESEBYE CORPS.
Quartermaster supplies, equipment, etc.,
for reserve officers training corps ,
Ordnance stores, equipment, etc., for re-
serve oflBcers training corps ,
Quartermaster supplies, equipment, etc.,
for the enlisted reserve corps
fill^ial equipment for the enlisted reserve
corps ,
Total reserve ocHrps
IflUTART ACADKMT.
Pay of Military Academy ,
Current and ordinary expenses ,
MisceUaneous items and incidental expenses .
Buildings and grounds
Total Military Academy
$745,450.10
12,582.59
60,028.«7
3,948.73
804.60
25,025.88
25,029.04
56,803.36
39,994.36
4,600.00
330,668.64
112,096.26
608,295.70
272,806.14
981,890.48
10,223.65
35,336.54
124,7&4.26
46,491.28
106,597,266.10
39,096.88
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
11,722.42
290.79
8,164,105.95
15,000.00
45,000.00
1,500.00
300.00
27,500.00
25, 000. no
660,000.00
75,000.00
4,000.00
375,000.00
3,383,000.00
1,515,000.00
1,012,560.46
4,757,500.00
10,000.00
1,400,000.00
150,000.00
12,000.00
Appropria-
tions for the
fiscal year
ending June
30, 1017.
$4,500,000.00
15,000.00
45,000.00
1,500.00
300.00
27,500.00
31,000.00
1,000,000.00
75,000.00
4,000.00
9,000.00
100,000.00
475,000.00
10,000,000.00
3,000,000.00
5,000,000.00
9,500,000.00
10,000.00
6,000,000.00
500,000.00
241,651,409.25 232,586,080.10
106,558,169.22 241,651,409.25 232,580,080.10
758,315.60
136,872.79
50,612.81
80,017.99
1,034,819.10
887,902.62
156,029.20
56,590.00
364,266.65
1,464,788.47
880,369.62
150,330.00
67,740.00
118,603.95
1,225,043.57
Estimates Cor
the fiscal year
ending June
3M918.
$l,494,00a00
15,000.00
45,000.00
1,500.00
300.00
35,000.00
30,000.00
1,174,000.00
75,000.00
4,000.00
202,50a00
300,000.00
200,000.00
425,000.00
12,970,000.00
2,500,000.00
6,805,000.00
14,315,000.00
10,000.00
2,085,00a00
1,508,000.00
242,421,361.22
242,421,361.23
4,385, OOa 00
550,000.00
267,650.00
500,000.00
5,702,650.00
1,024,304.70
172,745.00
97,250.00
764,373.60
2,058,673.30
96
BEPOBT OF THE SECBETABY OF WAB.
Expenditures for the last fiscal year (1916), the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year (1917), and the atimates for the next fiscal year (iPi*)— Continued.
General object.
MajTART Establishment— Continued.
MIUTIA.
Encampment and maneuvers, Organized
MUitia
Equipment of Coast Artillery armories,
Organized MiUtia
Field Artillery for Organized Militia
Ammunition for Field Artillery, Organized
Militia
Exchanging at Issuing new pistols, ammu-
nition, etc.. Organized Miutia
Care of horses and material, Field Artillery,
Organized Militia
Ranges for Field Artillery target practice...
Subsistence, etc., oflflcers and enlisted men
of Organized Militia attending service
schools
Total militia
NAUONAL OUABD.
Aiming, egufppfaig, and training the
National Guard-.
Anns, unifcHins, equipment, etc., tor field
service, National Qnard
Ranges for Field Artillery target practice.
National Guard
Supplying and exchaziging Inftmtry equip-
ment. National Guard
Automatic rifles for National Guard
Field Artillery for National Guard
Ammunition for Field Artillery for National
Guard
Total National Guard.
CrnUAN MIUTAKT TRADnNO.
Cfyflian military tralniiig camps
Military training camp, Fort Douglas, Utah.
Rifle ranges for civilian instruction
Quartermaster supplies, etc.. for military
equipment of schools and ouleges
Ordnance supplies, etc.. for military equip-
ment of schools and ooUeges .
Total civilian military training.
rOBTinCAlIONS AND OTHSB WOSU OF
DKTENSK.
Engineer Department:
Gun and mortar batteries
Electrical installations atseaooastforti-
flcatloos
Sites for forUflcatlons and seaooast de-
frases
Bearohlights for harbor defenses
Preservati(Hi and repair of fortlflcaticms .
Repair and protection of defenses of
Pensacola, Via
Plans for fortiftcations
Supplies for seaooast dcfienses
Seawalls and embankments
Preservation and repair of torpedo
gtructures
Casemates, gaUeries, etc., for iobmarlna
mines,
Fortificatioos in Insular possesskxB
Sea wall, Sandy Hook, N. J
Repair and restoration of defenses of
Galveston, Tex
Roads, trails, water, and sewer systems,
ete
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
$389,481.31
18, 197. 47
1,702,674.88
2,059,633.54
6,408.25
94,177.97
4,269,573.42
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending Jime
30, 1917.
$1,390,000.00
380,000.00
200,000.00
30,000.00
5,000,000.00
1,200,000.00
1,200,000.00
Appropria-
tions for the
fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
$200,000.00
200,000.80
1,985,450.00
2,000,000.00
300,000.00
400,000.00
6,000,000.00
10,000,000.00
10,000,000.00
454,084.67
454,084.67
427,798.37
87,982.24
2.80
140,005.49
168,128.62
1,300.00
10,000.00
47,587.52
23.950.00
4,026.74
33,657.48
660,537.70
8,509.86
2,611,500.00
iio,ooaoo
1,867,000.00
226,700.00
250,000.00
25,000.00
40,000.00
254.060.00
377,000.00
303,600.00
30,685,460.00
2,000,000.00
30,000.00
300,000.00
2,330,000.00
2,378.500.00
1,400,000.00
226,700.00
250,000.00
25,000.00
40,000.00
200,000.00
370,000.00
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending JoxM
ao, 1918.
>•••••••
$12, 727, oca 00
4,576.00aOO
800,OO0lOO
6,868,000.00
10,600,000.00
10,200,000.00
45,771,00&00
8,601,000.00
"*626.'666.'o6
80,000.00
660,000.00
4,741.00a00
8,777,00aOO
uo.ooaoo
ioo,ooaoo
250,000.00
300,000.00
25.000.00
4o.ooaoo
98,000iOO
903,600.00
260,000.00
1,414,600.00
40.00QLOO
BEPOET OP THE SECBETABY OP WAE.
97
Expenditures for the last fiscal year {1916\ the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year (1917), and the estimates for the next fiscal year (1918) — Continued.
General object.
IffnjTABT EsTABUSHMENT^Continaed.
fOBTIFICATIONS AND OTHSB WOBK8 OF
DEFENSK— continued.
Chief Signal Officer:
Maintenanoe, etc., fire-control instal^-
tions at seaooast defenses
Maintenance, etc, fire-control Installa-
tions at seacoast ^fenses, insular pos-
sessions
Relief of Lieut. Col. Frank Greene, re-
tired
Ordnance Department:
Armament of fortifications
Proving ground, Sandy Hook, N. J. . .
Submarine mines
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
Fortifications in insular possessions
Submarine mines in insular possessions.
Radiodynamic torpedoes
Board oi Ordnance and Fortifications. .
Special aids and appliances for manu-
facture of arms, ammunition, etc . . . .
Chief of Coast Artillery:
Fire c(mtrol at fortifications
Fire control in insular possessions
Maintenance, Coast Artillery war tn-
strdction ,
Total fortifications and other works of
defense ,
ABSEMALS.
Ordnance Department:
Augusta Arsenal, Augusta, Ga
Benicia Arsenal, BenTcia,Cal
Frankford Arsenal, Philadelphia, Pa...
Rock Island Arsenal. Rock Island, 111..
Rock Island power plant. Rock Island,
lU \^....
Rock Island bridge, Rock Island. Ill . . .
Springfield Arsenal ^Springfield, Mass..
Picatfnnv Arsenal, Dm er,N. J
Pro ing Ground, Sandv Hook, N. J
Wat<>rtown Arsenal, Watcrtown, Mass.
Testing machine
Watervliet Arsenal, West Troy, N. Y..
Ordnance depot, Manila, P. I
Repairs of arsenals
San Antonio Arsenal
Ordnance depot. Honolulu, ^wali
Army powder factory
Sodium nitrate storage
$132,375.58
9,378.54
138.90
2,127.230.91
67,496.96
92,131.12
467,454.37
47,371.06
52,672.02
60,666.49
38,706.10
4,074.51
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
$130,000.00
;o,ooo.oo
14,628,500.00
110,000.00
690,231.00
2 019,000.00
148,850.00
947,000.00
300,000.00
4,662,184.38
Total
Jjtes repayment of funds heretofore reported
as expended ,
Total arsenals.
lOUTABT POSTS AND MISCELLANEOUS.
Qoartermaster Corps:
Military posts
Sewerage system, Port Monroe, Va
Barracks and quarters seacoast defenses.
Seacoast defenses, Philippine Islands
and Hawaii
Electric power plant, Corregidor Island,
P.I
Military prison, Fort Leavenworth,
Kans
Military post, Schofield Barracks,
Hawaii
Purchase of land, Sdiofield Barracks,
Hawaii
Enlargement and reclamation of Fort
Taylor, Key West, Fla
69176*— WAB 1916— VOL 1—
9,913.65
115,257.41
75,400.00
12^411.64
36.174.91
22,611.41
1,000.00
22,867.33
802.97
12,653.15
105,000.00
318,751.06
617,982.80
112,050.00
L 250. 00
25,779,623.80
Appropria-
tlcois fov- the
fiscal year
ending June
^7wl7.
$130,000.00
10,000.00
15,970,500.00
110,000.00
217,000.00
2,000,000.00
148,100.00
1,167,000.00
300,000.00
1,000,000.00
600,000.00
100,000.00
1,250.00
26,947,550.00
51,500.00
722,970.00
467,825.00
12,500.00
18,000.00
25,500.00
39,000.00
48,000.00
112,325.00
15,000.00
389,900.00
31,900.00
350,000.00
97,200.00
300,000.00
360.000.00
732,873.53
1,331.50
3,041,620.00
Estimates tor
the fiscal jrear
ending June
^jTois.
$150,000.00
15,000.00
45,628,000.00
125,000.00
in, 637. 50
3,202,510.00
10, 75a 00
150,000.00
500,ooaoo
608,796.21
31,537.50
750.00
56,999,481.21
51,500.00
908,470.00
982.200.00
12,500.00
18,000.00
32,600.00
85,500.00
38,000.00
799,725.00
15 000.00
803,700.00
350,000.00
92,200.00
300,000.00
500.000.00
225,000.00
5,000.00
15,700.00
708,800.00
4,292,600.00
12,500.00
20,000.00
190,000.00
180,500.00
125,000.00
144,500.00
15,000.00
196,100.00
400.000.00
130,000.00
5,214,395.00
6,435,700.00
731,542.03 3,041,620.00 5,214,395.00 6,435,700.00
187,165.01
9,045.40
17,994.37
519,259.15
21.21
24,873.83
127,650.00
14.461.00
473,860.00
139, in. 40
2,077,263.00
10,000.00
127,000.00
9,359.99
420,000.00
69,000.00
7,067,080.24
9,359.99
150,000.00
178,450.00
1,000,000.00
1,077,000.00
850,000.00
98
EEPOBT OF THE SEOBETABY OF WAB.
Expenditures for the last fiscal year (1916), the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year (1917), and the estimates for the next fiscal year {1918) — Continued.
Qeneral object.
Hklitabt Estabushhbnt— Continued.
MILITABT POSTS AND UISCBLLANEOUS—
continued.
Engineer Department:
Fort Riley Military BeeervatioD. Kans.
Buildings, Engineer School and post,
Washmgton. D. C.
Military struc^urej, PhiUppine Elands.
Enlargement of Governors Island, N. Y.
Fort Crockett Reservation, Galveston,
Tex
Sandy Hook Reservation, N. J
Miscellaneous:
Maps, War Department
Topographic maps. War Depfutment...
Purchase of filing equipment, etc
Support of dependent families of en-
listed men
Total
Lass repayment of funds heretofore reported
as expended
Total military posts and miscellane*
ous
Total Military Establishment.
mVEBS AMD HABBOBS.
Improvement of river and harbors (gen-
eral improvement)
Improvement of rivers and harbors (con-
tinuing contracts)
Relief of Lieut. CoL Mason M. Patrick, U.
8. Army
Relief of Washington C. Braydhouso
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
S38.22
16,036.75
7,900.00
6,884.60
7,750.90
795,969.34
2.64
795,966.70
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
123,000.00
60,000.00
22,000.00
97,000.00
45,000.00
3,089,411.40
3,089,411.40
118,052,254.94 281,680,937.59
Appro]Mria-
tlons for the
fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
160,000.00
7,500.00
35,000.00
2,000,000.00
3,727,859.99
EstimateeCor
the fiscal year
ending Jane
30iT918.
$10,000.00
8,841,890.21
3,727,859.99
8,841,890.28
.1
Relief of certain civilian employees of En-
rineer Department at large, U. S. Army
(dredge Comstock)
Reliefof Peter C.Grimm
Relief of crew of Government dredge C. W.
Howell
Relief of Bouncer Hebron and C^y Cald-
well
Relief of Italian bark Fenice
ReUef of Robert G. Lynn
ReUef of C. C. O'Donnell
Relief of Prank Vumlwica
Reliefof crew of U. 8. gasoline tender Perry.
Relief of Col. WUliam W. Harts, U. S.
Army
Relief of Oscar Thomson and others
Relief of the M. A. Sweeney Shipyards &
Foundry Co
Reliefofthos. J. Bye ,
Reliefer Drs. Blalr &. Blake, Dr. W. J. Max-
well, Dr. R. C. Evans, and J. B. Blalock.
ReUef of Theodore Ba^e for injuries
Relief of Mrs. Joseph Oameron, widow of
k, for injuries
Relief of United SUtes Drainage it Irriga-
Joseph Cameron, for :
gationO)
Reliefof Douglas J. Hollow
Relief of John Simpson and Zorah E. Simp-
son.
Reliefof Standard American Dredging Co.
Relief of Western Union Telegraph Co
Total liws and harbors.
31,837,13L90
I":
376,710.00
462,800.00
6.80
22.00
2,360.95
12.00
545.90
25.00
872.96
154.75
74.20
419.00
218.60
76.00
160.31
302,916,378.66 372,971,755.96
40,598,135.00
1,482,800.00
31,837,13L90
45,844,458.47
2,635.00
500.00
429.15
221.91
242.00
9,498.43
42,094,46L49
31,123,000.00
1, 005,00a 00
6.80
22.00
645.90
25. GO
872.90
154.75
74.20
419.00
218.60
160.31
20.00
100.00
3,020. 7a
50.77
32,136,063.90
BBPOBT OF THE SECBEIABT OF WAB.
99
Expenditures for the kut fiscal year (1916), the estimates and appropriations for the present
fiscal year (1917), and the estimates for the next fiscal year {1918) — Continued.
Qeneral object.
Rbcapitxtlatton.
CiTfl Establishment (War Department
proper;:
Salaries, conttngent expenses, etc. (in-
cluding Office of Public Buildings
and Grounds).
Expenditures
for the fiscal
year ended
June 30, 1916.
CiTfl public works and miscellaneous (ex-
clusive of rivers and harbors):
Military and national parks
Buildings and grounds in and around
Washmf
ington.
National cemeteries
Miscellaneous objects
National Home for Disabled Volimteer
Soldiers
Miscellaneous relief acts, etc
Total Civil Establishment.
Military Establishment:
Support of the Armv (including pay of
Keso^e Corps and National Guard). .
Reserve Corps
Military Academy
Militia
National Guard
Civilian military training
Fortifications
Arsenals
Military posts and miscellaneous
Total Military Establishment.
Blvers and harbors ,
Grand total
$1,891,796.17
399,674.88
371,654.39
297,857.45
417,666.87
5,395,342.81
1,067,749.89
9,841,742.46
106,558,169.22
1,034,819.19
4,360,573.42
4,662,184.38
731,542.03
795,966.70
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1917.
12,302,985.00
565,149.00
546,790.00
564,299.60
453, 26a 00
5,026,90a00
9,459,383.60
341,651,400.25
Approjula-
tlons for the
fiscal year
ending June
30/1917.
82,154,891.33
553,760.00
396,290.00
364,030.00
725,760.00
4,945,900.00
548,940.28
Estimates for
the fiscal year
ending June
30, 1918.
9,689,561.61
12,365,613.00
435,844.00
626,290.00
352,320.00
1,016,060.00
4,975,900.00
9,772,027.00
1,464,788.47
5,000,000.00
1,200,000.00
454,084.67
25,779,623.80
3,041,620.00
3,089,411.40
118,052,254.94 (281,680,937.59
31,837,131.90 \ 45,844,458.47
159,731,129.30 336,984,779.66
232,586,060.10
1,22.% 043. 57
200,000.00
30,685,450.00
2,330,000.00
26,947,550.00
5,214,395.00
3,727,859.99
302,916,378.66
42,094,461.49
354,700,401.76
242,421,361.22
5,702,650.00
2,058,673.30
45,771,000.00
4,741,000.00
56,999,481.21
6,435,700.00
8,841,890.23
372,971,756.96
32,136,063.96
414,879,846.92
100
REPOBT OF THE SECRETAKY OF WAB.
Expenditures/or the last fiscal year (1916)^ the estimates and appropriatumsfor (he present
fiscal year {1917), and the estimates for the next fiscal year (1918) — Continued.
RECAPITULATION.
General object.
Civil Establishment (War Department
proper):
Salaries, contingent expenses, etc. (in-
cluding Office of Public Buildings
and Grounds)
Ctvll public works and miscellaneous (ex-
clusive of rivers and harbors):
Military and national parks
Buildings and grounds in and around
Washington
National cemeteries
Miscellaneoa^ objects
National Home for Disabled Volunteer
Soldiers
Miscellaneous relief acts, etc
Military Establishment:
Support of the Army (including pay of
reserve corps and National Guard) . . .
Reserve corps
Military Academy
Militia
National Guard
Civilian military training
Fortifications
Arsenals
Military posts and miscellaneous
Rivers and harbors
Increase of
esthnates for
1918 as com-
pared with
estimates for
1917.
162,628.00
79,500.00
'562,'866.'66'
Decrease of
estimates for
1918 as com-
pared with
estimates for
1917.
$129,305.00
"'2ii,'979.'66"
51,000.00
7fifl,951.97
6,702,&50.00
593,884.83
Total...
Less decrease.
44,671,000.00
4,286,915.33
31,210,8o7.41
3,3*'4,OS0.0O
5,7.2,478.83
5,000,000.00
13,708,394.51
Net increase of estimates for 1918 as
compared with estimates for 1917.. .
96, 99 J, 7 48. 37 19, 100, 689. 1 1
10,100,089.11 I
77,895,067.26
Less decrease.
Net increase of estimates fOT 1918 as
compared with appropriations for
1917
Increase of
esthnates for
1918 as com-
pared with ap-
propriations
for 1917.
1210, 721. 67
230,000.00
290,300.00
30,000.00
9, 83.% 281. 12
5,702,6^0.00
833, 029. 73
1.5,085,,V:0.00
2,411,000 00
30,0"1,931 21
1,22I,.'W>.00
6,114,030.24
71,016,308.97
10,836,953.81
60,179,445.16
Decrease of
estimates for
1918 as oom-
pared with ftp-
propriatkms
for 1917.
$117,916.00
11,700.00
'548*946.'38
2oo,ooaoo
9,9.i8,.3P7..«
10,836,953.81
HEPOBT OF THE SECKETABY-OF WAS.
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REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
153
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
War Depabtment,
Office of the Chief of Staff,
Washington, September SO, 1916.
Sir : I have the honor to submit my aimual report.
MILTTARr POLICY.
In compliance with instructions of the Secretary of War, the War
CoUege Division of the General Staff Corps prepared a Statement
of a Proper Military Policy for the United States, which was sub-
mitted to the Secretary of War, September, 1915. This Statement
of Policy was published as a separate appendix to the last annual
report or the Secretary of War, and as, m a very large measure, it
furnished the basis for discussion of as well as the basis for the legis-
lation passed during the past session of Congress, I have included
it for convenience of reference as an appendix to this report.
The General Staff in this policy report stated the military problem
before the country in the following language :
From what has been stated, we are forced to the conclusion that we must
be prepared to resist a combined land and sea operation of formidable streuj^h.
Our principal coast cities and Important harbors have already been protected
by harbor defenses, which, by passive method alone, can deny to an enemy
the use of these localities as bases for such exi)edition8.
The enemy l)eing unable to gain a foothold in any of these fortified areas
by direct naval attack will therefore be forced to find some suitable place on
the coast from which land operations can be conducted both against the im-
portant coast cities and the rich commercial centers in the Interior. Long
stretches of coast line between the fortified places lie open to the enemy. The
only reasonable way In which these localities can be defended Is by providing
a mobile land force of sufficient strength, so located that it may be thrown in
at threatened points at the proper time.
It has Just been shown what the strength of these expeditions might be, as
well as the time required for any one of them to develop its whole effective
force. Hence, it can be seen, when we take into consideration the possible two
months' delay provided by the Navy, that our system should be able to furnish
600,000 trained and organized mobile troops at the outbreak of the war and
to have at least 500,000 more available within 90 days thereafter. Here, how-
ever, it must be pointed out that two expeditions alone will provide a force
large enough to cope with our 1,000,000 mobile troops, and consequently we
must, at the outbreak of hostilities, provide the system to raise and train, in
addition, at least 500,000 troops to replace the losses and wastage In personnel
incident to war. To provide this organized land force is the military problem
before us for solution.
This report was based upon the actual needs of the country, as
they existed at that time, leaving to Congress the ways and means
to provide the men. The first 500,000 mentioned was to be composed
of the Regular Army and its reserve, the reserve to be produced by a
term of enlistment oi eight years, twt) with the colors and six with the
155
156 REPORT OF THE OHIEF OF STAFF.
reserve. The second 500,000 mentioned above was to be composed of
citizen soldiers, to be ^iven nine months' military training in time of
peace and three months' additional training on or before the out-
break of war before they would be prepared for war service.
The General Staff prepared a plan of organization for the first
500,000 which called for 7 infantry divisions of 9 regiments each^
and 2 cavalry divisions of 9 regiments each, with necessary field
artillery, engineer and. signal troops to complete the divisions. In
addition, there was to be provided a total of 263 companies of coast
artillery. The total number of units recommended by the Greneral
Staff for the active army being:
65 regiments of Infantry,
25 regiments of cavalry,
21 regiments of field artillery,
263 companies of coast artillery,
7 regiments of engineers,
2 mounted battalions of engineers,
11} signal corps battalions,
8 aero squadrons,
being an increase in the Regular Army of
84 regiments of infantry,
10 regiments of cavalry,
15 regiments of field artillery,
d8 companies of coast artillery,
5 regiments of engineers,
2 battalions of mounted engineers,
169 ofiicers and 2«115 men in the Signal Oorps, and necessary increase In
the staff corps.
Congress accepted the recommendation of the General Staff in
regard to the number of organizations, but at practically two-thirds
of the strength recommended.
The peace strength of the Regular Army after July 1, 1920, includ-
ing 45,177 noncombatant troops, will be 11,827 officers and 208,338
men, and a war stren^h of 11,942 officers and 287,846 men. The
increase, as recommended by the General Staff, is to take place in
5 annual increments. When the increase is completed and the neces-
sary oversea garrisons provided, there will be left in the United
States just sufficient troops to organize 4 infantry divisions and 2
cavalry divisions, with necessarv auxiliary troops.
The* recommendation of the (jeneral Staff that a citizen volunteer
army of 500,000 men, with a minimum of nine months' training in
time of peace, be created was not accepted by Congress. This recom-
mendation was attacked on various grounds as being radical, unneces-
sary, and impracticable, and as being particularly aimed at the
Organized Militia, which the General Staff recommended be main-
tained as it existed at the date of the report. In the policy report^
the General Staff summarized the limitations of the Organized
Militia in the following language :
It is stated later in this report that 12 months, at 150 hours per month, ** Is
considered the minimum length of time of actual training considered necessary
to prepare troops for war service.*' Due to constitutional Umitatlons, Congress
has not the power to fix and require such an amount of training tor tbe
Organized Militia. No force can be considered a portion of our first line whoee
control and training is so little subject to Federal authority in peace. No force
should be considered a portion of our^ first line in war unless it be maintained
fnUy organized and equipped in peace' at practically war strength* This would
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 157
ezdude. the Organized Militia from consideration for senrlce in the first line
mainly because of the imposHbility of yiving it in peace the training required
for auch function.
In the consideration of this question, the constitutional limitations
regarding the militia occupied most of the attention of Congress to
the exclusion of the standard of training necessary to prepare troops
for service in the first line. Congress believed, as shown by the
national defense act, that the constitutional questions that were
raised were not serious enough to interfere to any extent with the
transformation of the Organized Militia into a citizen force sub-
stantially in number as recommended by the General Staff, and the
bill, as passed, provides that at the end of five years the National
Guard will consist of about 17,000 officers and 440,000 men, the
period of enlistment in the National Guard being six years, three
with the colors and three with the reserve of the National Guard.
A liberal provision is made in the bill for the payment.
The period of training prescribed for the National Guard is 16
days' field service, including target practice, and 48 armory drills
of not less than 1^ hours, or an annual training of approximately 25
days, or 75 days in three years. This period of training is six months
less than the peace training recommended by the General Staff for
the citizen armv, and nine months less training than necessary for
war service, and, in my judgment, precludes this force from being fit
for war service until it has received at least six months' additional
training in time of war. I am entirely in accord with the opinion
of the General Staff that troops with less than 12 months' intensive
peace training can not be considered dependable troops for war
service.
The debate in Congress and the discussion in the press of the
country indicated that there is a very widespread, serious and vital
misconception in this country in regard to the time it takes to train
the individual soldier and the organization of which he is an element.
In the belief that soldiers can be very quickly trained and armies
improvised, we not only run counter to the military opinion and
practice of practically all the other great nations of the world, but we
run counter as well to our own experience as a nation in war. The
time required for the training of armies depends largely on the
fresence or absence of trained officers and noncommissioned officers,
f there be a corps of trained officers and noncommissioned officers
and a tested organization of higher units with trained leaders and
staff officers, the problem of training is largely limited to the training
of the private soldier. This has been satisfactorily accomplish^ in
Europe as is beine demonstrated in the present war by giving the
soldiers in time ox peace two years of intensive training with the
colors and additional training in the reserve.
It should be obvious to any unprejudiced mind that if we are to
defeat highly trained and splendidly disciplined armies of our possi-
ble enemies, our own forces when called upon for battle should have
training and discipline at least equal to that of our opponent. While
we have splendid material for soldiers, for us seriously to claim that
the average American youth can be trained and disciplined in less
time than the average English, French, German, or Japanese youth
158 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
argues a decided lack of understanding on the part of our people of
the progress and character of the English, French, German, or Japa-
nese people. All that we can hope for and confidently claim is that^
given equal intensive training as to time, under equally favorable
conditions as to officers and noncommissioned officers for instructors
and leaders, our soldiers will be prepared to assure in war the success
of our armies.
Under their systems of intensive training other nations reauire
approximately 6 hours' daily work in theoretical and practical in-
struction of each soldier, or approximately 4,000 hours during the
2-year period of training. In our Eegular service, due to the necessity
of depending on volunteer enlistment, we require in 3 years approxi-
mately the same number of hours that the army in which universal
and compulsory service exist obtains in 2 years.
If we continue to accept approximately 4,000 hours as our stand-
ards of training and discipline, we will meet our opponents on prac-
tically equal terms, proviaing that the quality of our instructors and
leaders is up to their standard. If we adopt a lower standard of
training, we lessen directly the fighting efficiency of our troops.
It should be clear that troops trained for 1 year of intensive train-
ing, or approximately for 2,000 hours, are only one-half as well
trained and less than one-half as well disciplined as they would be if
they had 4,000 hours of trainmg in 2 years. It is obvious that troops
trained for only 1 year in time of peace will have to be given addi-
tional training in time of war before they can successfully oppose
troops with the high standard of training and discipline that is given
in 2 years in time of peace, and that we will have to make up for any
deficiency in training and discipline by decided superiority in nuni-
bers.
If we can not increase the period of training for the National
Guard to the minimum laid down as essential by the General Staff,
and it is very doubtful if we will be able to do so and keep the force
recruited to the maximum authorized by Congress, we are confronted
by a serious situation. The difficulty that is being now experienced
in obtaining recruits for the Re^lar Army and for the National
Guard in service on the border and at their mobilization camps raises
sharply the question of whether we will be able to recruit the troops
authorized by Congress in the national-defense act, both Regular
Army and National Guard.
It is, in my judgment, a cause for very sober consideration on the
part of every citizen of the country when the fact is fully understood
that the units of the National Guard and the Regular Armj have not
been recruited to war strength in the crisis which we have just passed
through. The number of units in both organizations are relatively
small and the total number of men needed to recruit them to war
strength certainly not great — almost negligible, in fact, when consid*
ered in relation to the total male population in the United States of
military rige; that is, men between 18 and 45 years. Many of the
elements which favor recruiting under a volunteer system in this
country existed at the time of the call for mobilization ior the militia.
Among others may be enumerated :
a. The agitation for preparedness that has swept over the country,
due largely to the lessons of the European war.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 15^
b. The public press of the country generally, regardless of
partj^ had given liberal space in the news and editorial columns in
favor of mifitary preparation for months previous to the call.
c. Preparedness parades in which thousands had participated
had recently been held in many of the principal cities of the country.
d. Congress had but recently, in response to public sentiment,,
passed a new national-defense act, which will ultimately almost
double the size of our small Eegular Army and almost quadruple the
size of the Organized Militia.
e. In response to the same national sentiment, Confess has passed^
since the National Guard was called to active service, a naval bill
giving the largest naval increase in the history of the country.
These facts are mentioned to show that public interest in the Army
and Navy, and the national defense generally, had been aroused to a
comparatively high degree; yet, in what is c<msidered by the Gov-
ernment a grave emergency the National Guard is mobilized for
service on the southern frontier to protect the lives of American men,
women, and children, recruiting is found so difficult that many of its
organizations have not yet, over three months after the call, been
raised to even minimum peace strength, and likewise the units of the
Eegular Army have not been recruited to the minimum peace
strength authorized in the new national-defense act. Anyone at all
familiar with the effort made and now being made to recruit the
units of both the Begular Army and the Organized Militia will un-
derstand that the failure to obtain recruits is not due to defective
methods of recruiting. In fact, every effort has been made, in many
cases an actual house-to-house canvass being undertaken to obtain re-
cruits for the militia. It can be stated, I think, without fear of con-
tradiction, that there are very few young men in the country to-day
who do not know that there is a demand for their services both in
the Organized Militia now on the border or shortly to go there and
in the units of the Begular Army now on the border or in Mexico.
In view of the above facts, it would be, indeed, an exceedingly
shallow thinker who could attach much blame to the personnel of
either the Regular Army or the Organized Militia for failure to
recruit to war strength. The failure should make the whole people
to realize that the volunteer system does not and probably will not
give us either the men we need for training in peace or for service
in war.
In my judgment, the country will never be prepared for defense
until we do as other great nations do that have large interests to
guard, like Germany, Japan, and France, where everybody is ready
and does perform military service in time of peace as he would pay
every other tax and is willing to make sacrinces for the protection
he gets and the country gets in return'. The volunteer system in this
country, in view of tne highly organized, trained, and disciplined
armies that our possible opponents possess, should be relegated to the
past. There is no reason why one woman's son should go out and
defend or be trained to defend another woman and her son who
refuses to take training or give service. The only democratic method
is for every man in his youth to become trained in order that he may
render efficient service if called upon in war.
162 BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
measure to a realization that we must believe in ourselves, and as the
exponents of a democracy that should regenerate the political systems
of the world, we must be ready to hold our place in the councils of
the world, and to do this we must be physically fit, or we shall be
brushed aside by the vigorous manhood of other races who sacrifice
self that the nation may live.
During the months of May and June hundreds of thousands
marched in so-called preparedness parades to the plaudits of on-
lookers. But when the militia was called out in June to protect
our border, it was with the utmost difficulty that its units were
recruited to the small number required, and some were never filled.
The spirit was rife to let somebody else do it Not only is there
evidence of the volunteer spirit being moribund, but the States
have for years been unable to make an efficient showing with the
militia, even with the generous assistance of the General Govern-
ment in qualified instructors and supplies. It would seem that the
self-reliance of the individual, like that of the States, had given way
to dependence upon others. The fine volunteer spirit of the Stat^
militia was injured in the demand for Federal pay in time of peace.
It sounded the knell of patriotic military training for individuals
and commercialized the highest duty that a State can demand from
its people. We have fallen away from the teaching of the Fathers,
for there is no longer instilled into our people the ftmdamental doc-
trine that every man owes a military as well as a civil obligation to
his Government.
A young man between 18 and 21 is at the least earning capacity
of his career. It is a time of anxiety to the parent and uncer-
tainty for the son. During these years few settle into their life's
vocation. They are an expense to their parents; their averaj
earnings will not pay for their board and clothes. They can
given military training without the slightest disruption of business.
The stabilizing effect of military discipline and intensive training
upon such young men would be or utmost value in forming character
and thereb}^ a foundation for their life's work. The^ would become
an asset of incalculable value to the nation, not only m time of emer-
gency, but in the recruitment to industrial life of the thousands re-
turned from military pursuits improved mentally, morally, and physi-
cally by the training. The hundreds of military schools in the coun-
try are evidence of the faith of thousands of parents that their boys
are better fitted for the responsibilities of life by the elementary dis-
cipline and drills therein received. The most important function of
our regular establishment should be to make it a real training school
for our young men, and thereby inspire them with the spirit of patri-
otism and sense of duty and responsibility with which each generation
must be imbued if we are to continue our high mission as a nation.
I shall not attempt in this report to evolve a system to carry out
so important a work. It is believed that the average parent would
gladly welcome the opportunity for military training for their boys
between the ages of 18 and 21. As the training would be educational,
there should he no remuneration for service, but the Government
should stand all the expense.
If we are to continue to compete with the wage of labor for our
soldiers the cost will be enormous if we are to get the men. We hi^
police, we hire firemen, but there is a repugnance to the idea that
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 163
we must continue to commit ourselves to no military resource other
than that of hiring citizens to accept military training and to commit
our future to such inadequate defense.
The justice of, as well as the necessity for, universal training is rec-
ognized in section 79 of the national defense act, which prescribes
that in time of war^ "if for any reason there shall not be enough
voluntary enlistments to keep the reserve battalions at the prescribed
strength^ a sufficient number of the unorganized militia shall be
drafted into the service of the United States to maintain each such
battalion at the proper strength." This provision is intended to keep
the National Guard units that have been sent into the field at war
strength and is one of the best provisions regarding the National
Guard in the bill. What I am contending for is that the principle
recognized as applying to time of war should applv equally to time
of peace, so that all oi the youth of the country who are physically
qualified for military service should be given thorough military
training and disciplme under competent officers and noncommis-
sioned officers, so that on the outbreak of war they will be able with-
out much additional training to render efficient service. To send men
into battle who have not been given this thorough training and disci-
pline is not only a useless waste of our resources in men but, to anyone
who understands anjrthing of the realities of modem war, convicts the
]{)eople of the country who are responsible for such proceeding of
criminal neglect.
THE NATIONAL DEFENSE ACT.
In general terms it may be said that this is the first comprehensive
legislation for national defense. It provides for four classes of sol-
diers in the United States: First, the Regular Army: second, the
National Guard ; third, the enlisted reserve force, all or which shall
exist in time of peace; and, fourth, the Volunteer Army, which will be
raised only in time of war. The peace strength of the Regular Army
in 1920 is fixed at figures previously stated. The National Guard
should consist of about 17,000 officers and 440,000 men. Volunteers
can be called in time of war in such numbers as Congress shall
authorize.
The increase in the Regular Army is to be made in five annual
increments, beginning July 1, 1916, and running to July 1, 1920,
although the President is authorized to make the increase more
rapidly in case of emergency.
The organizations provided for the Re^lar Army will be divided
into two classes — over-sea and home garrisons. The composition of
each of the garrisons in the Philippine Islands, Hawaiian Islands,
Panama, and Alaska will be as stated in that policy report and the
aggregate will be about three Infantry divisions. This will leave in
the United States four Infantry diviaons and two Cavalry divisions.
Each Infantry division will consist of three Infantry brigades
(nine regiments), one regiment of Cavalry, one brigade of Field
Artillery (three regiments), one regiment of Engineers, one Field
Signal battalion, one aero squadron, and the ammunition, supply,
engineer and sanitary trains. Each Cavalry division will consist of
three Cavalry brigades (nine regiments), one regiment of Horse
Artillery, one battalion of Mounted Engineers, one Field Signal bat-
164 BBPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
talion, one aero squadron, and ammunition, supply, en^neer, and
sanitary trains. Alter deaucting the necessary troops for the over-
sea garrisons, the troops remaining in the United States are just
sufficient to organize the divisions mentioned, giving what is termed
a well-balanced military organization, because there is just enough
of each arm to make a good fighting machine, and there are no extra
organizations left over.
The number of general officers of the Army has been increased so
as to provide the necessary general officers to command the divisions
and brigades and furnish the general officers of the General Staff.
The Adjutant General's Department, the Inspector General's De-
partment, the Judge Advocate General's Department, the Quarter-
master Corps, and the Medical Department have all been materially
increased to meet the increased size of the Be^lar Armv.
The number of officers in the Corps of Engineers will also be in-
creased and the engineer troops for mfantry divisions will hereafter
be organized into regiments instead of battalions as heretofore, while
the mounted engineer troops for use with the cavalry divisions will
be in battalion organizations.
The Ordnance Department and the Signal Corps both received
material increases. The work of the Ordnance Department in the
design and construction of new armament and the greatly increased
importance of aviation work necessitated it.
The Medical Department was increased so as to provide 7 officers
and 50 enlisted men for every 1,000 of the enlisted strength of the
Regular Army and by the addition thereto of a new corps of
veterinarians, which corps, together with the Dental Corps, have
been given increased rank, with the accompanying pay and allow-
ances.
The organization of Infantry and Cavalry regiments has been
changed by the introduction of three new companies, i. e., the head-
quarters, supply, and machine-gun companies. These companies
have existed as provisional experimental organizations, but the per-
sonnel had to be taken from other companies of the regiment Each
regiment of field artillery has been increased by a headquarters and
a supply company. The organization of the regimental units of these
three arms was worked out with ^eat care and represents the very
latest improvements known to military experts.
The Coast Artillery has been increased from 701 officers and 19,321
men to 1,201 officers and 29,469 enlisted men, exclusive of bands, on
July 1, 1920, giving that corps the complement that it requires in
regular officers and men for the harbor defense of the country. The
remaining number of officers and men will be supplied from the
National Guard.
The Porto Rico regiment has been increased from two battalions to
three battalions, and will be organized as other regiments of infantnir.
Hereafter officers appointed as second lieutenants in the Armv will
be ^ven provisional appointments for a period of two years, (furing
which period of probation they must demonstrate their abilitv ana
fitness. All new officers will be drawn from graduates of the United
States Military Academy, from enlisted men of the Regular Army,
from members of the OflScers' Reserve Corps, or the National Guard,
or from honor graduates of military schools, or, lastly, from civil life.
BEPO&T OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 165
The condition of retired officers is improved, in that the time which
a retired officer may serve on active dutv brings to him increased pay
and rank corresponding to his period of active service, and in time of
war retired officers may be used as the President shall prescribe.
To provide for the regular officers necessary for duty with the
National Guard, duty at the various colleges where military instruc-
tion is given, for recruiting duty, military attaches, etc., provision is
made for a detached officers' list which provides 1,022 officers.
Provision has been made for the retirement of officers of the Phil-
ippine Scouts.
The enlistment contract provides for three ye«^rs with the colors
and four in the reserve, but an important addition is that at the end
of one year's service any enlisted man within the continental limits
of the United States may be discharged if he has become proficient ,
in that time. Provision is made for paying the enlisted men in the
reserve $24 a year, and the President is authorized to utilize the per-
sonnel of any department of the Government, such as postmasters,
mail carriers, etc., to keep track of reservists, and also to use the
postmasters (except first class) to obtain recruits for the Army.
Enlisted men are prohibited from engaging in any civil occupa-
tions, whether for pay or otherwise, that would put them in compe-
tion with men in civil life.
An officer's reserve corps is provided which authorizes the commis-
sioning of civilians up to ana including the grade of major in the
various branches of the Army. These men can be selected and
trained in time of peace, and the officers so obtained should be fairly
prepared for their duties. In order to assist in obtaining these re-
serve officers, a Reserve Officers' Training Corps is authorized which
will consist of units at the various colleges, academies, and universi-
ties throughout the country where military education and training
will be given which should give a personnel for the officers' reserve
corps that is better equipped for the duties of an officer than any
heretofore available.
In order to provide the enlisted men for the various technical staff
corps and departments, an enlisted reserve corps has been authorized
which will consist of men whose daily occupation in civil life spe-
cially fits them for duty in the Engineer, Signal, and Quartermaster
Corps, and in the Ordnance and Medical Departments. This enlisted
reserve corps should provide the railway operatives, bridge builders,
chauffeurs, hospital attendants, nurses, telegraphers, etc., required
for the departments and corps mentioned. It is impracticable to
keep in the Regular Army the number of men of these classes that
will be necessary in time of war, and it is hoped that the enlisted
reserve corps will provide the deficiency.
No provision is made for a volunteer force in time of peace, but
in place thereof the ideas heretofore embodied in the so-called Dusi-
ness men's camps have been provided for, in the provisions that all
expenses in connection with attendance at training camps shall be
borne by the Federal Government.
The National Guard is within the limits of the Constitution fed*
eralized. The maximum number authorized is 800 for each Repre-
sentative and Senator in Congress, and such number from the Terri-
tories as the President shall prescribe. It is hoped that this will
give a total of about 17,000 officers and 440,000 enlisted men.
166 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
The President is authorized to organize the National Guard into
brigades, divisions, and other tactical uuits, and to prescribe the kind
of oi^anizations that shall be maintained in the various States to
insure that these brigades and divisions will be complete in all re-
spects. Certain qualifications are required of oflBcers of the National
Guard, and although these officers will be commissioned by the gov-
ernors, they can not be recognized by the Federal Government unless
they fulfill the prescribed qualifications. Regular Army officers may
be commissioned in the National Guard if the governors so desire.
Enlistments in the National Guard will be for six years, three years
with the colors and three years with the reserves, but a man may
serve out his enlistment, it he so desires, instead of going into the
reserve. Hereafter the enlistment contract for the National Guard
will contain an oath of allegiance both to the United States and to the
Btate, and not only enlisted men but officers must subscribe to such
an oath. The President is not only authorized to call out the Na-
tional Guard for the constitutional purposes but is also authorized
under certain conditions to draft them into the service of the United
States whether they desire to come or not, and also to draft the
additional men that may be needed to keep such National Guard
units at war strength, in case the National Guard Reserve is not
sufficient for that purpose. Provision is made for the protection of
Federal property in the hands of the National Guard.
Horses can be supplied to the mounted organizations of the Na-
tional Guard, and provision is made for their care and maintenance.
The National Guard will be required to have 48 periods of armory
training each year and 15 days' field training, and in case the pre-
scribed amount of training is not undergone the President may with-
hold the funds appropriated for the National Guard. The Secretary
of War may require such additional study on the part of the officers
as he deems necessary. During periods of field training the National
Guard will be paid at the same rate as the Regular Army, and for
the armory training a generous rate of pay is authorized. National
Guard officers and men may be sent to various service schools and will
be paid during such periods. The National Guard will be subject
to tne laws and regulations governing the Arm.y of the United States
from the time that they are recjuired to come into that service, and
after that time there is no evadin/^ the Federal law. A uniform sys-
tem of courts-martial for the National Guard is authorized, the limi-
tations of which are fixed by law. When the National Guard is
drafted into the service of the United States they will be entitled
to all the rights of the existing pension laws.
To encourage target practice the Secretary of War is authorized
to establish ranges and to supply rifies, ammunition, and instructors
for rifie clubs in various parts of the country. The initial step in
carrying out the law was made in the Army appropriation bill for
the current fiscal year, which appropriated $300,000 for the mainte-
nance of indoor and outdoor rifie ranges for the use of all able-
bodicKl males capable of bearing arms under reasonable regulations
to be prescribed by the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle
Practice, and provision is made for the appointment of a director
of civilian marksmanship.
The President is authorized in time of war to exercise a sort of
eminent domain over the various manufacturing plants in the country
REPORT OP THE CHIEF OF STAFF, 167
and Government orders are given right of way over all private orders.
It establishes in time of peace a board of mobilization of industries,
which is authorized to investigate all privately owned plants in the
country suitable for the manufacture of arms and ammunition, and
the Ordnance Department is authorized to prepare in time of peace
the necessary tools of special kinds that are required in the manu-
facture of arms, ammunition, etc.
The United States is dependent upon Chile as a source of supply
for nitrates which are essential to the manufacture of ammunition.
The President is authorized to investigate the best means for the
production of nitrates and to establish the necessary plants to manu-
facture nitrates for the Government's use.
The uniform of the United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps
is given protection in that only certain authorized individuals and
organizations have the right to wear the uniform or any uniform so
nearly like it as to be readily mistaken therefor.
THE GENERAL STAFF CORPS.
Attention is invited to the tendency to enact laws affecting the
personnel of the Army in relation to its stations and duties. Fre-
quently these enactments are not considered at the hearings or de-
bated on the floor of Congress, nor is the War Department given
opportunity to show how the military service will be affected thereby,
and it sometimes happens that such legislation has an injurious effect
upon the service. In this connection attention is invited to the
second paragraph of section 5, national defense act, relating to the
General Staff Corps. The formation of a general staff had its incep-
tion in the blunders made by our staff departments during the Spanish
War, and it was to form a supervising, informing, and coordinating
staff department of the War Department. It was carefully con-
sidered and fuUy debated in all of its varied aspects, and the organic
law stated fully its purpose. The number of officers at first detailed
for the Generid Staff was fixed at 45 as the proper number to per-
form this new but most important and varied duty. In 1912 the
Greneral Staff was reduced by one general officer and eight captains.
This reduction seriously interfered with the work of the General
Staff, which had been steadily growing in importance, as officers
grew to understand its important functions.
The European war has fully demonstrated to the world the im-
portance of a general staff for coordinating in time of peace a com-
prehensive knowledge of the resources of the Nation — that is, its war
power — as well as m the preparation of war plans. The work of
preparing the Army, the National Guard and volunteers to carry out
effectively and efficiently these plans is an involved and complex
study. THie collection in advance of all the information necessary for
a correct understanding of every problem of national defense is an
immense work. General Staff work has to do not only with prepar-
ing war plans but consideration of every policy of instruction, equip-
ment, and supply, so as to obviate waste of public funds and secure
the best possible results. . -, x- j
After a full and careful consideration of its various duties and re-
sponsibilities, the General Staff recommended 94 officers as the num-
168 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF,
ber that should compose that body. The national-defense act was
passed by the Senate, fixing the number at 92. But as this measure
came from conference and as enacted into law the Oeneral Staff, aside
from its general officers, was increased by 18 officers, to come by incre-
ments for the next five years. It directed not more than one-half of
the officers detailed in said corps shall at any time be stationed or as-
signed to or employed upon any duty in or near the District of CJolum-
bia, and directs a penalty upon an officer who violates this or any other
provisions of the section. It is needless to say that this provision, by its
reduction of the available officers for the General Staff work at the
War College, has militated seriously against the work of preMrinjj
the coimtry for any emergency of war. The law limiting the JPresi-
dent in the number of General Staff officers he can order to duty in
Washington gives us fewer officers here than at any time in the his-
tory of the organization and at the most important time of our mili-
tary development. Just what end of military efficiency it was pro-
posed to serve thereby it is impossible to conjecture. In the interest
of progress in military preparedness it is recommended that all the
restriction placed in the national-defense act be removed and the
General Staff in number be fixed as proposed in the national-defense
act as first passed by the Senate.
DETACHED SERVICE LAW.
Congress, upon its own initiative and without the recommendation
of the War Department, in the appropriation bill for the Array,
approved August 24, 1912, passed a law which required that commis-
sioned officers of the line of the Army below the rank of major should
not be detached unless they have been actually present for duty for
at least two of the last preceding six years with a troop^ battery, or
company of that branch of the Army in which the omcer is com-
missioned.
Legislation extending the provisions of the detached-service law
for field officers was included in the Array appropriation bill ap-
proved April 27, 1915. The laws on the subject are raost stringent,
and have been very rigidly construed by the departraent. The law
was intended to remedy by legislation the keeping of certain officers
too long from duty with troops. Officers who were selected for de-
tached service were frequently kept on such duty for unduly long
periods. Having laid down a principle and a general rule for the
service, with a penalty to enforce its operation, Congress made ex-
ceptions by excluding their application to the Ordnance Departraent;
for officers below the grade of major detailed for aviation duty ; for
aU officers detailed for duty in connection with the construction of
the Panama Canal until alter it shall have been formally opened ;
for those detailed in connection with the Alaskan Eoad Comraission,
the Alaska Railroad, Bureau of Insular Affairs; oerraits the re-
detail of officers above the grade of major in the iStaff Corps and
departments. The excepting of certain officers from the restrictions
of the law has been largely personal legislation, without any special
benefit to the service. It has, in fact, created a distinction in de-
tached service which has not made a favorable impression in the
service generally. The detached-service law has been in effect now
BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 169
for four jrears, which has given time to consider its results. In so far
as it requires service with troops, the effect has be(m good, although it
has increased ffreatly the expense of administration with the frequent
chan^ of officers to meet its strin^nt requirements. It likewise
occasions undue expense to the individual, especially so if the officer
has a family to take with him ; and the majority of our young officers
are married men, with the responsibility of growing children. The
provisions of the national-defense act, constituting the detached
officers' list of 1,022 officers, will enormously increase this expense to
the Government and to the individual on account of the greater num-
ber of officers affected, for the time available for detached service
will be materially shortened.
The War Department is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the
laws on this subject. I believe it would promote very greatly the
efficiency of the service, and at the same time make a material re-
duction in the cost of the militarj^ establishment, if these laws were
now rescinded and the matter simplified by a law which would
authorize an officer entering upon a detail to serve out the four years
of the detail and then require him to serve two years with troops
before he becomes eligible for another detail. A law to this effect,
bearing equally upon all departments and upon all officers below the
grade of general officer, would materially enhance the efficiency of
the service and the satisfaction of the personnel.
It is believed that some such measure will not only relieve the de-
partment of much embarrassment but will give the permanency to
detached details necessary for efficiency, with the proper safeguards
to insure against abuse, and at the same time reduce the cost of de-
tached service by approximately 50 per cent.
THE PERMANENT STAFF 00RP8.
Our experience in the War with Spain brought the War Depart-
ment face to face with the fact that few officers of the regular service
had knowledge of the problems of subsistence, clothing, equipment,
transportation, sanitation, the vast and complicated business of sup-
plying and transporting an arm^, caring for the health and strength
of the men — matters which reauire previous training and experience.
The policy had been foUowea that the country relied for its main
stren^h upon volunteers who, when called into the service, brought
but little of the knowledge and experience necessary to these im-
portant functions. So, having in view the sp.x:ial duties to be per-
formed by regular oP^cers, not only in connection with their own
affairs but with the militia and volunteers, the then Secretary of War
(Mr. Root) urgently recommended the substitution of a system of
details from the line in place of the, at that time, permanent staff
and supply departments so as to provide for the training of as many
officers as possible in the variety of experience which would fit them
for the duties of the staff and the combined service of regulars,
militia, and volunteers.
In accordance with these recommendations the act to increase the
efficiency of the permanent military establishment of the United
States, approved February 2, 1901, provided for the details from the
170 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
line of the Army to be made in the staff departments and corps of
the War Department and no more permanent appointments to be
made in those departments. Some changes have since been made so
as to provide examinations and give officers advanced rank for de-
tail in the Ordnance Department, but details continue to be made as
grovided by the original law in the Adjutant General's, Inspector
[eneral's, and Quartermaster General's Departments and the Signal
Corps except for the Aviation Section. The workings of the law
have pro vedr satisfactory in every respect. But as the number of
permanent staff officers is steadily decreasing and as the law provides
that the heads of these corps must be selected from the permanent
officers as long as any such remain a condition will soon arise when
selections must be made from a small number and thus limit the
ranee of selection. -
Chiefs of bureau can not be removed by a Secretary of War, whereas
in the interest of efficient military administration they should be as
easily removed as is a chief of staff. The association of the perma-
nent officei*s of the staff corps with the line is, in most cases, limited to
inspections, reading of reports, etc., whereas every officer of the per-
manent staff should be in close touch with the sentiments and needs
of the line. There would result better cooperation and increased
efficiency.
I am of opinion that all the officers of the staff corps, excepting
judge advocates, engineers, medical officers, and chaplains, should be
transferred to the line. A number of officers equal to those trans-
ferred would have to be detailed to perform staff duties. But the
total number of officers of the Army would not be increased and all
officers would belong to a common body and the struggle between the
line and staff brought to an end. Thereafter an officer detailed as
chief of a bureau or corps of the War Department should be detailed
for four years, unless sooner relieved, and upon being relieved would
return to that grade and branch in which commissioned and be not
eligible to redetail except in time of war or other national emergency
until he shall have served therewith for two years. The law that
applies to the Chief of Staff should apply to the chief of every bureau
and corps of the War Department, with above exceptions only.
RESERVE officers' TRAINING CORPS.
The national defense act authorizes the establishment and main-
tenance at civil educational institutions of a Reserve Officers' Train-
ing Corps. The system contemplates utilizing to their fullest extent
the facilities of public and private educational institutions of all
types at which officers of the Arm^ are or may be detailed as pro-
ressors of military science and tactics.
In 1915 5,200 students who had completed courses of military
training under the supervision of officers graduate from the college
tjrpe of institution in the United States, and the total number of stu-
dents who received military instruction that year under officers of
the Army in the schools and colleges of all types was 32,000. There
are 567 colleges in this country, with an enrollment of 170,000 male
student& If all these institutions comply with the provision author-
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 171
izing the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, there will annually gradu-
ate a large number of men trained for reserve commissions. The en-
thusiastic approval accorded this provision by educators warrants
the prediction that a large number of our colleges which now afford
no military training to the student will apply to participate in its
provisions. The total cost to the United States of the military train-
mg of a reserve officer should not be over $1,000 per man. This
includes service of training in the Regular Army subsequent to
^aduation for at least six months. There was some delay in receiv-
mg from the printing office the regulations for the Reserve Officers'
Training Corps, but these are now in the hands of all educational
institutions interested.
PLAN FOR MHJTARY TRAINING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE UNITED STATES.
In paragraph 6, " Statement of a Proper Military Policy for the
United States," '^ was shown that our military system should be able
to furnish at tne outbreak of war 600,000 trained and organized
mobile troops, and to have available not less than 500,000 more 90
days thereafter. In addition, to supply losses and wastage in war,
it was considered that, after the outbreak of hostilities, the system
should provide a plan for raising and training 500,000 more.
To prepare for this task requires us to use every available means
of educatmg the young as to their future duties as citizens.
If our democracy is to endure it must " recognize as its primary
standard of duty the obligation of the individual man and woman
to sacrifice themselves for the whole community in time of need."
The necessary elementary instruction that every young American
should have in order to be prepared when the time comes to play
his part in the national defense can be partially given in the public
schools. Moreover, this can be done m such a way as to enlist
parental approval, because of the manifest improvement of the
scholars in physique, deportment, and obedience to authority at home
as well as at school.
The object of the prescribed course of instruction is to inculcate
high ideals and correct views on the duties of the citizen to the State.
The training ^ven is along military lines, but is so conducted as to
encourage initiative and individuality, to correct defects and develop
natural gifts, and to teach self-control by showing the value of obe-
dience to superior authority. The old method of "breaking the will '*
by insisting on blind, unreasoning obedience to arbitrary rules is
replaced by one showing how to use the individual will in attaining
the concerted effort known as "teamwork," which is the secret ot
efficiency, and which is dependent upon a conscious and willing obe-
dience to a superior directing authority. Those who learn how to
obey fit themselves to direct and bj practicing self-control become
imbued with the fundamental principle underlying good citizenship.
This is not a theoretical scheme. It is a practical system carefully
worked out by Capt. E. Z. Steever, United States Army, and appliea
with marked success in the public hi^h schools of the State of Wyo-
ming. It has been designated the " Wyoming plan," and its dis-
tinctive features are outfined in what follows.
172 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF 8TAFF.
The Wyoming plan.
The Wyoming school authorities hold :
1. That good citizenship involves a willingness on the part of
each able-bodied youth to make such effort and sacrifice as will pre-
pare him for his obligations and duties as a citizen.
2. That this preparation embraces the following: (a) Military
preparation; (6) Moral preparation; {c) Civic preparation; {d)
Business preparation; and {e) Educational preparation.
(a) Military T^eparation. — It is unsound to assimie that any sys-
tem of training its adolescent youth will remove from the nation the
further responsibility of training its manhood.
Trained youth can not take the place of trained manhood. Youths
make imitation, but not real, soldiers.
A thorough preliminary military training of its adolescent youth
has been recognized in primitive as well as modern civilizations as
the first step in the greater training of the tribe or nation.
With the civilized as with the primitive youth the " game " is the
medium of all successful training. " Competition " is to youth what
" security " is to old age.
According to the Wyoming plan all cadets are organized into com-
petition units.
Leaders take "turnabouts" choosing the members of their units^
so that each unit (squad, platoon, or company) is made up of an
equal number of strong, medium, and weak lads.
After final choosing-up these units are fixed and can not be added
to nor subtracted from.
All the work is done by competition units.
There are: Wall-scaling units, infantry-drill units, troop-leader-
ship units, scholarship units, field-firing units, camp and field units.
Sponsors are elected from the girls in the mixed school and
assigned to the competition units. The sponsors are in every sense
members of the cadet organization. They attend all drills, are the
leaders in all social functions, and while they do not actually drill
the sponsors are entitled to and receive such individual rewards as
may be won by their units.
Medals, ribbons, and distinctive marks on the uniform are given
each member of a winning unit, the sponsor, of course, included.
Each cadet organization is based on the voluntary enlistment plan.
The cadet classes are held ffenerall]^ during and not after school
hours, and credit toward graduation is awarded therefor.
Cadet tournaments are held during the school year between the
different high schools, to which the public is invited, and at which
are held infantry-drill, wall-scaling, field-firing, and camp and field,
and troop-leadership competition "games."
From the Wyoming experience is deduced the following system of
training adapted to the adolescent American youth. Local conditions
will necessarily modify the application of this system, but the general
principles on which it is basea will obtain in any part of the united
States, and will permit the evolution of a practical course suited
to local conditions:
BKPORT OF THE GHIES OF STAFF. 173
^ 1. Cut the school year into separate, short, intensive training pe-
riods, working up through preliminary to final competition £ttes,
with the fixed competition units.
2. September 1 to December 31, wall-scaling and calisthenic
events ; minimum of drill, maximiun of body building.
3. January 1 to February 28, troop-leadership competitions, 12-
inch Grettydburg war-game map. Include military policy of the
United States.
4. January 1 to February 28, minimum of drill, maximum of gal-
lery practice, group competitions.
^ 5. March 1 to May 7, minimimi of drill, maximimi of range prac-
tice, and field-firing competition.
6. May 8 to June 15, minimum of drill, maximum of camp and
field pr<H)lems, competitive between high schools.
7. All through school year, commencing in the spring and nmning
through the following fall and winter, take boys into camp each
week-^id and harden them to the rigors of camp life. Teach them
sanitation, cooking, woodcraft, simple field engineering, plains craft,
castrametation. sketching, scouting, patrolling, the service of se-
curity and iniormation, and qualifv them as guides in their own
immediate surroundmg territory.
8. Summer camp inimediately after closing of school. 14 days.
The organization that puts into effect the "game'' idea differs
fundamentally from the modem American athletic system. The
•cadet leaders choose up each in turn so that each fixed competition
unit represents a certain proportion of strong, of medium, and of
weak lads.
In football and basket ball and track events, only the few physi-
cdLly fit take part. In this system each squad represents an average
and every boy takes part. There is as much " in it " for the weak as
for the strong, and the survival of the fittest units, whether they be
squads, platoons, or companies, gives the competition spirit.
(6) Moral preparation, — ^A nation stands or falls, succeeds or
fails, just in proportion to the high-mindedness, cleanliness, and
manliness of each suceeding generation of men.
In the Wyoming system the fundamental factor is the competition
between equally balanced units. The individuals are forced by pub-
lic opinion amongst their fellows to go into training, and this training
means clean, moral youths. It is shown conclusively in the various
competition that clean men morally are the surest kind of winners.
Smoking and inunoral practices must go. Under the fiercest kind of
competition^ and a new and fascinating interest in life, the adoles-
cent youth is better enabled to negotiate that difficult period of life.
(c) Civic preparation. — It is almost a fundamental principle of
correct military organization that the leader should not be voted
for. The Wyoming system is not intended to make soldiers. The
Wyoming schoolmasters are of the opinion that soldiers can only
be made from mature manhood, and that the preparation of the
adolescent youth should be such that when he reaches manhood he
majr then l>e made into the highest type of soldier. Hence the ob-
jection to voting for leaders does not obtain in the cadet organization,
whereas the objection is perfectly valid in a military organization.
174 KEPOKT OP»THB CHIEF OF STAFF.
The cadet leaders are chosen at the beginning of each year by
vote of the older cadets. The leaders are selected on merit, very
much as the captain of the football team is selected for his merit.
It has been noticeable that on the first organization boy politics elect
a certain percentage of popular but inefficient leaders, whose very
inefficiency is later a terrible punishment to the members of their
own units. The stress of competition soon brings out the real lead-
ers. The cadets never repeat their mistake. After the first election
they take steps to insure a very wise and careful selection of leaders.
This civic lesson can not be wholly lost to them in years to come,
when they are called upon as citizens to elect the leaders of their city,
county, State, and National Governments.
(d) Business preparation. — Teamwork and efficiency are prime
reouisites in the business life of to-day.
The soldier game can be made the keenest, as well as the most
fascinating, of all games, and efficiency is a necessity if a competition
unit is to win. Not only must each man be worked to the limit of his
capacity, but each competition unit leader must analyze his men and
fit each to his proper place. The leaders are always leading and
learning efficiency.
There is every reason why the " Wyoming plan " should be taken
up by every high school in the country.
TRAINING CAMPS.
Over three years ago Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood, then Chief of
Staff, put in operation the plan of camps of instruction for regular
troops at which students were permitted to attend for training with-
out cost to the United States. This plan was later enlarged by per-
mitting the attendance of business men at certain of these camps.
The plan has been most successful as carried on in the Eastern De-
partment, now commanded by Gen. Wood, with a minimum of troops
and few officers to call upon for this additional instruction. Camps
have been maintained in the Eastern Department as follows:
Plattshurg. — Five camps were held in sequence beginning Jime
5 and ending October 5.
Oglethorpe, — ^Two camps were held beginning May 3 and ending
June 30.
Fort Terry^ N. Y. — One camp was held beginning July 5 and
ending August 10.
Fort Wadstcorth^ N. Y. — Six camps of two weeks' duration each
were held beginning May 28.
There was a total attendance at the various camps of 12,200 men
and boys, who came from all parts of the country.
In reporting upon these camps. Gen. Wood says:
The training at these camps is intensive; the work is hard; the food good;
the hours regular ; the discipline extraordinarily good — ^there were practically
no infractions of discipline. The general tone of the camp is excellent It is
difficult for one to appreciate how absolute the discipline is unless one has
served in camp.
FoUowingthe Plattsburg plan, camps were also established this
year in the Western Department at the Presidio of San Francisco-
two camps — and one at American Lake, Wash., with a total attend-
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 175
ance of 357 students and business men. A satisfactory camp was
also held at San Antonio, Tex, in the Southern Department. The
plan has now received official recognition from Congress, and ma-
terially increased attendance should ensue at the camps to be held
next year. Congress has appropriated money for transportation to
and from training camps and tor subsistence in kind while at the
camps. Appropnation ^ould be made for the issue of a proper
uniform while m camp with the privilege of purchase or of tummg
it back at the expiration of the training period.
RECRUrriNG REGUIiAR ARMY.
Between March 15, 1916 (the date active recruiting began to meet
the increase in the Army authorized by the joint resolution of Mar.
17), and August 31, 1916, the losses and enlistments were as follows:
Enlistments. Losses.
March 15 to 31 1. 635 1. 079
April ^ 2, 873 2, 136
May 2, 275 2, 022
June 3, 343 1. 4»5
July ^ 4. 354 1, 105
August 3, 054 1. 234
Total - 17, 534 9, 071
This represents a gain of 8,463 during the period mentioned.
On June 30, 1916, the close of the fiscalyear, there was a difference
of 20,292 between the actual and authorized strengths of the Regular
Army, and the increase authorized for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 1916, exceeded that authorized by the joint resolution of
March 17 by 13,909, making a total difference oetween the actual
and authorized strength on July 1, 1916, of approximately 34,200:
Between June 30 and August 31 the enlistments exceeded the losses
by 5,069, leaving a difference on August 31 of 29,130 between the
actual and authorized strengths.
CAVALRY.
All regiments of Cavalry having permanent stations in the United
States, excepting the Second, located at Fort Ethan Allen, Fort Myer,
and Fort Oglethorpe, have been engaged in arduous patrol duty
along the southern border or with the expeditionary force now in
Mexico. The sections of the national defense act, which provide for
the composition of the various units of the several arms, followed
the recommendations of the General Staff, except in so far as these
sections provide a minimum strength for these units. The enlisted
strength of the Army under this act is limited to 175,000 combatant
troops after all increments are added. In fixing the authorized en-
listed strength of the Army to include the first increment, it was
decided, until all organizations have minimum peace strength, there
would be no increase for any unit in excess of the minimum pre-
scribed in the national defense act, and no unit of any branch of
the Army would be increased above this minimum at the expense
of any other branch. The enlisted strength of Cavalry units and
176 BKPOBT OF THE OHIEF OF STAFF.
<especiallv the Cavalry troop in the squadron is now less than that
n^ded for proper efficiency. This can only be properly remedied
by legislation, which is recommended to provide but one enlisted
strength, the maximum, at all times for all Cavalry imits. The over-
head charges for a Cavalrv troop of 70 enlisted men are practically
the same as for a troop oi 105, lx)th requiring the same number of
officers and practically the same noncommissioned officers and bar-
rack accommodation. Some provision should also be made for a
training and remount troop in time of active service. This can be
done by adding a training detachment to the headquarters troop
as now authorized and organizing the training and remount troop
only in time of actual field service by assigning thereto the training
detachment from the headquarters troop and such officers and enlisted
men for other troops as necessary to conduct the work. In main-
taining Cavalry organizations on the border it has recently been nec-
essary to send both untrained men and untrained horses directly to
regiments neither at all fit for the hard work required. This has
been necessary on account of the reduced strength of these organiza-
tions at the front. No trained material being available, it was neces-
sary to fill up the organizations with the best obtainable. Such a
pohcy is, however, a- makeshift both expensive and extremely unsat-
isfactory in its results.
Cavalry' equipment. — ^The model 1912 Cavalry equipment was
issued by the Ordnance Department to the entire First Cavalry and
to one squadron each of the Third, Fifth, Eleventh, Thirteenth,
Fourteenth, and Fifteenth (transferred by the latter to the Eighth
Cavalry). Owing to the many complaints received from regimental
and otner conunanders with reference to the unsuitability of various
fortions of this equipment, a board of officers was convened at Rock
sland Arsenal (under the provisions of par. 44, Special Orders No.
211, War Department, 1915) for the purpose of examining and re-
?orting on the relative merits of certain military saddles for the
Javalry service, as well as of considering reports submitted with ref-
erence to the Cavalry equipment, model of 1912, and suggested
changes therein. The final reconmiendations of this board have not
as yet) been submitted, and when received will require some months
or a thorough tryout before final action. In the meantime, the manu-
facture and issue of the Cavalry equipment, model of 1912, has been
ordered discontinued. In April the Chief of Ordnance reported the
supply of Cavalry equipment available for issue, including both the
model 1912 and earlier models, as rapidly reaching a point where it
would be impossible to meet requests for the ordinary maintenance in
the service, and that it was imperative that the manufacture of a
limited amoimt of Cavalry equipment be imdertaken at once. The
reports received from commanders having the model 1912 equipment
emphasized such serious defects in the enlisted men^s saddle as to
make it clearly inadvisable to continue the manufacture of that equip-
ment unless tne Cavalry Equipment Board at Rock Island Arsenal
could find a remedy for the defects reported. This board was accord-
ingly instructed to continue the tests of this equipment and submit
report as soon as practicable. Reports received from organization
commanders on the border clearly mdicated that the McClellan sad-
i
BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 177
die was better adapted for field service than the 1912 model. This
question was also submitted to the Cavalry Equipment Board at
Rock Island Arsenal, which recommended the issue of the McClellan
equipment, the Ordnance Department having all appliances on hand
for that purpose. After due consideration this recommendation was
approved and the Chief of Ordnance was instructed to renew the
manufacture of the McClellan equipment in such quantities as neces-
sary to meet current and reserve needs until otherwise ordered.
Cavalry Drill and Service Regulations, — The revision and bring-
ing up to date of the Cavalry Drill and Service Regulations by the
board of officers convened by paragraph 29, Special Orders No. 210,
War Department, 1915, has been completed, and it is hoped to have
these regulations very shortly issued to the service. The 1914 regu-
lations requiring double rank as the normal formation and assummg
the regiment to consist of six squadrons of two troops each, com-
manded by captains, were approved and issued to the Cavalry service
October 22, 1914, in accordance with General Orders No. 79, War
Department, which instructed each officer to submit, on June 1, 1915,
a report embodying his opinion and recommendations in connection
therewith. These regulations have been in effect since that daio.
After an extensive try out which included much field service on the
southern border, these reports were rendered, and upon being tabu-
lated, it was found that about 90 per cent of the Cavalry officers
favored return to single rank as the normal formation with the
statutory organization of troop, squadron, and regiment. A large
percentage oi these officers likewise favored the principle of " lead-
mg '' upon which the regulations of 1914 were based.
The revision now submitted by the board provides:
1. Single rank as the normal formation with the statutory organ-
ization of the various units.
2. Retention of the principle of the 1914 regulations, that mounted
units are habitually led in person by their commanders.
3. Provision for double rank for use under circumstances requir-
ing it.
The new manual treats with great detail and thoroughness the
training of the recruit and remount. Detailed explanations practi-
cally terminate with the platoon, after which drill evolutions and the
maneuvering of the troop, squadron, and regiment are but the appli-
cation of fixed principles and methods laid down for the smaller
units.
Mounted Service School, — This school graduated during the last
year 28 officers in the first-year class, 7 officers in the second-year
class, and 12 officers in the fall class^ field officers' course. No spring
class was held for field officers owmg to the need of officers with
troops on the southern border. Ten noncommissioned officers were
graduated. Several members of the different classes failed to gradu-
ate on account of unsuitability or inaptitude. Regimental com-
manders of cavalry and field artillery have been instructed to give
careful attention in submitting recommendations for details at the
Mounted Service School, having in mind intelligence and character
as well as physical skill in order that all students may not only take
the various courses with credit but with a view of their afterwards
69176"— WAR 1916— VOL 1 12
178 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
being advantageously employed as experts in the training of both
men and remounts.
^ Now that the Mounted Service School has established beyond ques-
tion its function in our scheme of military education, and its perma-
nent location at Fort Riley determined, it is believed that a more
definite policy of building construction should be approved by the
department so as to provide adequately for the needs of a larger
school as made necessary by the recent increase in the mounted
branches of the service under the national-defense act. Heretofore
the school has been more or less dependent for quarters normally
required for the garrison of two regiments that are permanently sta-
tioned at Fort Ruey, but which have during the past few years been
on border service. With the return of these regiments additional
quarters will be required for the school. In accordance with the
reconmiendations of the Quartermaster General and the commandant,
the 1918 estimates will include new construction work covering the
more pressing needs of the school.
CAVALRY HORSES.
Some fear has been expressed by officers of the mounted service
that shipments from this country of horses and mules abroad were
reducing the available stock very materially within the country, as
during the period August 1, 1914, to July 31, 1916, over 620;000
horses were exported. In addition to this, 176,000 mules were ex-
ported. The Department of Agriculture has kept very accurate sta-
tistix^ of the number of horses exported and definite information con-
cerning their quality, sex, and probable usefulness. Of those shipped
about 30 per cent were mares. Many of these were old, and few of
the young ones showed evidence of having produced foals and would
probably add nothing to the breeding value of the horse stock ob-
tained at home. The loss in good producing mares is neglible, as the
f arniers prefer to keep this stock at the prices now prevailing. The
foreign purchases encourage the type of horse needed for cavalry
furposes, and has stimulated rather than restricted their breeding,
t is probable that the suitable horses for military purposes will be
increased as the farmers have disposed of inferior producers and
are recruiting the remaining stock by means of better breeding
methods.
The system of breeding horses for the military service conducted
by the Bureau of Animal Industrv, Department of Agriculture,
referred to in my last report shoulcf oe extended and the necessary
appropriations made for that purpose. Some of the advantages of
this system are :
1. The War Department will know where to find 8-year-old colts
of the types desired, and result in the standardization of suitable
military types.
2. Resulting foals will all be sired by sound registered stallions
and be out of sound mares selected for their fitness to produce foals
of the cavalry or artillery type.
3. Unsouna and unregistered stallions will eventually be elimi-
nated.
B£PORT OP THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
179
HORSES AND MULES BOUGHT.
As no appropriation had been made for supplying militia troops
with animals prior to calling these organizations into field service
on June 18, immediate steps were taken to secure the animals needed
to equip these troops. Remount stations and purchasing officers ad-
vertisea for them as extensively as possible. Bids were opened June
26, and contracts awarded June 27, tor 42,408 horses and 18,440 mules.
Inspection agents at the points of delivery inspected and shipped the
animals to the auxiliary remount depots at El Paso and Fort Sam
Houston, Tex., where they were held until free from shipping fever,
which is prevalent among animals required to undergo railway jour-
ney. This quarantine covers a period of about two weeks. Animals
issued to troops before they fully recover from this ailment would
infect the other animals. Each organization was given a partial
supply before attempting to complete the allowance to any one organ-
ization. This enabled each unit to be partially equipped until other
additional remounts were received.
The following table shows the horses arid mules received and issued
from the auxiliary remount depots and other points on the Texas
border:
Auxninrv rtmoant depot, El Paso, Tm.:
Wwk ended—
JuIrS
JulvlS
JulyW
July 29
Aug. 6
Aug.ia
All«,W
Total
Auzfltanr ramoimt depot. Port Btaa Hoofton, Tex.:
Wt«k eoded—
July I
July 16
JnlyW
July 30
ADf.5
Aiif.l3
Aiig.l«
Totol
Shipped to ▼wloQi pasta on the border ( Brownsrille, Trarllnj^,
Eflffle Pan, Laredo, Me Alien, Calexioo) and teued to troops
when releaaad tlom ^Ibaran tine
Graad total, ablpped and hned
Received.
Ilorjws.
S51
1,093
3,703
2,833
3.339
l,n3
1.399
12,313
1,653
2,161
1,093
1,831
1,588
1,814
503
10,703
2,787
25,607
Mules.
33
Ztfi
703
1,853
1,087
1,800
448
6,107
1,630
3,065
3,137
1,415
1,431
1,191
630
10,495
633
17,199
Issned.
Horses.
68
3(i5
429
1,160
2,857
703
1,986
7,657
878
479
1,997
1,069
1.693
766
960
7,851
3,787
18,295
Mules.
151
331
829
1,340
703
857
4,110
235
170
1,096
1,831
1,433
910
895
6,516
63S
11,250
FIELD ARTILIJSRT.
The report of a board of officers convened to make recommenda-
tions concerning types of field guns and ammunition supply there-
foFi as finally approved by the Secretary of War, was based on the
necessary equipment for a force of 1,000,000 men organized into 15
Anny corps and 4 Cavalry divisions.
180 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
Advantage was taken of knowledge and experience gained from
reports and observations abroad and in the light of most recent de-
velopments in the manufacture and efficiency of the different types
of guns, kind of ammunition, means of transportation, improved
equipment for fire control in making its study and report, and types
OT guns have been adopted which conform to the requirements of
modern war.
The computation as to the number of guns required is based on an
allowance of 4.9 guns to a thousand gross Iniantry and Cavalry,
instead of 3.1 guns, as formerly.
The full accumulated ammunition allowance is provided for over-
sea stations and one-half the amount for home stations.
Motor tractors and trucks are provided for the heavier types,
and provision is made for all signal equipment, including aeroplanes,
necessary to render effective the Field Artillery material.
Under the national-defense act the number of Field Artillery regi-
ments will be increased by 15 — 3 to be organized each year for five
years. The new regiments for this year were organized from a
nucleus of trained personnel drawn from old regiments.
The unusual demands during the past year made it necessary to
abandon the regular courses of instruction at the School of Fire for
Field Artillery. It is contemplated to reopen the school for the
regular spring courses and with a more extended program of instruc-
tion. The increased ammunition allowance authorized by Congress
this year for target practice will insure increased efficiency in fire
for effect.
Modem types of observation balloons and heavier-than-air flying
machines for use in training and fire control at the School of Fire
have been authorized.
The question of the advisability of utilizing motor traction and
transport for heavy field artillery has been under trial and experi-
ment for sufficient time to demonstrate its efficiency and economy
with the heavier material, and further experience and test will en-
able more accurate conclusions to be drawn.
It is a matter of satisfaction to cite the interest shown by the
National Guard in Field Artillery work and the nunher of batteries
that have been organized. A complete battalion of field artillery
was enlisted from students at Yale University, and their progress
and interest in the work at the training camp at Tobyhanna, Pa..
under a corps of instructors from the Regular Army is worthy oi
special praise and comment.
The lack of sufficient regular field artillery to meet the demands
made on this arm has been emphasized during the past year. It has
been impossible to provide sufficient officers for duty as inspector-
instructors of the National Guard and for other purposes, and no
regular organizations could be made available for the field training
of the militia. As a result of the mobilization on the Mexican bor-
der it became necessary to discontinue the School of Fire for Field
Artillery and thus deprive, not only the regular personnel but also a
large class of officers and noncommissioned officers of the National
Guard of the advantages afforded by this school.
The armory training of the Field Artillery of the National Guard
has shown a marked improvement over previous years. While only
185 gunners were qualified in 1915, the reports for 1916 show 1.560
BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 181
qualified gunners, nearly one-third of whom were in the expert first-
class grade. The instruction of National Guard officers has not pro-
gressed as satisfactorily as that of the enlisted men, and the number
who qualified for certificates of proficiency has not been up to
expectations.
Only one battery of the National Guard Field Artillery was able to
attend a camp for field training and conduct target practice before
the mobilization in 1916, and this was made possible because the
State defrayed all expenses. An effort was made to secure sufficient
appropriations from Congress to conduct camps prior to June 30, but
funds could not be obtained in time for use. As a rule, such camps
are not profitable unless Regular organizations can attend to furnish
instructors and trained horses. The future development of the field
artillery of the National Guard must depend upon the degree to
which file Regular regiments can assist in their field training. For
reasons of economy in transportation it will be desirable, therefore,
to station the Regular regiments where they can reach the field
artillery training camps by marching.
The appropriation of $200,000 for the fiscal jrear 1916 to provide
forage for horses and pay for helpers for the Field Artillery of the
National Guard has had a beneficial effect. At the time of the
mobilization the National Guard batteries had on hand 912 horses,
568 of which were purchased from Federal funds or issued by the
Federal Government. These horses were distributed among 74 of
the 83 National Guard batteries, thus affording a general opportunity
for mounted instruction.
MohUe-artUlery target practice, — The increased importance of
mobile-artillery nre developed by the war in Europe has emphasized
the necessity for more target practice, and Congress during the
last session provided a much-needed increase in the amounts avail-
able for expenditure for this purpose, so that for next yeai- it
will be possible to provide a more adequate allowance for the proper
instrrction of the personnel of the Field Artillery.
COAST ARTILLERT HARBOR DEFENSE.
The national defense act, by its increments of increase, will give
the Coast Artillery Corps a complete manning body for the guns
and mine defenses of tne over-sea fortifications, for all the mine
defenses of the home fortifications, and for one-half of the gun
defense.
It has been the policy of the War Department to look to the States
in which harbor defenses are located to supply one-half of the per-
sonnel required for a complete manning for the gun defenses. Up
to the present time the coast States have not met their obligations in
supplymg militia artillerymen. Up to the present time they have
supplied less than 50 per cent of their quota. Steps will be taken to
try and arouse great interest in this matter in the militia of the
States concerned.
The increase of armament of recent battleships, by which they
carry more powerful, longer range guns than those which have here-
tofore been installed, has exposed certain cities — harbors of anchor-
age — to a fire which would not be met successfully bv existing forti-
fications. This led the Secretary of War to direct the War Depart-
182 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
ment Board of Review to revise the approved projects. This board
submitted a report on November 26, 1915, covering what it considered
the most pressing requirements of harbor defense. These projects
will involve:
(a) The emplacement of 50-caliber 16-inch guns and 16- inch
mortars.
(b) The utilization as howitzers of the surplus 12-inch guns now
on hand by mounting them on barbette carriages of a special design
that will permit of the attainment of a range of 30,000 yards.
(c) The initiation of the construction oi movable howitzers and
an experimental^ gun on railroad car mount, for defense against
hostile landings in unfortified harbors.
(d) The provision of 3-inch antiaircraft guns for seacoast fortifi-
cations.
(e) The abandonment of certain existing seacoast armament that
IS deemed to be of insufficient military value to warrant incurring the
cost of providing a manning personnel or ammunition therefor.
(/) The retention of the disappearing carriage as the type mount
for airect-fire seacoast guns, except in those instances where special
conditions may render advisable the installation of the turret or
barbette mount; any type of mount for direct-fire guns to be con-
structed in future to admit of an elevation of approximated 30
degrees and a motion in azimuth as great as the necessities oi the
site demand to meet an attack over water or land areas.
(g) Increases in the allowances of seacoast ammunition.
When the features of the revision proposed shall have been effected,
our harbor defenses will be able successfully to meet any attack which
can reasonably be expected from the sea.
In view of the confidential nature of mine-planting work and of
the importance of having military control over the crews of mine
planters^ cable ships, tugs, launches, and other vessels employed with
the armies of the United States, it is recommended that legislation
be sought declaring the members of these crews " Persons subject to
military law" within the meaning of Article II of the Articles of
War.
The instruction of Coast Artillery has been somewhat interfered
with by the necessity for the detachment of troops for service along
the Mexican border, but they have all now been returned to their
proper stations. Vocational training has received considerable atten-
tion and 1,919 men are reported by the Chief of Coast Artillery as
having availed themselves of the opportunities to take vocational
courses, which covered instruction of electricians, telephone opera-
tors, telegraph and radio operators, engineers, firemen, blacksmiths,
painters, plumbers, carpenters, and also in music, map reading,
sketching, etc.
In February, 1913, three administrative units called Coast Artil-
lery districts were established, and an additional district in the
Panama Canal Zone has since been added. The duties required of
commanding officers of these districts are analogous to those pre-
scribed for brigade commanders of troops. The lact that the duties
are largely technical has led to the policy of appointing to the com-
mand OI these districts Coast Artillerv officers who have been appointed
general officers of the Army. Legislation which fixed the number of
brigadier generals of the Army did not take into consideration these
REPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 183
assignments, but was based upon the necessities of the mobile troops.
It is as desirable to have brigadier generals with Coast Artillery
training command these Coast Artillery districts as it is unsuitable
to use them in command of mobile troops.
It is therefore recommended that the Coast Artillery Corps be
increased by brigadier generals to command Coast Artillery dis-
tricts, the number to be the proportion due the Coast Artillery as a
part of the line of the Army, to be filled by the transfer oi such
?;eneral officers of the line who, under past policy, have been appointed
rom the Coast Artillery, and thereafter appointment of general
officers for that corps be made entirely withm that corps and none
to the line of the Army. These brigadier generals, with the Chief
of Coast Artillery, would give the Coast Artillery Corps a proper
proportion of general officer appointments.
Am/munition for harbor defenses, — A step has been taken toward
securing the full eflFectiveness of harbor-defense armament by increas-
ing the allowance of reserve ammunition for guns to that correspond-
ing to the accuracy life for one-half the guns mounted in the conti-
nental United States and for all the guns mounted in the insular
possessions and the Canal Zone. The allowance for mortars has also
been materially increased. This proposed increase in the allowances
has been met by increased appropriations by Congress, and it is
hoped that during the next three years the total allowance will be
provided for.
SHORTAGE IN ORDNANCE MATERIEL.
The most serious shortage of materiel for preparations for war is
that of field and siege artillery, its ammunition, and machine guns.
With reference to field and siege artillery and its ammunition, the
project therefor in existence since 1911 and known as the Greble
Board standards, has been replaced by that known as the Treat Board
standards, in which provision has been made not only for a larger
number of guns for the men employed, but also for a materially
greater allowance of ammunition per gun. While Congress at ite
recent session made markedly greater appropriations for this class
of materiel than in the past, larger appropriations must be made
if this project is to be provided for in the next seven years as contem-
plated.
The large orders placed in this country for foreign Governments
have developed a large capacity for ordnance materiel, especially
mobile artillery ammunition, of which class the greatest quantities
will be required in time of war, but this capacity is far in excess of
the peace requirements of the United States, and a large portion
must, therefore, inevitably disappear. Every effort will be made to
utilize to the best advantage the provisions in recent appropriation
acts for developing private capacity for the manufacture of ordnance
materiel of service design, but the fimds available for this are too
limited to permit of any marked progress being made.
A part of the improvement that might otherwise be obtained
is lost, due to restrictive legislation as to the capacity at which the
arsenals shall be operated and as to procurement by purchase. The
extent to which special plants can be continued in existence after
184 KEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
the European demand ceases, is directly dependent upon the orders
that can be given them.
It is therefore recommended that effort be made to increase the
appropriations for armament, to continue the provisions of law which
aim to retain commercial capacity for production of war materiel,
and to remove the restrictions which will result in reduction of this
capacity.
In this connection I desire to invite attention to the following
extract from my report of last year :
The history of war wiU show, almost without exception, that each great
conflict has resulted In the introduction of new and powerful weapons and
devices for attack and defense. Initial advantages of immense import have
been gained by a belligerent who has developed some new innovation against
which no Immediate defense was adequate. The innovation of yesterday be-
comes the necessity of to-morrow. The present gigantic conflict waging in
Europe is too near in perspective and too obscure In detail to grasp as yet all
its manifold lessons, but one of the great outstanding features is the use of
iarge-calibered mobile artillery. Each and all of our observers have been struck
with the gigantic results attained by its use, and each and every one emphasizes
the necessity of our Immediate development along similar lines. In this view
I am in thorough accord and earnestly recommend that the necessary steps be
taken to this end.
Mobile guns of at least 124nch caliber mounted on railway carriages or
dragged by suitable motors are especially needed for transportation up and
down our coast lines to protect our undefended harbors and prevent hostile
ships from putting landing parties ashore anywhere on our coast outside of
the range of the guns of our coast-defense forts and assist the mobile army
in defending the rear of those forts.
As a result of the hearings before Congress appropriation was
made for only one mobile mortar and one mobile gun on designs pre-
pared bv the Ordnance Department. Many of our harbors are unde-
fended oy permanent fortifications. Heavy artillerv of mobile type
must be obtained to give proper defense to landing places and harbors
which otherwise mignt give access to an enemy.
It is a well-known fact that the resources of England, France,
Italy, and Russia were noneffective in producing war materiel re-
quired by those countries, and that the industries of other nations are
now largely employed in making up this deficit.
There is danger that the procurement of war materiel by the
Ordnance Department will be delayed. The fortification act, ap-
proved July 6, 1916, provides, in effect, that no purchase shall be
made unless the price quoted is within 25 per cent more than the
arsenal cost, or in the absence of previous arsenal manufacture, the
estimated arsenal cost: except when in the opinion of the President
an emergency exists affecting the general welfare. In times of fluctu-
ating and high prices, with manufacturing plants supplied with more
work than they can do, as at the present time, this provision might
seriously delav the procurement of needed armament unless the Presi-
dent were willing to declare an emergency. The Army appropria-
tion act, approved August 29, 1916, provides, for field artillery, that
not more than $5,000,000 out of $10,000,000 appropriated shall be
used for purchase. As the arsenal capacity on a two-shift basis is
not above $3,000,000 for this class of product and as it is very un-
desirable to run plants on a three-shift basis it is evident that this act
alone supplies sufficient work for the arsenals for about 18 months,
'^nd it is practically obligatory that a certain amount of the funds
ider other acts be spent for these same purposes at the arsenals.
BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 185
The Ordnance Department is using every means to expedite pro-
duction of artillery. Further speeding will require faster procure-
ment of designs and more rapid manufacture. The former can be
obtained only by purchasing foreign designs the nearest to those
required that can be procured and regardless of oost. Manufacture
can be best hastened by invoking paragraph 120 of the national de-
fense act, approved June 3, 1916, which provides, in effect, that in
time of war, or when war is imminent, the President may empower
the Ordnance Department to partially or wholly take over such
manufacturing plants as may be needed and cause them to be operated
in the production of war materiel for the United States. This course
would be expensive on account of damages because of contracts in
existence, but it is the only method of coercion available. Difficulty
will be encountered in getting early deliveries of materiel, as the
factories are generally under contract for their capacity for a consid-
erable period ahead. The maximum speeding up of production
would also require very large appropriations and contract authoriza-
tions at the next session of Congress, and it would be necessary that
legal restrictions on purchase in this country and abroad be removed.
I can not emphasize too strongly the vital importance of providing
as quickly as possible for our first-line defense all materiel that re-
quires time to design and manufacture.
SERVICE SCHOOLS.
Owing to the acute situation on the Mexican border, the Army
service schools at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., the Mounted Service
School at Fort Riley, the School of Fire and the School of Musketry
at Foi-t Sill were closed May 10, 1916, and tiie class graduated as of
that date, the student-officers and instructors being sent to join their
regiments on the border. Since then several tentative dates have
been fixed for the reopening of the schools, but the training of the
Organized Militia on the border has been of such paramount im-
portance and the necessity of every officer who could be spared from
his organization being required for this purpose has so far prevented
the reopening of the schools.
CHIEFS OF INFANTRY, CAVALRY, AND FIELD ARTILLERY.
It is fundamental military principle that the entire Military Estab-
lishment, and each of its various components, should have a military
head (chief) superior in rank to all under his control, who directly
supervises and may be held responsible for its training, efficiency of
personnel, and other correlated matters. All staff corps and dej^art-
ments as well as the Coast Artillery now have such a chief. The
Cavalry, Infantry, and the Field Artillery have not. Correct mili-
tary principles and consequently military efficiency require that each
of these arms should have such a chief and this chief while so serving
should have one grade higher rank than any otlicer of his arm.
This chief should be charged with the inspection of his arm and
should supervise its training and equipment and all such chiefs should
have the same status. If any arm be given an advantage over
another, either in the matter of having a chief or in the matter of the
186 BEPOKT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
official standing of such chief, unequal consideration and treatment
and unbalanced military development of these arms will naturally
result. For the reasons stated, chiefs of Cavalry, Infantry, ana
Field Artillery should be provided for those arms as now authorized
by law for the Coast Artillery. During the Civil War when Ameri-
can Cavalry was being developed along lines that have influenced all
nations in the use of this arm, it became necessary to establish a
bureau of Cavalry at the War Department and appoint chiefs of
Cavalry also of Artillery of the various large commands.
The developments of modern war have made it equally necessary
that we should have chiefs of Field Artillery and Infantry. For
Field Artillery there are the many questions incident to personnel,
organization, training, equipment, arm, etc., which demand the direct
and constant attention of a single head or chief. The same is true for
Infantry. It is generally admitted that in any final showdown the
mobile army must be the mam defense of the country. It is, there-
fore, important that all branches be maintained on the highest plane
of emciency, and this will be only possible when they are given exactly
the same status, viz, a chief directly responsible to the Chief of Stan
and Secretary of War. This accords with the recommendation made
by the General Staff as well as the views of the line of the Army.
SITUATION ON MEXICAN BORDER.
VUla^s attack on Columhvs^ N. Mex.^ niqht of March 8-9^ 1916. —
The small town of Columbus, N. Mex., with a population of a few
hundred Americans and Mexicans, is situated on the El Paso &
Southwestern Railroad, about 73 miles west of El Paso, Tex., and 3
miles north of the border. The country is flat and partly covered with
mesquite brush, though troops can move in practically all directions,
either mounted or on foot, except as prevented by the wire fence
along the border. • ' ^ ^ I
The troops stationed at Columbus at the time of the attack com-
prised some 500 officers and men of the Thirteenth Cavalry, which
regiment had furnished this garrison since September, 1912. During
this period border conditions have varied so greatly that, shortly
before the attack, a reduction of the garrison by half had been
recommended.
The sector of the border assigned to this command covered about
90 miles and was patrolled by detachments varying in strength de-
pending on the proximity or Mexican forces south of the border.
During the months of January and February conditions were very
quiet and only small patrols covered the border. Early in March
there came rumors that Villa was somewhere near Columbus. The
Satrols and outposts were strengthened as considered necessary. Or-
ers prohibited our troops from crossing the border to investigate
nunors. Numerous Villa sympathizers lived in Columbus and vicin-
ity, and Villa was fully informed of conditions at Columbus, includ-
ing the disposition of troops.
V ilia's command crossed the border in small parties about 3 miles
west of the border gate, concentrated for and made the attack during
hours of extreme darkness after the moon had set and before day-
light
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 187
In the fight which ensued 7 American troopers were killed and
about an equal number wounded. Seventy-eight Mexicans were
killed and many wounded. One troop mounted and pursued the
Mexicans. Another on outpost duty at the border gate mounted and
struck the retreating Mexicans in flank, killing 18. These two troops
continued the pursuit of the Mexicans south of the border for 12
miles, discontinuing only when their ammunition wns exhausted.
Expeditionary force into Mexico. — As a result of this attack the
conunnnding general. Southern Department, was on March 10 di-
rected to oiganize a suitable expeditionary force under the command
of Brig. (ien. John J. Pershing to pursue Villa into Mexico for the
purpose of capturing Villa and preventing any further raids by his
baud and with scrupulous regard to the sovereignty of Mexico. A
comnuind of sufficient size had to be assembled at Columbus, N. Mex.
Owing to the nature of the country and the character of the pursuit
it was necessary for the force to consist largely of cavalry. The Villa
forces were all mounted and capable of making long marches. To
ha\o pursued at once with troops then on the border would have
loft tlie important border points, Douglas, Bisbee, Columbus, and El
Paso, and intervening sections exposed to like raids. Therefore, be-
fore the expedition could start on its mission, it was necessary to
S(»nd to that section the remaining available troops in the United
States, which required approximately five days. During this time
the first motor transport companies were organized and shipped from
eastern points, (ien. Pershing's command crossed the border March
15, and at once took up a vigorous and energetic pursuit, neither
men nor animals being spared in the long and anluous marches which
ri'snltod in driving the Villa bands over 400 miles southward and
killin*; srme *200 or more members. Oflicors and men of this com-
mand are des<Mving of the highest conunendation.*
Horder conference wit ft G( n. Ohrccfon, — I proceeded from Wash-
ington on April 19 to Fort Sam Houston, Tex., arriving on the
evening of April 21. My instructions were to discuss fully with
Gen. Funston the object of Gen. Pershing's expeditionary force in
Mexico, the extent to which it should be concentrated, the number of
troops necessary, the extent to which the border could be ade(jnately
protected with the troops remaining in the Southern Department,
and what, if any, additional troops were needed to meet conditions
liable to arise. These matters were thoroughly gone over with Gen.
Funston, our conclusions wired the War Department, and special
instructions conforming thereto communicated to Gen. Perehmg.
On April 24, 1 was instructed that a conference with Gen. Obregon
had been arranged for Gen. Funston and myself to be held at
El Paso, Tex., or that vicinity, and we should hold ourselves in readi-
ness to proceed there on receipt of instructions. These instructions
were received April 26, and on April 27 we proceeded to El Paso,
arriving there on the evening of the *28th. Gen. Obregon having pre-
viously arrived in Juarez, (ten. Funston and myself, accompanied by
our aides, called on him that evening. On the next day, April 29,
Gen. C)bregon returned our call, and arrangements were made for
future conferences, commencing that afternoon.
^A more detailed report of thiH expedition would have been made, bat at this writing
th« report of tbe Southern Department and the report of Gen. Pershing have not beea
received.
188 BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
On May 3 a tentative agreement was completed which was signed
by Gens. Obregon, Funston, and myself, and submitted to our respec-
tive Governments. Subsequent conferences were held on May 7, 8, 9,
and 11. The proceedings and the results of the various conferences
were at once communicated in dispatches from El Paso. While the
Carranza Government would not agree to ratify the tentative agree-
ment signed with Gen. Obregon, the conference furnished most bene-
ficial results in materially relieving a very acute situation and in
demonstrating to Gen. Obregon and other Carranza leaders the
pacific intentions of our Government.
It had in every way been most emphatically impressed upon Gen.
Obregon that whenever the Mexican Government had demonstrated
its capacity, and provided proper protection for our border, consid-
eration would then be given to the withdrawal of our troops from
Mexico.
Raid on Glen Springs^ Tex. — On the night of May 5, 1916, a de-
tachment of 9 enlisted men stationed at Glen Springs, with Sergt.
Charles E. Smyth, Troop A, Fourteenth Cavalry, m charge, was
attacked by from 50 to 100 M^^exican bandits. Although surrounded
and hopelessly outnumbered, this detachment stood off the bandits,
suffering a loss of 3 privates killed, 4 wounded, and 9 horses captured.
After leaving Glen Springs these bandits proceeded to Deemer's
store, which was raided and Deemer carried off as a prisoner.
On May 6, Troops A and B, Eighth Cavalry, trom Fort Bliss,
Troops F and H and Machine Gun Troop, Fourteenth Cavalry, from
Fort Clark, all under the command of Col. Frederick W. Sibley,
Fourteenth Cavalry, were ordered to Marfa, Tex., to take up the
pursuit and capture or destroy the bandits that had made the attack
on Glen Springs and Deemer's store. These troops arrived at Marfa,
Tex., May 7. One party of the bandits was surprised and attacked
at Santa Anita, Mexico. Deemer was rescued and the bandits driven
so far south and punished that the expedition fully accomplished its
mission and on May 26 the troops were returned to their proper sta-
tions. All officers and men taking part performed this very arduous
duty most ccimmendably.
Attack at San Ignacio^ Tex, — About 2 a. m., June 15, 1916, Troops
I and M, Fourteenth Cavalry, were attacked by a large force of Mexi-
can bandits at San I«:nacio, Tex., Troop M having three men killed
and one noncommissioned officer and three privates wounded, the
noncommissioned officer fatally. These two troops, under the com-
mand of Maj. Alonzo Gray, pursued the bandits into Mexico, but
being unsuccessful in picking up the trail, returned to the American
side late the same day.
Calling out of the militia, — As a result of such raids and attacks
hy Mexican bandits there were continuous demands from border
towns, villages, and ranches for regular troops to insure protection
not only for property but for American women and children. With
the continued pursuit of Villa bands by the expeditionary force under
Gen. Pershing, the attitude of the Mexicans in general became moi*e
and more embittered against Americans. It is believed that the
leaders felt that if the advance of the American troops continued
southward into Mexico it would result in actual intervention bv the
United States, and with such an eventuality they would prefer to force
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 189
ail open conflict. This feeling undoubtedly had its influence in in-
creasing the number of raids, as bandit leaders were able to pick up
the necessary recruits either for a small raid by a few men for steal-
ing cattle or for a more extensive one to attack American camps.
Owing to this attitude and the occurrence of these raids, it became
urgent to provide at once more troops along the border to insure
reasonable protection to both life and property as well as to permit
Gen. Funston to be able to reinforce Gen. Pershing with a regular
force of sufficient size to meet possible attacks. (Jen. Pershing's
expeditionary force was more or less scattered, with his advance
units some 400 miles in Mexico. The entire Regular Army stationed
in the United States, with the exception of a regiment of Cavalry and
some of the Coast Artillery, was either already distributed along the
border or with Gen. Pershing's expeditionarj^ force. There being
no regular troops available, the militia of Texas, New Mexico, and
Arizona was ordered out May 9. This eased the situation materially,
but it was only temporary.
The Mexican leaders became insistent upon the withdrawal of
Gen. Pershing's expeditionary force and threatened to attack any of
our detachments in Mexico marching in any direction other than
toward the American border. Conditions became such that an imme-
diate increase in the border troops was necessary. The only organ-
ized force available was the National Guard, which was accordingly
ordered out by the Presiotent June 18 and the greater part sent to
the border as promptly as possible.
The mere calling out of the militia had the effect of completely
changing the attitude of the Mexicans, and the presence of this addi-
tional force has enabled sufficient numbers of troops to be stationed
so as to furnish adequate protection to American homes near the
border, which they have been without for from five to six vears.
The mobilization of the militia in the large camps established at
or near Douglas, El Paso, Fort Sam Houston, and Brownsville has
also enabled these troops to receive practical instruction with trained
officers under field conditions which would not otherwise have been
possible.
THE ORGANIZED MH^ITIA AND THE NATIONAL GUARD.
According to the latest return of this force, before being called
into service 1,451 officers and 6,131 enlisted men belonged to the staff
noncombatant branch; 456 officers and 8,084 enlisted men to the Coast
Artillery; and 6,682 officers and 109,390 enlisted men to the mobile
branches, a total of 8,589 officers and 123,605 enlisted men.
The plan of organizing the mobile troops and the National Guard
into 12 tactical divisions has made some progress during the year;
however, no division is complete. The division in the State of New
York and the division in Pennsylvania are most advanced in divi-
sional organization. On June 30 both were deficient a few
auxiliary units. On a divisional basis there is an excess of Infantry
units equivalent to 17 regiments, and a deficiency of 52 troops of
Cavalry, 58 batteries of Field Artillery, 49 machine-gun companies,
12 medical supply detachments, 8J battalions of engineers, 26 field
hospitals, 17 ambulance companies, and 17 sanitary detachments.
There i? a deficiency in Coast Artillery of 261 officers and 9.239 en-
190 BEPOET OP THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
listed men in order to provide their half of the complete manning of
guns of harbor defense elsewhere referred to.
The nimierical strength of the National Guard was 18,195 enlisted
men below the minimum authorized peace strength. Reports show
that only about 43 per cent of the reported stren^h attended at least
24 drills of one hour per day during the year.
Reports on small-arms target practice are incomplete. Seven
States have submitted no report. Of the remaining States only 58
per cent fired range practice; 128 companies of Coast Artillery at-
tended camps of instruction at or near harbor-defense batteries. The
reports of 46 of these companies show that only 72 per cent had serv-
ice practice. Six batteries of Field Artillery attended camps of in-
struction and one battery had service practice prior to call of June
18, 1916. Six special camps of instruction were held for officers and
noncommissioned officers. Other camps which were planned had to
be abandoned by reason of the organizations being called into the
service of the United States.
The effect of pay for armory service is yet to be determined and
can not be judged imtil the National Guard in the service of the
United States has been mustered out and has assumed its normal
peace training. The plan of organizing the mobile and auxiliary
troops of the National Guard into tactical divisions will be modified,
both as to organizations specified and as to geographic distribution
in order to adapt it to the national defense act.
There was called into the service of the United States on May 9
and June 18, 1916, 108 regiments and 7 separate battalions of In-
fantry ; 3 regiments, 13 separate squadrons, and 22 separate troops of
Cavalry ; 6 regiments, 12 separate battalions, and 17 separate batteries
of Fidd Artillery; 3 battalions and 11 separate companies of Engi-
neers; 4 battalions, 16 separate companies, and 1 aero company. Sig-
nal troops; 22 ambulance companies and 37 field hospitals. There
were already organized on June 18 two Infantry divisions, 19 In-
fantry brigades, and one Artillery brigade. On July 31 reports
show that 110,957 were on the border and 40,139 in State mobilization
camps, aggregating 151,096. This aggregate strength was deficient
by 4,083 of the authorized minimum peace strength and short war
strength by 97,350 men.
Forty-four officers of the Army were commissioned in the Na-
tional Guard. Called into service were 3 as brigadier generals, 10
as colonels, 27 as lieutenant colonels, and 40 as majors. There were
also commissioned of noncommissioned officers of the Army, 34 in
the Infantry, 9 in the Cavalry, 7 in the Field Artillery, and 1 in the
Signal Corps. Two major generals and 24 brigadier generals of the
National Guard, in addition to the 3 brigadier generals commissioned
from the Regular Army, were mustered into the service of the United
States.
In 11 States from which complete returns are at hand 16,630
officers and men in the aggregate were on the rolls at the date of
call. Of this number 1,761, or a little over 10 per cent, failed to
report Of the remainder who reported in response to the call 4,385,
or about 29 per cent of those examined, failea to pass the required
physical examination. From the two causes combined 37 per cent
of the aggregate strength at the date of call failed to materialize as
soldiers. By these subtractions the original aggregate was reduced
REPORT OP THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 191
to 10,484 officers and men. To these were added 7,950 new recruits
without former service, making a final strength of 18,434. Making
a comparison by percentages, about 57 per cent of the final strength
were officers and men with more or less former training in the Na-
tional Guard and 43 per cent were without former service or training.
These figures will probably hold good approximately for the entire
bodv of the National Guard.
When we consider that the National Guard when called upon was
obliged to take with it, at a minimum strength, 43 per cent of men
without former service or training, which, when it is recruited up to
war strength of 150 men to a company, with its present state of
development would amount to 75 per cent of untrained men and
these commanded by officers of very limited experience, the con-
clusion is obvious that it is a very expensive military system, which is
no sooner called into service than the department is inundated with
requests for the discharge of individuals and Congress is called upon
to make provision for families left behind. Discharges from these
and other causes were so great that department commanders were
authorized to provide three recruiting parties for each regiment
mustered into the service of the United States. These parties con-
sisted of a commissioned officer, a noncommissioned officer, and a
Erivate, and were maintained at Government expense. The results,
owever, were so unsatisfactory owing to the lack of recruits that
orders have recently been issued to the commanding generals of
several departn^jBnts authoriziujg them to discontinue National Guard
recruiting service when in their opinion the results obtained do not
warrant its continuance. This may be illustrated in the State of
New York in which the militia organization was very much above
the average. From August 2 to September 6 only 351 recruits were
secured at an average cost necessitated by the keeping up of recruit-
ing parties of $40 per recruit. This was the cost to merely get the
man. The system speaks for itself in dollars and cents, which is
readily understood by the average man. In the State of Massa-
chusetts 20 recruiting stations wore established; between August 1
and September 25 they enlisted only 189 recruits.
THE Mn^rriA bureau.
The following is taken from the report of the Acting Chief,
Militia Bureau:
Under the provisions of section 81 of the amended militia law, the " Division
of MiUtia Affairs In the office of the Secretary of War " formerly con8titute<] by
War Department orders as a subdivision of the office of the Chief of Staff, be-
comes the Militia lUironu of the War Department *' under tlic immediate super-
vision of the Secretary of War and shall not form a part of any other bureau,
office, or organization.**
The National Militia Board created by the act of May 27, 1008, is abolished
and the President Is autliorized to nssiim one colonel and one lieutenant colonel
of the National Guard to duty In the Militia Bureau as assistants to the chief
thereof.
The officers of the National Guard who can be of most service as assistants
In the Militia Bureau are those who have had experience in an administrative
capacity, particularly as quartermasters and disbursing officers. As a general
rule experience of this sort should be a necessary quallflcatlon for assignment.
In drafting the provisions of the act of June 3, 1916, It was the evident in-
tention of Congress to exercise to its full extent Its constitutional powers to
192 REPORT or THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
" provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia ** within the limit,
"reserving to States, respectively, the appointment of the officers and the
authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Con-
gress.*' The National Guard is federalized as far as it can be federalized
under the constitutional restrictions.
This was the desire of the representatives of the National Guard Association
as expressed in their hearings before the Committee on Military Affairs of
Congress. There is, however, considerable evidence that the construction placed
upon the term federalization by these representatives did not Involve vesting
In the Federal Government the greatest amount of control over the National
Guard consistent with the terras of the Constitution On the contrary, a rejwrt
of a legislative committee of the National Guard Association proposed, in
November, 1915, to retluce the already Inadequnte powers conferred on the
Fe<leral Government in the militia law of 1903 by securing the adoption of a
constitutional amen<lment which would place the very important power of deter-
mining the organization of tiie National Guard, now a pi-erogatlve of the IVcl-
eral government, in the hands of the States. The adoption of such an amend-
ment would have resulted In complete heterogeneity In the composition of the
militia of the several States and would have destroyed all possibility of develop-
ing the National Guard Into a force organized to meet the necessities of national
defense. Further evidences of the opposition to any real federalization Is
found in draft of a bill "to provide for the organization, armament, discipline,
and government of militia of the United Stales and to further provide for thc^
national defense" (Committee print, J. 26698-1) which was offered with the
sanction of the executive committee of the National Guard Association. The
cnitstanding feature of this draft was the creation of a militia section of the
General Staff, composed entirely of National Guard officers, with powers so
extensive as practically to Insure the control of the National Guard by its own
members and to destroy such power as was possesseil by the War Department to
control the training of the mlUtia as an effective Federal force. The tendency
of the proposed legislation may be gathered from certain provisions here men-
tioned. The scoi>e of the examinations to determine the fitness of candidates
for commission in the National Guard was to be determined by tlie mllltla sec-
tl«>n of the General StafT. the examinations themselves to be conducted by
boards appointed by the governors of States or Territories. Regulations fixing
the standard of military fitness which should entitle members of the National
Guard to Federal pay were to be prescribed by the militia section. Although
projects evolved by the mllltla section could not be carried into effect until
apr)roved by the Secretary of War, he could not reverse their decision and ptit
into effect plans which appeared to him more effective, but could only interpose
his objection and if the militia section persisted, a deadlock would result.
These provisions are of Importance when considered In connection with the sub-
sequent amendment to the Army reorganization act which was urged for tlie
addition of five militia officers to the General Staff. It is difficult to escape the
conclusion that the purpose of this amendment was to create in the city of
Washington a body of mllltla officers In whose hands the control of mliltia
affairs would be vested and through whom a practically complete Independence
from Federal control would be attained.
Such a result would be deplorable. It would involve the predominance of
local interest over the interests of general national defense. Two systems
would have been built up, the existence of which, side by side, would have
destroye<l all Idea of the coordinated action under a common control which
is the real significance of federalization. It would be almost Inevitable that
militia officers serving In su^h a capacity would become the representatives of
local Interests and the wlelders of local Influence for the benefit of local Interests
In national mllltnrj* affairs in much the same way that this function was exer-
cised by a group of National Guard representatives in bringing local Influence
to bear on the legislation enacted at the recent session of Congress. Their
official position would give sanction to their statements, and their nonamen-
nbllity to military jurlstllctlon would relieve them from a sense of responsblllty
for their actions.
It is but just to say that there was not full concurrence on the part of the
National Guard In the views of their representatives and in the measures advo-
CO ted by them. Probably the provisions of the new defense act as they apply
to the National Guard much more nearly conform to the ideals and sentiments
of the National Guard as a body than the original measure proposed by the
r-ommittee of National Guard representatives.
REPORT OP THE CHIEF OP STAPP. 193
It l8 believed that under the act of June 3, 1016, the powers of Oongress to
vest coDtrol over the National Guard in the Federal Government have been
practically exhausted. Every power that can be granted to the War Department
has been conferred, and the necils of the National Guard In respect to conipen-
satton have been met. This leaves no further material legislative changes to
be sought to increase the efficiency of the system. A failure to attain a reason-
able degree of efficiency with the facilities provided will be attributable only to
defects too inherent in the militia system to be subject to correction by legis-
lative action.
MOBILIZATION OF THE ORGANIZED MILITIA AND NATIONAL GUARD.
Organizations of the militia and National Guard of the States of
Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas were called into the service of the
United States on May 9, 1916. These organizations were directed to
proceed from the home rendezvous direct to their border stations.
On June 18, 1916, the Organized Militia and the National Guard
of all the other States were called into the service and directed to
assemble at their State mobilization camps. The movement from the
company rendezvous to the State camps was under the control of the
State authorities and from those camps to the stations designated
on the border under direction of the War Department. These ti'oops
began leaving their mobilization camps June 27 and on July 1 there
were en route to the border from various sections of the United
States 122 troop trains, carrying over 2,000 pasK^ger and baggage
cars, with a total strength of 36,042 men. Four days later 101 troop
trains were en route to the border: 56,681 militia troops were either
at the border or en route to the borcjcr. Up to July 31, 112,000 militia
troops were transported to the border.
The task imposed upon the railroads of the country involved «S50
trains to carry the first 100,000 men. Over 3,000 passenger cars were
provided an(l, in addition, about 400 baggage cars, most of which
were equipped as kitchen cars for serving hot meals en route, 1,300
box cars, 2,000 stock cars, and 800 flat cars. This call upon the rail-
roails came at a time when their passenger traffic was at its height.
All railroads concerned gave preference to troop movements over
other travel. The distance traveled by the militia organizations was
from 600 to 3,000 miles, the majority of these troops being carried
over 2,000 miles. It was impracticable to furnish touri>t sleepers for
all the troops, but over 600 tourist and standard cars were made
available for the movement. In cases where tourist cars could not
be furnished, day coaches were supplied at the rate of a double seat
for each man where the distance was long. Wherever tourists could
be secured en route they were placed in the train and men trans-
ferred from coaches to these tourists up to the number that could be
berthed. Official reports from all departments show that no organi-
zation moved in coaches with less space than three men to every four
seats. The average number of men transported in coaches was 30 to
the coach. When we consider the great distance traveled, the celerity
with which trains were moved, and the entire absence of congestion
or delay, it is believed that there has been no case in our history
where troops have been so well and safely transported. Especial
credit is due the transportation division of the Quartermaster Gen-
erars Office for bringing abi)ut the cooperation which existed among
the transportation companies. Over a year ago the matter was taken
up by the head of that division, who outlined the plan of mutual
OOlTrt" w\nlJ)m -voi.l - i.'i
194 EBPOET OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
cooperation before several of the transportation associations and
brought about the establishment within the American Railway Asso-
ciation of a committee on military transportation with a view to co-
ordination and cooperation between the railroads and the War
Department in the transportation of troops and supplies for the
United States.
Immediately after the call for mobilization of State troops ar-
rangements were made through this committee for placing a compe-
tent railroad official at each department headquarters, at each mobi-
lization camp, and the office of the Quartermaster General, who could
act as advisers to the quartermasters at these various points on mat-
ters affecting rail transportation. In this way the railroad equip-
ment of the country became available to effect this movement in the
most expeditious manner possible.
A series of placards was adopted by which cars of Government
freight were given the right of way from point of ori^n to point of
destination and were placed in fast-moving freight trains to point of
destination where immediate delivery was made, the placards them-
selves serving to identify all ^ipments. The placards showed the
department to which the supplies belonged ana all information of
the car and contents. In this way many shipments have been sent
from Washington and vicinity to the Texas border in 4 days;
and from the Lakes to the border shipments have been made in a
little more than 48 hours. This cooperation of the railroads has
been rendered without hesitation, without additional charge to the
Government, and with all the energy possible. This placard, with
the full cooperation of the railroads, has removed one of the prin-
cipal sources of criticism applicable to the mobilization in 1898.
With the plan of cooperation now working with the transportation
interests, the problem of rail congestion has been eliminated and it
is not believed possible to repeat the mistakes of 1898. The coopera-
tion of the American Railway Association representatives, with their
knowledge of transportation conditions, eliminated a great deal of
trouble heretofore experienced in the mobilization of lar^e bodies of
troops, and the War Department is highly appreciative oi this volun-
tary and able assistance.
Subsistence. — When the National Guard is called into the service
of the United States they are subsisted at the expense of the Govern-
ment from time of arrival at company rendezvous, but it is super-
vised and provided for by the military authorities of the State and
also at State mobilization camps until sworn into the service; then
they come under the supervision and control of the Federal authori-
ties and are subsisted as are other troops of the Regular Army.
When these tr<> ps were transported to the Texas border, kitchen
cars or baggage or box cars, furnished with range installed, were
provided with each train by which the food could be prepared.
When ready for transportation 10 days' rations were furnished to
make the journey to destination and afford them a small supply in
addition for emergencies.
The.sul>sistencc of the soldier is of vital importance as conducive
to his health, contentment, and efficiency. Our Army ration is the
most liberal of that of any in the world, notwithstanding that cora-
olaint was occasionally made as to the poor quality and insufficiency
f food furnished various militia organizations. Each case of com-
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 195
plaint was investigated thoroughly and the records indicate that
practically all were unfounded or due to the inexperience of cooks .
of the National Guard or lack of experience and training of these
organizations in taking care of themselves. Extensive inspections
of the National Guard have borne testimony to the thorough and
satisfactory manner in which troops have l>een subsisted in Texas
and on the border.
Rollvna kitchens. — All European nations use some type of rolling
kitchen by which men, after the fatigue of march or action, can h^
quickly furnished with hot soup or other substantial diet. A number
of experiments or tests of various types have been made during the
year. An American type has now been procured and shipped to the
Southern Department for elaborate field test. These tests should
result in the adoption of a type as good as any in existence.
Field shoes. — The constant service on the border has demonstrated
that our regulation shoe was too light and did not possess the neces-
sary wearing qualities for service in the field. As a result of an
experiment with 600 pairs with uppers made of undressed side leather
and soles of adequate thickness and provided with hob nails, made
upon the lasts as heretofore used in the manufacture of Army shoes,
it is believed that a proper field shoe has been obtained. The Quar-
termaster Department is now purchasing 365,000 pairs which are
being sent to the troops as fast as accepted from the factory.
Uniforms. — The impossibility of importing dyes which have been
used to produce the fast color and shade in the olive-drab woolen
and cotton fabric entering into the manufacture of material for
uniforms for the Army for a while produced a serious situation, but
manufacturers now claim to be able to produce suitable dyestuffs in
the United States.
Motor transportation. — ^In 1907 the first motor truck for carrying
supplies was purchased. Since then there has been constant progress
in developing the motor truck as a means of transportation. During
the early part of 1916 motor transportation was confined to opera-
tion of trucks in transporting supplies to outlying camps on the
border. When instructions were given for the organization of a
force to cross the Mexican border in pursuit of the band which
attacked the town of Columbus, N. Mex., there was received a request
from the Southern Department for two motor-truck companies of 27
trucks each of 1^ tons capacity, equipped with the necessary per-
sonnel for their operation. Two additional truck companies, as well
as the necessary tank trucks, followed soon after. It was the use of
motor trucks which made possible the long advance of this expedi-
tionary force into Mexico. There was such an increase in the demand
for motor trucks that on June 30 there were in use 588 motor
trucks, besides tank trucks, motor machine trucks, and wrecking
trucks. It is reported that the approximate cost of operation of
trucks per ton-mile is 70 cents, which includes all incidentals such as
upkeep of repair shops, roads, etc. Motor trucks will remain an
important factor of transportation in our Army, as they have in
every other army.
HEALTH OF THE ARMY.
The general health of the Army was excellent during the year.
There were no epidemics or unusual incidents of infectious diseases.
196 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
The mean strength of the entire Army for the calendar year 1916,
upon which the statistics contained in the Surgeon General's report
are based, was 103,842.
The admission rate for the entire Army during 1915 was 726.19
per 1,000, as compared with 660.46 for 1914. With the exceptions
of 1914 and 1913, the 1915 admission rate is the lowest in the last 10
years and shows a marked decline since 1906, when it was 1,188.
The noneffective rate for the entire Army for 1915 from all causes
was 25.22 per 1,000 (for disease alone, 20.85), which is slightly
higher than that for 1914, the lowest noneffective rate in the history
of the Army, but still much below the rates for any preceding year,
except 1913, when the rate was 23.98 per 1,000. This rate during the
past decade shows a steady reduction. In 1906 the noneffective rate
was 47.86.
There were eight cases of typhoid fever in the entire Army during
the year 1915, only four of which occurred among troops serving
within the continental limits of the United States.
There were no deaths from typhoid fever during the year.
The noneffective rate for this disease was 0.02 per 1,000.
All of these cases, with one exception — a recruit — ^had been vacci-
nated against typhoid fever, with intervals elapsing between the time
of vaccination and the onset of the disease varying from 8 months
and 18 days in the shortest period, to 4 years 7 months and 2 days
in the longest. The average interval for the year 1915 was 2 years
2 months and 10 days. The average interval for the past 3 years
was 2 years 1 month and 5 days.
The admission rate from alcoholism and its results for the entire
Army during the year was 12.68, as compared with 13.64 in 1914
and 13.54 in 1913. This rate is the lowest in the history of the Army
and shows a steady diminution since 1907.
The death rate of the entire Army for 1915, from all causes, was
4.45 per 1,000, compared with 4.40 for 1914, which was the lowest
mortality rate in the Army for many years. The death rate from
disease was 2.53 per 1,000 for 1915; the same rate for 1914 was 2.35,
and that for 1906 was 3.77.
The discharge rate for the year from all causes was 14.06, somewhat
higher than for 1914, when the rate was 12.78 per 1,000, but still
markedly less than the discharge rates prior to 1910, when they
ranged from 16.64 upward.
The total losses or the Army from all causes (deaths, discharges,
and retirements) was 18.03 per 1,000 for 1915; for the year 1914 it
was 16.86, the lowest in the past decade.
Malarial fevers show the lowest noneffective rate in the history of
the Army, 0.54. In 1906 the noneffective rate for malarial fevers
alone was 2.55 per 1,000. The decade following that year has dem-
onstrated the effectiveness of the antimalarial measures that have
been unceasingly employed by the sanitary officers of the Army each
year, exhibiting, with but two exceptions, a marked decrease in the
mcidents of the disease.
The record in the Philippines ht\s been specially creditable com-
pared to former years, though here, as in Panama, the Medical De-
partment has been seriously handicapped at several posts through
lack of screening due to insufficient appropriation of funds.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 197
The highest noneffective rate, for disease, for the year 1915 was
among the troops stationed in China, 31.79 per 1,000. Then follows
Panama with 21.66; the Philippine Islands, 21.42; the United States,
20.90; Porto Rico, 20.57, and Hawaii and Alaska with the lowest
noneffective rates for the year 1915, 16.20 for Hawaii and 6.02 for
Alaska.
Paratyphoid fever. — Nine cases of paratyphoid fever occurred in
the entire Army during the calendar year 1915. Three of these cases
were reported from the Philippine Islands and one from the Ha-
waiian Islands, leaving but five distributed throughout the United
States.
The Acting Surgeon General states:
Paratyphoid fever is a distinct clinical entity and is not typhoid fever, though
sometimes resembling typical cases of that disease. It is caused by a different
micro-organism, the bacillus paratyphosus, of which two types are distinguish-
able : B. paratyphosus ** A " and B, paratyphosus ** B ". In western Europe,
as reported, paratyphoid fever is much more frequently due to the " B " type
of bacillus than to the "A" type. CllnlcaUy they are hardly distinguishable,
but it is stated that the " A " fever is apt to last three or four days longer.
Paratyphoid fever, heretofore but infrequently met with in our
Army, appeared in the New York division of the National Guard,
stationed in the Brownsville district in August, 1916, principally
among the troops at Mission, Tex. A few scattering cases at other
foints occurred in the same district, in all, a total of about 120 cases,
t is probable that this portion of the State of Texas contains many
carriers and foci of paratyphoid fever.
The outbreak of tnis disease was promptly and satisfactorily met.
The vaccination against paratyphoid fever with mixed paratyphoid
" A " and " B " vaccine, prepared in the laboratories of the Army
Medical School, was immediately authorized and the searching of
carriers of the disease was vigorously prosecuted, camp sites were
changed and all sanitary orders rigidly enforced under the direc-
tion of inspectors of the Army Medical Corps.
The results of these measures were immediately successful in check-
ing this outbreak. The disease as it manifested itself in the New
York division of the National Guard was generally very mild in
character and no deaths occurred.
THE HOSPITAL TRAIN.
With the movement of the militia to the border, the majority of
whom had been suddenly removed from the comforts and luxuries
of civil life and stripped to the bare necessities of fighting men,
bringing the force along the border to about 150,000 men, it was
inevitable that a certain amount of sickness and disability would
occur. Camp hospitals were established at certain points, larger
(base) were located at El Paso and San Antonio. Motor and
animal drawn ambulances were provided for the transport of the
sick and injured from the field to the near-by camp hospitals. The
trivial cases, or those requiring only short periods of convalescence,
were cared for in the camp hospitals and the more serious cases
transferred to the base hospitals. A certain proportion of the latter
cases which required more invigorating climate and changed sur-
roimdings were evacuated to the interior general hospitals at Wash-
198 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF BTAFP.
ington. Hot Springs, San Francisco, and elsewhere. Provision was
made lor long-distance trips along tne border and in the interior by
a hospital train. The hospital train consisted of 10 modified stand-
ard Fullman cars, constructed at the Pullman shops and designed
jointly by a medical officer of the Army and the supervising con-
structor of the Pullman shops. This new train is different from
those of the Spanish War, which were standard Pullman cars, prac-
tically without modification. The total capacity of the new train
is 76 bed cases and 120 ambulance cases. Wherever the Pullman
equipment has been removed, the regulation Armj medical equip-
ment has been substituted. The use of hospital trains in active war-
fare is of modem development and very necessary for proper care of
the sick and wounded.
PHILIPPINE SERVICE.
The details of administrative matters, which in every department
of government are left to the responsible head, are, for the War
Department, often confused by limitations injected in appropriation
bills. To illustrate, the Army appropriation act, approved March 4.
1915, provided "That on ana after October first, nineteen hundrea
and fifteen, no officer or enlisted man of the Army shall, except upon
his own application, be required to serve in a single tour of duty for
more than two years in the Philippine Islands, nor more than three
years in the Panama Canal Zone, except in case of insurrection or of
actual or threatened hostilities."
Previous to this time, the War Department had fixed upon three
years as the tour of duty for the Philippines for officers. This
decision was based upon reducing the cost of the upkeep of this
garrison to a minimum, and increasing the efficiency of troops to a
maximum. Begiments had been made permanent ; tnis was done not
only to reduce the expense of upkeep, but because the plan of chang-
ing regiments once every two years had been given trial for 14 years,
with results that it was found practically impossible to maintain in
the Philippines any military organization well prepared for duty
which might be required in case of invasion.
About the time of the re^ilation of the matter by Congress, ap-
plications by officers for Philippine service had become so numerous
that the Secretary of War had decided that in order to give all an
equal chance that officers should go on a roster and take their turn.
The present law is very disrupting to the efficiency of the service,
expensive to the public funds in the carrying out, and it is involving
many of our young officers with families in serious financial prob-
lems. Every officer in the Philippines itiust change station at least
once everv two years, and they may be detailed on staff and other
dutv while there, and then return to a camp station on the border,
with the only provision for their family in rented rooms in houses in
a near-by town. For the young married officers of limited income
this frequent change of station is a veritable curse.
The length of service for the Philippines was fully considered two
years ago from every viewpoint, including that of health, and due
to the opinion of the great majority of general officers including
the Surgeon General, the tour was continued at three years. The
noneffective rate for 1915 per 1,000 for the Philippines, as previoudy
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 199
noted, was only 21.42, as compared with 20.90 for the United States.
The present reistriction should be removed and the Army permitted
to work out such problems in a rational and businesslike manner.
SHELTER FOR TROOPS.
The existing barrack accommodations were built to provide for a
minimum strength of 65 for Infantry companies. The national
defense act, which raises the minimum strength to 100 and provides
additional units to regiments in the machine-gun^ headquarters, and
supply companies for Infantry and Cavalry regunents, and supply
and headquarters companies for Field Artillery regiments, will neces-
sitate the extension of existing barrack accommodations to provide
for these increases. This will necessitate increased estimates for bar-
racks and quarters for the fiscal year 1918 to complete the work of
extension of existing barrack accommodations in permanent and
abuidoned posts of the United States for that portion of the first
increment oi increase to be taken care of in the United States and to
provide temporary quarters for that portion of the increment as-
signed to the Philippines and Panama and permanent quarters to
regiments assigned to the Hawaiian Islands. It will be necessary to
provide permanent construction for the second increment of increase
m the United States and Hawaii and to continue the temporary shel-
ter in the Philippines.
The estimates for construction work pertaining to the military
service on the Panama Canal Zone have heretofore oeen prepared by
the Panama Canal authorities, and these authorities will continue
to prepare estimates and undertake construction for that portion of
the Army there located.
TRANSFER OF GUARDIANSHIP OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK TO THE
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
United States troops have been used in the Yellowstone National
Park since 1886 under the provisions of the act of March 8, 1883,
to prevent trespass, intruders, etc. It was at first the practice to de-
tail a certain number of troops of Cavalry for this duty. In 1914
it was arranged to use a detachment for this purpose of 8 officers
and 200 enlisted men. The Interior Department being charged with
the care of national parks, the use of regular troops for police pur-
poses naturally caused conflicting responsibilities oetween the War
and Interior Departments. Since the passage of the act of 1883 con-
ditions have materially changed. The States surrounding the na-
tional parks extended the protection of State laws governing killing
of game, and the sentiment of communities surrounding the parl^
became more law-abiding and favored complying with the laws and
regulations governing park administration. In the interests of econ-
omy as well as the efficiency of the Army, it was deemed advisable
to urge the transfer of the guardianship of all national parks to the
Interior Department. This was effected for the Yosemite and
Sequoia Parks in 1914. The transfer of the Yellowstone National
Park was not acceptable at that time to the Interior Department,
owing to the lack of appropriations necessary for the employment of
civilian rangers. In July of this year the Secretary of the Interior
200
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
advised the Secretary of War that the Department of the Interior
was ready to cooperate in making arrangements for the complete
withdrawal of regular troops from the Yellowstone National Fark,
suggesting that the detachment of troops now on duty in the park
be retained there until shortly after the close of the present tourist
season, between September 15 and October 1, and that specially se-
lected cavalirmen he made available for service as civilian rangers
upon the withdrawal of the United States troops. Instructions were
given for this transfer of the guardianship of the park to the In-
terior Department to take effect October 1. Such enlisted men as are
qualified and desire to become rangers will be discharged from the
Army for employment by the Interior Department. Movable Gov-
ernment property at Fort Yellowstone has been ordered shipped to
other pomts. The buildings, water system, telephone lines, except
those required for use by the Engineer Corps in the park, will be
transferred to the Department of the Interior, as was done in the case
of the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks at the time of their
transfer.
REVISED ARTICIiES OF WAR.
The project for the revision of the Articles of War has been
under consideration of the War Department for the past 13 years
and before Congress for the past 4 years, and was enacted into law
in the Army appropriation act approved August 29, 1916. With the
exception of a few articles which take effect immediately, the revision
will go into effect March 1, 1917. In the meantime the Jud^e Advo-
cate General will have the Manual for Courts-Martial revised and
distributed through the Army by February 1, 1917, in order that
there may be a month avaUable for its study before the new code, as
a code, takes effect.
DESERTION.
There were 2,382 desertions reported during the fiscal year 1916,
which is 2.40 per cent of the whole number of enlistment contracts in
force during the year, which is a decided improvement when com-
f>ared with 4,435 reported desertions and a percentage of 3.23 for the
ast year. These ngures include the cases in which the charge of
desertion was removed as having been erroneously made in which the
accused was acquitted and in which he was convicted of the lesser
included offense of absence without leave and retained or dishonor-
ably discharged from the service. The following table exhibits the
true as compared with the reported percentages for the past eight
years:
Year.
Deeer-
tiODS
reported.
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1910
4,993
3,464
2,504
3,411
4,451
3,882
4.435
2,382
ChtrgM
UDStU-
tafned.
True
oomber
of dflser-
tlODS.
311
096
380
500
871
810
795
588
4,682
2,768
2,124
2,851
3,580
3,072
3,640
1.794
Reported
percent-
agw.
4.97
3.00
2.28
3.00
4.15
3.10
3.23
2.40
True ptr-
oentsfes.
4.66
2.92
1.93
2.50
3.34
2.45
2.65
LSI
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 201
It is believed that a materiml improTement in discipline was effected
in the revised punishment order published two ^ears ago, which made
important changes in tiie regolations gjoveming punishment to be
imposed by military tribunals. The statistics of the Judge Advocate
Greneral show a very great lessening in the number of enlisted men
now placed in confinement in the guardhouse to serve punishments as
compared with former years.
AVIATION.
The concentration of forces under (Jen. Pershing to protect our
border marked a distinct step in military aviation in the United
States. It was the first time a tactical unit from this branch was
put in the field. There was only one such unit, the First Squadron,
San Antonio, Tex., equipped with ei^t low-power«i machines,
which, at the time of their transfer to Columbus, had been in service
for many months. The altitude up to 12,000 feet encountered in
Mexico and the long distances to be covered made Uiis theater a very
difficult one in which to operate aeroplanes. Valuable service and a
great amoimt of flying were rendered, but the machines were quickly
used up. The appropriation of $500,000 made by Congress March 81,
1916, for the Aviation Section was the large^ appropriation that
had been made for aviation up to that time. Civilian consulting
engineers were obtained in connection with the board of officers of
the Aviation Section, and this board recommended the purchase of
types of material. Twelve 160 to 200 horsepower biplanes were pur-
chased. Tliese, with other material, gradually equipped the aero
squadron with Gen. Pershing in all details — ^motor trucfcs, portable
machine shops, automatic photographic cameras, machine guns,
i^oulder rifles, bombs, and other accessories. Difficulty was found
with the propellers, due to the high altitude and the dry atmosphere
of northern Mexico. Finally a propeller-making plant was estab-
lished at Columbus and engineering talent all over the country con-
sulted in the solution of the problem, to the end that troubles were
satisfactorily solved.
The proj^ for the development of the Aviation Section contem-
Slates 7 aero squadrons for the Regular Army, 12 squadrons for the
rational Guard, and 5 for the defenses on the coast. The aviation
field is a new one to the United States, but the progress it is making
in training personnel and in developing material is so far satisfactory.
WASHINGTON-ALASKA MILTTARY CABLE AND TELEGRAPH SYSTEM.
This system embraces 2,627 miles of submarine cable and 448 miles
of land telegraph lines, 52 officers, and 10 radio stations. Receipts
for current busmess handled during the year were $159,819, and the
value of official business at commercial rates amounted to $194,571.
The yearly outlay for this system is about $442,000 and is charged
against the Army appropriation. There is no sufficient reason for
continuing this system at its present cost against Army appropri-
ations, for the reason that land commimication with the military gar-
risons in Alaska can be secured through Canadian lines in combina-
tion with our wireless system in Alaska. The maintenance of this
202 REPORT OF THB OHIEF OF STAFF.
system has been a heavy burden upon Anny api>ropriations as well
as upon the personnel of the Army, requiring as it does a number of
officers and about 200 Signal Cori)s men to conduct the business effi-
ciently and maintain it in operation. In addition to the personnel
it has been necessary to maintain a cable ship. For five years effort
has been made to have this system turned over to the "Post Office
Department, as it is of the greatest possible value to the commerce of
Alaska, mail service of that country, and to the various departments
of the civil government. A bill was introduced in Congress two
years ago to turn this system over to the Interior Department.
Either the Interior or the Post Office Department had better be
charged with the cost and maintenance of these lines than the Army
appropriation. It is recommended that further effort be made to
have this burden transferred.
SUPPLY DEPOTS.
In 1911 a policy was adopted which established depots of supplies
in areas withm which troops were to be mobilized in the event of war
and retaining in these depots the supplies necessary to supplement
and completely equip Organized Militia units should they be called
into service. Three field supply depots were established — one in
Philadelphia, one in St. Louis, and one in San Francisco. The
fundamental idea was that any call for militia would be made in
such time as to permit the shipment of supplies from these depots to
mobilzation camps in advance of the troops arriving from their com-
pany or regimental rendezvous. The lack of complete reserve stores
and the desire to decrease expense incident to storage limited these
depots to three. The largest of these depots, and the only one of the
three Teco^zed by specific appropriations, is the one located at
Philadelphia, in which were stores to eauip the Organized Militia of
16 States, containing the greater part ot the Or^amzed Militia. The
inadequacy of this plan was fully demonstrated m the sudden call for
the militia on June 18 last to meet an emergent condition on the
Texas border. It was deemed necessary to send these troops to the
border as expeditiously as possible, as their presence there was neces>
sary to save a vast amount of property and women and children in that
section in case a break should have occurred in our relations with
Mexico. This hurried call found the principal supply depot at
Philadelphia somewhat depleted in supplies, diie to lack of appro-
priation for complete reserve supplies, to the necessity of sending a
part of the supplies on hand to the Militia of Texas, New Mexico, and
Arizona, and to an increase of 20,000 enlisted men in the Regular
Army. The siding facilities at the depot were limited — two sidings
each capable of accommodating five cars at a time — so that it was
some days before supplies could reach the necessary points of mobili-
zation. It was a physical impossibility to expect supply departments
to anticipate the action and have blankets and clothing at mobiliza-
tion camps prior to the arrival of men and recruits, covering as it did
States from Maine to Florida.
These depots were an experiment, but it has demonstrated that in
a sudden call for troops, the system of a small number of supply
depots for so many troops is an impracticable one for expeditious
mobilization. As all calls for the Organized Militia will probably
REPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF, 203
be of a sudden and emergent nature, it seems imperative that supplies
and equipment of all kinds for each State that are necessary for im-
mediate use in the field should be stored within State limits and
where practicable in the storerooms of regiments themselves under
the direct control of the inspector-instructors on duty with regiments.
Arrangements should be made for reserves of animals. There was no
appropriation for horses and mules which had to be purchased after
the call. The equipment which can not be obtained on 15 days' notice
is that for which general supplv depots should be provided. Based
upon our experience in this moBilization, a board has been convened
to submit a new plan for the supply of National Guard and volunteers
when mustered into the service of the United States which when
made will be subject to the scrutiny and recommendation of the
General Staff.
AUTHORIZED LAND PURCHASES.
The current Army appropriation act makes provision for the
acquirement of lots of land for military purposes.
Three hundred thousand dollars is appropriated for the Aviation
School and Training Ground at San Diego, Cal. The site has been
recommended by a board of officers, and steps are now being taken to
acquire it. There was an additional appropriation of $300,000 for
other land for aviation purposes in case no militarv reservations were
found suited to the purpose. A board of officers has baan appointed
to examine the present reservations. Action will be taken as soon as
this report is received.
At Fort Sam Houston, Tex., an appropriation of $750,000 was made
for the acquisition of additional land for adequate supply depots,
for terminal facilities of that post and for the Southern Department.
The land is estimated to cost about $300,000. Steps are bemg taken
to acquire the land under consideration.
For Vancouver Barracks, Wash., $100,000 was appropriated to
provide suitable target ranges for each arm of the military service
stationed at that post. The land was to cost about $70,000. Suitable
sites are under investigation by department and post authorities.
For Fort Bliss, Tex., $120,000 was appropriated for the af*qulsl
tion of certain private holdings now within the target range. Effort is
now being maae to purchase these tracts within the appropriation.
If this falls, condemnation proceedings will be resorted to.
Three hundred thousand dollars is appropriated for the acquisition
of the necessary land for suitable ranges for field artillery practice.
These purchases are under investigation by the Militia Bureau.
The last Army appropriation act also directed the Secretary of
War to investigate and report to Congress as soon as practicable what
additional tracts are necessary for permanent mobilization, training,
and supply stations for use by the National Guard and by the Reg-
ular Army and the probable cost of same. A board of officers is
to be appointed to make thorough report upon this subject.
The fortification act approved July 6, 1916, provided the sum of
$1,400,000 for the acc[uisition of sites for coast defenses and this
amount is to be applied to the acquisition of the land required at
Rockaway Beach. Negotiations are now in progress with a view to
the completion of the acquisition of the land as soon as practicable
204 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
and the initiation of the construction of the defenses as soon as funds
may be provided therefor.
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY.
Since my last report a law has been enacted by Congress increasing
the number of caaetships to 1,332. When that law is in full effect
four years from now it is anticipated that it will place about 1,200
cadets at the academy. This increase, although spread over a pe-
riod of four years, makes it imperative that the erection of the neces-
sary buildings to meet the increase should be started at the earliest
possible date. It will require two years and perhaps more in some
cases to complete the large buildings after they are started. This
coming year s increase can be handled with the present plant, but
further increases in the number of cadets call for material increase
of accommodations. The superintendent of the academy, in his
annual report, submits a construction plan calling for an expenditure
of approximated $3,000,000. A board of officers has been appointed
to report upon this important matter by December 1.
The growth in size and importance of this institution makes it im-
portant, in order to properly maintain the dignity of the position of
the superintendent, that he should have the temporary rank of a
general officer, whatever his rank may be when detailed to the posi-
tion. I therefore recommend that the law which now gives him the
temporary rank of colonel be changed to give him the temporary
rank of brigadier general. The authorized number of cadets at the
United States Military Academy, at the time of the passage of the
law, June 12, 1858 (sec. 1310, Rev. Stat.), giving the superin-
tendent the grade of colonel, was 282.
INEQUALITIES OF RANK IN MILITARY AND NAVAL SERVICE.
There is every reason that in the military and naval service of the
United States there should be such coordination of rank for duty
as will not induce invidious comparisons. In both services, where
similar interests are involved, they should be considered alike in the
enactment of laws. If a superior grade is created for one service,
a similar grade should be created for the other, so that all the officers
of one service will be on a footing of official equality with officers
holding similar commands in the other service and in the services of
the world. Otherwise embarrassment results when the two branches
are brought in contact with each other and with officers of foreign
services. If in all those joint matters in which the Army and Navy
are concerned, the Navy, by reason of the possession of superior
grades is entitled to outrank the Army, it is easy to see that the Army
will, perforce, be looked upon as a subordinate branch.
The act of March 4, 1915, provided the grade of admiral for the
commander in chief of the United States Atlantic Fleet, the com-
mander in chief of the United States Pacific Fleet, ana the com-
mander in chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet. The second in
command of these fleets was given the rank of vice admiraL These
ffrades correspond to the grades of general and lieutenant general
in our service. The duties of a fleet commander may properly be
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 205
compared to those of the commander of a tactical division, of a de-
partment, of the commander of the land forces of the United States
m the Philippine Islands, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Panama
Canal Zone. These officers of the Navy are given this rank only
during the performance of duty and then return to the lower grade
of rear admiral, of which there are 24 on the active list of the Navy.
The Navy has no grade corresponding to that of brigadier general
in our service, which grade has also disappeared from nearly all
the armies of the world. The chiefs of bureaus of the Navy Depart-
ment are thus superior to all bureau chiefs of the War Department
except the two who received the favor of special laws giving them in-
creased rank. The result is that most bureau chiefs of the War De-
partment and all brigadier generals of the line are junior in grade
to officers of the Navy performing corresponding duty. An adjust-
ment hj Congress of these differences and distinctions and doing
away with the grade of brigadier general would materially benefit
the efficiency of the military service.
The naval appropriation act for the current fiscal year, approved
August 29, 1916, provides for a Chief of Naval Operations, who
under the terms oi the act shall have the rank and title of admiral,
to take rank next after the Admiral of the Navy (Admiral t)ewey).
The Chief of Naval Operations under the new naval law has duties
corresponding to those of the Chief of Staff of the Army, and he is
given two grades of rank above the Chief of Staff of the Army. The
scope of his authority may be seen from the following extract from
the law :
All orders issued by the Chief of Naval Operations in performing the duties
assigned him shall be performed under the authority of the Secretary of the
Navy, and his orders shall be considered as emanating from the Secretary of
the Navy and shall have full force and effect as such.
A similar law covering the functions of the Chief of Staff would
solve many questions and relieve the Secretary of War from the
necessity of giving his personal attention to many small details of
administration which now take up his time.
In this connection attention is invited to the following provision
in the same act :
That officers of the Marine Corps with the rank of colonel who shall have
served faithfully for forty -five years on the active list shall, when retired, have
the rank of brigadier general ; and such oflicers who shall hereafter be retired
at the age of sixty-four years, before having served for forty-five years, but who
shall have served faithfully on the active list until retired, shall, on the com-
pletion of forty years from their entry in the naval service, have the rank
of brigadier general.
A similar provision for officers of the Regular Army would be very
appropriate, otherwise the Army becomes the object of comparison
with what may seem to be the more favored branch of Congress.
DELAYS IN PRINTING.
The War Department has experienced frequent and embarrassing
delays in obtaining from the Government Printing Office blank forms
for use of the Army under ordinary circumstances, and this em-
barrassment has been greatly increased by the many delays which
206 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
occurred in obtaining blanks for use of the National Guard while in
the service of the United States.
The delay in printing orders and bulletins is the same as that
experienced in the printing of the blank forms, and it is probable
that the pressure of work at the Government Printing Office is such
that prompt delivery of the department's printing can not be made.
This IS especially so while Congress is in session, during which time
the congressional work takes precedence of all others. The Public
Printer nas been uniformly courteous and obliging and has put forth
special efforts to meet the needs of the department, and the heads of
his several departments have cooperated to the full extent of their
ability.
It is recommended that an effort be made to have the present branch
printing office materially enlarged so that it will be able to handle
the printing of practically all the orders, bulletins, and changes and
all of the smaller blank forms that are printed by the department.
To accomplish this it will be necessary to provide much more com-
modious quarters than it is believed can be provided in the State,
War, and Navy Building. Ample provision in the way of space
for an office large enough to do the work referred to may be had by
removing the office to the building at 1725 F Street NW., which
belongs to the War Department, and is now occupied by a branch
of the Insular Bureau. Some years ago the War Department branch
printing office was located in this building and at that time printed
all the desertion circulars and the Army List and Directory, so
that there can be no doubt that it would be ample for the purpose
indicated.
CENSORSHIP OF INFORMATION IN TIME OF PEACE,
In my report of last year I invited attention to the importance of
devising some legal plan for a censorship during time of war. It
is reasonable to expect that if the public peace is in jeopardy or
our relations with another power become strained, most editors and
press associations would refrain from publishing information con-
cerning our troops and material which would be of advantage to the
enemy. On the other hand, the press must suppler the public with
news, and much information will be given out which will interfere
with plans for national defense or the preservation of peace within
our country. This matter has during the year been very fully con-
sidered by the General Staff, by the Judge Advocate General of the
Army, and by the Joint Board of Army and Navy officers. As a
result of this consideration the view was held that so long as the
freedom of speech and press do not permit publications injurious to
the public or private morals, there has never been a right to publish
matter endangering the safety of the country. In order to give full
sanction to this, the passage of a law was recommended to the chair-
men of the Judiciary Committees of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives, but no action was taken at the last session of Congress.
In order to invite full discussion of this proposed measure, and in
the hope that thereby action may be hastened in Congress, the pro-
posed draft is given herewith, as follows:
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of RepreientativeM of t?ie United
States of America in Congress assemhledt That whenever in his judgment the
BEPOET OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 207
defense of the country or the preservation of the public peace requires such
action, the President may issue a proclamation prohibiting the publication of
any or all information, facts, rumors, or speculations referring to the armed
forces of the Government, materials or implements of war, or the means and
measures that may be contemplated for the defense of the country, except when
such publication shall have been duly authorized, and he may issue such regula-
tions as may be necessary to render such prohibition effective.
Sec. 2. That after the President shall have issued such proclamation as is
authorized by section one of this act it shall be unlawful for any person or cor-
poration, or any officer, director, or agent of a corporation, in his capacity as
such, within the Jurisdiction of the United States to publish, or cause or
procure or willingly or through negligence permit to be published, or to assist
in the publication of any information, facts, rumors, or speculations prohibited
by the terms of the proclamation or regulations issued under this act, except
when such publication shall have been duly authorized under such regula-
tions, and any person who so offends may be punished by a fine of not more
than ten thousand dollars or by a term of imprisonment of not more than three
years, or both. Any corporation which so offends shall be punished by a fine of
not more than twenty thousand dollars; and any officer, director, or agent of
any. corporation who shall consent to, connive at, or through negligence permit
any violation of the provisions of this act by such corporation or by any of its
agents or agencies shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand
dollars or by a term of Imprisonment of not more than three years, or both.
Sec. 3. That when, in the Judgment of the President, the defense of the
country or the preservation of the public peace no longer requires prohibition
of publication, he shall issue a proclamation revoking any proclamation issued
under section 1 of this act, and thereafter the pains and penalties authorized
by this act, except for violations thereof committed prior to such revocation,
shall not be effective until a further proclamation is issued under authority
of this act.
MOBILIZATION OF INDUSTRIES.
Section 120 of the national defense act of June 3, 1916, provides
that the Secretary of War shall make, or cause to be made, a com-
plete list of all privately owned plants in the United States equipped
to manufacture arms and ammunition or the component parts
thereof.
The President is authorized, in his discretion, to appoint a Board
on Mobilization of Industries essential for military preparedness,
nonpartisan in character, and to take all necessary steps to provide
for such clerical assistance as may be deemed necessary to organize
and coordinate the work.
Section 121 of the same act authorizes the Secretary of War to
appoint a board of five citizens, two of whom shall be civilians and
three of whom shall be officers of the Army, to investi^te and report
to him the feasibility^ the desirability, and practicability of the Gov-
ernment manufacturmg arms and munitions and equipment. The
Secretarv of War is directed to transmit the report or this committee
to Confffess on or before January 1, 1917.
The Naval Consulting Board has prepared extensive lists of manu-
facturing concerns and privately owned plants. Army officers have
cooperated with the Naval Consulting Board in preparation of these
lists. Inventories of some 20,000 concerns are now being arranged in
the office of the Naval Consulting Board. When completed, copies
of these lists are to be furnished the War Department.
The investigation required as to the Government manufacture of
arms is proceeding through the office of the Chief of Ordnance. This
investigation has been delayed on account of the great rush of work
due to the calling of the militia into the Federal service and increase
208 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
of the Regular Army. The committee will be appointed and the
report rendered on January 1, 1917, as required.
I have omitted from this report statistics usually embodied con-
cerning the authorized and actual strength of the nulitary establish-
ment, geographical distribution of troops, and information of de-
tached officers and other incidental details, as these matters are fully
covered in other reports.
Attention is invited to reports of department commanders and to
the reports of chiefs of bureaus and corps of the War Department
as containing interesting detailed information of their respective
responsibilities.
H. L. Scott,
Major Generaly Chief of Staff.
To the Secretary of War.
APPENDIX.
War Department,
Office of the Chief of Staff,
War College Division,
Washington^ September 11 j 1916.
Memorandum for the Chief of Staff:
Subject: Military policy.
1. Memorandums from your office, dated March 11 and March 17,
1915, directed the War College Division to make a complete and ex-
haustive study of a proper military policy for the United States, and
to prepare a clearly and succinctly expressed statement of the policy,
basing it, in a general way, upon the " Report on the Organization oi
the Land Forces of the United States, 1912," " eliminating every-
thing that is not necessary for the easy and quick comprehension of
the military policy, and adding anythmg which may be necessary to
afford such comprehension."
2. The following extract from the memorandum of March 17, 1916,
gives the subjects which the " statement " was to cover, viz :
The substance of this policy wUl, therefore, be a clearly and succinctly ex-
pressed statement, with the reasons therefor, of the recommended strength and
organization of —
I. (a) The Regular Army;
(6) The Organized Militia.
This should be followed by —
II. A careful study of the question of a reserve for both the Regular Army
and the Organized Militia and, if possible to agree upon it, a plan for the forma-
tion of such reserves.
III. The Volunteers: Their organization and relation to the Regular Army
and the Organized Militia.
IV. Reserve material and supplies which should be available and which can
not be promptly obtained if delayed till the outbreak of war.
The Secretary of War is of the opinion that a statement which shall contain
everything that is pertinent to the foregoing subjects will Inform Congress of
all the essential things that the best Judgment of the War Department thinks
it Is Justified In asking Congress to provide in peace and to be prepared to pro-
vide in war. These things, being such as commend themselves to the general
miUtary intelligence (if they do not so commend themselves there can be no
policy such as is now aimed at), may be assumed to be those that will be asked
for by succeeding administrations of the War Department — ^at least, they wUl
indicate the general line of ^development to be pursued. Such a statement wiU
constitute what he has in mind as a comprehensive military policy.
There are many other things that will from time to time be asked of Con-
gress or, when authority exists for it, that will be done without asking legisla-
tion. Such things may be requests for appropriations to build new posts in
view of the abandoning of others ; the concentration of the Army in a swaller
number of posts in definite areas of the country; projects for promotion, re-
tirement, etc. ; plans for training the Army and the militia, etc.
68176*— WAB 1916— VOL 1 14 209
210 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
Such things have no part in the statement of a general military policy which
the Secretary of War now desires to have prepared, and in order to save time
and labor and to concentrate attention upon that which is essential, he desires
any such extraneous matter to be eliminated from the study which he has
directed.
3. Following these lines the accompanying " Statement of a Proper
Military Policy for the United States " was prepared.
4. It is proposed to supplement this statement later with brochures
on such subjects as require more detailed discussion than would be
appropriate herein.
M. M. Macomb,
Brigadier Oeneraly Chief of War College Division.
A PEOPEE MILITARY POUCY FOE THE ITNITED STATES.
INTBODXTCTION.
THE MILITARY PROBLEM CONFRONTING THE UNITED STATES.
1. TJie evolution of national military policies. — National policies
are evolved and are expanded as the Nation grows. They renect the
national sense of responsibility and also the national ambitions.
They constitute the doctrine underlying acts of statesmanship and
diplomacy. A nation's military policy is the national doctrme of
self-preservation. The world is never without virile, capable, and
progressive nations, the circumstances of whose development have
imbued them with the belief that their vital interests demand an
active aggressive policy. They are forced to resort to imiversal
service in the effort to fulfill, at any cost, what they conceive to be
their destiny. In the United States the development of the Nation
has proceeded under an environment so favorable that there is no
well-defined public opinion in regard to what constitutes an ade-
quate military policy. Heretofore isolation, combined with the neces-
sity of preserving the balance of power, has been a sufficient guaranty
against strong hostile expeditions from Europe or Asia. The safe-
guard of isolation no longer exists. The oceans, once barriers, are
now easy avenues of approach by reason of the number, speed, and
carrying capacity of ocean-going vessels. The increasing radii of
action of the submarine, the aeroplane, and wireless telegraphy all
supplement ocean transport in placing both our Atlantic and Pacific
coasts within the sphere of hostile activities of oversea nations.
The great mass of the public does not yet realize the e&ct of these
changed conditions upon our scheme of defense.
Ajiother thin^ that militates against the evolution of a soimd
military policy lor our country is me erroneous conclusion drawn by
the people from our past experiences in war. In developing such a
1)olicy victory is often a less trustworthy guide than defeat. We
lave been plunged into many wars and have ultimately emerged
successfully from each of them. The general public points to these
experiences as an indication that our military policy has been and
still continues to be soimd. That this is not really the belief of those
in authority is shown b^ the fact that each war of importance has
been followed by an official investigation of our military system and
the policy under which it operated. The reports of these investiga-
tions give a startling picture of faulty leadership, needless waste of
lives and property, costly overhead charges augmented by payment
of bounties to keep up voluntary enlistments, undue prolongations of
all these wars, and finally reckless expenditure of public funds for
continuing pensions. These documents supply convincing proofs
that all such shortcomings have been due entirely to a lack of ade-
quate preparation for war in time of peace. But we have not yet
211
212 BEPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
learned our lesson. It has never been driven home by the bitterness
of defeat. We have never known a Jena or a Sedan. At no stage
of our national life have we been brought face to face with the armed
strength of a great world power free to land sufficient forces to gain
a foothold at any desired portion of our coasts. That we have to
some extent felt this danger is evidenced by our efforts to provide a
navy as a first line of defense and to supplement it with the necessary
harbor fortifications ; but we have not yet realized that our ultimate
safeguard is an adequate and well-organized mobile land force.
Experience in war has shown the need of these three elements, but
the public has not yet demanded that they be perfected, coordinated,
and combined in one harmonious system of national defense. Not
until this has been accomplished will a proper military policy for the
United States be adopted.
2. Our abiding national policies. — The majority of our people have
always believed in asserting their own rights and in respecting those
of others. They desire that the cause of right should prevail and that
lawlessness should be crushed out. To live up to these high ideals
imposes upon us new duties as a world power ; duties that require
something more positive than a policy or mere passive defense. In
addition, there are two underlying and abiding national policies
whose maintenace we must consider as necessary to our national life.
These are the " ^Monroe doctrine " and the policy of avoiding " entan-
gling alliances." They are distinctive and affect our international
relations in a definite manner. In addition, policies may develop in
the future as a result of international relations with respect to trade
conditions.
A general consideration of our responsibilities as a nation and of
our geographical position indicates that the maintenance of our
abiding policies and interests at home and abroad involves problems
of defense measures both on land and on sea. The solution of the
general problem of national defense must be sought in the provision
of adequate land and sea forces and a consideration of their coor-
dinate relationship.
3. Coordinate relationship of Army and Navy. — ^Upon the Navy
devolves the solution of the problem of securing and maintaining
control of the sea. To accomplish this it must be free to take the
offensive promptly — that is, to seek out and defeat the enemy fleet.
The use oi any part of the high-sea fleet for local defense defeats the
chief object or tne Navy and is a misuse of naval power. A fleet de-
feated at sea and undefended by an adequate army is powerless
either to prevent invasion or even its own ultimate destruction by
combined nostile land and naval forces. In illustration compare the
cases of the Spanish fleet at Santiago and the Russian fleet at Port
Arthur with the present example of the German, Austrian, and
Turkish fleets under the protection of land forces.
Upon the Army devolves the task of gaining and maintaining on
shore the ascendency over hostile land and naval operations. To
accomplish this it must be able to seek out promptly and to defeat,
capture, or destroy the invader wherever he may attempt either to
secure a footing upon our territory or to enter the waters of our har-
bors with the object of threatening the destruction of the seaport
or of a fleet driven to seek refuge or repair therein.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 213
The problems involved in operations against hostile land forces
are complex and include only as an incident the protection of harbor
defenses on the land side. The problems of harbor defense against
attack from the sea are simple and passive in their nature.
4. Coordinate relationship of statesman and soldier. — In our coun-
try public opinion estimates the situation, statecraft shapes the
policy, while the duty of executing it devolves upon the military
and naval departments.
Such a doctrine is sound in direct proportion to its success in pro-
ducing a military system capable of devoloping fighting power suffi-
cient to meet any given national emergency, at the proper time, sup-
ported by all the resources, technical and economic, oi the country,
m a word — preparedness. All the other world powers of to-day have
realized the necessity of maintaining highly trained and organized
military and naval forces in time of peace, and all, or nearly all, are
allied in powerf itl coalitions.
Without superiority on the sea or an adequate land force there is
nothing to prevent any hostile power or coalition of powers from
landing on our shores such part of its trained and disciplined troops
as its available transports can carry. The time required is limited
only by the average speed of its vessels and the delay necessarily
consumed in embarking and disembarking.
In order that the American people can intelligently decide on a
doctrine of preparedness which shall constitute the military policy
of the United States, and that Congress and the Executive may be
able to carry out their decision, information concerning the military
strength of other great nations and shipping available for transport
purposes must be clearly set forth.
The work of the statesman and of the soldier and sailor are there-
fore coordinate; where the first leaves off the others take hold.
5. Preparedness of the world powers for over-sea expeditions. —
Control of the sea having been once gained by our adversary or
adversaries, there is nothing to prevent them from dispatching an
over-sea expedition against us. In order to form an idea of the
mobile force we should have ready to resist it an estimate must first
be made of the approximate number of troops that other nations
might reasonably be expected to transport ana of the time required
to land them on our coasts.
The number of thoroughly trained and organized troops an enemy
can bring in the first and succeeding expeditions under such an
assumption is a function of —
(a) The size of the enemy's army, and
(6) The number, size, and speed of the vessels of the enemy's mer-
chant marine that can be used as transports.
Should our enemy be a nation in arms — that is, one in which all or
nearly all of .the male inhabitants of suitable physique are given a
minimum of two years' training with the colors m time of peace (and
this is true of all world powers except ourselves and England), it is
evident that the size of the first expedition and succeeding expeditions
would be limited only by the number of vessels in the transport fleets.
It also follows that as the capacity and number of steamers in the
merchant marine of any nation or group of nations increase in the
future, the number of trained soldiers which such nation could send
214
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
in such expedition will also increase, and our trained forces should
be correspondingljr augumented.
What the conditions were in August, 1914, is shown in the follow-
ing table, which may be regarded as a reasonable estimate :
Preparedness of the great powers for over-sea expeditions.
Nation.
Austria-Hungarj .
France
Germany
Great Britain ....
Italy
Russia
Strength
of army.
4,320,000
5,000,000
Tonnage available of ships
with capacity over—*
3,000
tons.
2,000
tons.
762,756
l,70fi,931
5.000,000 3,560,962 4,018,185
«69:>,00013,000,000
2,600,000
2,212,000
5,000,000
1,065,321
'42^619
1,000
tons.
First expe-
dition using
60 per cent
ol tonnage
given.
Men.
1,013,9S5
Ani-
mals.
72,000
160,931
« 387, 000
170,000
91,000
95,715
37,630
Second expe-
dition using
75 re cent
of tonnage
given.
Men.
Ani-
mals.
14,000 10S,000 21,600
32,1S6 243,295 4S,279
« Kl, •270,2 440, 000 > 94, 600
90,000 1
13,650 136,000i 20,475
24,416
7,940
142,6221 36,623
66,444| 11,918
Time
needed to—
Load
and
cross
ocean
with
first
expe-
tlon.
Daf8.
20.7
15.8
15.8
14.0
18.3
22.5
20.5
Re-
turn,
load,
and
re-
cross
with
sec-
ond
^
tion.
4a4
3ao
30.8
27.0
35.0
41.0
4ao
1 Fifty per cent has been assumed as the figure representing the amount of shipping In or within call of
home ports at outbreak of war.
s Using no ships less than 3,000 tons.
• 240,500 territorials.
< Japanese fleld regulations indicate the intention to use steamers of 1,000 tons; for this reason and becaoM
<tf the large amount of steamers between 10 and 12 knots speed, all Japanese steamers over 10 knots speed
and a thousand tons gross have been considered.
Note.— The allowance prescribed in our Field Service Regulations of 3 tons per man and 8 tons per
animal for ships over 5,000 tons and 4 tons per man and 10 tons per animal for vessels under 5,000 tons has
been used in estimating the capacity of ships, except where the regulati(xis of any country prescribe a
different allowance. Tnese allowances include rations, water, forage, etc., for the voyage ana a margin
for three months' reserve supplies. The tonnage allowance covers men, animals, and all accessories and
Is sufflcient to provide for vehicles (Including gims).
Fighting power is the result of organization, trainins, and equipment backed by the resources of the
country. Available shipping is a matter of commercial statistics.
The Quality, organization, and efficiency of these troops, except
those or Japan, which demonstrated their excellence in the Russo-
Japanese War, are now undergoing a supreme test of military
strength on land and sea. This test by the ordeal of battle is visibly
demonstrating their organization, their fighting power, and the rate
at which each is capable of developing and mamtaining its military
strength. In addition, where certain nations have transported troops
by sea their capabilities in this respect have to some extent been
shown.
This evidence, produced under conditions of actual warfare, pre-
sents an example of the resultant efficiency of any nation that has de-
veloped a sound military policy; the soundest policv being the one
which insures a successful termination of the war in the shortest time.
6. Statement of the military problem^ — From what has been stated,
we are forced to the conclusion that we must be prepai'ed to resist a
combined land and sea operation of formidable strength. Our prin-
cipal coast cities and important harbors have already been protected
by harbor defenses which, by passive method alone, can deny to an
enemy the use of these localities as bases for such expeditions.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 215
The enemy being unable to ^in a foothold in any of these fortified
areas by direct naval attack will therefore be f orcea to find some suit-
able place on the coast from which land operations can be conducted
both against the important coast cities and the rich commercial cen-
ters in the interior. Long stretches of coast line between the fortified
!>laces lie open to the enemy. The only reasonable way in which these
ocalities can be defended is by provicfing a mobile land force of suffi-
cient strength, so located that it may be thrown in at threatened
points a|; the proper time.
It has just been shown what the strength of these expeditions might
be, as well as the time required for any one of them to develop its
whole effective force. Hence it can be seen, when we take into con-
sideration the possible two months' delay provided by the Navy, that
our system should be able to furnish 500,000 trained and organized
mobile troops at the outbreak of the war and to have at least 500,000
more availaole within 90 days thereafter. Here, however, it must be
pointed out that two expeditions alone will provide a force large
enough to cope with our 1,000,000 mobile troops, and consequently we
must at the outbreak of hostilities provide the srjrstem. to raise and
train, in addition, as least 500,000 troops to replace the losses and
wastage in personnel incident to war. To provide this organized
land force is the military problem before us for solution.
I. THE BEGXJIiAB ABMY.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF THE REGULAR ARMY.
7. In the endeavor to reach a just conclusion as to the strength
and organization of a regular army adequate to play its part in
our national defense, it must not be forgotten that this defense is a
joint problem requiring for its correct solution the united efforts of
both Army and Navy, and that the ultimate strength of the greater
war army is dependent to a considerable extent upon the part to be
played by the neet. It is therefore assumed in this discussion that
the Navy is preparing to place and maintain in the Pacific, when the
occasion requires, a force superior to that of any oriental nation, and
in the Atlantic one second only to that of the greatest European
naval power.
The Regular Army is the peace nucleus of the greater war army of
the Nation. Its strength and organization should be determined not
only by its relation to the larger force but by its own peace and war
functions. It must be prepared at all times to meet sudden and
special emergencies, which can not be met by the army of citizen
soldiers. Its units must be the models for the organization and train-
ing of those of the ^reat war army.
Some of the functions of the Regular Army are:
(a) To furnish the entire strength of our garrisons outside of the
United States proper both in peace and war.
(6) To garrison our harbor defenses within the United States
proper in time of peace.
(c) To furnish detachments of mobile forces in time of peace suffi-
cient for the protection of these harbor defenses and naval bases
against naval raids which, under modem conditions, may precede a
declaration of war.
216 BBPOBT OF THE OHIEP OF STAFF.
(rf) To furnish sufficient mobile forces to protect our principal
cities by preventing the landing of hostile expeditions for their cap-
ture in the intervals between our fortified harbors or near such cities.
(e) To supply a mobile reserve to reenforce our garrisons outside
of the United States proper during periods of insurrection and dis-
order.
(/) To furnish expeditionary forces for minor wars resulting from
the occupation of foreign territorv where treaty rights or funda-
mental national policies may have been threatenea.
{ff) To prepare in advance its existing administrative and supply
departments for the equipment, transportation, and supply or the
great war army of the Nation.
(h) To assist in the training of organizations of citizen soldiers.
8. Concerning the strength and organization of the Regular Army,
the following points are U> be considered :
(a) At the outbreak of war the Regular Army at home should be
strong enough, with the addition of organized and trained citizen
soldiers, to form the first line of defense in order to give sufficient
time to permit the mobilization and concentration of our greater war
army, and to seize opportimities for such immediate initial operations
as may be undertaken before the mobilization of the army of citizen
soldiers can be completed.
i6) It should be so organized and located that it can be economi-
y and efficiently trained, quickly and easily mobilized and concen-
trated, and readily used as a model in the education and training of
the citizen forces.
MOBUJB AND COAST ARTILLERY TROOPS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS.
9. Ejcperience has shown that our regular land forces and others
modeled^upon them must consist of two distinct classes, i. e. :
(a) Mobile troops.
(b) Coast Artillery troops.
These two groups have their own special functions for which they
are trained and equipped and from which they should not be diverted
except in some emergency.
The function of the Coast Artillery is to man our harbor defenses
designed to protect important seaports from direct naval attacks and
raids from the sea. The armament and accessories of these forts are
intended to be so complete and powerful as not only to prevent
hostile landings at all places within range of the guns, but also to
cover all navigable waters in the vicinity of ^eat seacoast cities so
thoroughly as to leave no dead spaces from which enemy ships, either
at anchor or during a run-by, could bring them under bombardment.
While these harbor forts are important elements in our scheme of
defense, thev are, nevertheless, powerless to prevent invasion at
Eoints outsiae the range of their guns. The total length of our coast
ne is enormous, and the stretches covered by harbor defenses are
and must remain very small compared with the unprotected inter-
vals that lie between them. If we should lose command of the sea
an invader would simply land in one of these intervals. It there-
fore follows that the ultimate defense of our coasts depends upon
defeating a mobile army of invasion, and this can be done only by
having mobile forces prepaFed to operate in any possible theater of
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 217
war. At this stage of hostilities the problem becomes one of cooper-
ation between Coast Artillery and mobile troops, but there can be no
fixed relation in the strength of these two classes of land forces*.
The necessary strength of Coast Artillery troops depends upon the
number and character of harbor defenses established ; that or mobile
troops upon the nature and extent of the defensive and offensive
operations for which the Nation decides to be prepared.
RELATION BETWEEN HOME AND OVERSEA GARRISONS.
10. The most rational method of determining the proper strength
and organization of the Regular Army is based upon the fact that
this force is and must be divided into two distinct parts — one for
oversea service, the other for home service. Each of these parts
must have its proper quota, both of mobile and Coast Artillery
troops.
The troops on oversea service consist of the detachments required
to meet the special military problems of the Philippines, Oahu,
Panama, Alaska, Guantanamo, and Porto Bico. Each of these de-
tachments has a distinct tactical and strategic mission, and is to
operate within a restricted terrain. All of them are limited to over-
sea communication with the home country, and all of them may
therefore be isolated for considerable periods, especially in the criti-
cal fiist stages of war. It is obvious that imder these circumstances
these detachments should be prepared to meet all military emergen-
cies until reenforcements from the United States can reasonably be
expected. They must, therefore, be maintained at all times at full
statutory strength, and must, in addition^ be organized with the view
to being self-supporting, preferably during the continuance of war,
or at least until the Navy has accomplished its primary mission of
securing the command of the sea.
The Force at home is on an entirelv different basia It may or may
not be given an adequate number oi units in time of peace, but it is
supported by atl of the resources of the Nation. It may be increased
at the pleasure of Congress, and it may be reenforced by considerable
forces of citizen soldiery. It follows from these considerations that
the Military Establishment of the United States in time of peace
should first provide effective and sufiicient garrisons for the political
and strategic outposts of the United States, and that the residue at
home should be organized with the view to ultimate expansion into
such war forces as national interests may require. The possibility
of a satisfactory mobilization of this home force is dependent upon
keeping the units of the regular contingent at full statutory strength.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF OVERSEA SERVICE.
11. The Philippines. — ^A decision to defend the Philippines against
a foreign enemy is a matter of national and not of military policy.
But in studying the military requirements of such defense it must be
remembered that, under conditions of modem warfare, imless our
Navy has undisputed control of the sea, we can not reenforce the
peace garrison after a declaration of war or while war is imminent.
12. Oahu. — ^The maintenance of the naval base at Pearl Harbor,
Oahu, is an essential factor in the military problem of holding the
218 REPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
Hawaiian Islands. These islands constitute a vital element in the
defense of the Pacific coast and in securing to ourselves the full value
of the Panama Canal as a strategic highway between the two oceans.
The problem of holding the Hawaiian Islands can be solved by
making Oahu, and therefore Pearl Harbor, secure against all comers.
A satisfactory solution requires the joint action of the Army and
Navy. Pearl Harbor and Honolulu are already protected from
direct naval attack by fortifications now nearing completion. These,
v/hile deemed adequate to meet the conditions existing when they
were designed, must now be strengthened to meet the recent increase
in power of guns afloat; but no matter how complete these harbor
fortifications on the southern coast of Oahu may be, they are unable
to prevent attacks either on the remaining hundred miles of coast
lying beyond the range of their guns or on the other islands of the
group. Consequently there should be in addition a force of modern
submarines and destroyers forming part of the permanent naval
equipment of Pearl Harbor with sufficient radius of action to keep
the Hawaiian waters thoroughly patrolled throughout their whole
extent and to make them dangerous for enemy vessels. Should this
force be worsted in combat and withdrawn before the arrival of our
high-sea fleet, the complete control of the local waters might pass
temporarily to the enemy, so that the ultimate security of both Hono-
lulu, the naval base at Pearl Harbor, and indeed of the whole group,
depends upon including in the Oahu garrison enough mobile troops
to defeat any enemy that may land anywhere on the island. It is
clear that perfect coordination between the Army and Navy at this
station is absolutely essential to success in holding this key to the
Pacific. Unless we provide such dual defense of the Hawaiian Islands
we can not be sure of retaining control even of that part of the Pacific
lying within the sphere of defense of our western coast. By making
such provision the high-sea fleet is left free to seek out the enemy fleet
in Pacific waters.
13. Panama. — ^The Panama Canal is a very important strategic
position which it is our duty to hold. By our control <Jf this highway
between the two oceans the effectiveness of our fleet and our general
military power is enormously increased. It is therefore obvious that
the unquestioned security of the canal is for us a vital military need.
The permanent garrison should be strong enough to guard the locks,
spillways, and other important works and to prevent a naval attack
which, under modem conditions, may even precede a declaration of
war. We should therefore be able, even in peace, to man the sea-
coast guns and mine defense that cover the approach to the canal,
and we must have enough mobile troops to deieat raids. A modem
fleet might land a small raiding party of several thousand bluejackets
at any one or more of a number of places, and such a force landing
out of range of the seacoast guns could, if unopposed, penetrate to
some vulnerable part of the canal within a few hours. The permanent
garrison should therefore include a mobile force strong enough to
anticipate and defeat naval raids at the beginning of hostilities and
to protect the canal against more serious land operations liable to be
undertaken later. If the enemy is operating on one ocean only, it
might be possible to send reenforcements from the United States, but
to count on such relief would be running too great chances. By au-
BSPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 219
thority of the Bepublic of Panama, this garrison is given facilities
in time of peace to operate beyond the Canal Zone in order that the
troops may be properly trained for their special mission and made
familiar with tne terrain over which they may be called upon to
operate in defending the canal.
14. Guantanamo. — ^The policy of the United States contemplates
the establishment of a naval base at Ouantanamo. Garrisons of coast
artillery and mobile troops are necessary for its defense and should
be assigned to station there at the proper time.
15. Alaskcu — The garrison of Alaska should be large enough to
support the authority of the United States, and, in time of war, to
maintain our sovereignty over a small selected area of the Territory.
As work on the Alaskan Kailroad progresses, the military needs of
Alaska will increase.
16. Porto Rico is to be classified with the Philippines and Guam.
Unlike Alaska and Hawaii, these island possessions have not been
organized as Territories; nevertheless, they all belong to the United
States and must be protected.
GEXEfiAL REQUIREMENTS OF HOME SERVICE,
17. Oeneral distribution of Coast Artillery troops in fortified
areas. — It has already been ^own where we diould have garrisons
for oversea service and why. It now remains to show how we should
distribute our regular troops for service at home. Coast Artillery
stations should correspond to the fortified areas on the seacoast, and
these are indicated by the position of the harbor defenses, which are
at present located as follows :
Portland, Me. The Potomac. New Orleans.
Portsmouth, N. H. Chesapeake Bay. Galveston.
Boston. Cape Fear. San Diego.
New Bedford. Charleston. Los Angeles.
Narragansett Bay. Savannah. San Frandsca
Long Island Sound. Tampa. Puget Sound.
New Tork. Key West The Columbia.
The Delaware. Pensacola.
Baltimore. Mobile.
18. Oeneral distribution of mobile troops in strategic areas. — ^As
previously explained, the influence of harbor defenses is limited to
the areas within the range of their guns. To provide harbor defenses
without mobile forces necessary to cover the unprotected intervals
that lie between them would be comparable with attempting to make
a house burglar proof by barring the doors and leaving the windows
open. There is not a case in history where seacoast fortifications,
efficiently manned, have been captured by direct attack from the sea.
In all cases of capture mobile land forces have been employed for the
purpose, and an enemy that hopes for success must undertake landing
operations against us. We must therefore decide upon a rational
distribution of our mobile forces to meet this contingency.
19- Puget Sound area. — Western Washington is bordered on the
east by the steep and rugged Cascade Mountains, on the south by
the Columbia River, and on the north by Juan de Fuca Strait and
Canada. This comer of the United States is completely cut off from
the rest of the country by great natural obstacles and presents an
220 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
extensive front for attack by sea. While the maps show some twenty
passes across the Cascade Mountains, communication with the ea^
IS almost entirely by three railroads, all crossing at points less than
50 miles apart and having tunnels or other vulnerable structures.
The only practicable wagon road is effectually closed to traflSc for
between four and five months each year by heavy snows. Communi-
cation with the south is by one line of railroad, crossing the Columbia
River by bridge at Vancouver. Communication between this section
and the east and south is thus largely dependent upon a number of
structures readily destroyed by high explosives, and impossible of
restoration to traffic within a definite time. The two railroads along
the Columbia River, at the point where it breaks through the moun-
tains, could be easily wrecked so as to require considerable time to
repair, and the gorge could be held by a small force against a large
one coming from the east. If an enemy succeeds in entering western
Washington and in seizing and destroymg the important bridges and
tunnels, he would be so securely established as to render it extremely
difficult to dislodge him. In this rich region an invader could main-
tain himself indefinitely. The harbor defenses maintained in this
region are reasonably strong. Ordinary precaution demands that a
mobile force of reasonable strength be also maintained in this region.
20. California area. — ^There are five transcontinental lines of rail-
way entering California. The Western Pacific and Southern Pacific
by the passes through the Sierras northeast of Sacramento; the
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the San Pedro, Los Angeles &
Salt Lake via Daggetts Pass northeast of Los Angeles; and the
Southern Pacific via the Salton Sea and Gorgonia Pass southeast of
Los Angeles. There are no other passes through the Sierras that have
been considered practicable. There is no railroad running south
into Lower Caliiornia. Only one railroad, the Southern Pacific,
runs north into Oregon. As in the Puget Sound region, communica-
tion with the east is largely dependent upon structures readily de-
stroyed by explosives and impossible of restoration to traffic within a
definite time; California and the greater centers of population are
separated by wide expanses of sparsely settled country. To trans-
port promptly large bodies of troops into California would be diffi-
cult if not impossible in face of opposition at the passes. The
invader would have a most fertile region at his back, while the reverse
would be the situation with us.
The harbor defenses maintained in this region are reasonably
strong, but they are of little use unless supported by a reasonably
strong mobile force maintained in this region.
To rely, for defense, during the first stages of a war upon a mobile
force shipped in from the east is to invite disaster.
21. Atlantic area, — In case of war with a first-class power on the
Atlantic, that portion of our country lying between and including
Maine and Virginia would undoubtedly be the primary object of an
invader. While all other points along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts
and all points on our land frontiers would undoubtedly be in danger,
the danger would be secondary to that of the North Atlantic States
above named. Here also the harbor defenses are reasonably stronff,
and here also a mobile force should be kept sufficient in size to hold
important points until the citizen soldiery can be mobilized.
R£POBT or THE CHIEF OF STAFF. 221
While many other regions are important^ the three regions de-
scribed — Pug^ Sound, California, and the North Atlantic States —
contain the critical areas.
22. Middle West area. — ^The center of jwpulation of the United
States is in the Middle West, and here diould be located a mobile
force for use in case of need on either the Pacific or Atlantic coast,
the northern or southern border.
NECESSAKY 8TREI«JGTH OF MOBILE TBOOPS FOE OVEB-SEA SEBTICE.
23. Constant study of the problem which confronts each of our
oversea garrisons in connection with the advance made in arms, trans-
portation, tactics, lines of information, methods of communications,
undersea craft, and aerial operations has led to the conclusions that
the strength of the over-sea garrisons herein given is the minimum,
below which they should not be allowed to fall at any time.
The general requirements of over-sea service have already been
stated for each of the several localities concerned. It now remains
to determine the necessary strength to meet these requirements, tak-
ing up each case in turn.
24. The Phnippiius. — ^If in accordance with national policy it is
decided to keep the American flag flying in the Philippines, m war
as in peace, it becomes essential to hold Manila Bay.
25. Oahu. — ^Having in mind the principles governing the relations
between home and over-sea garrisons, the force maintained at all
times in Oahu should include :
9 regiments of Infantry (3 brigades).
1 regiment of Cavalry.
2 regiments of Field ArtlUery.
2 battalions Engineers; 1 field battalion of Signal troops; 1 aero squad-
ron ; 1 telegraph company.
2 ambulance companies.
14 companies Coast Artillery.
This force will total about 25,000 combatant officers and men.
26. Panama. — ^The force maintained at all times in the Canal Zone
should include :
9 regiments of Infantry (3 brigades).
1 regiment of Cavalry.
1 regiment of Field Artillery.
2 battalions Engineers ; 1 field battalion of Signal troops ; 1 aero squad-
ron; 1 telegraph company.
1 ambulance company; 1 evacuation hospital.
21 companies Coast Artillery Cori)s.
This force will total about 24,000 combatant officers and men.
27. Guantanamo, — The policy of the United States contemplates
the establishment of a naval base at Guantanamo. Garrisons of
Coast Artillery and mobile troops are necessary for its defense and
should be assigned to station there at the proper time.
28. Alaska. — ^The garrison of Alaska should be large enough to
support the authorit;^ of the United States and in time of war to
maintain our sovereignty over a small selected area of the Terri-
tory. As work on the Alaskan Kailroad progresses the military
needs of Alaska will increase.
In time of peace it is believed that the Alaskan garrison should be
one regiment of Infantry (1,915 officers and men), to be increased
later as circimistances may demand.
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
29. Porto Rico. — ^The present garrison, reorganized into a full regi-
ment of three battalions, etc., is sufficient (1,915 officers and men).
80. The foUoTFing table gives a summary of the minimum garrison
to be maintained on over-sea service:
ea Hationi.
Locstittes.
miantry.
SH
11'
.«.,
s
SqUKl-
Corp..
9
1
18
1'
it
i
2»
t
3t
Si
*\
3
I Inclurlu I ulegripli compsny In eacb earrlsc
> lro!npBQy mounted lorCavalry brigade.
NECESSARr STRENGTH OP MOBILE TROOPS POD HOME SERVICE.
SI. Careful studies made at the War College, extending over a
Eriod of years, lead to the conclusion that the strength of the
fantry, Cavalry, Field Artillery, Engineers, and signal troops of
the Regular Army maintained at home in time of peace, and the
distribution of administrative units of these arms in the principal
strategic areas, should be as givea in the following table:
Combatant troops.
lAKmiie.
SS3
C««IrT
Pf.M
JSSS
End-
UUoil.
Corps.
■quad-
1
3
3
1
U
1
1
1
I
- ■
as
X
IS
10
J
•
•ttallon horn artUhrji 1 eompuiT mmaM EncUiMn; 1 cvmpaor
« organized in higher tactical units and dis-
ss substantially aa follows :
division (less dlvtsiooel Cavalry) and one CavaliT
Igade (ol 3 regiments).
division and one Cavalry brigade.
dtvlsloD and one Cavalry brigade.
division (less divisional Cavalrjr] and one Cavaliy
'lgad&
B£POBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
223
NECE88ABT STRENQTH OF COAST ARTILLERT TROOPS BEQUIRED FOR SERVICE
OVERSEAS AND AT HOME.
82. The strength of the Coast ArtiUery depends upon the number
of guns and mine fields installed and projected and upon the assist-
ance to be received from Organized Militia units. An estimate pre-
pared in the Office of the Chief of Coast Artillery* gives the follow-
ing strength, in companies, required under the supposition that all
mine fields and all oversea guns and one-half the guns at home are
manned from the Regular Army :
Comj^anles.
Phnipplnes 26
Oahu 14
Panama 21
United States 228
Total 289
Total companies (gun and mine) 289
Officers and men 34, 413
TOTAL STRENGTH OF THE REGULAR TROOPS REQUIRED FOR ALL SERVICES.
83. Combining all previous estimates of Coast Artillery and mobile
troops required for service in oversea garrisons and at home, the fol-
lowing tabulaB statement of the required strength of the Regular
Army in units appropriate to each arm, results, viz :
Intentry
regi-
men tfl.
CavAlry
regi-
ments.
Field
ArtiUery
regt-
ments.
t\ wt
Artillery
com-
panies.
Engi-
neer
bat-
talions.
Signal Corps.
LocaUtltt.
Battal-
ions.
Aero
squads.
PblUppliMs*
9
8
1
1
3
2
1
26
14
21
2
U
1
1
1
Of^n" ..^.
1
CkdaI Z<m*
1
AJMka
Porto Rko
pQff1^f Soud4 mv*^.
3
4
4
3
t
3
I
1
2)
2
I
it
1
1
1
1
C^fomfft •
1
North AtlantJc SutM
1
ICIddia W«t
1
IffftT^ffii hordtr
1
UnlttdSUtas
228
Total required •
65
35
21
280
iH
11*
8
> This estimate can only be yerifled by an inspection of all the harbors in question, fbr which inspection
Umts has not been sufllcient time since this estimate was received.
• Nine regiments Infantry, 2 regimenU Field ArUUery, 2 battalions Engineers. Filipinos to be added,
n/no offloen and men.
These figures may be summarized as follows :
Oversea:
Mobile (combatant ) ..^•.
Goast Artillery Ck>ri»
74,600
7,500
In United States:
Mobile (combatant) 121,000
Goast Artillery Corps 27,000
Total :
Mobile (combatant) — 195, 500
Goast Artillery Ck)rps- .,■,. 34,500
82,000
148,000
230.000
224 BEPOBT OF THB OHISF 07 STAFF.
To this total should be added officers and men for the Sanitary.
Quartermaster, Ordnance Department, etc., appropriate to a force oi
this strength, amounting approximately to 30,000 officers and men.
Including Philippine Scouts, 21,000, the grand total becomes 281,000.
34. Organization. — ^The Tables of Organization, approved and
published on February 25, 1914, for the information and government
of the Regular Army and Organized Militia of the United States
have been taken as the guide in estimating the numerical strength of
the personnel of the various tactical and administrative units men-
tioned in this report. This was done as a matter of convenience and
because the service generally is familiar with these tables, which
are the latest official publication of the War Department on this
subject. They conform to the Field Service Regulations and are the
best that can be devised under the limitation of the present laws gov-
erning the Army, but it can not be too emphatically stated that they
are for emergency vse only and contain certain undesirable and un-
scientific features which should be corrected as soon as the necessary
legislation can be obtained. For example, the war organization
shown in the tables is provisional only, while the peace strength is
arranged so as not to exceed the total enlisted strength of about
93,000 men now permitted by existing appropriations.
This limitation falls heaviest upon the Infantry, whose organiza-
tions on home service are maintained at only 43 per cent of full statu-
tory strength, while the Cavalry organizations are maintained at 75
fer cent and those of Field Artillery at 77 per cent of such strength,
t is generally conceded that our Infantry companies should each
have the full statutory strength of 150 men in order topermit proper
training of the officers in time of peace and supply emcient fighting
strength in time of war.
In consequence of the greatly reduced strength of these Infantry
organizations, their efficiency is unduly decreased and overhead
charges correspondingly increased.
The requirements of modem war demand that a machine-gun unit,
a supply unit, and certain mounted men be attached to each regiment,
and that units of various strengths be assigned to brigade and divi-
sion head(juarters. None of these units is unthorized by law, yet all
are essential. Tables of Organization, 1914, represent an effort to
adapt an archaic statutory organization to modem reouirements by
organizing the nece^ary additional units, provisionally. This has
been done by detaching from statutory organizations the personnel
required. An examination of the tables will show that more than
5 per cent of the Infantry personnel authorized by Congress have
been diverted from their legitimate duty as members of statutory
organizations and have been assigned to provisional imits which,
while necessary and essential, have only the sanction of departmental
authority, and lack the efficiency which can only be given oy statute.
In the Cavalry more than 9 per cent are similarlv diverted.*
Recognizing these facts, the War College Division of the General
Staff has prepared a plan for organizing on modem lines an army
of the strength just shown to be necessary for the national needs.
Should this plan be approved, the organization of the Regular Army,
the militia, and whatever reserves are formed would proceed along
the new lines.
BEPOBT OF THE 0HIE7 OF STAFF. 225
n. THE OBGANIZED HILITIA.
85. Tho act of Congress approved April 25, 1914, commonly known
as the volunteer law, defines the land forces of the United States os
^ the Begular Army, the organized land militia while in the service
of the United States, and such volunteer forces as Congress may
authorize."
The Organized Militia, in addition to its use as a State force, is
available lor use by the Federal Government, as provided in the
Constitution.
36. Constitutional functions of the Organized Militia. — ^Its consti-
tutional functions are the following:
(a) A -State force to preserve order within the State limits, in
order to avoid calling upon the Regular Army or the Organized
Militia of other States to discharge such function.
(6) A Federal force when called forth by the President, and duly
mustered as prescribed by Congress, for any of the three purposes
authorized by the Constitution.
37. Some uses of the Organized Militia as a Federal force. — ^Hav-
ing been called forth as militia, they may be used as follows :
(a) As Coast Artillery supports and reserves.
(b) To guard and protect certain bridges, canal locks, arsenals,
depots of supplies, docks, navy yards, and other vulnerable points in
the home territory.
(c) To guard lines of communication within the limits of the
United States.
38. Limitations. ^rlt is stated later in this report that 12 months,
at 150 hours per month,^ ^^ is considered the minimum length of time
of actual training considered necessary to prepare troops for war
service." Due to constitutional limitations. Congress has not the
power to fix and require such an amount of training for the Organ-
ized Militia. No force can be considered a portion of our first line
whose control and training is so little subject to Federal authority
in peace. No force should oe considered a portion of our first line in
war unless it be maintained fully organized and equipped in peace at
? Tactically war strength. This would exclude the Organized Militia
rom consideration for service in the first line mainly l^cause of the
impossibili^ of giving it in peace the training required for such
function. It may be necessary to continue Federal support of the
Organized Militia in order that some organized force may he imme-
diately available for the purposes set forth in paragraphs 36 and 37>
39. Recommendations. — In the preparation of plans for the na-
tional defense and for the preservation of the honor and dignity of
the I'^nited States, the numl)er of troops that are deemed necessary
are largely in excess of the total regular and militia forces available
in the United States.
It is only during the existence of war, or when war is imminent,
that any other forces may l)e raised under existing law. WTien Con-
gi*ess so authorizes the President, he may call forth volunteers.
Section 3 of the volunteer law provides that under certain condi-
tions organizations of the Organized Militia may be received into
the volunteer service in advance of any other organizations of the
same arm or class from the same State, Territory, or District: and
69176'- WAB 1916^-voL 1 15
226 BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
section i of the act of May 27, 1908, amending the militia law, pro-
vides that the militia shall be called into the service in advance of any
volunteer force that may be raised.
It is evident that it can not be known prior to the existence of the
imminence of war what organizations, if any, of the Organized
Militia will enter the volunteer service, and that no definite plans can
be prepared providing for the use or such organizations, either as
mihtia or as volunteers, imtil war is actually upon us.
No legislation affecting the Organized Militia is recommended
bejond the repeal of all provisions of laws now in effect whereby
militia or militia organizations may or must be received into the
Federal service in advance of any other forces.
This recommendation is not to be construed as advocating express
repeal of certain sections of existing laws relating to the Organized
Militia, but as suggesting that any legislation hereafter proposed
for the organization of a Federal reserve force shall contain the
usual concluding section repealing all laws and parts of laws incon-
sistent therewith, and that such legislation be so framed as to render
inconsistent with it the provisions of law just referred to.
m. BESEBVES.
40. Reserves include : (a) Well-instructed soldiers of the Regular
Army furloughed to what is herein termed the regular reserve, (b)
citizen soldiers, (c) reserve officers.
41. T?te regular reserve, — As the United States should have a
mobile force of 500,000 soldiers available at hom» at the outbreak of
war, the Army, with the regular reserve, should amotmt'to this
strength. In order to develop the necessary regular reserve with the
Army at the strength advocated in this policy, enlistments would
have to be for about eight years — two with the colors and six in
reserve. That would, in eight years, result in approximately the
following mobile forces at home available at the outbreak of war:
(1) Mobile regular troops (combatant) with the colors 121.000
(2) The regular reserve -— — 879,000
Total 500,000
During the first weeks of war in this country the military situation
will probably be critical. At that time eveir fullv trained soldier
should be put in the field. To do that with the small military estab-
lishmeiit herein advocated it is necessary that during peace the Army
be kept at war strength, and that the regular reserve be organized
and not kept back to replace losses expected during war. Such lo^es
should be replaced from depot units.
42. Citizen soldiers, — In addition to the 600,000 fully trained
mobile troops mentioned above, at least 500,000 more — a total of
1,000,000 men — should be prepared to take the field immediately on
the outbreak of war and should have had sufficient previous military
training to enable them to meet a trained enemy within three months.
Twelve months' intensive training is the minimum that will prepare
troops for war service. Therefore the 600,000 partly trained troops
above referred to require nine months' military training before war
begins. Military efficiency of reserves requires that Regular Army
oflooers be assigned thereto for training purposes — at least one to
BEPORT OP THE CHIEP OF STAFF, 227
every 400 men — and that organizations and specially designated non-
commissioned officers of the Army be utilized in instructing reserves
as far as practicable.
Based upon experience with Tables of Organization, 1914, the
War College Division has recently prepared a new plan of organiza-
tion for the Army. The Regular Army and the reserves should be
organized according to this plan. Or^nizations should be formed
of men from the districts to which their respective organizations are
assigned for recruiting. For this purpose, each organization should
be assigned to a district from which recruits most suitable for the
service required of the organization may be obtained — ^mounted units
to horse-raising districts, technical troops to manufacturing districts,
etc. As a rule the size of districts should be about in proportion to
population of the qualifications — age, etc. — required. Organizations
m war ^ould be kept at full strength from the depot units which
they ^ould have in their respective recruiting districts.
43. Reserve ojficers. — Officers for staff ana organizations of re-
serves, and officers for temporary appointment in the Eegular Army
as provided for in section 8 of the volunteer law (act of Congress
approved Apr. 25, 1914), should be selected and trained in time of
peace. The President should be authorized to issue, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate, commissions as reserve officers
to citizens of the United States who, upon examination prescribed bv
the Secretary of War, demonstrate their physical, mental, moral,
and professional fitness therefor, and who duly obligate themselves
to render military service to the United States while their commis-
sions are valid. Such commissions should be valid five years, and
renewable under such regulations regarding examinations and quali-
fications as the Secretary of War may from time to time prescriDe.
IV. VOLXTNTEEBS.
44. In addition to any forces that may be maintained and trained
in time of peace, provision must be made for vastly increasing such
forces in time of war. These must come from the untrained body of
citizens, and provision for raising them is contained in the act of
Congress approved April 25, 1914.
45. This act meets the military needs for raising volunteer troops
as far as concerns the enlisted personnel, except in two particulars,
which are: First, that under the existing laws certain organizations
of the militia, with numbers far below the full strength, can enter the
volunteer force in advance of other similar volunteer organizations
from the same State; and, second, no volunteers of any arm or
branch have been called into the service of the United States. The
changes necessary to remedy these defects have been set forth in
paragraph 89 under the subject of the Organized Militia.
V. BESEBVE HATfiBIEL.
46. Of all the features disclosed by the war in Europe none stands
more clearly revealed than the power to be derived from national
economic organization behind the armed forces of a nation.
47. In a war of gigantic proportions the chances of success are
immeasurably lessened by wastage, abuse, and confusion. Steps should
228 REPORT OF THE CHIEP OF STAFF.
be taken looking toward a national organization of our economic and
industrial resources as well as our resources in fighting men.
48. In its report the commission appointed by the x^resident to
investigate the conduct of the War Department in the War with
Spain used the following language:
One of the lessons taught by the war is that the country should hereafter be
In a better state of preparation for war. Testimony has been taken on this sub-
ject and suggestions have been made that large supplies of aU the materiel not
liable to deterioration should be kept on hand, to be continuously issued and
renewed, so that in any emergency they might be available. £iSpeciaUy should
this be the case with such supplies, equipment, and ordnance stores as are not
in general use in the United States and which can not be rapidly obtained in
open market.
49. The lack of such articles as shoes, wagons, harness, rifles, sad-
dles, medical chests, and so on, will render ineffective an army just
as certainly as will the lack of ammunition.
50. For the purposes of storage military supplies may be divided
into four classes :
(a) Supplies that can be obtained in great quantities in the open
market at any time.
(b) Those that can be obtained in sufficient quantities on 15 days'
notice.
c) Those that can be obtained on throe months' notice.
d) Those that can not be obtained within three months.
51. The War College Division of the General Staff is of the opin-
ion that for purposes of defense we should maintain the troops
enumerated in Parts I and III of this report.
52. A fully trained force, to be effective during the critical period
when war is imminent and during the first few weeks of a war, must
not be hampered by lack of necessary supplies and equipment. For
this reason, supplies of all kinds which can not be obtained in the
open market at any time must be kept on hand, in use and in store,
at home and oversea, sufficient to equip without delay all troops whose
training warrants sending them promptly into the field.
53. It is probable that as soon as war becomes imminent, the Conti-
nental Army — 500,000 mobile troops — will also be called out. As
this partially trained force can not be expected to take the field within
three months' time, it is practicable to refrain, after the third year,
from keeping on hand or in store for it any articles of eauipinent
except those necessary to complete its training and those wnich can
not be procured within three months.
54. The total number of harbor-defense troops necessary is about
50,000. Due to conditions of service, it is believed that ultimately
supplies of all kinds for 60,000 should be kept on hand.
55. In any great war volunteers must be called out in addition to
the troops above enumerated.
56. It would be unwise to have on hand at the beginning of a war
merely the supplies sufficient to place in the field our first contingent
of troops and to complete the training of the Cdhtinental Army, and
to be unprepared to supply to even a limited extent the Volunteer
Army we should have to raise, not to mention replacements of arms,
ammunition, clothing, and equipment of all kinos for those already
in the field ; but on account of the great sum of money which will be
necessary, in entering upon a program for collecting and storing mill-
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
229
tary supplies it is believed that the subject of equipment for a volun-
teer army and replacements for the Regular ana Continental Armies
should be provided for by obtaining options with domestic manufac-
turers to lumish the required supplies, all of domestic manufacture,
in accordance with tentative contracts to be made by the supply de-
partments with such manufacturers in time of peace. By so doing wo
will be taking the initial steps toward organizing the industrial and
economic resources of the country as well as its resources in fighting
men.
57. Referring to Part III, approximately the following troops will
be available at the close of the successive years:
First y
Soetind year .
Third year..
Fourth y«ar.
Fifth year...
Blxthyear...
8e\cnth yew
Eighth )*ear.
Fully-
trained
mobUe
troops.
160,000
210,000
320,000
383,000
439.000
480,000
6M,000
674,000
PartlaUv-
trained
Conti-
nental
Army.
185,000
351,000
500,000
500,0(10
500,000
500,000
500.000
500,000
Harbor-
deieoM
troops.
30,000
40.000
SO.OOO
52,000
54,000
56,000
58,000
60,000
Total.
37.5,000
610,000
870,000
03.5,000
093,000
1,01.5,000
1,092,000
1,134,000
A study of those figures and of the difficulties we have experienced
in the past in the matter of supplies lead to the conclusion that the
program adopted for procuring reserve supplies should be such that
at the close of each year we should have in use and in store, at home
and oversea, supplies of all kinds necessary to equip :
Infantry
divisions.
First year...
Second year.
Third y<par..
Fourth year.
Fifth j-ear...
Sixth year...
Seventh year
Ejkhth year.
13
23
32
U
36
37
38
40
Ca^-alry
divisions
of regi-
ments.
3
6
6
7
8
10
10
Harbor-
defense
troops
30,000
40,000
50,000
63,000
54,000
66,000
68,000
6>,000
The supplies acquired durine the first three ^ears should include
all articles which can not be obtained in sufficient quantities on 15
days' notice, those acquired during the last five years to include only
those articles which can not be obtained on three months' notice.
After the eighth year the program should be extended to provide for
the storing of sucn additional machine guns, rifles, field guns, ammu-
nition, etc., as may be considered advisable.
58. In order that vast supplies pertaining to one supply bureau
should not be secured and relatively nothing be done by other supply
bureaus, supplies should be obtained progressively in complete divi-
sion units.
59. In order that the efforts of the various supply bureaus may be
properly coordinated by the Chitt of Staff, reserve supplies should
230
BEPOBT OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
be collected in general supply depots located in accordance with the
general principle below enumerated. Each general supply depot
should be considered a place of issue in time oi peace for all articles
of field equipment, so that the stock on hand will be continually
turned over and the machinery for the issuing and forwarding of
supplies will be in operation at the outbreak of war. The com-
mander of each general supply depot should be either a line or a
staflF officer specially selected by and reporting direct to the Chief
of Staff or to the department commander and independent of the
control of any one particular staff department, but keeping in touch
with all. The commander of each general supply depot should be
assisted by the necessary commissioned, enlisted, and civilian person-
nel. Supplies for not more than three division units should be stored
at any one locality. Each place selected for a reserve storehouse
should be one that will be at all times under adequate military pro-
tection, where ground is available and where abundant railroad
facilities exist.
60. As a general military principle, no supply depot, arsenal^or
manufacturing plant of any considerable size, supported by War
Department appropriations for military purposes, wiould be estab-
lidied or maintained east of the Appalachian Mountains, west of the
Cascade or Sierra Nevada Mountains, nor within 200 miles of our
Canadian or Mexican borders, and steps should be taken gradually
to cause to be moved depots and manufacturing plants already estab-
lished in violation of this military principle.
61. The estimated cost of the fiela equipment of one Infantry divi-
sion, Tables of Organization 1914, is as follows:
KlndofsappUei.
Signal supplies
guartermaster sapplies
neliiMr supplies
Ordnanoe supplies
Medical supplies
Can be ob-
tained in the
open market
in great
quantities at
anytime.
$722.12
61,983.35
1,835.26
6,77».«7
10,997.05
Can be ob-
tained on 15
days' notice.
Il,688w61
54,054.45
471.50
7,730.00
10,180.63
Can be ob-
tained on
8 months'
notice.
$6,030.46
8,177,083.47
7,703.07
257,489.80
88,801.51
Can not be
obtained oo
8 months'
notJoa.
$385,8ia26
8,428.05
4, IM, 77a 68
And the estimated cost of the field equipment of one Cavalry
division of nine regiments is approximately as follows:
Kind of supplies.
Signal supplies
guartermaster supplies
ngineer supplies
Ordnance supplies
Medical supplies
Can be ob-
tained in the
open market
in great
quantities at
anytime.
$370.80
55,102.48
l,7fi9.50
31,8r>2.02
13,464.00
Can be ob-
tained on 15
days' notice.
$1,638.63
76,143.40
416.53
18,630.56
13,060.57
Can be ob-
tained on
3 months'
notice.
$4,290.61
4,584.628.98
10.885.20
811,056.68
106,630.36
Can not bo
obtained oo
3 months'
notice.
$2n,156.4S
8,000.45
3,541,004.68
62. While the amount of money involved is large, practically all of
it will remain at home, especiaUy if every effort be made by toe sup-
REPORT OP THE CHIEF OP STAFF. 231
ply bureaus to eliminate from supply tables all articles not of domes-
tic manufacture. It must also be kept in mind that it is cheaper to
buy war supplies in time of peace than in time of war.
Utt of Broohiir«t Prepared by the War College DiTition, General Staff Oorpt,
ai Snpplementi to the Statement of a Proper ICiUtary Polloy for the United
States.
NOVKICBEB, 1916.
Poc.
No
606. Changes in orjcanlzatlon found necessary during progress of the Eioropean
War. WCD 4886-2S.
607. Comparison of costs of our military estabUshment with those of other
countries. WCD 9053-120.
608. Coordination of the mobile and coast artillery units of the army in the
national defense. WCD 8911-9.
609. Development of large caliber mobile artillery and machine guns in the
present European War. WCD 923^1.
610. Educational institutions giving military training as a source for a supply
of reserve officers for a national army. WCD 9053-121.
611. Elimination of unnecessary expense from army administration. WCD
9053-113.
612. Finances and costs of the present European War. WCD 9287-1.
613. Fortifications. WCD 4896-4.
614. General Staffs of certain belligerent powers. WCD 9286-2.
615. Military aviation. WCD 9311-1.
616. Militia as organized under the Constitution and its value to the Nation
as a military asset WCD 7835-9.
617. Mobilization of industries and utilization of the commercial and industrial
resources of the country for war purposes in emergency. WCD 8121-46.
618. Modern (»rf;anlzation for the Regular Army and its use aa a model In
organizing other forces. WCD 9302-1.
619. Motor transport in campaign. WCD 9318-1.
620. Organization and administration of the War Department adapted to a
change from peace conditions to a state of war. WCD 9262-14.
621. 1. Organization, training, and mobilization of a force of citizen soldiery.
2. Method of training a citizen army on the outbreak of war to Insure
its preparedness for field service. WCD 7641-12.
622. Organization, training, and mobilization of a reserve for the Regular
Army. WCD 8106-16.
628. Organization, training, and mobilization of volunteers under the act of
April 26, 1914. WCD 8160-26.
624. Outline of plan for military training In public aehools of the United
States. WCD 9064-16.
626. Pension roll as affected by the war with Spain in 1896. WCD 9290-3.
626. Personnel versus mat&lel in plans for national defense. WCD 9614-L
627. Places of origin and ability to procure supplies needed In vast quantities
in time of war. WCD 8121-89.
628. Proper relationship between the army and the press in war. WCD 8976-^
629. Recruitment of oflicers in time of peace in the principal armies of Europe.
WCD 9278-L
680. Standardization of methods of military instruction at schools and colleges
in the United States, with draft of a bill to establish a Reserve Oflicers*
Training Corps. WCD 9069-8.
681. Statistical comparison of universal and voluntary service. WCD 4886-26.
682. Strategic location of military depots, arsenals, and manufacturing plans
in the United States. WCD 8121-42.
688. Sanitary troops in foreign armies. WCD 9819-1.
634. Training of forces of belligerent nations of Europe. WCD 928^1.
686. Utilization of our resources in various means of transportation and of
the services of trained specialists. WCD 9068-111.
REPORT OP THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
War Department,
The Adjutant General's Office,
October 5, 1916.
Sm: The following report covers the entire fiscal year 1916 and
relates to the organization and operations of the Army and National
Guard organizations in the Federal service as shown oy the records
of The Adjutant General's Office, and to the business of that office as
a bureau of the War Department.
AUTHORIZED STRENGTH OF THE ARMY.
The strength of the Regular Army authorized by the President
imder the provisions of the act of February 2, 1901, and of the joint
resolution of Cong;ress of March 17, 1916, which latter authorizea the
President to recruit the line organizations to the maximum strength
prescribed by the acts of February 2, 1901, and January 25, 1907, with-
out regard to the limitrtion of 100,000 men for the line and the
Philippine Scouts, imposed by the first-mentioned act, is shown in
the following table:
Branches of service.
General offlcw3
General Staff Corps
Adjatant GeneraPa Department
Inspector Oenerars Department
Judge Advocate General's Department.
SoartemiBster Corps
edlcal Department
Cwps of Enjf^eers
Ordnance Department
Signal Corps .-.
Bureau of insnlu' Afteirs
Professors, United States Military Academy.
Chaplains.
Cavalry
Field Artillery
Coast Artillery Coips.
Infant
itry.
3Ri(
Porto Rico Reeiment of Infantry
United States Military Academy dctochnicnt^
Recruiting parties, recruit depots, and unassicnetl recruits.
United States Disciplinar>' Barracks j. uarus
Service school detachments
With disciplinary organizat ions
Mounted orderlies
Indian scouts
Total Regular Army.
Philippine Scouts
Aggregate.
OflBcers.
24
34
23
17
13
256
»ei60
248
85
106
3
7
G7
810
262
747
1,606
50
6,018
182
5,200
Enlisted
men.
6,403
»5,388
1,982
1,115
1,472
17,594
6,358
19,321
54,443
599
632
6,098
350
746
110
7
76
122,693
6,733
128,426
Total.
24
34
23
17
13
6,659
6,048
2,230
1,200
1,678
3
7
67
18,404
6,620
20,068
66,049
649
632
6,098
360
746
UO
7
76
127,711
6,916
133,626
1 Includes 155 officers of the Medical Reserve Corps assigned to active duty under the provisions of the
act of Congress approved Apr. 23. 1908 (35 Stat. L., 66).
The a^of June 3. 1916, provides that the enlisted strength of the Medical Department is not to be
counted as a part of tne enlisted strength of the Army, which is similar to the provision contained in the
act of Mar. 1. 1887 (24 Stat. L.,4S6).
235
236
EEPOET OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi.
One of the temporary major generals referred to in the previous
annual report was retired from active service December 4, 1915,
causing a reduction during the year of one in the nimiber of major
generals.
The following increases in the authorized commissioned strength of
the Army were authorized by the national defense act approved
June 3, 1916, to take effect on the date of the approval of tnat act:
General Staff Corps, 34, resulting from the application of the provi-
sions of section 27 of the act of February 2, 1901, to oflScers below the
rank of brigadier general detailed to the General Staff; Quartermaster
Corps, 73, caused Dy the appointment of former pay clerks as second
lieutenants of that corps, and Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry, 19.
There was also an increase of 1 additional oflScer in the Cavalry arm,
an increase of 58 in the nimiber of officers of the Medical Reserve
Corps assigned to active duty, and 1 additional officer in the Medical
Corps. Tnere was a decrease of 1 additional officer in the Coast
Artillery Corps, makins a net increase in the authorized commissioned
strengtn of the Army during the year of 184.
There was an increase of 370 enusted men for the Ordnance Depart-
ment and 17 for the service school detachments authorized during
the year, in addition to the following increases authorized by the
joint resolution of Congress of March 17, 1916: Infantry, 19,104;
Cavalry, 3,446; Field Artillery, 823; Coast Artillery Corps, 302, and
Engineers, 40. There was a decrease of 27 in the number of author-
ized recruits during the year, and a decrease of 6 in the Field Artillery,
leaving a net increase of 24,069 in the authorized enlisted strength of
the Anny during the year.
The authorized enlisted strength of the Hospital Corps was in-
creased 1,376 during the year.
There was no change in the authorized strength of the Philippine
Scouts during the year covered by this report.
ACTUAL STEENGTH OP THE ABMT.
The actual strength of the entire military establishment on June
30, 1916, by branches of service, is shown in the following table:
Branches of aervloe.
GenerAl o ffloec t
Btftfl corps and deptirtmuito..
Kngtnxis
CATtlnr
Field Arifltory
CoMt Artllkry Corps
Intentry
lUiotUintoas
TotaJ Regular Anny.
FhiUpptDe Scoots
Aoragato.
Officers.
94
t 1,206
22S
782
257
739
1,007
t4,S43
182
16,025
BnUsted
• 12,374
1,829
15,100
5,027
18,273
34,313
9,440
■»7,013
5,008
102,016
I Inchidss 154 first Ueutesiante of the Medical Beserrt Corpa.
■ InelodM 4,070 enlisted men of the Medical Departmaot.
TotaL
M
18,580
2,064
16,942
6,884
19,012
85,920
9,440
101,860
6,786
107, OU
XEPCHET or THE ABJITTAJTI GBSTEMAU 237
coMFABaas or avtbihuimd axd actual boxsotsl
The foIlowiDg table h preBeoted for the porpose of sliowing the
authorized and the actual fetreniTLh of the miiitarT estabBBhment on
June 30, 1916, and June 30, 1^15, K^thcr wiih the increases during
the year and the nmnber of vacancdef on each fjf tti'^>se dt^tes. 5
inchideB the enlisted Btreaigth of the 1i4edinal I>epartanenx and the
Quartermaster Corp&
*^®- i^ Total i2^ iSd TBial. ^ 1^
JtlIwaQ,19U 4,&4 »7.24» im.0a2 182 Ii,T33 i,9U 6,01ft 102 WSl 107,«B7
dtiriDcy«ar. IM 2.445 £,09 IW a.44& 25,aB
Actual Btren^h:
JllXii30, Ifiie 4.R43 97. Oi:, IfT. 8:^ l*fl 5 603 fi.TK", 5,025 102 r,]f> KT.Ml
Jm»30, 1915 4,C16 K.Ttii lX*.i**il lifi 5,430 5,fil2 4. TVs 101 IM 105,!
IncTMie donng year 227 l,Mi 1,«75 173 173 227 1,421 1,
:^= — - • =^ - I =^
Juoe3Q,lPl6 175 »,««0 26,855 1 130 1V> 175 25,BI0 25,«i
JimedO, 1915 1 as 1,4S3 1,701 303 ^f^i 21S 1,7W 2,0W
^ I ! I
The large number of vacancies (175) in commissioned personnel
on June 30, 1916, is due to the fact that the 124 graduates of the
Military Academy were not appointed until after the close of the
fiscal year and to the increase resulting from the appUcation to the
General Staff of the provisions of section 27 of the act of February 2,
1901. Tliat appUcation was authorized by the act of June 3, 1916.
The large number of vacancies in the enlisted force is due to the
fact that the authorized strength was materially increased by the
joint resolution of March 17, 1916, and during the short period
betwe^i March 17 and the close of the fiscal year it was found mipos-
sible to enlbt a sufficient number of men to fill the vacancies occurring
from time to time and those resulting from the increase in the author-
ized strength. Every effort was made, and is being made, to secure
a sufficient nimiber of recruits to fill the Army to its authorized
strength.
INCREASE IN THE ABMT.
(Authorized by the act of June 3, 1916.)
The act of June 3, 1916^ provides for a material increase in both
the commissioned and enlisted strength of the Regular Army, and
also provides for the federalization of the Nation^ Guard. Those
provisions of the bill that pertain to this office are mentioned in this
report under the subjects to which they relate.
The increases in the numbers of officers and enlisted men authorized
by the bill is to be made in five annual increments, with the provision
**That in the event of actual or threatened war or similar emergency,
in which the public safety demands it, the President is authorized
to immediately organize the entire increase authorized by this act,
or 80 much thereoi as he shall deem necessary/'
238 BBPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT OENERAIi.
Under the provisions of the act cited, the authorized enlisted
strength for the fiscal year 1917, which includes the first increment,
is as follows :
Infantry 51,224
Cavalry 17,357
Field Artillery 7,881
Engineers 2, 198
Coast Artillery Corps 21, 423
Quartermaster Corps 8, 000
Signal Corps 3,369
Ordnance Department 1, 241
MedicAl Department 6, 614
Service school detachments 752
Military Academy detachments 684
United States Disciplinary Barracks guards 468
Disciplinary oi]ganizations 101
Mounted orderuee 29
Seiveants on duty with National Guard 209
In<uan scouts 75
Recruiting parties and unassigned recruits 11, 539
Total Regular Army 133,164
Philippine Scouts 5, 733
Aggregate 138,897
In time of peace the total authorized enlisted strength of the line
of the Anny is limited to 175,000. Under that limitation the total
enlisted strength will be 175,000 for the line (including Ordnance
Department) and approximately 42,750 for the staff corps and
departments and miscellaneous organizations, making a total of
approximately 217,750 for the Regular Army, or an aggregate
strength of approximately 223,580 u the enlisted strength (5,733)
of the Philippme Scouts is included. Approximate figures are given,
because tlie strength of some of the staff corps and departments is
not fixed by the act, but will be fixed by the President from time to
time in accordance with the needs of the service. The total enlisted
strength of the Medical Department, limited to 5 per cent of the total
enlisted strength of the rest of the Army, can not be determined at
this time, because the strength of all of the other staff corps and
departments is not fixed.
The total number of officers authorized by the act in time of peace
is approximately 11,450, including the 182 officers of the Philippine
Scouts, while the maximum numoer of officers authorized womd be
about 580 more, all the additions being in the Medical Department.
The exact number of officers authorized can not be stated, because
the number of additional officers varies from time to time, and
because the number of retired officers that will be transferred to the
active list under the provisions of the act of March 4, 1915, can not
be foretold.
The total maximum enlisted strength (war strength) of the Army,
including the Philippine Scouts, is nearly 298,000. This figure is
approximate and is based on increases in the staff corps and Depart-
ments in proportion to the increases authorized for the nrst increment.
The total number of officers authorized for the fiscal year 1917 is
7|252, including 182 officers of the Philippine Scouts.
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GEKEBAU
239
PHILIPPINE SCJOUTS.
There was no change in the organization and authorized strength
of the Philippine Scouts during the past fiscal year. The scouts are
organized into 13 battalions of 4 companies each, a total of 52 com-
panies of enlisted natives of the Phihppine Islands, with a total
authorized strength of 182 ofQcers and 5,733 enlisted men.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS.
The geographical distribution of the Regular Army on Jime 30,
1916, is shown in the following table:
Oeograpbical distribution.
In the United States!
In Alaska
In the Philippine Islands:
Regular Army
Philippine Scouts
In China
In Porto Rloo
In Hawaii
In the Isthmian Canal Zone
Troops en route and officers at foreign stations.
Total.
Officers.
8,622
23
480
182
41
85
333
253
66
5,025
Enlisted
•103,016
Total
67,416
71,038
760
702
U,404
^^'2*
5,603
5,785
1,233
1,274
679
714
8,112
8,445
6,846
7,090
554
610
107,641
1 Indudes troops serving in Mexico, it befaig deemed inadvisable at this time to give the exact number
of troops serving in that country,
s Includes 154 first lieutenants of the Medical Reserve Corps.
• Includes 4^70 enlisted men of the Medical Department.
OEOOBAPHICAL DEPARTMENTS.
There was no change during the past fiscal year in the constitution
of the geographical departments established for purposes of miUtary
administration. A statement showing the territory embraced in the
several geographical departments was printed in the annual report
for the year 1914.
CHANGES OP STATIONS OP TROOPS.
The following tables show the movement of troops to and from
the insular possessions, and changes of stations of troops within the
continental limits of the United States during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1916:
Movements of troops on transports to and from the insular possessions.
Transport.
Left-
Arrived at—
Troops on board.
Place.
Date.
Place.
Date.
Thomas...
Sherman..
Tbomu...
San Francisco, Cal.
Manila, P. L
• .. . •QO. •••••••••••
1916.
Aug. 6
Aug. 16
Sept. U
Manila, P. I.
San Francisco, Oal.
a • ■ • «G0 ■•.•••••••*•
1016.
Sept. 2
Sept. 13
Oet. 13
Fourth, Seventeenth, Thirty-
third, Thirty-sixth, and One
hundred and eleventh Com-
panies Coast Artillery Corps.
Euhth Cavalrv and Company
rV Twenty-fourth Infantry.
Headquarters and 9 companlei
Twenty-fourth Infantry.
240
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi.
MovementM of troops orCtransporU to and from (he insular ]K>M0M<on«— Continued.
Timnsport.
Buford
Sheridan..
Logan
Sheridan.
Do...
Thomas.
Kflpatiiok.
Do
Do
Do.
Do.
Left-
Place.
Qalyeeton, Tex....
San Francisco, Cal.
Manila, P. I.
.do.
San Francisco, OaL
do
Galveston, Tex....
.....do
New York, N.Y..
Fortlfonroe, Va..
Pensaoola, Fla....
Date.
1915.
Sept. 29
Oct. 6
Oct. 15
Nov. 15
1916.
Jan. 6
Feb. 5
Feb. 23
Mar. 11
Apr. 8
Apr. U
Apr. 18
Arrived at—
Place.
Manila, P. L
San Francisco, Gal.
Manila, P. I.
Honolulu, Hawaii .
Cristobal, Canal
Zone.
» • • • ttUV ■ • ••••••••• «
> • • • aUM ••••••••••••
Data.
1915.
Mar. 51
Nov. 5
Nov. 14
Dec 14
1910.
Feb. 3
Feb. 13
Mar. 1
Mar. 18
Apr. 28
> • •ViV* • • • •
Troops (m board.
Twenty-seventh Infantry.
Fifteenth Cavalry.
Companies C and I, Tweoty-
fourth Infantry.
Seventh Cavalry.
Ninth Cavalry.
Thirteenth Band, Coast Artil-
lery Corps.
First Squadron, Twelfth Cav^
airy.
Battories E and F, Fourth
Field ArtiU^ry.
Fifth Band and Ei^h,
Eighty-seventh, and On*
hundred and twenty-fourth
Companies, Coast Artillery
Corps.
Seventy-third Company, Coast
Artillery Corps.
Fifteenth Company, Coast Ar-
tillery Corps.
> Delay caused by slide in Panama CanaL
Changes of statione of troope within the United States.
Organization.
One hundred and eleventh
Company, Coast ArtiUery
Corps.
Fourth Company, Coast
Artillery Corps.
Seventeenth Company,
Coast Artillery Corps.
Thirty -sixth Company,
Coast Artillery Corps.
Thirty • third Company,
Coast Artillery Corps.
Eighth Cavalry
Fifteenth Cavalry
Seventh Cavalry
Ninth Cavalry
First Squadron, Twelfth
Cavalry.
Thirtieth Company, Coast
Artillery Corps.
One hundred and sixtieth
Company, Coast Artillery
Corps.
Twenty-fourth Infsntry. . . .
Batteries E and F, Fourth
Field Artillery.
One hundred and twenty-
fburth Company, Coast
ArtiUery Corps.
Eifl^th Company, Coast
Artillery Coips.
Etehty-seventh Company,
Coast Artillery Corps.
Left-
Place.
Fort Dade, Fla.»,
Fort MoU,N. 7.1
Fort Washington, Md.i.
FortMott.N.J.i
Fort Cohimbia, Wash.i.
San Francisco, Cal.
Fort Bliss, Tex.1..
San Francisco. Cal.
Douglas, Aris.>.....
Mercedes, Tex.s
Fort Rosecrans, Cal.
do
San Fruicisco, Cal.
El Paso, Tex
Fort Andrews, Mass.*
FortMcKinley,Me.>.
FortTotten,N.Y.i..
Dato.
1915.
July 24
July 25
...do
July 28
Sept. 21
Sept. 25
Dec. 21
Dec. 26
1916.
Feb. 21
Feb. 15
Feb. 17
Feb. 25
Mar. 8
Apr. 6
Apr. 7
Apr. 8
Arrived at—
Place.
San Francisco, Gal.
do
do............
do
do
Fort Bliss, Tex
San Francisco, Cal.
Douelas, Ariz
San Francisco, Cal.
QalvestoD, Tex
Fort Worden, Wash,
Fort Stevens, Oreg. .
Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo..
Galveston, Tex
New York, N. Y.
.do.
.do.
Date.
1915.
July 29
July 30
Do.
Do.
Da
Sept.2«
Sept. 28
Dec 23
Dec 28
1916.
Feb. 23
Feb. 19
Feb. 21
Feb. 28
Mar. 10
Apr. 7
Apr. 8
Do.
1 En route to PhUippine Islands.
• En route to Canal Zone.
The foregoing table does not show practice marches, temporary changes in stationSi
or movement ol troops along the Mexican border.
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 241
TROOPS SBRVINa OUTSIDtl THE CONTINENTAL LIMITS OP THE UNITBD
STATES.
The troops serving outside the continental limits of the United
States, excluding those in Mexico, at the close of the fiscal year were
as follows:
PHILIPPINB DEPABTMBNT.
First Company, Second Aero Squadron.
Ninth and Fifteenth Cavahy.
Second Field Artillery.
Fourth, Eleventh, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-third, Thirty-third, Thirty-
flixth. Forty-second, Seventieth, Eighty-sixth, Ninetieth, Ninety-fifth. Ninety-ninth.
One hundred and eleventh, and One hundred and forty-second Companies, ana
Ninth Band, Coast Artillery Corps.
Eighth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth (headquarters, band, first and third battalions de-
tached in China), Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-seventh Infantry.
Companies K and L, Ciorps of Engineers.
Companies F and L, Signal Corps.
Fiela Hospital No. 4 and Ambulance Company No. 4.
HAWAUAN DSPARTMBNT.
Fourth Cavalry.
First Field Artillery.
Thirteenth Band, Tenth, Fifty-sixth, Sixty-eighth. Seventy-fifth, Ninety-first.
One hundred and fourth^ One hundred and fifth, One nundred and fo^-third, ana
One hundred and fifty-ninth Companies, Coast Artillery Corps.
First, Second, and Twenty-fifth Infantry.
Company I, Corps of Engineers.
Company E, Signal Corps.
CANAL ZONB.
Fifth Band, Eighth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-first, Fortieth, Forty-fourth,
Forty-fifth, Seventy-third, Eighty-first, Eighty-seventh, One hundred and sixteenth.
One hundred and nineteenth. One hundred and twenty-fourth, and One hundred
and forty-fourth Companies, Coast Artillery Corps.
First Squadron. Twelfth Cavalry.
Batteries E ana F, Fourth Field Artillery.
Fifth, Tenth, and Twenty-ninth Infantry.
Company M, Corps of En^neers.
Third Platoon, Company H, Signal Corps.
Ambulance Company No. 8.
The First Battalion, Fourteenth Infantry, and Companies C and
K, Signal Corps, are stationed in Alaska.
SECOND LIEUTENANTS APPOINTED.
During the year ended June 30, 1916, 163 second lieutenants,
graduate of the United States Militair Academv , were appointed to
the Army, 23 being assigned to the Corps of Engineers, 33 to the
Cavalry arm, 11 to the Field Artillery arm, 31 to tne Coast Artillery
Corps, and 65 to the Infantry arm. Five civihans^ were appointed
probational second lieutenants in the Corps of Engineers, under the
provisions of the act of Congress approved February 27, 1911 (36
Stat. L., 957).
Since June 30, 1916. the close of the fiscal year, 124 graduates of
the United States Military Academy have been appointed to the
Army. All of them, with the exception of 1 who was not gradu-
ated until June 29, 1916, and was not appointed imtil that date,
69176*— WAR 1916— VOL 1 16
242 BBPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
were appointed to rank from June 13, 1916, the date of the gradua-
tion of their class. Of those appointed, 24 were assigned to the
Corps of Engineers, 22 to the Cavalry, 10 to the Field Artillery arm,
20 to the Coast Artillery Corps, and 48 to the Infantry arm.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS IN ACTIVE SERVICE.
On June 30, 1916, there were 4,843 commissioned officers on the
active list of the Arm v. Of these, 1,458 (including 65 chaplains) were
feneral officers or o&cers of the staff corps and departments, 782
elonged to the Cavalry, 257 to the Field Artillery, 739 to the Coast
Artillery Corps, and 1,607 to the Infantry.
Of the 1,458 general and staff officers 1,354 were present for duty,
27 on leave, 4 absent sick, and 73 on detached duty. Of the 3,385
line officers 2,699 were present for duty, 71 on leave, 22 absent sick,
and 593 on detached duty.
From the foregoing it appears that 20.26 per cent of the line officers
and 7.13 per cent oi the general and staff officers were absent from
their commanck. At the close of the preceding fiscal year 25.33 per
cent of the line officers and 11.66 per cent of the general and sti^
officers were so absent.
The decrease in the total number of officers absent from their com-
mands at the end of this fiscal year, as compared with the preceding
year, is due chiefiy to the decrease in the number of officers on de-
tached service as snown in detail in the section of this report relating
to "Officers on detached service."
In addition to the officers on the active list there were 128 retired
officers under assimment to active duty on Jime 30, 1916, as is more
fully shown ekewhere in this report.
ADDITIONAL OFFICERS.
The Army appropriation act apmt)ved March 3, 1911 (36 Stat. L.,
1058), provides that every line officer on the active list below the
grade of colonel who has lost in lineal rank through the system of
regimental promotion in force prior to October 1, 1890. may, in the
discretion of the President and subject to examination for promotion
as prescribed by law, be advanced to higher ^ades in his arm up to
ana including the grade of colonel, in accordance with the rank he
would have been entitled to hold had promotion been lineal through-
out the arm or corps to which he permanently belongs. It is ^o
provided that officers advanced to higher erades under the law cited
shall be ''additional officers" in those grades.
From the date of approval of the act to the close of the past fiscal
year there had been 76 advancements in grade (51 to the CTade of
colonel and 25 to that of lieutenant colonel) imder the act oi March
3, 1911, before cited. The table following shows the CTades to which
and the arms in which these advancements were made.
BEPOHT OF THE ADJUTANT GENEBAIj.
243
Anns Of servic*.
From
lieu-
tenant-
colonel to
colonel.
CAVftlry
Field AitiUery
Coast Artillery Corps
Intantry.
Total
19
2
6
24
51
From
major
to lieu-
tenant-
colonel.
14
2
25
Total.
83
2
8
33
n
Of the 76 advancements shown in the foregoing table, 32 were
advancements in the cases of 16 officers who were advanced to the
grade of lieutenant colonel and subsequently to that of colonel.
Twenty-three of the officers advanced were retired from active
service prior to June 30, 1916; 2 died; 5 were promoted lineaUy and
ceased to be '' additional officers/' and 5 were appointed brigadier
generals, leaving 25 additional officers in the service June 30, 1916.
Of these, 11 were in the Cavalry arm, 1 in the Field Artillery arm,
3 in the Coast ArtiUerv Corps, and 10 in the Infantry arm.
All of the officers advanced in grade had alreadv reached the grade
of major. The 25 majors advanced to be aciditional lieutenant
colonels left a like number of vacancies in the grade of major, which
caused the promotion to the next higher grade of the same number
of captains, first lieutenants, and secona lieutenants. Of the 51
lieutenant colonels advanced, 35 left vacancies in that grade and
caused the promotion to the next higher grade of the same nimiber
of majors, captains, first lieutenants, ana second lieutenants. The
16 additional lieutenant colonels who were advanced to be additional
colonels did not leave any vacancies in the grade of lieutenant colonel.
OFFICERS ON DETACHED SERVICE.
The number of officers absent from their commands on detached
service was lower than that of the previous year. On June 30, 1915,
there were 7.56 per cent of the general officers and officers of the
staff corps and departments and 21.32 per cent of the line officers on
detachea service. On June 30, 1916, those percentages were 5.11
forseneral and staff officers and 17.52 for officers of the line.
T^e character of the duty performed by the officers of the Army
on detached service on June 30, 1916, the numbers so detached, and
their ranks and branches of service are shown in the table following.
244
BEPOET OF THE ADJUTANT GENEBAL.
Rank.
Duty and branches of service from which
detadied.
■
1
n
1
•
1
s
Lieutenant
colonel.
1
B
First lieuten-
ant.
Second lieu-
tenant.
■
1
Army War College:
General officers ............................
1
Staff deoartments.
1
......
I
1
2
Field Artillery
1
Coast Artillerv Corns
1
2
Total
1
1
1
2
a
1
United States MiUtary Academy:
RtAfT <l«rM»'tTnAntii
10
1
1
4
4
3
5
3
13
10
"'i'
15
Cavalry
11
Field Artillery
4
Coast Artillerv Corns
1
24
20
Total
1
a
20
34
23
80
Army Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth,
Kans.:
Staff deoartments..........
4
2
1
2
8
6
Cavalry. .,...,-,,
1
Field Artillery
1
1
3
Infantry.. .......•••* » r-*--* r
4
18
Total
13
4
23
Artillery School, Fort Monroe, Va.:
Coast Artillery Corps
1
10
20
10
47
Mounted Service School, Fort Riley, Kans.:
Cavalry
1
1
2
4
Bchool of Fire for Field Artillery, Fort 801,
Okla.:
Field Artillery
1
1
***"""
School of Musketry, Fort SIU, Okla.:
Infantry •••
1
1
•
2
Instructors at civil educational institutions:
Cavalry
1
7
1
1
44
1
......
f
Field .Artillery
1
Coast Artillery Com
1
Intentrv. ^^r-^-r • T»»»Tr--
1
1
53
Total
1
2
88
7
08
Becruiting service:
Cavalrv
1
1
1
9
1
7
23
13
6
12
21
......
21
7
Coast Artillery Corps
19
Infantry
3
1
2
51
4
3
2
40
51
1
101
Aids-de-camp:
Cavalry
4
2
4
••••j*
4
2
1
1
3
10
Field Artniery
8
Coast Artillery Corps
s
Infantry
*'
******
1
8
Total
1 1
7
10
7
9i
1
2
Cavalry
1
Infantry
2
i
Total
1
3
8
J
With Panama Canal:
General officers
1
1
3
4
10
1
1
1
1ft
Coast Artillerv Corps
1
Infnntrv
1
.......
Total
1 '.
3
4
12
1
21
BEFOBT OF THE AI>JUTANT OENBBAIi.
245
1
Rank.
Doty and brandies ofserFiee from which
detadied.
•
1
Brigadier gen-
eral.
1
Lieutenant
ooloneL
1
First lieuten-
ant.
Seoond lieu-
tenant.
Total.
liUitaryattaehft:
8tan departments
2
1
s
Cayalry'.
5
5
Field Artlilery ^
1
1
Coast ArtlUery Corps
1
4
4
5
Infantry.
1
A
Total
a
1
1
13
1
1
10
With Philippine Scoots:
Cavalry
4
8
4
g
Total
12
12
1
In bureaus of War Department:
Staff departments
2
1
1
8
Cavalry
1
Field Artillery
1
1
Coast Artillery Corps
1
1
7
3
8
2
3
Total
2
5
12
3
22
At department and brigade headquarters:
Cavalry
2
1
2
1
■••*2*
3
8
Field Artillery
1
::::::•:::::
2
1
1
1
8
4
8
Total
6
1
3
5
6
20
At Disciplinary Barrc Ics:
1
......
5
1
1
11
"e"
2
Coast Artillery Corps
2
Infuitrv 7.....*
22
;
1
6
13
20
With militia:
Staff dejmrtmwits . x ......... a .
1
1
5
7
10
35
7
Cavalry'
1
5
8
1
20
12
Field ArtUlery
15
1
5
I
13
M
Total
1
6
u
58
34
1
118
Alaskan Road Commission:
1
Infantry
i
1
2
"****
Total '
1
1
1
8
OiDce Engineer Commissioner, District of ,
Columbia: ;
fttaff fifpartments . .
1
1
1
3
•
Staff departments
1
1
2
Coast Artillery Corps •
1
1
1
......
t
Total .J
_ . 1 .
1
1 1
1
3
.........
......
Cavalry ,
1
10
1
1
10
11
Field Artillery V.V.V.
1
J -
1
Coast Artillery Corps
1
......
,
2
Tnfantnr ....7...."
I
10
'
Total '
1
1
1
22
24
Special duty abroad:
Staff departments 1
1
1
2
Cavalry V. .
2
2
1
1
Coast Artillery Corps
2
2
Total j
• • * • * *i • * • * * * ••••••
1
2
4
••••••
7
246
REPOBT OP THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
Duty and branches of service from which
detached.
Kember of board:
Coast Artillery Ck>rp6,
Special duty:
Infantry
With American Red Cross:
Staff departments
United States Soldiers' Home:
Staff departments
Observers with European armies:
Staff departments
Cavalry
Field Artmery
InCantry
Rank.
g
s
il
« 8
§
I-
= 9
Em
3
Total.
With Yellowstone P§rk detachment:
Cavalry ,
Alaskan Engineering Commission:
Cavalry
With Quartermaster Corps:
Cavalry
Field Artmery
Total.
Naval War College:
Coast Artillery Corps .
Duty toipedo depot:
Coast Artillery Corps .
Total.
22
23
5
1
6
65 232
3
250
6
5
2
1
1
8
2
10
3
82 MO
RECAPITULATION.
Rank.
Major general
Brigadier general..
Cirionel ,
Lieutenant c<^onel.
Major
Captain
First lieu tenant...
Second lieutenant.
Total.
Percentage.
General
oflloers
and
officers
of staff
corps and
depart-
ments.
1
1
3
10
26
27
5
73
5.11
Cavalry.
5
2
4
42
48
20
121
15.47
Field
Artillery.
1
3
18
17
4
43
16.73
Coast
Artillery
Corps.
4
4
6
47
60
20
141
10.08
Infantry.
10
6
16
08
120
38
288
17.02
Total.
I
1
22
23
55
232
250
82
666
13.84
It will be seen from the foregoing table that of the 593 line officers
on detached duty\ 532, or 90 per cent, were captains or lieutenants.
Of the 719 line omcers on detached duty at the end of the preceding
year, 672, or 93 per cent, were captains or lieutenants.
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
247
The following table shows, by grades and arms of service, the
number of officers detached from their proper commands on June 30,
1916, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved March 3,
1911 (36 Stat. L., 1045):
Arms of aenrioe.
Cavalry
FWd Artillery
Coast Artillery Corps.
Infantry
Total.
Ondfli.
Colooal.
2
4
8
Lien-
tenant
coIoQel.
2
1
2
4
Mi^jor.
2
A
13
Cap-
tain.
19
7
IS
88
27
82
First
lien-
tenant.
18
5
16
85
74
TotaL
47
15
44
•4
200
The character of employment of those officers, by grades, on June
30, 1916, is shown in the following table:
Grades.
Character of duty.
Colonel.
Lien-
tenant
colonel.
Major.
Cap-
tain.
First
lien-
tenant
Total.
With OrKanised If ilitia of 43 States
5
4
5
22
84
48
22
52
es
On other than mUitla dqty,, , , . , , - ^ , . , ^ , . , , ^
8
134
Total
8
9
27
82
74
200
RETIRED OFFICERS ON ACTIVE DUTY.
On June 30, 1916, there were 128 retired officers under assignment
to active duty. The following table shows the grades and employ-
ment of those officers:
Dnty.
Lieu-
tenant
gener-
al.
Colo-
nel.
Lieu-
tenant
oolonel.
Major.
tain.
First
lien-
tenant.
Second
lieu-
tenant.
Total.
At Soldiers' TTome
1
4*
2
1
1
1
10
7
3
On recruiting service
11
9
3
1
30
With State militia
23
At Army Service Schools, Fort Lea-
venworth. Kans
1
At Army War Colleee
1
5
1
12
2
At dvil educational Institutions
10
8
2
32
Doorkeeper to President ...
*
1
i'
12
1
8
1
34
Withl^ignftlC<nT9... . '
2
Total
1
37
49
20
3
128
Of the retired officers on duty, as shown in the forgoing table, 1
lieutenant general, 1 colonel, and 1 major (all at the United States
Soldiers* Home in this city), 1 captain, and 1 second lieutenant (on
college duty) received from the United States only the retired pay of
248 BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENEBAIj.
their respective grades; 8 colonels and 9 lieutenant colonels received
the pay and allowances that a retired major would receive under a like
assignment; and 36 majors, 48 captains, 20 first lieutenants, and 2
second Ueu tenants received the active pay and allowances of their
respective grades.
OFFICERS EXAMINED FOB PROMOTION.
During the fiscal year 2,197 officers of the Army were examined and
2 were reexamined for promotion.
Of the 2,197 officers examined, 2,179 were found professionally
qualified. 4 were found professionally disoualified and will be sus-
{ tended irom promotion for one year, ana 14 were examined and
oimd physicaUy disqualified and were retired after the close of the
fiscal year. Of the 2 officers reexamined, 1 was found qualified and
1 was honorably discharged from the Army.
The act of Jime 3, 1916, extended the provisions of previous law
requiring examination to determine fitness of officers for promotion
to include examination for promotion to all grades below that of
brigadier general. Previous laws provided for the examination of
officers up to and including the grade of captain before promotion to
the next higher grade, except medical officers, who were examined
for promotion to any grade oelow that of brigadier general.
BETIBED OFFICEBS.
On Jime 30. 1916, there were 1,005 commissioned officers on the
retired list. During the fiscal year ended Jime 30, 1916, 36 officers
were placed on that list. In addition to the officers of the R^ular
Army placed on the retired list during the year there were 31 former
officers of the PhiUppine Scouts — ^20 captains and 1 1 first lieutenants —
who had been separated from active service by resignation, discharge,
etc., and subsequently placed on the retired hst as enlisted men
E laced on a list of retired officers of Philippine Scouts as of the grades
eld by them as officers of said scouts, under the provisions of section
26 of the national defense act approved Jime 3, 1916. Fifty of the
officers on the retired list died durmg the vear, 5 were restored to the
active list as additional officers, under the provisions of the act of
Congress approved March 4, 1915, leaving 1,017 officers, including
those of the PhiHppine Scouts, on the retire list, June 30. 1916. Six
of the brigadier generals were advanced to the grade of major
general^ 1 with me pay and allowances of a major general on
the retired list, and the other 5 with the pay and allowances of a
brigadier general on the retired list. One officer on the retired list
was advanced one grade imder the provisions of an act of Couctcss
approved March 4, 1915, on accoimt of services with the Canal Com-
mission in the Canal Zone in connection with the construction of the
Panama Canal. The table following shows the grades of the officers
on the retired list and the causes of the retirement of those officers.
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENEBAIj.
249
GxBd«f.
i
I
Lioutenant general 2
UaiorwiDenl 16
Brigadier generaL 70
Colonel 57
Lieutenant ooIooeL 17
Major 10
Gaptab.... 4
Flnt lieutenant 2
Second lieutenant
Qiaplain: |
Lieutenant Ofdonel \ 2
Mik|or ! 5
Captain i 4
First lieutenant I
Philippine Scouts: I
Captain
First lieutenant i
Total.
189
QQ
P4
8
5
13
On own appli-
cation.
s
88
I
I
<
1
6
71
31
6
114
00
i
I
I
1
17
39
33
40
12
142
1
1
3
For disability.
In line of duty.
OQ
P4
3
16
32
25
78
122
66
21
10
3
1
374
12
44
45
20
121
s
it
I
1
I!
o
a*
OQ
P3
I
1
3
3
1
8
CO
I
20
11
31
1
2
6
12
I
8
25
183
166
94
183
192
91
23
8
16
7
1
20
11
1,017
Of the 4 officers retired under section 32 of the act of Congress
approved July 28, 1866 (14 Stat. L., 337), on account of disability
occasioned by wounds received in battle, with the full rank of the
command held by them at the time such woimds were received, 1 was
advanced three grades, 1 two CTades, and 2 one grade. All of them,
with the exception of the brigamer general, receive a further advance-
ment of one grade imder the act of Congress approved April 23,
1904 (33 Stat. L., 264). In addition to these, 67 origadier generals,
13 colonels, 27 lieutenant colonels, 54 majors, 16 captains, and 1 first
Ueutenant hold their present grades on the retired list through an
advancement of one grade tmder the act of Congress approved
April 23, 1904, making a total of 180 officers on the retired list June
30, 1916, who have been advanced one grade under that act because
of service during the Civil War.
The table following shows, by grades, the number of officers of the
Army retired from active service during the fiscal year ended June
30| I9I6, and the causes of their retirement.
250
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
Ond«f.
lAf^oreeneral
Br^sadier general. . . .
G<doiiel
Lieutenant (xdonel. .
Major
Gaptain
First lieutenant
Chaplain (major). . . .
Philippine Scouts:
Captain
First lieutenant.
Total.
K3
2
1
7
11
On own application.
8,
> a .
t>>9
Is
1
"i
£^
1
1
3
Fordisabmty.
"CO
2 •
1
2
1
6
1
11
^^
III
9
1
1
CO
^<5
20
11
31
I
2
1
13
8
4
10
2
1
20
U
07
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS WHO HAD CIVIL WAR SERVICE.
The official records show that of the 4,811 commissioned officers
(including 154 officers of the Medical Reserve Corps called into active
service) on the active list of the Regular Army June 30, 1916, none of
them served in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps during the Civil
War otherwise than as a cadet prior to April 9, 1865, the last officer
so serving being Col. John L. Clem, Quartermaster Corps, who was
retired by operation of law, 64 years of ace, on August 13, 1915.
Tliere were 986 officers of the Army, otner than Philippine Scouts,
on the retired list Jime 30, 1916. Oi these, 310 served m the Army,
Navy, or Marine Corps, otherwise than as cadets prior to April 9, 1865.
The following table shows, bv grades, the number of officers on the
retired list of the Army on thme 30, 1916^ and the number of those
officers who had Civil War service otherwise than as cadets prior to
April 9, 1865:
OradM.
Lieotenant general. . . .
Malor general
Bngadier general
Colonel ,
Lieutenant colonel . . . .
Major
Captain
First lieotenant ,
Second lieutenant
Chaplain:
Lieutenant colonel
M^or
Captain
First lientenant. . .
ToUl
Officen
1 on the retired list
June 30, mo.
Civfl
No Civfl
Total.
War
War
serrice.
servioa.
8
25
3
20
6
188
145
88
100
18
148
94
82
02
183
67
120
102
22
170
01
8
88
23
8
ss
2
1
16
8
7
7
1
7
1
080
810
070
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT OENEBAL. 251
It will be seen from the foregoing table that approximately 32 per
cent of the oflBcers of the Army on the retired list June 30, 1916,
served as officers or enlisted men of the Army, Nayy, or Marine Corps
during the Civil War. On June 30, 1915, approximately 34 per cent
of the officers of the Army on that list had Civil War service.
officers' reserve corps.
Provision is made in the national defense act approved Jime 3,
1916, for an Officers' Reserve Corps, to consist of sections correspond-
ing to the various arms, staff corps, and departments of the Regular
Army. As stated in the law, its object is ^' ior the purpose of securing
a reserve of officers available for service as temporary officers in the
Regular Anny, * * * as officers of the Quartermaster Corps and
other staff corps and departments, as officers for recruit rendezvous
and depots, and as officers of volunteers." The corps is to be organ-
ized under such rules and regulations as the President may prescnbe.
These rules and regulations are printed in Oeneral Orders No. 32,
War Department, tmly 28, 1916.
The organization of the Officers' Reserve Corps is an effort to obtain
and train in time of peace the large number ot commissioned officers
necessary in war or when war is imminent.
Especial inducements to secure trained and educated officers have
been made to land-grant colleges, other universities and coUeges, and
to essentially military school!. When the act has been given full
effect, by appropriations made and regulations promulgated, it is
intended to supply students under military training at such institu-
tions necessary uniforms, military eouipment, and for those recom-
mended by the officer on duty and tne head of the institution com-
mutation of subsistence for the last two vears of the prescribed four-
year course. Additional officers have oeen provided for detail to
these coUeges, to bring the militarj^ instruction up to the standard
which its importance to the nation justifies.
That this is expected to add greatly to the nulitary strength of the
country is indicated hy a provision in the national defense act that
the total number of omcers that may be appointed and commissioned
in the Reserve Corps from this source is 50,000.
To secure the large number of educated and trained officers for
the large armies that will be necessary under existing conditions in
war IB one of the greatest miUtary problems; and it is noped that the
Officers' Reserve Corps provisions in the national defense act will
in time solve it.
Copies of the rules and regulations TOveming appointments in the
corps will be furnished to applicants tnercfor.
RETIRED ENLISTED MEN.
At the beginning of the fiscal year there were 4,028 enlisted men on
the retired list created by the provisions of the act of Congress
approved February 14, 1885 (23 Stat. L., 305), modified by the acts
of Congress approved September 30, 1890 (26 Stat. L., 504), March 2,
1907 (34 Stat. L., 1218), and August 24, 1912 (37 Stat. L., 575).
During the fiscal year 310 enlisted men were placed on the retired
list, 153 of the men on that list died, and 31 were transferred to
252 BEPOET OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL,
the list of retired commissioned officers of Philippine Scouts, under
provisions of the national defense act approved Jmie 3, 1916, leaving
4,154 enlisted men on the retired list at the end of the fiscal year.
PERSONS QUALIFIED TO HOLD TOLtTNTEEB COHHI8SION8.
Certificates were issued during the year, under the provisions of
section 23 of the act of Congress approved January 21, 1903 (32 Stat.
L., 779), in the case of 52 persons who were founa upon examination
by boards of officers convened for that purpose to be "specially
qualified to hold commissions in any volunteer force which may
hereafter be c^ed for and organizea under the authority of Con-
gress, other than a force composed of Organized Mihtia." Of these,
10 were from New York, 5 from Minnesota, 4 from Washington, 2
from Massachusetts. 1 each from Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio,
Rhode Island, Soutn Dakota, Wyoming, and the Phihppine Islands;
17 were enlisted men of the Regular Army, and 2 were clerks of the
Quartermaster Corps, United States Army; 1 was a commissioned
officer of the Phihppine Constabulary, and 3 were commissioned
officers of the Philippme Scouts.
The board of officers appointed to recommend candidates for
appointment as volunteer omcera, as provided in General Order No.
42, War Department, 1915, reported on May 18, 1916 (date of latest
report), that 658 candidates had been found qualified. These candi-
dates werenot required to pass aprofessional and physical examination,
as were the persons to whom certificates were issued under the provisions
of section 23 of the act of Congress approved January 21, 1903, but
were required to make formal applications, upon a blank form fur-
nished by the department, and to furnish letters and other evidence
as to character and qualifications. The following table shows the
number of candidates by grade, arm, corps, or department found
quahfied by the board toMay 18, 1916, for appointment as volunteer
officers:
QndM.
i
|j
1
1
1
,
■3
1
1
1
.
1
l
1
1
1
1
*
1
15
33
S
3
35
a
1
13
i
»
2
\
n
•
■
M
>
^
"
6
113
18
24
S»
IT
'
ftSS
al the national defense act, June 3, 1916, anpli-
snt as volunteer officers are no longer considered
)rs referred to. Such apphcations will hereafter
section 53 of that act, or the candidates will be
afflisr*^--
liar--
.1
S' "^
254
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT QENEBAU
HONOB SCHOOLS.
Culver Military Academy, Culver, Ind.
Kemper Militi^ School, Boone ville, Mo.
Kentuck^r Militiuy Institute, Lyndon, Ky.
New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, N. Mex.
New York Military Academy, Comwall-on-Hudson, N. Y.
St. John's Military Aotdemy, Delafield, Wis.
St. John's School, Manlius, N. Y.
College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minn.
Wentworth Military Academy. iiexinfi:ton, Mo.
Western Military Academy, Alton, 111.
STUDENTS AND GRADUATES OF CIVIL INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING AT
WHICH ARMY OFFICERS ARE DETAILED AS MILITARY INSTRUCTORS.
In December, 1914, an effort was made by this office to ascertain
for each of the 10 years 1905 to 1914, inclusive, the number of stu-
dents enrolled at, and the number graduated from, civil institutions
of learning at wnich officers of the Army were detailed as military
instructors. Requests for information on the subject were sent to
all such institutions (103 at the time), and all but 7 of them furnished
figures. Data on this subject have been obtained from time to time
since 1914, and the following table shows the numbers of students
at, and graduates from, those civil educational institutions at which
officers of the Army are detailed as instructors in miUtary science
and tactics that have furnished figures:
Year.
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
NumlMr
of stu-
dents
under
military
instruo-
tion.
17,8S5
18,138
21,616
24,191
35,222
27,122
28,843
29,979
31,028
33,424
32,313
85,091
Number
of mili-
tary stu-
dents
eradu-
at«L
2,880
8,078
8.441
8,789
4,215
4,701
4,757
5.188
4,970
>2.37«
2,474
1 Includes only those who graduated in military science and tactics, and does not represent the total
number of graduates that at some time during the course received instruction in that subject.
The report for 1914 included students enrolled at 101 institutions; that for 1915, students at 100 institutioaa;
and that for 1916, students at 106 institutfons.
STRENGTH AND LOSSES OP THE ARMY.
The tables facing show (A) the strength of the Army of the United
States June 30, 1915, and June 30, 1916, with losses from all causes
between those dates; (B) the strength and losses from all causes in
the Army in each month of the fiscal year; (C) the strength of the
Anny by departments, etc., at the end of each month of the fiscal
year; and (D) the number of deaths in the Army during the fiscal
year.
?Es PEOM All Causes bethtebn Those Dates.
TAXES Between July 1, 1915, and June 30, 1916.
WoUlfDED.
•
ENUSTED MEN.
J
Died.
•
•
1
a
«
•
1
•
9
4S
•S-S
«
1
1
1
f
'1
«
•
1
•
•
g
s
1
is
1
1
U
it
5
o
«
1
f
1
e
o
W
c
o
-<
«
QQ
^•^
§
p;
P
S
H
o
w
PS
4
1
1
3
......
13
22
18
6
17
5
11
3
7
8
23
23
28
468
483
402
......
2,796
2,921
2,739
214
2
1
1
4
3
360
i
338
4
21
6
1
5
2
25
331
2,736
8
236
1
18
6
6
334
30
272
1,824
2
243
2
25
12
26
17
6
9
6
12
2
8
3
4
7
5
3
3
4
7
3
1
576
997
602
620
29
31
29
29
213
208
228
207
1,976
2,387
2,302
2,157
254
2
227
7
"y-
1
1
173
4
3
10
143
8
5
1
20
4
3
1
597
28
367
i
2,134
9
143
3
4
29
4
3
5
7
621
20
380
2,020
6
143
9
9
2
22
9
3
3
2
190
26
489
3
1,493
1
13
170
1 ! 34
1
4
243
89
46
68
28
4,626
321
3,856
6
127,484
5
66
3,443
3
3 ,
5'
'
05
88
80
45
6
21
33
12
10
10
13
15
• • ■ •
1
1
2
1
......
1
..
»
5
2 -
3
4
5
2
1
1
2
4
1
2
2
t
1
1
1
2
t
5
2
1
3
3
1
3 1
»
3
i
1
7 1
1
1
1
2
1
11
1
1
1
11
13
428
9
34 t
1
7
254
90
46
59
29
4,637
321
3,869
5
«27,912
6
6
2,451
* Actual losses are 25,461, as the total ga!n from desertion during the year was 2,451.
ACH Month of the Fiscal Year.
6.
Febniary, 191C.
March, 1916.
AprU,1916. May, 1916. June, 1916.
1
8ted
1
1
Offloen.
937
60
1,664
803
347
Enlisted
men.
Offloen.
Knltvt«d
men.
Officers.
Enlisted
men.
OffleefB.
EnlistMi
men.
,401
,993
,105
,143
,000
1,009 25,645
173 , 3.<>57
1,337 24,731
360 8,423
348 1 9,038
2<i,639
562
31.200
7,472
8,969
947
60
1,673
803
846
28,898
565
81,667
7,378
8,510
818
59
1,903
228
384
19,819
595
87,697
6,071
8,167
760
63
1,987
337
388
17.887
618
40,476
6,888
6»11S
.878
,549
,196
,355
430
182
44
1.033
10,836
5,587
1.194
9.914
471
183
44
904
11,676
5,604
1,161
8,232
475
182
41
887
11,576
5,C04
1,281
9,632
486
182
38
857
11,327
6,006
1,271
9,659
480
183
41
963
11,404
6,608
1,338
11,601
,630
4,906 99,025
4,911
98,406 ! 4,912 j 99,600 4,905
> 1
100,202
6,036
ioa,6ie
dng troops at camps, en route, recmlti, etc
Jlt-t 1, 1915, AND June 30, 1916.
4e.
Murder
or homicide.
TotaL
:nllsted
r»i*«n
offlcers.
Enlisted
Officers.
Kntfatted
.TTWm
• »»1«»»« .
v^
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT QENEBAL. 255
The losses in the Arm^r durmg the year ended June^O, 1916, are
summarized in the following statement:
REGULAR ARMY.
Officers:
Died of disease, etc 86
Resigned or discharged 38
DisimsBed 3
Retired 36
Deserted 1
113
Enlisted men:
Died of disease, etc 605
Discharged upon expiration of term of 8er\'ice 6. 793
Discharged for disability, by sentence of court-martial, or by order. 12, 378
Deserted (includes 2,442 deserters subsequently returned to mili-
tary control) 3, 866
Retired 321
Transferred to the Reserve 4,626
Missing in action 6
27,484
Aggr^iate 27,697
PHILIPPINE SCOUTS.
Officers: Resigned or discharged 3
Enlisted men:
Died of disease, etc 14
Discharged upon expiration of term of service 262
Discharged for disability, by sentence of court-martial, or by order. 128
Deserted (includes 9 deserters subsequently returned to military
control) 13
Transferred to the Reserve 11
428
Aggregate 431
AGOREOATB.
Officers:
Died of disease, etc 36
Resigned or discharged 41
Dismissed .^ 3
Retired 36
Deserted 1
116
Enlisted men:
Died of disease, etc 619
Discharged upon expiration of term of service 6, 066
Discharged for disability, by sentence of court-martial, or by order 12, 506
Deserted (includes 2,451 deserters subsequently retiuned to mili-
tary control) 3, 869
Retired 321
Transferred to the Reserve 4, 637
MiflHing in action 6
27, 912
Aggregate 28,028
As will be seen from the foregoing table, but 5,793 enlisted men
were discharged from the R^ular Army upon expiration of term of
service during the year. This small number of discharges upon
expiration of service is the result of the act of August 24, 1912, which
provided that alter November 1, 1912, all enlistments in the Regular
Army shoidd be for a period of seven years, four years with the
256 REPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi.
colors and tbtee years in the Reserve, or the soldier may be furloughed
to the Reserve after an active service of three years. In order to
reenlist for active service, he must serve four years with the colors.
Consequently, the only discharges occurring auring the year upon
expiration of term of service were of those men who enlisted prior to
November 1, 1912. The niunber (4,626) furloughed to the Reserve
during the fiscal year 1916 should be included in the separations from
service upon expiration of term of enlistment, for even though they
have not been actually discharged, they have completed the term of
active service for which enlisted. If tms number be added, the total
number of separations from active service because of completion of
term of enlistment, or that part of it calling for active service, is
10,419. Dxuing the preceding fiscal year the number of discharges
upon expiration of term of service was 27,020, and during the fiscal
year 1914 it was 25,027. Those numbers are, respectively, 8.4, 19.7,
and 20 per cent of the whole number of enlisted men in service or of
enlistment contracts in force during each of those years.
The losses from all causes other than completion of term of active
service among enlisted men of the Regular Army during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1916, numbered 17,065, but from tnis number
should be deducted the nxmiber (2,442) of deserts that returned to
military control during the year, leaving 14,623 as representing the
nxmiber of losses during the year from causes other than completion
of term of active service. During the preceding fiscal year those
losses were 14,517, and during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1914,
they were 12,487. Those numbers are, respectively, 13.4 (or 11.8, if
the nxmiber gained from desertion is deducted from the total losses
from desertion), 10.6, and 9.97 per cent of the whole nxmiber of
enlistment contracts in force dxuing the year.
DE8EBTIONS.
As shown by the official returns, the nxmiber of desertions from
the Army durmg the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, aggregated
3,856, which is 3.10 per cent of the whole number of enlistment con-
tracts in force during the year. This is a slight decrease as com-
Sared with the percentage (3.23) for 1915. The number of reported
esertions during the year 1916 is 579 less than the number reported
during 1915 and 595 less than the number reported in 1914.
Oi the 3,856 cases of reported desertion during the year, 200 were
declared erroneous; 2 of the men so reported were tried and acquit-
ted of the charge, and 580 were tried and found guilty of the lesser
offense of absence without leave, making a total of 782 cases im-
properly classed as desertions. If this number be deducted from the
3,856 reported desertions, as shown by the retmns, there remain but
3,074 cases, or 2.47 per cent, of actual desertions. However, this
figure does not represent the actual number of desertions occiuring
during the year, because it is impossible at this time to even estimate
the number of the men now regarded as deserters that will come under
military control and be acquitted of the charge or be convicted of the
lesser offense of absence without leave before the statute of limita-
tions will apply in their cases. Under the law now in operation the
trial of the men who enlisted and deserted during the fiscal year 1916
will not be barred by the statute of limitations until some time during
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENEBAL.
257
the fiscal year 1925. Unless it can be assumed that all men reported
as deserters during the year who do not return to military control
or have not been tried before the annual report for that year is pub-
lished can be classed as deserters, the actual number of desertions
during a year can not be stated in the report for that year. As cases
have arisen in which men have been convicted of absence without
leave after having been absent more than two years from the date
of their reported desertion, no such assumption is possible. As the
figTures hereafter given in this report are comparative, and because it
is impossible to determine at this time how many of the men dropped
as deserters during the year will ultimately be regarded as such, the
number of reported desertions as shown by the returns will be used.
A comparison of the percentages of reported desertions in each of
the past 20 years is shown in the following table:
Fiscal yean.
Peroentace
deserted.
Fiscal years.
Peroentase
deserted.
1916
3.10
3.23
3.10
4.15
3.00
2.28
3.66
4.97
4.59
5.62
1906
7.43
1915
1905
6.79
1914 -.
1904
6.61
1913
1903
7 10
1912
1902.
5.00
1911
1901
4.12
1910
1900
4.09
1909
1899
3.22
1908
1898
1.57
1907
1897
8.13
The following table shows the percentages of desertions occurring
in each of the several periods of service during the past three years :
Period of service in which desertioo took place.
First 3 months of seiTioe
Second 3 months of service
Third 3 months of service
Fourth 3 months of service
First year of service
Second year of service
Third year of service
Fourth year of service
First enlistment
Second enlistment
Third enlistment
Fourth enlistment and subsequent enlistments
Total
Feroentase of whole number
of desertirais.
Year
ended
June 30,
1916.
10
11
10
8
(0
39
24
9
72
21
4
3
100
Year
ended
June 30,
1915.
13
17
14
10
64
20
5
79
16
3
2
100
Year
ended
June 30,
1914.
18
19
14
7
58
18
5
81
13
3
3
100
1 During the year 1916 there were 10 desertions during the fourth year of^rvice, but as that number is less
than one-third of 1 per cent, it is not shown in this table. I>uring the preceding years the enlistment period
ended at the expiration of 3 years.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, there was a material
decrease in the percentage of desertions occurring in the first year of
service, the percentages for the years 1916, 1915, and 1914, being,
respectively, 39, 54, and 58 per cent. This decrease is due no doubt
69176'— WAR 1916— VOL 1 17
258
BBPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
to the fact that during the first ei^ht months of the year 1916 the
original enlistments were comparatively few, as the Army had been
recruited to its authorized strength. Consec[uently, the total nimiber
of men serving in the first year of their enlistment period was much
less than the number so serving during the years 1914 and 1915, and
it naturally followed that the number of desertions during the first
year of service was less in 1916 than in preceding years.
The percentages of desertions by branches of service during the
fiscal years 1911-1916 are shown in the following table:
Branches of servioe.
Percentages.
1916
1915
1914
1913
1912
1911
Hospital Coips
4.15
3.78
3.53
3.43
2.58
2.48
2.82
4.64
3.72
3.87
4.82
4.08
2.28
3.12
3.34
3.48
3.48
5.20
2.94
2.49
2.68
4.24
4.19
4.53
6.11
4.68
3.95
3.18
3.03
3.38
2.95
4.07
4.26
2.37
3.32
3.10
Coast Artlltory Corps
2.43
Cavalry .' \
1.92
Field Ar^Itary
2.93
EiuriiMen
3.09
Infantry
1 85
All ot^ent, Indndlns onassfRned recruits
2.85
The Army
3.10
3.23
3.10
4.15
3.00
2.2S
The foregoing statement shows a decrease in the percentage of de-
sertions during the last fiscal year over the year 1915 in each branch
of the service except the Infantry, in which there is a slight increase
As in the preceding reports, the percentages of desertions hereinbe-
fore shown are basea on the whole number of enUsted men who were
in service at any time during the year, and not on an average enlisted
strength. All the losses during the year are included in the basic
figures used^ and those figures represent the whole number of enlisted
men who might have become deserters or the whole number of enlist-
ment contracts that might have been terminated by desertion at some
time during the year, it is clearly improi>er to use as a basis for cal-
culating the percentages of desertions a strength obtained by aver-
aging tne number of men in service at the end of each month of the
year — a number that does not include men who went out of service
during the year, and even does not include the deserters themselves.
If, however, the average enlisted strength is used as a basis, it is found
that the number of desertions from the enlisted force of the Armv
during the year ended June 30, 1916, was 4.07 per cent of the stren^n
as against 4.76 per cent during the preceding fiscal year, 4.55 during
the year 1914, and 5.48 during the year 1913.
An examination of the returns for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1916, was made for the purpose of ascertaining what organizations
serving within the continental limits of the United States had the
lowest and highest relative number of desertions. It should be borne
in mind that m the following paragraphs, showing the results of that
examination, the organizations that served apart or the whole of the
year in Hawaii, Alaska, the Canal Zone, Cnina, or the PhiUppine
Islands are not taken into consideration, because in those regions it is
unusually diJfficult for a deserter to make good his escape m>m mili-
tary control, and consequently the number of desertions that occur
there are so small as to oe of no importance for the purpose of this
report.
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTAKT GENERAL.
259
The r^ments serving in the United States that had the lowest
percentages of desertions during the year were the Twenty-sixth
infantry, Tenth Cavalry, and Twenty-fourth Infantrv, the first-
mentioned regiment being a white organization, while the other two
were colored organizations. The desertions from those regiments
are 1.46, 1.50, and 1.81 per cent, respectively, of the whole number
of enlisted men in the service, or enlistment contracts in force, in
those r^ments during the year. The Tenth Cavalry was one of the
two regiments having the lowest percentage of desertions during the
years 1910 to 1915, inclusive, the percentages for those years being
1.52, 0.78, 1.52, 1.99, 1.42, and 1.17, respectively.
As was the case during the years 1914 and 1915 the Third Field
Artillery had the lowest percent^e of desertions of any regiment of
that arm serving in the United States, the percentages of desertion
for that r^ment being 3.96 for the year 1916, 4.57 for 1915, and 5.19
for 1914.
The three r^ments that had the highest percentage of desertions
were the Twenty-first Infantry. First Cavalry, and Eleventh Infantry,
the percentage of desertions trom those organizations being 11.12,
9.16, and 6.35 per cent, respectively.
Of the white troops 3.72 per cent and of the colored troops 0.96
per cent were reported as deserters, as compared with 3.10 lor the
whole Army. The percentages for the fiscal year 1915 were: White
troops, 3.40, and colored troops, 0.44.
Tne following table shows for each month of the fiscal vears 1914,
1915, and 1916 the percentages of the total nimiber of desertions
occurring during each of these years:
MontbB.
July
August....
September
October...
November
December.
January...
Fiscal years.
1
1916
1015
1014
12.16
10.30
0.70
12.52
11.41
10.52
10.43
0.56
8.17
8.58
8.12
8.66
7.06
5.80
6.73
5.50
5.70
6.70
5.38
5.00
5.65
1
Months.
February.
March....
April
May
June
Total.
Fiscal years.
1016
5.01
5.87
6.02
7.40
12.68
100.00
1015
5.84
7.08
0.43
10.35
11.23
100.00
1014
6.02
8.06
0.20
0.31
11.48
100.00
That nationality is not an important factor in considering the sub-
ject of desertions from the Army was again emphasized by the fact
that during the past fiscal year the ratio of foreign-bom deserters to
the whole nimiber of deserters was approximately the same as the ratio
of foreign-bom men who have enlisted during tne past three years to
the total number of enlistments during that period.
Reports of return of deserters and escaped prisoners to military
control during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, were received in
2,501 cases, not including 52 cases in which the deserters were found
to be not amenable to tnal because of the statute of limitation. Of
the 2,501 returned to military control during the year, 997, or 39.86
per cent, surrendered themselves, and 1,504, or 60.14 per cent, were
apprehended. Of the latter number 706 were apprehended by the
municipal police, 390 by sheriffs or other county officers, 181 by pri-
vate detective agencies, 122 by the military authorities, including
260 REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
those identified by finger-print records in The Adjutant General's
Office, 28 bv officers in charge of penal institutions^ 25 by United
States marsnals and their deputies, 13 by railroad pohce, 12 by naval
authorities, 11 by civilians (not civil officers), 7 by State detectives
or police, 5 by Mexican authorities, and 4 by immigration officers.
Of the total number apprehended during the year 46.94 per cent were
apprehended by the mimicipal pohce, 25.93 per cent by county
officers, 10.03 per cent by private detectives or detective agencies,
8.11 per cent by the mihtary authorities.
The disposition of the 2,501 men returned to mihtary control during
the year is shown in the foDowing table:
Disposed of without trial:
Ch&rge removed as erroneoiis under paragraph 131, Army Regula-
tions 200
Restored to duty 5
Discharged under paragraph 148), Army Reflations 123
Discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability 1
Escapeof .' 13
DiedT. 2
Dropped, turned over to Navy 2
346
Tried by court-martial:
Acquitted 2
Convdcted of absence without leave —
Not sentenced to discharge 486
Dishonorably discharged 84
Sentence of dishonorable discharge mitigated by re'viewing au-
thority 1
Sentence of dishonorable discharge disapproved by reviewing
authority 3
Sentence of dishonorable discharge suspended and restored to
honorable duty 2
Sentence of dishonorable discharge suspended, sentence imcom-
pleted 4
Convicted of desertion —
Not sentenced to discharge 77
Sentence of dishonorable discharge mitigated by reviewing au-
thority 10
Sentence of dishonorable discharge disapproved by reviewing
authority 6
Restored to honorable duty after being sentenced to dishonorable
discharge 59
Sentence of dishonorable discharge suspended, sentence imcom-
pleted 220
Dishonorably discharged and confined 1. 032
1,986
Reports of results of trial not yet received 169
Total 2,501
It will be seen from the foregoing table that of the men tried for
desertion 646 have been retained m service (61 after having been
sentenced to dishonorable discharge), 224 have been sentenced to
dishonorable discharge with that part of sentence suspended and
remaining unexecuted at date of this report, and 1,116 have been dis-
honorably discharged.
The lengths of sentences of confinement as approved in cases of
men dishonorably discharged, not including men restored to honorable
duty or serving under suspended sentences of dishonorable dischaige,
are shown in the table following.
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 261
than 3 months 8
3 to 6 months 226
7 to 12 months 16
Leas than 1 year 250
1 year 425
1 J years 283
2 years 1 83
2J years 24
3 years 17
3 J years 3
4 years and over 7
1,092
No sentence of confinement 24
Total 1,116
RESTORATION OF CITIZENSHIP AND REENLISTMENT OF MEN WHOSB
SERYIGB DURINO THE LAST FREOEDINO TERM OF ENLISTMENT WAS
NOT HONEST AND FAITHFUL.
Applications were received during the year from 141 deserters for
restoration of the rights of citizenship under the provisions of the
act of Congress approved August 22, 1912 (37 Stat. L., 356). Favor-
able action was taken upon all of these applications.
Pursuant to the provisions of the act cited, the enlistment (under
certain conditions) of former soldiers whose service during their pre-
ceding terms of enlistment was not honest and faithful was continued
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916. Of the 1,431 applications
for permission to enlist a^ain received during the year from such
former soldiers 99 were mvorably considered, 1,182 were denied,
either because the offenses for whicn the soldiers had been discharged
were of such a nature as to preclude their enlistment or because their
conduct while in service or after discharge had not been such as to
warrant favorable consideration, and 150 applications had not been
finally acted upon because evidence or reports needed for an intelli-
gent consideration of the applications haa not been received in this
office. During the year 45 men who had been granted permission
to reenlist (17 of them being former deserters) availed themselves of
the privilege. In addition 1 man (a former deserter) was reenlbted
at the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, imder
standing authority given to the commandant, a total of 46. Of
these, 1 (a former deserter) has deserted, 1 has been discharged under
paragraph 148i, Army Regulations, and 44 (17 of them former
deserters) were serving with their organizations on Jime 30, 1916.
Of the 204 former soldiers (91 of them former deserters) referred
to in the last annual report as having enlisted during the fiscal years
1914 and 1915 after a prior service that was not honest and faithful, 1
has died while absent in desertion, 37 (13 of them former deserters)
have been dishonorably discharged, 2 have been discharged without
honor, 18 (8 of them former deserters) have been discharged under
paragraph 148^, Army Regulations, 2 (1 of them a former deserter)
nave died while in service, 14 (7 of them former deserters) have been
honorably discharged — 2 with the rank of corporal, 14 (9 of them for-
mer deserters) were absent in desertion at the close of the fiscal year
1916, 1 was serving sentence (dishonorable discharge suspended) for
desertion, 1 (a former deserter) was present awaiting tnal for deser-
262
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENEBAL.
tion, and 114 (52 of them former deserters) were on duty with their
organizations at that time — 16 with the rank of corporal, 1 with the
rank of electrician sergeant, second class, 3 with the rank of sergeant,
1 with the rank of first sergeant, and 1 with the rank of sergeant,
first class.
The total number of these reenlistments prior to the dose of the
fiscal year 1916 is 250.
In tabulated form the results appear as follows:
1914
1915
1916
Totals.
Raenllsted
(34)
93
(57) 111
(18)
46
(109)250
Honorably discharged
(4)
10
1
31
1
fl
1
5
(2) 4
(») w
(8) 12
m "
Died
T)1«f>OP<Y^blV d*SCh«ri?«d . r . r r - t - - - r r r r r - - T
(13) 37
Discharsad without honor
2
Dischareed undar oar. 1484. Armv Raeulatloiis
1
(8) 19
Died In desertion
Absent in desertion, Jane 30. 1910
Serving sentence (dishonorable discharge sospended) for deser-
tion, June 30. 191«
(5) 9
1
(1)
1
(10) U
1
Present, awaituur trial for dwertton. June 30. 1916
(1»)
1
47
(1) 1
(69) 158
Present for duty. June 30, I91d. ,
(83) 67
(17)
44
Totals .*.
(34)
93
(57) 111
(18)
46
(100) 250
\*w«/ ^ww
NoTB.— Figures in paranthesai indicate nomlMr of men who were convicted of deMrtion prior to
Ustment.
DISCHABOES OF ENLISTED MEN BT OBDEB.
Of the 8,051 discharges by order, as shown in the table opposite
page 24 of thus report, 602 (not including 17 discharged upon suigeon's
certificate of disability) were discharged under the provisions of
para^aph 148^, Army Regulations, which provides for the discharge
of eiuisted men who are inapt, or who do not have the required degree
of adaptability, or who have undesirable traits of character; 5,747
were discharged by purchase imder rules governing such discharge,
and the remaining 1,702 were discharged for vanous causes, we
principal ones being on ac(K)unt of fraudulent enlistment, desertion,
imprisonment by the civil authorities, to enter the Soldiers' Home,
and for the convenience of the Government.
Of the discharges by purchase ordered, 611 were ordered by the
War Department, 2,953 by the commanding general. Eastern Depart-
ment, 132 by the commanding general. (Antral Department, 1,251
by the commanding general. Southern Department, 169 by the com-
manding general, rhilippine Department, 272 by the commanding
feneral, Hawaiian Department, and 359 by the commanding general^
Western Department.
Of the discharges imderparagraph 148^ ordered during the year
276 were ordered by the War Department, 137 by the commandinfi"
fenerd, Eastern Department, 6 by the commandiiLg general, Centnu
>epartment, 71 by the commanchng general. Southern Department,
36 Dy the commanding general. Western Department. 2 by the com-
manding general, Phihppine Department, and 44 by the commanding
general, Hawaiian Department.
Under the provisions of paragraph 139. Armv Regulations, a com-
mander of a territorial department or moDilizeci division is authorized
to discharge enlisted men by purchase, on accoimt of desertion or
imprisonment by civil court or imder paragraph 148^, Army Regu-
'tions.
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 263
DISCHABOES ON SUBGEON's CERTIFICATE OF DISABIUTT.
It appears from the official returns that 1,329 enlisted men of the
Regular Army were discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability
during the year. This number is larger than the nmnber (1,168)
discJiarged during the preceding year, and was also larger than the
number (1,004) dischai^ed during the fiscal year 1914.
The number of discharges for disability is larger during the year
1916 than during any of tne three precedmg years, and based on the
number of enlistment contracts in force during the respective years,
the percentage is greater for the year 1916 than for either of the three
preceding years, the percentage being 1913, 0.99; 1914, 0.80; 1915,
0.85: and 1918, 1.06.
An examination of the records shows that 691 of the 1,329 dis-
charges on surgeon's certificate of disability during the past fiscal
year were based on disabilities that existed prior to enlistment. Of
the 1,168 men discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability during
the preceding year 707 were discharged because of disability existing
Srior to enlistment, and during the year 1914, out of a total of 1,004
ischar^es of this class, 545 were discharged because of disabilities
that existed prior to enhstment. These items in terms of percentage
for the past three years are as follows: 1916, 52.0; 1915. 60.6: and
1914, 54.2. The percentage of discharges on accoimt ot disability
existing prior to enlistment was less durmg the past year than it was
during any of the three preceding years.
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.
The total number of officers of The Adjutant General's Department
remained unchanged during the fiscal year. Of the 23 officers con-
stituting the department, 4 are permanent and 19 are detailed from
the line of the Army. Three of the detailed officers were reheved
and were replaced by other officers during the year. One permanent
officer of the department was retired and his place was fiUed by the
detail of an officer.
The act of Jime 3,1916, provides for an increase of 27 officers of The
Adjutant General's Department, but none of the increase authorized
was for the fiscal year 1916.
THE BOLTrARY ACADEMY.
On June 30, 1916, there were imder assi^ment to duty at the
United States MiHtary Academy 99 conMnissioned officers (including
7 professors, 2 acting professors, and 2 associate professors), 1 libra-
rian, 1 master of the sword, 1 teacher of music, 4 civilian instructors in
languages, and 2 civilians employed as instructors in fencing, broad-
sword exercise, and mihtary gjTunastics. a total of 108. This is a
decrease of 7 since July 1, 1915, the date of the superintendent's report
for that year.
On September 1, 1915, there were 630 cadets on the rolls, includ-
ing 4 Filipino cadets and 2 foreign cadets from China. Between
September 1, 1915, and September 1, 1916, 39 cadets were dis-
charged for deficiency in studies; 1 was discharged for deficiency in
264 REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi.
conduct: 1 was discharged for deficiency in studies and in conduct;
8 were oiscliaTged by reason of physical disability; 15^ induding 1
foreign cadet, from China, resigned; 125, including 1 Filipino cadet^
were graduated; and 1 was accidentally drowned. In June, 1916,
158 cadets were admitted; in July, 1916, 164 cadets, including 1
foreign cadet, from Cuba, were admitted; and in Auras t^ 1916,
3 were admitted. Four ex-cadets, who were reappointea, with the
approval of the academic board, were also admitted in Aurast.. 1916.
On September 1, 1916, the beginning of the current academic year,
there were 769 cadets on the rolls, including 4 Filipino cadets and
2 foreign cadets — 1 from China and 1 from Cuba. Those cadets
were divided among the four classes, as follows: First class, 141;
second class, 156; third class, 147; and fourth class, 325.
The usual examination of candidates for admission to the Military
Academv was held at various military posts, beginning March 21,
1916. An additional examination was held, beginning June 6,
1916, with a view to fill the 102 vacancies tnat existed after the
regular examination, and also to fill the vacancies (166) in the first
annual increment of the increase in the Corps of Cadets provided for
by the act of Congress approved May 4, 1916 (Public, No. 191, 64th
Cong.). Inasmuch as it oecame apparent that not enough cadets
to ffll the vacancies in the first increment would be obtained from
this examination it was decided to hold still another examination
(physical) on June 27, 1916, mental qualification being by certifi-
cate only. The total number of candidates designated for the three
examinations was 1,228. Of that number, 202 failed to report for
exanunation: 12 declined appointment, their appointments were
canceled or they were prevented by sickness from reporting; 109
failed to complete the mental or physical examination, or both;
515 were rejected u{>on mental or physical examination, or upon both;
1 was refused adimssion because of cribbing, and (at the June 27
examination) 2 qualified physicall]^ and failed to submit educational
certificates. There were no vacancies for 58 alternates and 5 candi-
dates at lar^e who qualified. The remaining 324 candidates were
found qualified and were admitted to the academy.
The act of Congress approved May 4, 1916, referred to above,
authorized an increase of 664 in the Corps of Cadets. It is pre-
scribed that that increase shall be divided into four annual incre-
ments, each increment to be as nearly equal as practicable. Alter
the examination of Jime 27 there were 26 vacancies in the first incre-
ment.
The number of cadets authorized for 1916 is 834. There were 767
cadets on the rolls (excluding the two foreign cadets) on September
1, 1916, leaving 67 vacancies on that date. That number has been
increased by resignations and death, so that the number of vacancies
now is 75. The number of cadets authorized for 1917 is 1,000; for
1918, l,166j and for 1919, 1,332.
Information concerning the operation of the several academic
departments, the enlarging of the Militaiy Academy, discipline of
the Corps of Cadets, and other matters oi interest are to be foimd
in the Annual Report of the Superintendent of the United States Mili-
tary Academy. As it is customary to print that report with the
other reports of the War Department, further reference to those sub-
jects is omitted from this report.
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi. 265
BECBUTITNO FOB THE BEOULAB ABMT.
The general recruiting detail for the Regular Army at the begin-'
ning of the fiscal year 1916 consisted of 124 conunissioned officers
and 636 enlisted men. At the end of that year the detail consisted
of 126 officers and 1,077 enlisted men. Included in tiie number of
commissioned officers so detailed at the end of the year are 66 offi-
cers regularly on duty at general recruit depots and 60 officers on
duty at recruiting stations. In the last mentioned nmnber are in-
cluded 30 retired officers detailed on active duty under the provi-
sions of the act of Congress approved April 23, 1904 (33 Stat. L.,
264). Due to the increase in the strength of the Army authorized
by the joint resolution of Congress approved March 17, 1916, and
the act of Confess approved June 3, 1916, and the consequent neces-
sity for securmg the niunber of recruits authorized, the recruiting
personnel has been increased in niunber 443, the increase consisting
of 2 commissioned officers and 441 enlisted men.
At the beginning of the fiscal year 84 central recruiting stations were
maintained, and on June 30, 1916, there were 189. Of the latter
number, 54 were main stations, each in charge of a recruiting officer,
and the remainder were stations auxiliary to the main stations. In
three recruiting districts additional comnnssioned officers are assigned
to assist the recruiting officer in charge. New York having 3 and (3u-
cago and San Francisco having 1 each of such additional officers.
An additional main station and recruiting district, with a commissioned
officer in charge, was also authorized at Houston, Tex., within the
fiscal year covered by this report, but the station was not fully opened
for business until after the dose of the fiscal year. In addition to
the main and auxiliary stations, temporary stations were opened and
maintained after the increase in the Army was authorized in order to
canvass more thoroughly the territory embraced in the various
recruiting districts within the United States.
Within the fiscal year 1915 the largest number of stations of all
kinds — ^main, auxiliary, and temporary — maintained in any one
month was 270, and the smallest number was 94. Within the fiscal
year covered by this report the corresponding numbers were 366 and
94, respectively. In this connection, it may be remarked that prior
to the mcrease of the Army authorized, the average number of stations
maintained was not increased, although, due to the activity of the
officers and enlisted men on recruiting auty, a sufficient number of
recruits were secured to keep the Army filled to the strength then
authorized. As a matter of fact, prior to the increase authorized
March 17, 1916, the number of recruits secured in excess of the
number required to fill existing vacancies caused a practical cessa-
tion of recruiting in some arms of the service.
The practice maintained for several years of sending applicants for
enlistment, accepted at the recruiting stations, to the recruit depots
for physical examination and enlistment was continued throughout
the past fiscal year with the same satisfactory results experienced in
preceding years.
Included in the term "reenlistments" in this report are those former
soldiers who enlist again within three months of the date of termina-
tion of their prior service and are thereby entitled, under existing law,
to three months' additional pay, on second enUstment and continuous-
service pay on any such enlistment, while under the term "enlist-
266
REPORT OP THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
ments" are included men of no previous service and also those men
who having had former service did not enlist again within three
months from the date of the termination of their former service.
Within the fiscal year 1916 enlistments and reenUstments for the
Regular Army numbered 27,468, including 35,450 for the line of the
Army, 601 for the Hospital Corps (now Medical Department), 329 for
the Quartermaster Corps, 374 for other staff departments, and 714
for the Phihppine Scouts. The enlistments numbered 22,182, includ-
ing enlistments of 3,238 men with former service. Of these enlist-
ments, 21,002 (2,920 with former service) were for the line of the
Army, 412 (92 with former service) for the Hospital Corps or Medical
Department, 116 (71 with former service) for the Quartermaster
Corps, 201 (66 with former eervice) for other staff departments, and
451 (89 with former service) for the Philippine Scouts. The reen-
listments numbered 5,286, of which 4,448 were for the hne of the
Army, 189 for the Hospital Corps or Medical Department, 213 for the
Quartermaster Corps, 173 for other staff departments, and 263 for the
PhiUppine Scouts.
With very few exceptions, rendered necessary by the demands of
regiments stationed on the Mexican border, the plan authorized by
the Secretary of War several years ago of furnishing recruits to organ-
izations senuannually, was adhered to throughout tne past fiscal year.
The total number of those who apphed for enlistment in the Army
in each recruiting district, the number of such applicants accepted or
rejected in each district, and the number of accepted applicants after-
ward rejected at recruiting depots are set forth m the following table:
lUmiltlindblrtlti.
Numlwral
•ass;
Nombwor
1
3C9
SW
ta
i
i
ass
i
1
§
!;S
an
i.om
i
1
i;os6
'«
l,OU
l,4H
■'i
1,333
1,114
930
12, 2m
i
i;<>ia
1'W7
'STB
,.!S
!:S
|;S
i)iw
i's
Ntwirk.K.J
J"
«»
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
267
Recruiting dislricts.
Philadelphia, Pa
Pittsbtuih, Pa.
Portland, Me
Portland, Oreg
Providence, R. I
Richmond. Va
Roanoke, Va.
St. Louis, Mo
Salt Lake City, Utah
San Francisco, CaL..
Savannah, Qa.
Scranton, Pa.
Seattle. Wash
Spokane, Wash
Syracuse, N. Y
Terra Haate, Ind
Toledo, Ohio.
Wichita, Kans
ToUl
Number of
applicants
accepted.
837
353
176
353
289
2T7
18«
1,476
157
2,937
532
261
150
201
227
398
339
292
30,993
Number of
applicants
rejected.
2,190
2,173
576
1,347
1,250
488
482
3,865
864
12,505
2,221
968
404
410
1,171
723
1,163
925
102,097
Total num-
ber of
applicants.
Applicants
accepted at
stations
andsub8»>
aoently
rejected at
depots and
depot posts.
3.027
2,526
751
1,700
1.539
765
068
5,341
1,021
15,532
2,753
1,229
554
611
1,396
1,121
1,502
1,217
133,090
175
34
38
44
48
43
17
311
28
535
18
56
10
26
31
56
31
51
4,194
Analysis of the preceding table shows that 23 per cent of those who
applied for enlistment at recruiting stations were accepted and that
13 per cent of the accepted apphcants were afterward rejected at
depots. These iten^s for the preceding fiscal year were 26 per cent
and 13 per cent, respectively.
The following taole shows the number of enlistments for the
Regular Army and the number of applicants rejected at the recruit
depots and other military posts and m the field within the fiscal year
1916:
station or post.
Number
enlisted.
Namber
ri!)ected.
Total
namber
exam-
ined.
Oeoeral recntitiog stations.
Recruit depots:
Colnmoos
B«nieki.0l
(arrae]cs,M0
Jeflerson Barradcs,
Port Loan, Colo...
Port McDowed, CM.
PortSlocam^N.Y.
Ohio.
Total.
Depot poets:
Fort Bliss, Tte
Fort DooctMLUtah
Fort Gcorse Wr^bt, Wash,*
Jackson Barracks, L«,* ,
Fort Lawtoo, Wash^.
Fort Ofdetborpe, Ga.«
Fort Sam Hooston, Tex,,
United States Disdpltoarr Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kaos.
Vancouver Barracks. Wssb^
Total.
• f •tfrt0f0trtrftrr**»*»**»
193
6,611
6.667
L234
Z416
5,066
30. 9M
8
161
228
608
W7
29
370
Inthefldd -^^ j ^j^
Toeio Uko Bit^iafmi f4 tMi^j /
768
1,080
328
549
1,322
4.0«7
1
1
6
26
10
54
19
6 i
m
6,379
7,747
1.662
3,966
6.388
2&041
70
9
167
ra
278
657
206
36
327
2,002
2.421
1.348
136
In, 141
• Ptsront toosil as 4^v4 j^^M iUg H,*^
i/'fttAAMf* :4^iJf4 m 4^fi pff*t May 1% 1916.
* f/it^^j^U'M^i^ M 4*iM poet Hm. Vt, 1914,
268
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL*
The foregoing table does not include 714 enlistments and 197
rejections for the PhiUppine Scouts. Including those, the aggregate
number of enlistments for the entire Regular Army within the &cal
year was 27,468 and the total number olrejections 134,149, of which
102,097 were rejected at the recruiting stations, 4,387 at recruit
depots, and 197 for the Philippine Scouts. This makes an aggregate
of 161,617 enUstments and rejections for the entire Regular Army
withm the fiscal year.
Of the rejected appUcants, 14,987 were rejected because of minoriU",
2.728 because they were aliens, and 3.537 because of illiteracy. Of
the accepted apphcants 2,196 declinea to enlist at depots or eloped
en route thereto.
The race and nativity of those enlisted and reenlisted in the Army
within the fiscal year 1916 are set forth in the following table:
Regular Army.
Phflip-
pine
Scouts.
Race ftDd nativity.
•
Line of
Army.
Staff de-
partments,
not includ-
ing Hospi-
tal Corps
and Quar-
master
Corps.
Medical
Depart-
ment.
Quarter-
master-
Corps.
Total.
^
Native white:
Enli*>i.ient8
18,243
3,306
190
187
367
146
96
166
18,808
3,764
18,808
Rfff^plfstments
3,754
Total
21.548
327
513
264
22,652
22,652
Forebn white:
E^nlistments *
2,136
057
11
36
43
82
16
86
2,206
761
2,206
Reenlistments. ...........
761
Total
2,793
47
75
52
2.967
2.967
Colored:
Enlistments
563
413
2
11
2
11
666
435
566
Reenlistinents
436
Total
975
13
13
1,001
1,001
Indians:
EnUstments
14
14
14
Rf^nit^tments ,
Total
14
14
14
Porto Ricans:
Enlistments
47
73
47
73
47
Reeolistmfnts
7S
......
Total
120
120
120
............
..........
FHiplnos:
Enlistments
451
263
451
Reenlistm^nts .. ..^...
^
283
Total
I
714
714
..........j
Total enlistments
Total reenlistmenti
21,002
4,448
201
173
412
180
116
213
21,731
6,023
451
263
22.182
5,286
AeKTeeate
25,450
374
GOl
329
26,754 714 i 27.4fia
'
Analysis of the last preceding table discloses that practically 90
per cent of the original enlistments of white soldiers were enlistments
of natives of the Lnited States. Within each of the three years last
preceding that percentage was 86, 84, and 87, respectively.
The table following shows the number of enlistments and reenlist-
ments monthly in the line of the Army within the three years ended
Jime 30, 1916.
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT QENKRAL.
a«9
ICantlu.
Jaly
August
September.
October...
November.
December.
January...
February..
March
Apra
May
June
Total
Fiscal year ended—
June 30, 1916.
June 30, 1015.
Enlist-
ments.
1,325
1,547
1,582
1,423
1,460
1,441
1,488
1,104
1,961
2,483
2,058
3,130
21,002
Reenlist-
ments.
820
744
688
688
390
213
125
227
110
246
109
88
4,448
Total.
2,145
2,291
2,2T0
2,111
1,850
1,654
1,613
1,331
2,071
2,729
2,167
3,218
25,450
Enlist-
ments.
2,211
2.664
2,737
3,202
3,329
3,316
3,542
2,761
2,116
1,540
1,463
1,461
30,342
Reenlist-
monts.
1,318
1,439
1,348
1,353
1,249
1,506
1,535
1,074
1,035
7W
705
724
14,085
Total.
3,529
4,108
4,085
4,555
4,578
4,824
5, on
3,835
3,151
2,337
2,168
2,1HA
44,4/7
Jiwe30,l9l4,
Enllnt-
menti.
1,671
2,0(15
1,H74
2, (MO
2,454
3,447
3,2D5
2,3H8
2,311
2,754
2,4M
28,559
moMtJi.
431
mo
KA7
l,ao6
1,0A3
1,0JI7
l,(r/7
1,101
Total,
s.nwi
y. 4*11
»,44l
a.iil
4,^Ml
4,411
4,441
»,il7
n,m
»,A11
5l,f»47
M 'HA
The average total monthly enlistments, including reenlmtmi;ni«,
derived from the foregoing table are as followH:
For the fiac^ year 1914 %,V0
For the fiac*l year 191 5 Z,W£
For the fiacal yearlSB 2. Ui
The decrease observed in the numT>er of enViAimfmin an/i r^uUnf^
ments is bdieved to be doe to the lo\ifm'\u% fttnAfn: Fir^t, tb« r4^tnf>
tion on reemitiog that prevailed for pra/^jr ally th^ firnt two thirdtt of
the fiscal ^ear, due to the fact that fiunn/^ that p^ru//! th^ ^^fftf
was practicaDj filled. S'icond, <\nr\u^ tr.e la^t or#^^ tr^fH ^4 U^n
fiscal year when rerruj^intr wjw ^*irr.'iiA*^/i ff^ tr*^ purff^M^ ^4 oht^nfh'
ing the additional rv^^.^-i provK>>^l hy Ui^. k</><U'v'/f# tft^^^'n^tft^
the Armv. labor cor*^:-'. ^h *r.ro';$^r.'V^*» tr^ f/f^.wrj w^r^ «i*/fi ff.at
aO who iesmd to cVjur* '^rr.f^j*',;. rr.^,*. ,r, ti.A \A^ r^'^Uly o\^*.h t.f/\ *t
with good wagei. ^jlta r^.c^rs.t^ ." 't*ff,^./ V/ ^^jr^ r^z-ri/^* 7 f.,^4,
the provkirjCH /yf j«w *r.i>r, //.-'sr.gf ^%4^ f*r. r,^V/j v^,/,^"* nrf^'^
enlisted after ^,r^:y^m \ Vi/i i'%^:, r-Ar,*. * ^/ ,^^i ///•#/ /*^«
from the dai;^ 'vf *r..- ^ ^''* -<>r >-->!- / *"'. ^^a^; r>t f* »i:.'f^ ^4
The norr/'^r '/ "" .-■- *^'- 4' , '^^^ , .^^-^-^ '%f ',^^'/ ^,&9, <4 ♦'■^
service w.*"..-, *:>» -i?^ .;«^>*- ^' '-*'• "*--' X*'* -^^ *^.o'tr% .r, ^>< jm.
lowing tahf
.'.'',
* ^^-^
i^m r
"■■ >
»*•■
fta^VpWi
-y
C
.»*-*
• «
-jC ' '^
270
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
The relative increase or decrease in the number of enlistments or
reenlistments in the different branches of the service is more apparent
when the nimibers in the last preceding table are reduced to percent-
ages of the total number of enlistments and reenlistments lor each
year compared. For that reason those percentages are shown in the
table which follows:
Bmicfaas of swvioe.
Staff departments. . .
Engineers
Cavalry
Field AitiDery
Coast Artillery Corps
Inlantry
MlsoeUaneoos
Total
Percentages of total nomber of enlistments and reenlistments daring the
fiscal year ended—
Jane 30, 1016.
Enlist-
ments.
2.72
1.17
25.70
4.60
21.fi0
25.43
.04
81.22
Re.
enlist-
ments.
2.15
.27
8.01
1.00
4.66
7.52
.17
TotaL
4.87
1.44
28.77
5.60
26.16
32.05
.21
18.78
100.00
Jon 1 30, 1015.
Enlist-
ments.
1.68
1.20
15.41
3.48
15.54
28.35
.04
65.70
Re-
enlist-
mmts.
4.57
.62
4.00
1.25
8.40
14.24
.32
34.30
Total
6.25
1.82
20.31
4.73
23.04
42.50
.36
100.00
Jane 30, 1014
Enlist-
ments.
1.02
.05
20.06
5.05
15.62
25.58
.05
Re-
enlfat-
ments.
4.35
.66
4.21
1.00
6.73
12.38
.45
70.13 20.87
TotaL
6.37
1.61
26.17
6.14
22.35
37.06
.50
100.00
The comparison similar to that made in previous reports of the
number of reenlistments in the several branches of the service with
the authorized strength of those branches shows with greater accuracy
the relative nimiber of reenlistments. Therefore, the following table
is presented showing the nimiber of reenlistments to each 1,000 of
the authorized enlisted stren^h of the several branches of the service
within the three fiscal years last past:
Branches of service.
Staff departments. . .
Engineers
Cavalry
Field Artillery
Coast Artillery Corps
Infantry
Miacellaneoas
The Army
Nomber of reenUstments to
each 1,000 of the anthoriaed
enlisted strength dnrtog
the fiscal year ended Jane
30-
1016
lOlS
1014
40
in
178
31
150
143
53
160
124
46
105
83
65
208
148
42
158
126
73
24
30
40
167
130
The marked decrease in the relative number of reenlistments in
each branch of the service within the past fiscal year is doubtless
entirely due to the fact that existing law, as previously pointed out,
precluded such reenlistments.
With the view of keeping fully informed as to the comparative
eflBciency of each of the vanous methods of advertising for recruits,
the practice has been continued of re(][uirin^ recruiting officers at
stations to report whether the applications Tor enlistment made to
them were, or were not, the result, wholly or in part, of any form of
KEPOBT OF THE ADJUTAIYT GENERAL. 271
adyertisingy and, if so, of what form. The number of applications
reported to have been the residt of each of the several methods of
aclvertising during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, is as follows:
Methods of advertisiDf.
Bight of rarniitizif flag and statloD
In parka and Muarts
Recruiting poston
Oanvaoe by recruiting parties
Recruiting circulars
Recruiting booklet. "The United 8Utei« Army aa a Career " . . .
Newspaper advertising
Special cireulan issoed by recruiting officers
Handbills
Bleetrte signs ra districts)
Advertising cards
Personal lelten fhMn recruiting officers
News items in newspapers
BasebaU team (1 dlstrwt)
Blidee is movittg-piolure booses (5 districts)
Signs on elevated stations (1 district)
Postal oards
Bookiei, ** BxpsrlMiee of a Reeruit in the United SUtee Army
Photographs a district)
Total
NottheiesoltofadTertisIng
Total mmber of applioants reported upon
Number
of applica-
tions.
50,011
25,288
19,009
8,9W
6,970
4,445
3,n5
3,350
3,253
500
500
480
446
416
115
»
10
5
128,862
4,000
U32,943
1 Thisnnmber Is 148 lees than the whole number of aeospted and rejected applicantsshown by trlmanthly
Nperts of reemitlng (p. 87), no rsporta having been received in that number of caaes.
Within the fiscal year covered by this report, as in previous years,
the sight of the recruiting flag and station proved the most proUfic
method of advertising for recruits, the park and square parties and
the recruiting posters being second and third, respectively.
The recruiting booklet issued in 1914 has continued to be a very
effective means of advertising and of conveying information relative
to the advantages received from an enlistment m the Army. A new
edition of this booklet has been authorized, amended to conform
with the provisions of the act of Congress approved Jime 3, 1916.
Another booklet which has been and whicn, it is thought, will con-
tinue to be a potent method of advertising for the recruiting service
is the ''Experience of a Recruit,'' pubfished by the department
within the past fiscal year. This booklet relates m a very readable
and attractive manner the experience of a recruit who enlisted at
Columbus Barracks, Ohio, and details ejmlicitly his experience while
at the depot. The personal statement of the recruit was so forceful,
truthful, and favorable to the Army that it was published by the
department without comment.
Another publication prepared and issued in connection with
recruiting for the Regular Army is the pamphlet entitled ** Guide to
Civil Employment for Ex-Soldiers." In connection with the prepara-
tion of this publication information was obtained from each recruiting
officer throughout the United States relative to civil emplovment
in the respective recruiting districts that might be open to former
Boldiors of the Army discnarged with character at least **Good."
A full list of these employrnonts arranged by States is included in
the pubUcation, together with ijistructions describing the method bv
whidi prospective appUcants, fonner soldiers, may get in touch witn
prospective employers.
272 BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
A copy of this publication will be placed in all permanent mess and
soldiers^ reading rooms and a copy will be given to every man leaving
the service whose character is not less than "Good." This guide to
civil employment has received favorable comment from all to whose
attention it has been brought and it is believed that it will prove to be
of great utilitv to former soldiers in enabling them to obtain emplov-
ment and will act as a stimulus to recruiting by pointing out to tne
prospective applicant for enlistment the advantages possible for
vocational training in the Army and assuring him that the military
authorities are prepared to aid him in applving that vocational
training in civil pursuits after he shall have left the Army.
Immediately upon the authorization of the increase in the Army
March 17, 1916, advertising for recruits, which prior to that time
had been largely restricted, was greatly expanded. As previously
stated many new stations were opened, largely increasing the number
of the recruiting fla^ and stations. Special circulars were issued.
Newspaper advertising was increased. Additional booklets were
printed and the recruiting oflBcers were instructed to work without
regard to hours in the effort to obtain recruits.
Under the provisions of the act of Congress approved June 3, 1916,
section 27, tne President is authorized in his discretion to utilize
the services of the postmasters of the second, third, and fourth classes
in procuring the enlistment of recruits lor the Army. For the
purpose of carryingout the provisions of this law the matter has been
taken up with the rost OflBce Department with the view of securing
the cooperation of that department and of the postmasters con-
cerned.
At the date of the preparation of this report information is not
available from which a definite statement can be prepared showing
the expense of the recruiting service for the fiscal year covered by
this report, but constant effort has been maintained throughout the
year to minimize expenses and eliminate all costs that were not
absolutely required for the needs of the service. Telegraphic cor-
respondence as heretofore has been carefully scrutinized with the
view of reduction in tolls. The large number of recruiting stations
previously maintained were kept closed during the greater portion
of the fiscal jear and were only reopened when the increase in the
Army necessitated such reopemng and a consequent increase in the
recruiting personnel. Prior to that time the number of stations had
been reduced greatly, with a conseauent reduction in rentals, pay,
and allowances for the personnel ana other expenses incident to the
maintenance of stations and the mileage expenses of officers.
As in previous years, applicants for enlistment who, after having
been accepted at recruiting stations and sent to depots, fail througn
their own fault to enlist there, are required, when such applicants
a^ain apply at recruiting stations, to reimburse the Government for
the expense incident to tneir former application and failure to enlist*
REGULAK ARMY RESERVE.
The act of August 24, 1912, provides for two classes of reservists —
those furloughed to the Reserve after an active service of four years,
or at the discretion of the Secretary of War after a service of three
■-ears, and those who were honorably discharged and voluntarily
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 273
enlisted in the Reserve. Enlistment contracts entered into prior to
November 1, 1912, did not contain, imder the provisions of the law
referred to, any provision for service in the Reserve, and consequently
no furloughs to the Reserve could take place prior to November 1,
1915. For convenience, those furloughed to the Reserve will be
designated class A reservists and those who voluntarily enlist in the
Reserve will be designated class B reservists. While all furloughs
to the Reserve during the year were made under the provisions of
the act before referred to, it is proper to add that the act of Jime 3,
1916, provides that the enlistment period after November 1, 1916,
shall be seven years, three years with the colors and four years in the
Reserve, with a provision that if a soldier is considered sufficiently
trained he may be furloughed to the Reserve after an active service
of one year.
Between November 1, 1915, and June 30, 1916, the number of men
furloughed to the Reserve was 4,626. Of those, 1 was discha^ed to
enable him to complete his naturalization as a citizen of the United
States and to accept employment under the Grovemment, 2 were
discharged because they had been sentenced to imprisonment by a
civil court, and 2 died of disease, leaving 4,621 class A reservists on
June 30, 1916.
Because of conditions along the Mexican border, on May 17, 1916,
the Wax Department directedthat all furloughs to the Reserve at the
expiration of three years active service, except in the cases of mem-
bers of the Coast Artillery Corps, be suspended. Consequently,
there were very few furlougns to the Reserve during the last month
and a half of tne past fiscfd year, and the foregoing figure does not
represent the number that would have been in the Reserve on June
30 last imder normal conditions.
The act of June 3, 1916, authorizes the payment of $2 per month
to reservists andprovides for their field training each year. This
will enable the War Department to keep in closer touch with the
reservists, and, as a physical examination is provided during their
attendance at field traimng, the department will also be able to dis-
charge the physically unfit. Heretofore members of the Reserve were
carried as members of the organizations in which they were serving
at the time of furlough, but now they are transferred or assigned to
the arm or corps to which they belonged, and their records are sent
to the conmianding general of the mihtary department in which they
elect to reside, fit the event of mobilization they are directed to
report to the commanding general of the department in which they
reside for assignment to organizations. On June 28, 1916, orders
were issued to the several department commanders within the. con-
tinental limits of the United States to mobilize the Regular Army
Reserve, excepting members of the Coast Artillery Corps, for assign-
ment to Regular Army units serving on the Mexican Dorder in the
Southern Department. No figures are available at this time from
which the number of reservists who responded to the mobilization
call can be ascertained, but it is purposea to give such figures in my
next annual report.
On June 30, 1916, the class B reservists numbered 27 men. During
the year 12 men enlisted in this class, and 4 were dischai^ed upon
expiration of service, making a net gain during the year of 8.
69176''— WAR 1916— VOL 1 18
274 BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
ENLISTED RESERVE CORPS.
For the purpose of securing a reserve of enlisted men for the En-
S'neer, Si^al, and Quartermaster Corps, and the Ordnance and
edical Departments, additional to those furloughed to the Reserve
after completion of a term of active service in the Regular Army, an
Enlisted Reserve Corps was authorized by section 55 of the act of
Jime 3, 1916. The section referred to did not become eflFective until
July 1, 1916.
The corps is to consist of such nimibers of enlisted men of such
grade or grades as may be designated by the President from time to
time. The enlistments are to be for a period of four years and of
grades similar to those prescribed for the Regular Army. Each mem-
ber of the corps will be furnished with a certificate of enlistment by
The Adjutant General of the Army, showing the rank and corps or
department for which the recipient was enlisted. Regulations nave
been prepared for the administration of the corps and for the guidance
of recnutin^ officers in procuring enlistments. Every effort will be
made by this office to enlist men for the corps, and the result of those
efforts will be submitted in the annual report for the fiscal year that
will end Jime 30, 1917.
CAMPS OP INSTRUCTION.
Orders were issued early in the present calendar year to department
commanders in the United States and Hawaii to make the necessary
preparations for holding cam^ of instruction for officers and non-
commissioned officers of the Organized Mihtia and joint camps for
the several arms of the service of the Regular Army and the Organized
Militia.
However, in view of the necessity for the dispatching of the greater
part of the mobile Army in the United States to the Southern De-
partment, for duty on the Mexican border, and the consequent lack
of an adequate number of officers and troops of the Regular Army to
conduct properly these camps, the instructions for the holding of the
camps were rescinded with respect to all departments in the United
States, except the Eastern Department. The commanding general
of that department was authorized to hold such camps for the Cavalry
of the Regular Army and Organized Mihtia as were practicable.
Under this authority a camp of instruction for officers and noncom-
missioned officers of the Oi^anized Mihtia was held at Fort Myer,
Va., May 21-28, 1916, and a joint camp of instruction for the First
S<juadron, First Cavalry, Vermont National Guard (composed prin-
cipally of cadets of the Norwich University), was held at Fort Ethan
Allen, Vt., for about 10 days beginning June 4, 1916. As the reports
of these camps have not as yet been received, no statement can be
made at this time as to the nimiber of officers and noncommissioned
officers who attended these camps.
No reports have been received showing whether or not camps have
been held in the Hawaiian Department.
JOINT COAST DEFENSE EXERCISES.
Joint coast defense exercises, participated in bv ^e Regular Coast
Artillery and the Coast Artillery Militia, were '^ ^^^go held as
'allows:
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 275
EASTERN DEPARTMENT.
Fort Constitution, N. H. Fort Williams, Me.
Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y. Fort Greble, R. I.
Fort Strong, Mass. Fort Andrews, Mass.
Fort Warren, Mass. Fort Screven, Ga.
Fort Howard, Md. Fort Moultrie, S. C.
Fort Caswell, N. C. Fort Monroe, Va.
WESTERN DEPARTlfENT.
Fort Winfield Scott, Cal. Fort Worden, Wash.
Fort Roeecrans, Cal. Fort Stevens, Oreg.
As the reports of the department commanders on these camps have
njt as yet Deen received m the War Department, a complete state-
ment as to the number of troops of the Regular Army and of the
Organized Militia participating m them can not be presented at this
time.
citizens' training CAMPS.
Owing to the satisfactory results obtained from camps of this char-
acter held in 1914 and 1915, and the enthusiasm displayed by those
who participated therein, department commanders were authorized
to establish similar camps for 1916, as follows:
EASTERN DEPARTMENT.
Flattsburg Barracks, N. Y.:
June 5 to July 2, senior division.
July 5 to August 8, junior division.
July 12 to August 8, senior division.
August 10 to September 6, senior di\4sion.
September 8 to October 5, senior division.
Fort Terry, N. Y.: July 5 to August 10, for students.
Fort Wadsworth, N. Y . : Six camps of two weeks' duration each, commencing May 28.
Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. :
May 3 to May 30, senior division.
June 3 to June 30, senior division.
July 5 to August 8, junior division.
Owing to the smaU enrollment for the July camp at Fort Oglethorpe,
and the necessity for the use of the available Regular troops at other
points in the department on accoimt of the mobilization of the
l^ational Guard;, the department commander terminated the camp
for the junior division, but all men enrolled were accepted for the
camps at Plattsburg.
CENTRAL DEPARTMENT.
Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind. :
July 5 to Aiigust 4.
August 7 to September 6.
September 8 to October 5.
Under date of Jime 19, 1916, the commanding general. Central
Department^ was authorized to cancel the camps scheduled to be held
at Fort Benjamin Harrison on account of the lack of Regular troops
and the mobilization of the National Guard.
SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT.
JPort Sam Hoiuton, Tex.: June 12 to July 8.
Ll
276
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAU
WESTERN DEPARTMENT.
Monterey, Cal.: July 10 to August 5.
American Lake, Wash. : August 14 to September 9.
Fort Douglas, Utah: August 21 to September 16.
As most of the reports of the camp commanders hare not been
received, a compilation of the number of troops of the Regular Army
and of the numoer of civilians participating in the camps can not be
presented in this report.
SMALL-ARMS FIRING.
Because the regular target-practice season varies in the several
departments, ana in some instances extends to the close of the
calendar year, it is impracticable to make a statement showing the
results of the practice lor the year 1916 in this report.
The numbers of qualifications in the several organizations of the
line of the Army in the grades of expert rifleman, sharpshooter, and
marksman since 1909 are shown in the following table:
Grades.
Years.
1909
Expert riflemen
Shwpsbooters..
Marksmen.
2,875
9,790
5,815
1910
2.151
8,857
5,741
1911
1,211
7,326
5.196
1912
1,312
9.323
6,307
1913
1,627
11.144
7,121
1914
2,180
8,236
13.423
1915
3,599
7,6es
2D.995
Under paragraph 1345, Array Regulations, as amended by chanfi;es,
Army Regulations, No. 43, War Department, Julv 24, 1916, an
enlisted man who qualifies hereafter as an expert rineman is entitled
to $5 a month, as a sharpshooter to $3 a month, and as a marksman to
$2 a month, in addition to his pay, from the date of qualification until
the next opportunity to requaUfy, or for one year if no opportunity
for recjualincation is presented within that year, provided tnat during
that time he does not attain a higher qualification and that he con-
tinues to be a member of an organization anned with the rifle, in which
qualification is authorized, or reenlists in such organization within
tnree months from date of discharge therefrom.*'
• The grade of expert revolver shot was established in revolver prac-
tice by the Provisional Small-Anns Firing Manual, 1909, and reports
of results of revolver firing in the several organizations of the line of
the Army during the target years 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, and
1915, show, respectively, 810, 1,050, 1,335, 1,412, 981, and 1.476
qualifications in that grade. A silver badge is provided for each
original qualification.
Paragraph 282, Small- Arms Firing Manual, 1913, provides that
departmental rifle and pbtol competitions shall be held in every
alternate vear. The Secretary of War has directed that they be held
in the oda-numbered years, and, accordingly, those competitions will
not be held in the year 1916.
There was held, however, in the PhiUppine Department, during this
year, a department rifle competition for Philippine Scouts, the Secre-
tary of War having directea that such competition be held in every
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
277
alternate year, commencing \iHth the year 1916. In that competition
there were 52 enlisted and 13 commissioned competitors, 14 of whom
succeeded in winning medals.
The Nation^ Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice has arranged
for the holding of the national matches at State Camp, Jacksonville,
Fla., to commence Friday, October 20, 1916, and has prescribed con-
ditions and regulations for those competitions. Those conditions
and regulations, having received the approval of the Secretary of War,
were published in Bulletin No. 6, War Department, February 25, 1916.
However, by reason of the exigencies of the service, it was decided in
May, 1916, that there would be no participation therein by any
teams, oflRcei-s, or enlisted men of the Regular Armv. This decision
left to the adjutants general of the several States the matter of con-
ducting the matches. Under date of September 13, 1916, it was
decided by the Secretary of War, on recommendation of the Chief of
the Militia Bureau, that the National Matches be held and that Col.
Samuel W. Miller, Infantry, be detailed as executive officer of the
matches.
The National Matches for the year 1915, comprising the national
LDdividual match, the national pistol match, ana the national team
match, were held at Jacksonville, Fla., October 18-22, under the
supervision of Col. Richard M. Blatchford, United States Infantry,
as executive officer, and Capt. William C. Harllee, United States
Marine Corps, as assistant executive officer. The results of those
matches have been published in Bulletin No. 3, War Department,
February 7, 1916. In the national team match there were entered
2 teams, 1 Cavalry and 1 Infantry, from the Army, 1 team from the
Marine Corps, 1 team from the South Carolina Mihtary Academy
cadets, and 40 teams from the Organized MiUtia. No teams were sent
from the Organized Militia of Cahfomia, Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi,
Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, or Washington.
The competing teams were divided into three classes. A, B, and C,
upon the basis of their relative standing in the national team match
of 1913, and prizes were awarded to each of the teams making the
highest aggregate scores in each class.
The foDfowmg table shows the winning teams, the scores made,
and the prizes won in that competition:
Prize.
CLASS A.
Unitod States Army Infantry
United States Marine C orps. .
United States Army Cavalry.
Massachusetts
CLASS B.
Pennsylvania
Minnesota
IlUnols
Wyoming
CLASS c.
Kentucky
North Carolina
New Mexico ,
Vermont
3,(4(1 . National trophy and $450.
3.013 S3oO.
3,508 $300.
3,587 $250.
3, .'it 3 I II nton trophy and $380.
3,5*2 $250.
3.5.59 ' $225.
3,540 , $200.
3,518 , Bronie soldier of Marathon and $300.
3,49S ' $200.
3.497 I $175.
3,493 i $150.
278 REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL,
A bronze medal was also awarded to each member of the wmning
teams, the medals for each class being of a different design.
The interest manifested by the militia in the national team matches
is shown by the number of entries each year since the institution of
those matches. Eleven State teams were represented in 1903, 19 in
1904, 32 m 1905, 37 m 1906, 43 in 1907, 45 in 1908, 43 in 1909, 38 in
1910 and in 1911,41 in 1913, and 40 in 1915. It is observed that the
maximum number of State teams represented was reached in 1908.
There were no national team matches in 1912 and 1914.
The first prize in the national individual match — a gold medal and
$60 — ^was won by Sergt. James S. Stewart, First Corps of Cadets.
Massachusetts, with a score of 365, and the first prize in the national
Sistol match — a gold medal and $30 — ^was won by First Ldeut.
erry B. Garland, Third Indiana Infantry, with a score of 721.
DEMOBILIZATION OP THE SECOND DIVISION.
The Second Division, which was mobilized at Galveston and Texas
City, Tex., in compHance with orders issued by the War Department,
February 21 and 24, 1913, was ordered demobilized on October 18,
1915. rrior to the demobiUzation a hurricane occurred at the places
named above which caused the death of 13 enlisted men and the de-
struction of the property of the troops encamped there.
Prior to the date of demobiUzation, the Twenty-seventh Infantry,
one of the regiments of the Second Division, was sent to the PhiUp-
pine Department for station, in place of the Twenty-fourth Infantry,
retumea to the United States.
By the date set for the demobiUzation, the remaining organizations
of tne Second Division were, on various dates in September and
October, 1915, transferred to the Southern Department for duty
along the border.
THE RAID ON COLUMBUS, N. MEX., AND THE PUNITIVE EXPEDITION.
On the night of March 8-9, 1916, the Mexican outlaw, Francisco
ViUa, with a force variously estimated at from 500 to 1,000 men,
crossed the border, in small detachments, about 3 miles west of the
border line gate, and concentrated for an attack on the town of
Columbus, N. Mex. The attack was made during hours of extreme
darkness, it being the intention of Villa, accordmg to information
obtained by the miUtary authorities, to loot the town after disposing
of the gamson. In the fight which ensued, 7 American soldiers were
killed and 2 officers and 5 soldiers were wounded; 8 civiUans were
killed, and 2 were wounded. Mexican bandits killed in the town, the
camp, and on the border line, numbered 67 , while the woimded and
captured numbered 7. Immediately after the raid, one troop of
Cavalry mounted and pursued the Mexicans. The troop at the
border line gate also mounted and struck the retreating Mexicans in
the flank; the two troops then joining, continued the pursuit of the
Mexicans south of y the border for 12 miles, discontinuing the pursuit
only when the ammunition was exhausted, and the horses and men,
without water and almost exhausted, could continue no longer.
The bandits, in the meantime, retreated in a southeasterly direction.
The number of Mexicans killed in this running fight is estimated to
be between 70 and 100: but no accurate estimate of the number
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 279
wounded can be made. Much property and many animals were
abandoned by the Mexicans in their flight.
On March 10, 1916, the conmianding general, Southern Depart-
ment, was directed to organize an adequate military force, under
the conmiand of Brijg. Gen. John J. Pershing, with mstructions to
the latter to proceed promptly across the border in pursuit of the
Mexican band of outlaws that had attacked Columbus. Under these
instructions, two columns were organized, one being from Columbus
and the other from Culberson^s ranch. The advance of the Columbus
colimMi, consisting of 7 troops of the Thirteenth Cavalry, the Sixth
and Sixteenth Infantry, Battery C, Sixth Field Artillery, and Ambu-
lance Company No. 7, started, on March 15, on the road through
Palordas, Ascension, and CorraUtos, toward Casas Grandes. Tne
Culberson column, consisting of the Seventh Cavalry, 10 troops of
the Tenth Cavalry, and Batterj B, Sixth Field Artillery, left the same
night by the Ojitas route, arriving at Colonia Dublan, 4 miles ilorth
of Plueva Casas Grandes. on the night of March 17.
THE PARRAL INCIDENT.
During the pursuit of Villa and his followers, Maj. Frank Tompkins,
Thirteenth Cavalry, and Troops K and M of that regiment, under
command of Col. W. C. Brown, Tenth Cavalry, camped outside of
the town of Parral, Mexico, and sent a detachment of soldiers to the
town for the purpose of purchasing suppUes, at about 11 o'clock a. m.,
April 12, 1916. Maj. Tompkins was cordially received by the higher
civil and military officials. The Mexican general, Lozano, accom-
panied Maj. Tompkins on the way to camp. On the outskirts of the
town groups of native soldiers and civilians jeered, tlu*ew stones,
and fired on the cohimn. Maj. Tompkins took a defensive position
north of the railroad, but was soon flanked by Mexican troops and
forced to retire. The American troops continued to withdraw, to
avoid further compUcations, xmtil thev reached Santa Cruz, 8 miles
from Parral. Gen. Lozano attempted to control his men when the
fighting first began, but failed. The known casualties were: Two
American soldiers killed, 2 officers and 4 soldiers wounded, 1 soldier
missing; 40 Mexican soldiers killed. The number of Mexican soldiers
woimded is not known, although it is known that 1 Mexican civilian
was woimded.
THE CARRIZAL INCIDENT.
Troops C and K, Tenth Cavalry, under the command of Capt.
Charles T. Boyd, Tenth Cavalry, while on their way to Villa Ahu-
mada on a scouting expedition, reached the town of Uarrizal, Mexico,
on the morning oi June 21, 1916, and permission was sought from
the commanding oflBcer of the Mexican forces garrisoning me latter
place to pass tnrough the town in order to reach Villa Ahumada.
Uen. Gomez, the Mexican commander, sent an oflBcer of his com-
mand to the American troops, denying the latter the permission
requested. During the conference Mexican troops began to move
toward the flanks of the American troops. The latter assumed a
defensive position, and in the engagement which ensued Capt.
Charles T. Boyd and Lieut. Henry K. Adair, Tenth Cavalry, ana 7
enlisted men were killed, and Capt. Lewis S. Morey, Tenth Cavalry,
280 REPORT OF THE ADJTJTAKT GENERAL.
and 9 enlisted men were wounded. Twenty-three enlisted men of
the Tenth Cavalry and 1 civilian interpreter were captiired and sent
to Chihuahua City, but they were subsequently returned to the
United States, llie estimated number of Mexicans killed, which
included Gen. Gomez, is 39; the ntunber of wounded is not known.
BANDIT RAIDS ACROSS THE MEXICAN BORDER.
In addition to the raid at Qolumbus, N. Mex., before referred to,
several raids of more or less impK)rtance occurred during the period
covered by this report, notably the raids at —
Glenn Spings, Tex., on May 5, 1916, the casualties being 3 Ameri-
can soldiers and 1 civihan killed; 3 American soldiers wounded. It
is estimated that 2 Mexican bandits were killed, but the number ot
wounded is not known.
San Ygnacio, Tex., on June 15, 1916, the casualties being 4 Ameri-
can soldiers killed and 5 wounded; 6 Mexican bandits kill^.
Near Fort Hancock, Tex., July 31, 1916, casualties being 1 Ameri-
can soldier and 1 civilian (United States customs inspector) killed
and 1 American soldier wounded; 3 Mexicans killed and 3 captured
by Mexican de facto Government troops.
GALL OF THE ORGANIZED MILITIA AN^ NATIONAL GUARD INTO THE
SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES.
Having in view the possibiUty of further aggression upK)n the terri-
tory of the United States and the necessity ft? the proper protection
of the Mexican frontier, the President thought proper to exercise the
authority vested in him by the Constitution and laws to call out the
Organized Militia; consequently, on May 9, 1916, he issued a call
Uu-ough the governors of the States of Arizona, New Mexico, and
Texas, and directed the concentration of the militia of those States
at places to be designated by the commanding general of the Southern
Department.
On the same date San Antonio, Columbus, and Douglas were desig-
nated as the places of concentration for the miUtia of Texas, New
Mexico, and Arizona, respectively, and upon the arrival of the mihtia
at the designated places of rendezvous the necessary procedure for
their muster into the service of the United States under the provisions
of the act of Congress approved January 21, 1903, as amenaed by the
act of Congress, approved May 27, 1908, was at once entered upon and
vigorously prosecuted, the greater part of the mihtia so called having
b^n duly mustered into service before the close of the fiscal year.
It was also directed by the department that the Federal authorities
assume the duty of recruiting for the miUtia in the United States
service and that this office take the necessary action. In accordance
with these directions the commanding general of the Southern De-
partment was ordered, on May 27, 1916, to detail such officers and
enlisted men from Texas mihtia mustered into the United States
service as might be necessary to recruit the miUtia of Texas to full
strength, and similar orders with respect to recruiting the militia of
the other States concerned were issued at a later date. On June 3,
1916, the recommendation of the commanding general of the South-
em Department that Fort Sam Houston be designated as a reoroit
"rendezvous for that purpose was approved.
%
KEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 281
In accordance with these directions and orders the recruitment of
the militia called into service as above set forth has proceeded as
rapidly as conditions permitted and is still being prosecuted at the
close of the period covered by this report.
The same reasons that caused the President to issue the call for
militia on May 9, 1916, impelled him on Jime 18, 1916, to call into
the service of the United States a large part of the Organized MiUtia
and the National Guard of the other States of the C^nion and the
District of Columbia, the call being duly issued on the date last
mentioned through the governors of all the States concerned and
the conmaanding general of the District of Columbia militia, a mobili-
zation point for the mihtia of each State and the District of Colxmibia
being designated in tho call.
In the meantime the national defense act had been approved June
3, 1916, providing among other things for the transition of the Organ-
ized MiUtia of the several States and the District of Colimibia to the
National Guard by taking the oath prescribed in that act, and this
transition was in progress in the several States when the call of Jime
18 was made. TJpon tho arrival of the mihtia at the mobiUzation
points or places of rendezvous designated the necessary procedure
for their induction into the mihtary service of the United States
was entered upon at once, those who had qualified as members
of the National Guard being accepted into the service of the United
States under the provisions of the act of Congress approved June 3.
1916, and the others being mustered into the service of the United
States under the provisions of the act of Congress approved January
21, 1903, as amended by the act of Congress approvoa May 27. 1908.
It is obvious that there is a large amount of work to be performed
and many matters of detail involved in the concentration of the mihtia
at the various mobilization points, in examining them individually
and inducting them into the mihtary service oi the United States.
While necessarilv this work was not completed at the close of the
fiscal year, satisfactory progress therein had been made, many of the
organizations had been inducted into the Federal service, and the
work connected therewith remaining undone was well in hand and
was being expedited by all concerned.
Urged DV tnc importance of having an adequate force on the border
at the earnest practicable date, instructions were given on June 23,
1916, to the commanding generals of the Eastern, Central, and
Western Departments that the moment any complete unit of militia
had arrived at a State mobilization camp and the mustering officer
had reported that the imit was reasonably equipped for field service,
the particular organization concerned be sent at once to the point
on the border designated by the commanding general of the Southern
Department.
On Jidy 31, 1916, the date of the latest complete returns received,
the troops in the Southern Department consisted of 2,352 officers and
43,338 enhsted men of the Regular Army, and 5,058 officers and
102,077 enhsted men of the National Guard, making a total of 7,410
officers and 145,415 enhsted men. On the date given there were
1,910 officers and 38,229 enlisted men in mobihzation camps, and 128
officers and 3,410 enhsted men of ihe National Guard serving m the
Western Department not mcluded in the foregoing figures, making
the total strwigth of the National Guard in the Federal service on the
dale JBpationed 7.096 officers and 143,716 enhsted men.
The practice, inaugurated in February, 1912, of separating as far as
possible prisoners convictetl of purely military offenses from those
convicted of statutory or common-law crimes, with a view to afford
the former every opportunity practicable to be restored to an honor-
able status, was continued throughout the year. In furtherance t^
BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi. 283
this policy an additional disciplinary company was organized at the
Pacific Branch of the Disciplmary Barracks m January, 1916. Up
to the close of the fiscal year 8 disciplinary companies and 2 dis-
ciplinary bands had been organized; 4 companies (formed into a
battaUon) and 1 band at the United^States Disciplinary Barracks, 3
companies and 1 band at the Pacific Branch, ana 1 company at the
Atlantic Branch. Since the close of the fiscal year a fourth company
has been organized at the Pacific Branch and tne 4 companies at that
branch have been formed into a battalion. The organization of a
disciplinary band at the Atlantic Branch also was authorized in
General Order No. 29, War Department, dated July 21, 1916. Men
whose conduct is such as to entitle them to ths privilege are assi^ed
to these companies, in which they receive a special course in mihtary
training and instruction during one-half of each working day. The
time thus devoted to mihtary training would other^'ise be expended
by these men at hard labor. After he has been deemed to have made
sufficient progress in his duties as a member of the disciplinary
oi^anization the prisoner is permitted to file his apphcation for
honorable restoration to duty. A recommendation is finally made
to the Secretary of War in these cases only after information has been
obtained by the commandant from all available sources relative to the
character and habits of the prisoner before his enhstment, during his
enlistment, and while in confinement. If the prisoner's conduct and
habits seem to have been such as to warrant favorable action, his
honorable restoration to duty is recommended. As stated in a
subsequent paragraph, 193 of the members of these disciplinary
organizations were honorably restored to duty in the Army dunng the
fiscal year. After having been restored to duty the soldier is detailed
for duty at the barracks tor at least three months, upon the completion
of which period of duty he is regularly assigned to an organization.
The Army appropriation act approved March 4, 1915, authorized
the Secretary oi vVar to establish a system of parole for prisoners con-
fined in the United States Disciplinary Barracks and its branches,
the terms and conditions of parole to be such as the Secretary of War
might prescribe. As stated in the last annual report, parole regula-
tions were approved by the Secretary of War and put into effect May
18, 1915. and one prisoner was released on parole prior to the close of
the fiscal year 1915. This man was discharged from custody during
the fiscal year 1916, while still on parole.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, 228 applications for
release on parole were received in this office. Of these, 159 were ap-
proved. 57 were disapproved, 1 was not acted upon owing to the fact
that a recommendation that the unexecuted portion of the appli-
cant's sentence of confinement be remitted had been approved prior
to the receipt of his application for release on parole, ana 1 1 haa not
received final consideration at the close of the fiscal year.
During the year 156 general prisoners were actu all v released on
Earole from the United States Disciphnary Barracks and its branches,
tf these, 2 violated the terms of their parole and were returned to the
barracks to serve out the balance of tneir sentence in confinement, 7
others who likewise violated the terms of their parole were in escape
at the close of the year, 81 were discharged from custody while on
parole on account of their terms of confinement having expired, and
66 were still on parole on Jime 30, 1916.
284 REPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
GENERAL PRISONERS.
At the beginning of the fiscal year 1916 there were 2,459 general
prisoners in custody. Of this number, 546 were m confinement at
military posts; 155 at the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth,
Kans. ; 982 at the United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leaven-
worth, Eans.; 432 at the Pacific Branch, United States DiscipUnary
Barracks, Alcatraz, Cal.; 257 at the Atlantic Branch, United States
Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Jay, N. Y. ; 34 at the Government Hos-
Jital for the Insane (now St. Elizabeths Hospital), Washington,
K C. ; and 53 were in transit from one place of confinement to another.
During the fiscal year 3,011 were committed to confuaement; 34
escaped prisoners were recaptured; 2,669 were released at expiration
of sentence; 58 escaped; 7 died; 213 were honorably restored to duty;
and the unexecuted part of sentence was remitted in 262 cases; leaving
2,295 general prisoners in custody at the close of the year. Of this
number, 205 were at military posts; 225 at the United States Peni-
tentiary, Leavenworth, Kans.; 1,083 at the United States Disciplinary
Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.; 430 at the Pacific Branch,
United States Disciplinary Barracks, Alcatraz, Cal.; 311 at the
Atlantic Branch, United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Jay,
N. Y.; 33 at the Government Hospital for the Insane (now St. Eliza-
beths Hospital) , Washington, D. C. ; and 8 were in transit from one
place of confinement to another. Of the 2,295 general prisoners
reported above as in confinement at the close of the fiscal year, 21
were on parole from the United States Penitentiarv, and 26 from the
United States Disciplinary Barracks and its branc&es.
As in previous years, applications for clemency in the case of pris-
oners undei^going confinement in execution of sentences of general
courts-martial added materially to the correspondence of the office.
At the beginning of the fiscal vear 87 applications for clemency pre-
viously made had not received final consideration, they having been
referred to the commanding generals of military departments or else-
where in the course of investigation as to the merits of the cases.
During the year 2,263 applications for clemency were received, but
173 of these were cases in which other applications were pending at
the date of their receipt. Clemency was denied in 1,515 cases, the
unexecuted parts of sentences were wholly remitted in 201 cases,
parts of the imexecuted sentences were remitted in 242 cases, and in
108 cases reports were made to the Department of Justice for con-
sideration in connection with applications for parole under the act
of Congress approved June 25, 1910 (36 Stat. L., 819>. One prisoner
was released prior to action on the application for clemency in his
case. At the close of the fiscal year 110 cases had not received final
consideration, having been referred to the commanding generals or
others, in the course of investigation as to the merits of tne case-, and
not having been returned to uiis office before the close of the year.
The number of cases received does not represent the number of
individual prisoners by whom, or in whose behalf, applications for
clemency were made. In many cases as soon as one application is
denied another is presented, as many as five consecutive applicationa
having been received during the year in the case of one general prid-
2t066 cases act^ u]>on during the year were applications
' of 1,836 general prisoners, as against 1,928 appUcatioos
i
KEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 285
in the cases of 1,754 general prisoners acted upon during the pre-
ceding year.
It has been the poHcy to give special recognition on the Fourth of
Julv and Thanksgiving Day of each year to a limited number of gen-
oral prisoners confined at the United States Disciplinary Barriicks
and its branches who have served not less than 18 montns of their
terms of confinement and who have the best records of conduct, and
in accordance with that policy the unexecuted portions of the con-
finement of 8 general prisoners were remitted during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1916.
The commandant of each of the barracks was authorized in De-
cember, 1915, to submit each year recommendations for the pardon
at Christmas time of not more than 3 general prisoners, without
regard to the restrictions as to length of sentences imposed by the
regulations with respect to the pardons authorized for July 4 and
Thanksgiving Day. Accordingly, the sentences of 6 general pris-
oners were remitted for Christmas, 1915.
In addition to the cases considered upon applications, the unex-
ecuted parts of sentences were remitted oy the War Department for
administrative reasons in the cases of 8 general prisoners without
applications for clemency having been made in their behalf.
Under the authority conferred upon the Secretary of War by sec-
tion 1352 of the Revised Statutes or the United States, which author-
ity was reaflSrmed in the act of March 4, 1915 (38 Stat. L., 1074).
honorably to restore to duty general prisoners confined at the United
States Disciplinary Barraclcs and its oranches, 193 general prisoners
(143 of them former deserters) were honorably restored to duty, and
under the authoritv contained in the act of Xfarch 4, 1915 (38 Stat.
L., 1074). honorably to restore to duty general prisoners confined at
places other than the DiscipUnary Barracks and its branchas, 20
general prisoners (12 of them former deserters) were honorably
restored to duty from confinement at military posts, a total of 213
general prisoners (155 of them former deserters) honorably restored
to duty during the fiscal year 1916. Of this total, 126 were restored
after sentence of dishonorable discharge had been executed, and 87
were restored without having been dishonorably discharged, the
execution of the sentence of dishonorable discharge in their cases
having been suspended.
Of the 193 general prisoners restored after confinement at the
Disciplinary Barracks or its branches, 2 (both former deserters)
have been dishonorably discharged, 2 (1 of them a former deserter)
have been dischaiwd under paraeraph 148^, Army Regulations, 7
(6 of them former deserters) have been honorably discharged, 15 (13
of them former deserters) were absent in desertion at the close of
the fiscal year 1916, 1 was present awaiting trial for desertion, and
166 (121 of them former deserters) were serving with their organi-
zations at that time — 5 with the rank of sergeant.
Of the 20 general prisoners restored to duty after confinement at
a military post other than the Disciplinary Barracks or its branches,
1 has been dishonorably discharged, 1 has been discharged under
paragraph 148^, Army Kegulations, 2 (both former deserters) have
oeen honorably discharged, and 16 (10 of them former deserters)
were serving with their organizations at the close of the fiscal year —
1 with the rank of corpord.
286
KEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
Of the 194 general prisoners (171 of them former deserters), re-
ferred to in the last annual report as having been restored to duty
during the fiscal years 1914 and 1915, 19 (17 of them former deser-
ters) nave been dishonorably discharged, 8 (7 of them former de-
serters) have been discharged without lionor, 6 (all former deserters)
have been discharged under paragraph 148^^, Army Regulations; 1
(a former deserter) has been aischarged under paragraph 126, Army
Regulations, as amended; 1 (a former deserter) has died, 60 (54 of
them former deserters) have been honorably discharged — 9 with
rank of corporal and 5 with the rank of sergeant, 29 (28 of them
former deserters) were absent in desertion at the close of the fiscal
year 1916, 2 (both former deserters) were present awaiting trial
for desertion, and 68 (55 of them former deserters) were on duty
with their organizations at that time — 7 with the rank of corporal, 2
with the rank of sergeant, and 1 with the rank of battalion sergeant
major.
The total number of restorations to duty prior to the close of the
fiscal year 1916 is 407.
In tabulated form the results appear as follows:
Restored to duty.
Honorably discharged.
Died
Dishonorably discharged
Discharged wlthotit honor
Discharged under par. 148i, Army Repilarioas
Dischareed under par. 126, Army Regtilatlons,
amended.
Absent in desertion, June 30, 1916
Present, awaiting trial for dosertion, June 30, 1916. .
Present for duty, June 30, 1916
as
Totals.
1914
(38) 39
(21) 22
(5
(3)
(2)
5
3
2
(4)
(3)'
4
'3
(38) 39
ms
(133) 155
(33) 38
(I) 1
(12) 14
(4) 5
(4) 4
(133) 155
1916
(155) 213
(8) 9
(2) 3
(i)***3
(13) 15
1
(131) 182
(155) 213
Totali.
(32ft) 4<r7
(62) 69
(I) 1
(19) 22
8
9
(7)
(7)
(1) 1
(41) 44
(2) 3
(186) 250
(326) 407
Note.— Figures in parentheses indicate number of men who were convicted of desertion prfor to nsio-
ration to duty.
CURRENT WORK OP THE ADJUTANT GENERAL's OFFICE.
There was an increase in the volume of current work of the office
during the latter part of the fiscal year, as compared with the prior
year. This increase was caused by the increase of the Army under
the provisions of the act of Congress approved June 3, 1916, by the
offers of service and the correspondence in connection with the
troubles on the Mexican border, and by the calling of the National
Guard into the service of the United States because of those troubles.
Notwithstanding the vigorous efforts of the officers and clerks, their
unceasing interest in the work, and an extension by the Secretary
of War oi the office hours in divisions in which the work was falling
in arrears, it was found to be impossible to dispose of all cases re-
ceived during the year and, at the close of office on June 30, 1916,
there remained 2,775 ca?(*s undisposed of. During the fiscal vcar
471,655 cases were disposed of — an average of 1,546 for each working
day of the vear. During the preceding fiscal year this average was
1,100, and Suring the fiscal year 1914 it was 971 cases.
The table following shows either the source of receipt or the char-
•w^ter of the cases received in The Adjutant General's Office during
^ fiscal year ended June 30, 1916.
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 287
From the Anny at large 108, 038
From the General Staff and chiefs of bureaus in the War Department 15, 433
Recruiting for the Army 10, 389
Whereabouts of individual officers or enlisted men or organizations of the
Army 13,883
Appointments in the Army or as cadets at the Military Academy 6, 457
Requests for blank applications or other forms or for printed orders 13, 811
Clemency for general prisoners 5, 556
Applications for certificates in lieu of lost discharges 4, 569
Applications for removal of charges of desertion (art of Mar. 2, 1.SR9) 494
Applications for certificates for purchase of campaign and certifi( ate of merit
badges /. 3, 520
From the Commisrioner of Pensions 36, 647
From the Auditor for the War Department 13, 663
From the Commissioner of the General I.<and Office 801
From Union associations and volunteer soldiers' homen 2, 024
From Confederate associations and homes and State pension oHlr ial.^ 24, 252
Notifications to the Auditor for the War Department of desertions and dis-
honorable discharge* from the Army 3, 700
All other cases, miscellaneous 211, 193
Total 474,430
Total number of cases disposed of during tLe year 471, 655
On hand June 30. 1916 2,776
The foregoing table does not include approximately 384,000 re-
ttims, muster rolls, enlistment papers, identification records, periodical
reports, and other similar records and reports received and med in the
omce during the year, nor does it include approximately 67,500 copies
of department and other general, special, and general courts-martial
orders also received in the office during the year. This represents a
total for the fiscal jear of 451,500 of these papers — an average of
1,480 for each workmg day in the year.
Mention was made m the precedmg annual report of The Adjutant
General with regard to the very largo number of requests that are
made in person or by telephone for information from the records and
which are answered orally without any record being made either of
the request or of the answer. The number of such personal and tele-
phone calls increased so much during the latter part of the last fiscal
year, principally in connection with inquiries as to the whereabouts
or status of officers and enlisted men of the National Guard called
into the service of the United States, that it became necessary to
install an additional telephone in the office of the chief clerk for the
EurpHOse of handling them. No count of such requests has been kept
ut it is certain that they amounted to thousands in the course of
the fiscal year covered by this report.
Extra efforts were made to keep the current work of the office as
nearly up to dat^ as possible, but, notwithstanding those efforts, only
85.4 per cent of all cases received were disposed of within 24 hours
from the time they reached the office. However, the cases that re-
quired more than 24 hours for investigation and adjudication or for
answer were either routine matters of little urgency or complicated
cases or those which required the compilation of extended lists or
lenethy answers to dispose of them.
it is proper to remark, in connection with this part of the report,
that much that can not be shown in any statement of the nimibcr of
cases received and disposed of has been added to the work of tho
office. This added work consists of the keeping of rosters and ret-
288 . REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAIi.
erence lists in order to meet legislative requirements concerning the
detached service of commissioned officers and the duration of foreign
service of both officers and enlisted men; the keeping of records of
enlisted men while on furlough in the Army Reserve; tne printing and
distribution of all publications issued by the War Department o^ork
that heretofore has been done by the War College Division) ; keeping
the records of the Officers' Reserve Corps; the obtaining, compiling,
and keeping continually up to date all obtainable information as to
the names, ages, addresses, occupations, and qualifications for ap-
pointment as commissioned officers of the Army, in time of war or
other emergency, of men of suitable ages who. by reason of having
received military training in civil educational institutions or else-
where, may be regarded as qualified and available for appointment
as such commissioned officers; and the making of other rosters and
lists in order to comply with all of the requirements of the so-called
'^national defense act, approved June 3, 1916.
The distribution to the Army, as prescribed in paragraph 803,
Army Regulations, of general and special orders, bulletins, and
changes was continued tliroughout the year. The following table
shows the number of copies of orders, bulletins, and changes dis-
tributed d\u*ing the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916:
General orders 714, 360
Bulletins 462.500
Special orders, full copies 95, 000
Spe<*ial orders, extraits 91. 200
Special orders, bulletined 85, 120
Recruiting, enlistment, and m«3t ellaneoiis circulars 61. 120
Changes, Army Regulations, manuals, et^- 661, 650
During the fiscal year 7,526,662 blank forms and 206,592 books,
manuals, etc., were distributed to the Army by this office, either
directly or to the proper officei's of the military aivision and depart-
ments for distribution by them, or were sold to the Organized Militia
of the several States and the District of Columbia.
The distribution of War Department public documents was trans-
ferred from the War College Division, General Staff, to this office
under the provisions of Paragraph I, General Orders, No. 21, War
Department, June 16, 1916.
In addition to the foregoing, approximately 9,765,000 circulars,
containing descriptions of deserters irom the Army, were distributed
during the year. Tlie data for those circulars were prepared in this
office and the circulars were distributed to police officials, United
States marshals and their deputies, comity officers, established detec-
tive agencies, and others, in connection with the descriptive cir-
culars, approximately 46,000 lists containing the names of deserters,
with circiuar numbers, who had been returned to military control,
were mailed to the recipients of the circulars.
IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM.
The use of finger prints, photographs, and personal descriptions as
a means of personal identification of enlisted men of the Regular
Array was continued throughout the year. At the close of the year
354,296 finger-print records had been received in this office, 107,931
of those records having been made in cases of reenlistment, in which
records made during the previous service of soldiers were on file.
REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL. 289
As has been indicated in previous annual reports of this office, it b
desirable to obtain finger-print records of men claiming prior service,
unless it is known positively at the post at which tne man seeks
recnlistment that he is the former soldier. This is necessary in detect-
ing cases, several of which have been discovered, in which a man with
a discharge certificate in his possession claimed the service represented
by and enlisted under the name appearing in that certificate, although
wnen his finger-print record was receiv^ in this office it was estab-
lished beyond doubt that he was not the man he claimed to be, but
was an impostor. On June 30, 1915, this office had on file the finger-
print records of 246,365 individuals who were then or had been
previously enlisted in the Regular Army.
Dming the fiscal year 414 cases of fraudulent enlistments of former
deserters^ general prisoners, and others were discovered through the
finger-pnnt system. Of these 414 cases, 17 had withdrawn from miU-
tary control when the identity was established. Of the remaining
397 cases, 58 were held in service, 229 were dishonorably discharged
and confined for various periods by sentences of courts-martial, 67
were discharged under paragraph 148^, Army Regulations, 5 were
dropped from the rolls of the Army and delivered to the naval
autnorities, either as deserters from the Navy or Marine Corps, and in
38 cases no report of final disposition has been received.
By means oi this system this office has identified also dead men who
were former soldiers and whose identity could not be satisfactorily
established in any other way, as well as civil offenders who sought to
evade arrest for their crimes by enlisting in the Army under assumed
names, and soldiers who left impressions of their fingers while in the
act of conmiitting some serious offense. As stated in previous reports
the use of finger-print records undoubtedly has deterred many
criminals from enlisting in the Army for the purpose of escaping
detection and arrest, fi the civil authorities have reason to suspect
that an offender wanted by them has enlisted in the Army and will
send his finger prints to this office, it can be determined promptly
Avhether or not such pereon has enlisted, thereby enabling the civil
authorities to apprehend persons wanted by them and materially
aiding the War Department in carrying out its poUcy of preventing
imdesirable pei^ons from serving in the Army.
The following cases are cited as examples of the utihty of the
finger prints in identifying dead men or malefactors whose identity
could not be established otherwise:
A man was killed by a train in Iowa; his finger prints were taken
and they finally reacned this office. The man was found to be a
former soldier. A somewhat similar case was that of a man killed
by an elevated train in New York City. His features were so muti-
lated that they were beyond recogmtion. His finger prints were
taken, and after they reached this office it was discovered that hb
was a former soldier. The body of a man killed during the storm at
Galveston was supposed to be that of a soldier. The remains were
so badly mutilated, however, that recognition was impossible, but
after his finger prints were taken and forwarded to tnis office his
identity was established beyond all doubt.
A soldier who broke into and robbed a tailor shop left finger prints
on a pane of glass he broke. The glass was sent to this office, and
69176'— WAB 1916— VOL 1 19
290 KEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL,
by comparing the impression on the glass with records in this office
his identity was established.
In addition to the finger-print records of the enlisted men of the
Regular Army received during the year, finger-print records of mem-
bers of the National Guard oi^anizations have been received and filed
in The Adjutant General's (Sfice. Records from but few of those
organizations had been received before the close of the fiscal year,
but it is expected that complete data on this subject can be fumishea
in the next annual report.
INDEX-BECOKD OARD WOKK.
The index-record card work performed during the fiscal year con-
sisted in the reproduction of 511,807 Confederate individual-service
record cards of the Civil War. This work is being- prosecuted as
rapidly as the current work of the office will permit.
The whole number of index-record cards prepared up to and in-
cluding June 30, 1916, comprised 51,721,759 mihtary cards and
8,655,868 medical cards, a total of 60,377,627 cards. The foregoing
figures do not include the medical cards (approximately 2,312,00^
pertaining to the Regular Anny. These cards are not made in this
office, but are received in the Surgeon General's office from the field
and transmitted to this office after they become noncurrent.
The total number of index-record cards prepared up to Jime 30,
1916, includes 8,204,360 Confederate mihtary cards and^ 740,781 Con-
federate medical cards. These cards were prepared in the process
of compilation, pursuant to law, of the roster oi officers and enhsted
men of the Union and Confederate Armies, and represent entries on
the records and not the number of diflferent individuals.
OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES.
Eight sets of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate
Armies, consisting of 1,024 books and 1,424 atlas plates, were dis-
tributed during the fiscal year to Senators, Representatives, and Dele-
gates of the Fifty-seventh Congress, and to permanent libraries and
educational institutions designated by those Senators, Representa-
tives, and Delegates under the provisions of the act of Congress
approved March 3, 1903. (32 Stat. L., 1145.)
Thirty-nine volumes of that publication were sold by The Adjutant
General s Office during the fiscal year, the prices of the volumes
aggregating $27.10.
ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN OF THE UNION AND CON-
FEDERATE ARMIES.
The compilation of the Confederate part of the '* Complete Roster
of Officers and Enhsted Men of the Union and Confederate Armies^**
authorized and required t^ be compiled by a provision contained m
the act of ConOTess approved February 25, 1903 (32 Stat. L., 884),
was continued auring tne year as rapidly as the condition of the cur-
rent business would permit. The le^slation under which the com-
pilation is being made does not require or authorize the pubUcatioQ
of the proposed roster, but Congress no doubt intended that the
BEPOBT OF THE ADJUTANT GENEKAL. 291
authority for its publication should be given when the work of com-
pilation shall have been completed or shall have been sufficiently
advanced to justify the beginning of the pubhcation.
The compilation of the Union part of the roster is comparatively
complete, and, as stated in previous annual reports, if the publication
is authorized by (Congress, the preparation oi printer's copy for the
part relating to Union volunteer troops can be begun.
The compilation of the (Confederate part will not be completed for
any one State until the carding of all the Confederate hospital records
shall have been completed.
COLLECTION OF BEVOLUTIONARr WAR RECORDS.
The provision of the act of Congress approved March 2, 1913 (37
Stat. L., 723), which authorized and directed the Secretary of War
to collect or copy and classify, with a view to publication, the scat-
tered military records of the Revolutionary War, has been complied
with as far as practicable with the money appropriated for that pur-
{)ose. The entire smn of $25,000 appropriated by that act for col-
ecting or copying the records has been expended and that part of
the work was completely suspended early in June, 1915.
The total niunber of records copied is 30,522, of which 19,796 are
from Massachusetts, 6,122 from Virginia, 4,073 from North Carolina,
527 from Connecticut, 2 from Kentucky, and 2 from the District of
Columbia.
The collection of Revolutionary War military records in the pos-
session of the War Department, including the records copied as indi-
cated above, is so far from complete that it is now impracticable to
arrange them for pubhcation.
MEDALS OF HONOR.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, there were 9 medals
of honor issued by the War Department. All of them were issued
to replace medals of the old design. The whole number of awards of
the congressional medal of honor up to and including June 30, 1916,
was 2,622, the same number as shown in the last report. Medals
of honor are issued by the War Department imder the provision of
the act of Congress approved April 23, 1904 (33 Stat. L., 274).
The act of June 3, 1916, provided for the appointment of a board
of five general officers on the retired list of the Army for the purpose
of investigating and reporting upon past awards of the so-called con-
gressionalmedal of honor by or through the War Department, with
a view to ascertain what, if any, medals of honor have been awarded
or issued for any cause other than distinguished conduct by an officer
or enlisted man in action involving actual conffict with the enemy.
The act provides further that in any case in which the board shall
find and report that said medal was issued for any cause other than
distinguished conduct by an officer or enlisted man involvinjj actual
conffict with the enemy, the name of the recipient of said medal shall
be stricken permanently from the official medal of honor Ust, and it
shall be a misdemeanor for any person whose name has been stricken
from said Ust to wear or pul)licly display said medal, and if such per-
292 BEPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
son is in the Armv, he shall be required to return the medal to the
War Department for cancellation. Pursuant to the provisions of the
act cited Special Orders, No. 136, War Department, June 10, 1916,
was issued convening a board of officers composed of Lieut. Gen.
Nelson A. Miles. Lieut. Gen. Samuel B. M. Young, Maj. Gen. Joseph
P. Sanger, Brig. Gen. Butler D. Price, and Brig. Gren. James N.
AUison.
MEDAL OF HONOR ROLL.
The act of Congress approved April 27, 1916, established the "Army
and Navy medal of honor roll," and provides for the issue of suitabfe
certificates to persons who have received the medal for distinguished
and hazardous deeds beyond the call of duty, performed in action,
and grants a special pension of $10 a month for life to all such nersons.
Between the date of the passage of the act and the dose of^the fis-
cal year certificates had been issued by the War Department to 121
former officers .ind enlisted men of the Army.
CAMPAIGN, CERTIFICATE OF MERFf, AND SERVICE BADGES.
A simimary of the campaigns for which the issue of campaign
badges has been authorized is published in General Orders, No. 129,
War Department, August 13, 1908. The issue of those badges, which
are intended *Ho commemorate services which have been or shall
hereafter be rendered in campaign," was authorized by Genernl Or-
ders, No. 4, War Department, January 11, 1905.
During the past fiscal year 181 names were added to the lists of
officers and enlisted men who were found to be entitled to campaign
badges, making a total of 42,881 badges issued to officers and enlisted
men found to be entitled to those badges. Of these 31,685 were
Philippine campaign badges, 7^259 Spanish campaign badges, 1,629
China campaign badges, 1,859 Indian campaign badges, ancr449 CivU
War campaign badges.
Campaign badges are a part of the uniform ; they are sold to officers
and issued to enlisted men in service by the Quartermaster Corps, on
data furnished by Tlie Adjutant General's Office.
It was decided by the Secretary of War in 1908 that campaign
badges may be issued to members of the Organized Militia who are
entitled to wrnr the uniform of the Army and whose service conforms
to the requirements of General Orders, No. 129, before cited. Since
the date of that decision. May 26, 1908, data have been furnished to
the Quartermaster General of the Army in the cases of approximately
2,015 members of the Organized Militia who made applications for
campaiojn badges.
In addition to the campai^i badges before referred to, the issue of
a service badge was autlionzed for service in the Army of Cuban
Pacification by General Orders, No. 96, War Department, May 11,
1909. Data fiavc been furnished to the Quartermaster General of
the Army- in the cases of 6,248 applications for those badges since
tlie date of the order authorizing their issue.
By authority of the President, the issue of an "Armv of Cuban
Occupation Badge '^ was provided for in General Orders, No. 40, War
Department, June 28, 1915. The badge is for issue to officers and
REPOBT OF THE ADJITTAKT GKiiKRAU 29JI
enlisted men who rendered service with the Annv of Cuban OiTupatiuu
between July 18, 1898, and May 20, 1902. Yhe onler CiiuetNrning
these badges was not distributea generally until July, 1915, Patik
have been furnished to the Quartermaster General m the oast^ of
3,134 appUcations for these badges during this fiscal year.
The issue of a certificate of merit badge and ribbon an a part of
the imiform to each oflScer and enhstod man in the service having a
certificate of merit was authorized in General Orders, No. 4, War
Department, January 11, 1915, as amended in Genertu Ordow, No.
129, War Department, August 13, 1908. At the close of this iiuoal
year 237 certificates of merit badges had been issued.
In order that former officers and soldiers now in civil life might be
able to obtain the campaign badges and certificate of merit badges to
which they would have been entitled if they were still in service, an
arrangement was made with the United States Mint at Phila(le)|)hiA
by wmch these badges would be furnished by the mint at a nominal
cost, covering expense of manufacture, upon receipt of certilicate*
from The Adjutant General of the Army in verification of the < lainw.
This arrangement was completed in December, 1913. and since
that date 19,417 appUcations for campaign bailges ana the Army
of Cuban Pacification badge have been receiveu in tliis oflico. In
16,551 of these cases the service was verified and certificaten were
issued accordingly, and in 2,866 cases the appli<tatiorm were denied.
The campaigns and service for which the«e certificat/i« W(*rft issued
are as follows: Civil War, 5,498; Spanisli War, 4,056; i'hiUppine
insurrection, 4,838; Indian wars, 778; diina cmnpuign, 321; Army
of Cuban Pacification, 190; Army of Cuban Occupation, 870, la
addition to these, ccrtificaU-s for purcha-^e of r:«rtificate of i/*mt
badges were issued in 17 cahCM.
The "Philippine hfrvw^. medsd/* authorizifd by tJie a/^:t of (U/fi'/f^^tm
approved June 2^i, U/f, ^Zi Sut, L,, 62Jy, ii» h»ju4 "U; ea/h of Uuj
sev^al officerb niid *ft '*i-*j4 u *^u ntA itL".A\\t-^. of Mi' }j «ui /.;ay f^ d-aid^
who, having roJ'ir.*.*-*f< 'i st' '\ *"., 't'\ •.( d*'r *h*' * >-:i^. of t/i<; iV-^.^i'-ut
for the War w>h ^.'^t^u, >■> ? - ', -r' y,u'l »;.*; U^rtt « of v.,*'.s *-?.;--! • ^nt
to help to fcUf^rr*-!?* \uK V '>\. '>: \ur. '*rt^AU*>U. %aA Vv;iO 1s^'/u<J^
?uently rec<:>v*:'; a.'- w^'.^a^'/^, '..a^ , iac/*: fro;', um hruri *A tii«
'nited Stat**, ^n v .o ', • -, •/r,'^/ V/ ^ ^' u ', v ;.*/;",
nisbed by T:*e - ^.\k.*.* ^>*''>-f.-
Up to aiid ii*''i -' *'Y '" *■'•> ^ ' - '^ ^ • ' ^ ' *"' *' ''' ^ *>^ * ''-*'* '-^'f or i>X
service Up'ilj ir5:**'i ,,,*- <;'>:**» .-- r*- v-,..//, irw .' ^' ' «kc V/ ^ ^A**/!"
iz^ the istfu^ of v;.«s* u> -^ . «.', •/« <-• i .- */ . V •> A '.^ , • !",♦ 0*f' *<-f J •
Office ifj 7,47^ 'a««« Jy.* - y '-. ** vw?- '.>/ .,, ^ < *f ».- .jcj e*fc*>-f'j*-"t#
were madi^ ii. Vi *<--»:> ^^ '// «. >/ >- '^ t,%$i «,/ r.* x.-.,^,'** f*/r
PhilippijJ^ b*^ i'> , >',' 1 '♦/« ■' <:! '*'< * *- A*' • ^r*.' *A '** i^-^-^iri*^
tion uefo« ^jU,^. ii t ,/^*- / .' > ' ^^^^ .* ,> * ».'* r *-■ *ov' ', v^ *^
IBSUe of tij<; l«».^
294 REPORT OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.
CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE.
The number of employees authorized by law for The Adjutant
General's OflBce during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, was the
same as the number authorized during the preceding year, although
after the close of the last fiscal year Congress provided for an increase
in the force proportionate to the increase in the Regular Arraj
for the fiscal year 1917, authorized bv the act of June 3, 1916. This
addition to the force is required to handle the large amount of ad-
ditional work that will fall upon this office as the result of the re-
organization and increase of the permanent military establishment
provided by the act of June 3, 1916, and the new duties devolving
upon the office as the result of certain provisions of that act, and was
not required to meet the temporary increase in the work caused by
the conditions along the Mexican border and the induction of the
Organized Militia into the service of the United States. The officers
of Tlie Adjutant General's Department on duty in the War De-
partment and the civilian employees of the office would have been
able to handle this last-mentioned additional work through an ex-
tension of office hours, but they could not be expected to handle the
enoraious increase in the amount of work occasioned by the increase
in the Regular Army and the conditions along the Mexican border.
Since last March part of the force has been working beyond the
regular office hours— often far into the night — to the limit of their
endurance. It mattered not whether the hours had been long and
the work exacting, the^^ all — officers, clerks, and messengers — re-
sponded promptly and without complaint when called upon to work
longer hours in order to handle the current work. I fully appreciate
the fact that it was their unselfish loj^alty and devotion to duty
that prevented the work of the office from falUng hopelessly in
arrears, and I desire to take tliis opportunity to extend my thanks
to each officer, clerk, and subclerical employee for the assistance each
has rendered.
Not including 1 clerk who entered the miUtary service of the
United States as a captain of a National Guard organization, and 5
clerks of short service who were transferred to other branches of the
Government service, 32 vacancies occiu*red in the clerical force of tliis
office during the fiscal year covered by this report, 20 by resignation
and 12 by oeath. The average age of those who died was a Utue over
70 and the average length of their service was over 34 yedrs. The
average length of service of those who resigned was a Uttle more than
8 years. Classified, by salaries, those vacancies were as follows: 1 at
$2,000, 1 at $1,800, 2 at $1,600, 2 at $1,400, 14 at $1,200, and 12 at
$1,000 — an annual average salary of $1,206.
H. P. McCain,
Tlie Adjutant General.
The Secbetaey of War.
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
295
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
War Department,
Office of the Inspector General,
Washington^ September 0^, 1916.
Sir: The following is a report relative to the work of the In-
spector General's Department during the fiscal year ended June 30»
1916.
personnel of the department.
The oflScers of the permanent corps remain as stated in my last
annual report, namely, one brigadier general and one colonel. Three
colonels, four lieutenant colonels, and nine majors served as in-
sp)ectors general during the fiscal year under the act of February 2,
1901; and four acting inspectors general, consisting of one colonel,
one lieutenant colonel, and two majors were doing duty in the de-
partment under the act of June 23, 1874.
Without exception, these officers performed their varied and
numerous duties in an intelligent, fearless, and zealous manner.
Under the national defense act, approved June 3, 1916, the In-
spector General's Department is to consist of 1 Inspector General
with the rank of brigadier general, 4 inspectors general with the
rank of colonel, 8 inspectors general with the rank of lieutenant
colonel, and 16 inspectors general with the rank of major — an in-
crease of 1 colonel, 4 lieutenant colonels, and 7 majors. Under the
same act this increase is to be made in five annual increments, and
the first increment, which has now become available, is to consist
of 1 lieutenant colonel and 1 major.
This increase, it is believed, will be sufficient for the additional
work of inspection resulting from the increase of the Regular Army.
Whether it will suffice for the inspection of the National Guard, im-
posed upon this department by the above act, can not at this time be
stated.
In this connection, I wish to point out the importance of placing
all the inspections of the Regular Army, other than those made by
commanding officers, including inspections of civil institutions of
learning, where officers of the Army are detailed as military instruc-
tors, under the control of the Inspector General's Department, and
providing a personnel sufficient in strength to perform these duties.
inspections.
During the past fiscal year the inspection of the Military Estab-
lishment, though not entirely completed, was approximately^ so. In
some of the geographical departments the remaining inspections had
297
298 EEPOET OF THE INSPECTOB GENERAL.
been arranged for and in some cases were under way when
emergency orders were received for the immediate inspection of the
mobilization camps of the National Guard, which had been callcNl
into the service of the United States. This was the latter part of
June, at the very close of the fiscal year.
The prescribed inspections embraced every phase of military affairs,
and included military posts, stations, and commands; camps of ma-
neuver and instruction; the staff offices at department headquarters;
the Military Academy and the service schools ; the armories, arsenals,
general hospitals, and the depots of the supply departments; the
recruit depots and main recruiting stations; the Disciplinary Bar-
racks and its branches; the numerous required inspections of Army
transports upon arrival at or departure from ports; the cable boats,
mine planters, and the harbor boats of the Quartermaster Corps;
and the biennial inspection of such national cemeteries and ungarri-
boned posts as became due during the year. Also included in the
work of the fiscal year were the inspections of the Soldiers' Home,
District of Columbia, and of the headquarters and 10 branches oi
the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers located in va-
rious parts of the country. The usual inspections of the money
accountability of all disbursing officers of the Army and the very
numerous inspections of unserviceable property presented for
condemnation, were also made during the year.
The irregularities and deficiencies noteci in these inspections were
reported in due and prescribed form, and the necessary steps were
promptly taken to secure proper and speedy remedial action.
In addition to the large number of regularly prescribed inspections
enumerated above, the officers of the Inspector General's Depart-
ment made during the year, under orders from the War Department
or of department commanders, many special investigations, involving
much time and labor, and they assisted in the annual tactical inspec-
tions of troops devolving upon department and brigade commanders
under paragraphs 193 and 194, Army Regulations.
NEW DUTIES ASSIGNED TO THE DEPARTMENT.
The national defense act, approved Jime 3, 1916, adds some new
duties to be performed by the Inspector General's Department, to
wit:
Sec. 67. • • • The governor of each State and Territory and the cora-
mnnding general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia, shall
appoint, designate, or detail, subject to the approval of the Secretary of War,
an officer of the National Guard of the State, Territory, or District of Colum-
bia who shall be regarded as property and disbursing officer for the United
States. • • • Provided further, That the Secretary of War shall cause aa
Insi)ectlon of the accounts and records of the property and disbursing officer
to l>e made by an Inspector general of the Army at least once each
year: • • •
Sec. 93. The Secretary of War shall cause an inspection to be made at least
once each year by inspectors general, and if necessary by other officers, of the
Regular Army, detailed by him for that purpose, to determine whether the
amount and condition of the property in the hands of the National Guard la
satisfactory; whether the National Guard is organized as hereinbefore pre-
scribed; whether the officers and enlisted men possess the physical and other
qualifications prescribed; whether the organization and the officers and en-
listed men thereof are sufficiently armed, uniformed, equipped, and being
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL. 299
trained and instructed for active duty in the field or coast defense, and whether
the records are being kept in accordance with the requirements of this act.
The r^;x>rts of such inspections shall serve as the basis for deciding as to the
issue to and retention by the National Guard of the military property provided
for by this act, and for determining what organizations and individuals shall
be considered as constituting parts of the National Guard within the meaning
of this act
The act says that these inspections of the National Guard shall be
made by inspectors general, and if necessary by other officers, of the
Kegular Army detailed for that purpose. The presumption is that
the detail of other officers will not be necessary except when an in-
spector general is not available to make the inspection.
When the National Guard was called into the service of the United
States on June 18, 1916, inspections were at once begun by officers of
the Inspector General's Department. These inspections had for their
objects the following: The determining of the suitability of the
camps, sanitary condition, care of sick, water supply, drainage, the
efficiency of service of supply; and also inspections were made of
the organizations of the National Guard on the following points,
to wit :
Law complied with as to organization.
Food and preparation of same.
c) Physical condition of men and officers.
d) Typhoid immunization and smallpox vaccination.
[e) Equipment: Organization, individual, and camp.
(/) Fitness and sufficiency of uniform.
;?!
[g) Clothinff (shoes, special).
h) Wheeled transportation, including ambulances.
i) Pack transportation.
(j) Officers' mounts.
1%
) Field return of command.
Some of these inspections were made in the last fiscal year, but
most of them were not made until after its close.
The considerable increase in the numerical strength of the Regular
Army provided for by the national defense act of June 3, 1916, does
not impose any new duties upon the Inspector General's Department,
but it does add very materially to the work it has to do. As shown
above, however, new duties, as well as much additional work, are
added in connection with the inspection of the National Guard and
of the accoimts, etc., of the National Guard property and disbursing
officers.
INSPECTOR general's OFFICERS' RESERVE CORPS.
The War Department has authorized the appointment of 16 majors
in the Inspector General's Reserve Corps, authorized by the act of
June 3, 1916. All applicants for examination for appointment to
these positions must have had at least one year's active service as an
officer with some branch of the Armv, the Volunteers, or the Na-
tional Guard in the service of the United States. Applicants must
be under 45 years of age, and must show themselves qualified for the
position. Complete details as to the examinations required are given
in General Orders, No. 32, War Department, 1916, which may 1^ ob-
tained from The Adjutant General of the Army.
300 REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
CLERKS FOR THE INSPFXTOR GENERAL's OFFICE.
In order to keep up with the current work the present force of
clerks in the Inspector General's Office has for some time past been
compelled to work overtime every day and is still doing so. A ^reat
amount of additional work will soon be imposed upon these clerks
by the new duties assi^ed to this department by the national defense
act of June t3, 1916; mdeed, the additional work has already begun
to come in, and it will continue to come in in increasing volume. An
estimate for the minimum number of clerks that will be required
to do the work has been submitted, and it is hoped that it will receive
favorable consideration.
DISCIPLINE.
Discipline, generally, throughout the Army, so far as reported,
has been good.
INSTRUCTION.
The troops appear to be generally well instructed. No serious
criticisms have been made.
It has been reported that the work of the mobile troops in field
training has been satisfactory; that the officers and men, generally,
in camps of instruction, were eager to learn.
In bayonet combat and fencing it was reported that the mobile
troops show marked improvement, notwithstanding the fact that
the fencing outfits are still criticized as unsatisfactory. It is stated
that many organizations have abandoned the outfits supplied them
and have improvised substitutes.
As a general thing, earnest effort has been made by troops to
acquire efficiency in signaling with the flag and general service code,
and to attain the standard prescribed by paragraph 1562, Army
Regulations, but it has been reported that the effort has not been
generally successfid. The success in mastering the semaphore, it is
stated, has been much more encouraging.
It appears that, as a rule, the work of garrison schools for officers
at the various posts has been satisfactorv, but in post schools for
enlisted men, in many instances, the results have not been satisfac-
tory.
In the Philippine Department the consensus of opinion among
Infantry officers is that the present allowance of ammunition is not
sufficient to permit the thorough training of companies in combat
practice. The opinion seems to be that an increase of about 100
rounds per man in the annual allowance would be of great benefit
in the more thorough training of organizations.
SERVICE SCHOOLS.
Since the Spanish- American War both the development and the
benefit to the Army of the service schools have been striking. These
schools could, however, be better coordinated, and it is believed in
such coordination is to be found a great possibility for the further
increase of their usefulness.
BEPOBT OF THE INSPECTOB GENERAL. 299
trained and instructed for active duty in ttie field or coast defense, and whether
the records are being kept in accordance with the requirements of this act.
The reports of such inspections shall serve as the basis for deciding as to the
issue to and retention by the National Guard of the military property provided
for by this act, and for determining what organizations and individuals shall
be considered as constituting parts of the National Guard within the meaning
of this act
The act says that these inspections of the National Guard shall be
made by inspectors general, and if necessary by other officers, of the
Regular Army detailed for that purpose. The presumption is that
the detail of other officers will not be necessary except when an in-
spector general is not available to make the inspection.
When the National Guard was called into the service of the United
States on June 18, 1916, inspections were at once begun by officers of
the Inspector General's Department. These inspections had for their
objects the following: The determining of the suitability of the
camps, sanitary condition, care of sick, water supply, drainage, the
efficiency of service of supply; and also inspections were made of
the organizations of the National Guard on the following points,
to wit :
a) Law complied with as to organization.
b) Food and preparation of same.
c) Physical condition of men and officers.
d) Typhoid immunization and smallpox vaccination.
^e) Equipment: Organization, individual, and camp.
7) Fitness and sufficiency of uniform.
[g) Clothing (shoes, special).
(A) Wheeled transportation, including ambulances.
(i) Pack transportation.
l) Officers' mounts.
) Field return of command.
iome of these inspections were made in the last fiscal year, but
most of them were not made until after its close.
The considerable increase in the numerical strength of the Regular
Army provided for by the national defense act of June 3, 1916, does
not impose any new duties upon the Inspector General's Department,
but it does add very materially to the work it has to do. As shown
above, however, neV duties, as well as much additional work, are
added m connection with the inspection of the National Guard and
of the accounts, etc., of the National Guard property and disbursing
officers.
iNSPEcrroR general's officers' reserve corps.
The War Department has authorized the appointment of 16 majors
in the Inspector General's Reserve Corps, authorized by the net of
June 3, 1916. All applicants for examination for appointment to
these positions must have had at least one year's active service as an
officer with some branch of the Army, the Volunteers, or the Na-
tional Guard in the service of the United States. Applicants must
be under 45 years of age, and must show themselves qualified for the
position. Complete details as to the examinations required are given
m General Orders, No. 32. War Department, 1916, which may be ob-
tained from The Adjutant General of the Army.
302 BEPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
COOPERATION OF ARMS OF THE SERVICE.
The war abroad has accentuated the importance of close coopera-
tion between the different arms, especially between Infantry and
Field Artillery. Although the necessity of officers familiarizing
themselves with the duties of arms other than their own has been
realized in our service, it is believed that the steps thus far taken
have been along theoretical rather than practical lines.
It is believed that at stations in which organizations of two or
more arms are serving officers should be required to familiarize them-
selves with the powers and limitations of arms other than their own
through actually accompanying units of such arms during small
maneuvers, target practice, etc. Selected officers of Cavalry and In-
fantry should also be detailed for a period of a month or six weeks
at the School of Fire for Field Artillery.
COLONIAL REGIMENTS.
The department inspector of the Philippine Department reports
that the officers of that department are about unanimous in the
belief that the system of colonial regiments now in vo^e is not
desirable, the general opinion among them being that it is very
injurious to the discipline, the training, and the general efficiency
of organizations on foreign service. It is said that this system of
a constantly changing personnel compels a feeling of uncertainty
and lack of settled policy that is very narmful and is destructive of
organization esprit.
RECRUITS.
No complaint has been received of the quality of the recruits
received during the year.
The following extract from the report of the last annual inspection
of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., relative to the training of recruits, is in-
teresting and instructive :
Under a system Inaiiiairated in this recclmeut [Eleventh Cavalry] about two
years ago, aU the recruits for the regiment are turned over to one troop for
training before being permanently assigned to troops. The present recruit
troop is Tnx)p H, under the command of • ♦ •, Eleventh Cavalry.
At the time of my visit a class of recruits had Just completed three months'
training and was ready to be turned over to the other troops for permanent
assignment. A careful inspection of the work of these recruits, mounted and
dismounteil, demonstrated beyond question that this method of training recruits
is the proper one. Their knowledge of the duties of a soldier is, I believe,
above that of the average enlisted man of a year's training assigned to a troop
in the ordinary way. Tlieir proficiency In riding and handling their arms
mounted was especially noticeable.
QUARTERMASTER CORPS.
There have been no complaints as to the adequacy of the ration
allowance and but few as to the quality of the ration or other com-
missary supplies.
The system of fuel supply has been reported as cumbersome and
as iuAohing much office work. Inspection reports show numerous
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL. 303
complaints of the inadequacy of the fuel allowances properly to heat
public buildings. This is especially the case on the western coast,
and it has been urged that fuel allowances for the Western Depart-
ment be further considered with a view to its special needs, since
climatic conditions there differ so radically from other sections of
the country in the same latitude.
UNIFORMS.
While changes in imiform are, in general, imdesirable, and are
so regarded in the service, it is believed that certain changes in the
service coat are both desirable and necessary.
The service uniform should be designed for service in the field
rather than in garrison. The discontinuance of the sweater makes
it necessary to take the service coat into the field. For service
in the field a coat must be loose at the neck and in general must be
so cut, including a slit in the back of the skirt, as to permit freedom
and ease of movement. That the present service coat, with its close-
fitting collar and rigid cut, is unsuitable for hard work or even
moderate exercise must be admitted.
From an examination of the present field uniform of other coun-
tries it is apparent that a suitable coat for field work can be given a
military appearance quite as formal and as pleasing as that of our
present service coat.
It is recommended that a suitable service coat be designed and
adopted.
The opinion throughout the line of the Army seems to be in favor
of a shirt that opens all the way down the front. It is believed that
this change in the shirt will add to the comfort of the men, in warm
weather especially.
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.
The war abroad has developed or emphasized the importance of
new articles of arms and equipments, besides improvements in the
old. The larger types of field guns and howitzers ; trench mortars of
the larger types, as artillery, and of the smaller types, as infantry
weapons; new types and methods of employment oi machine guns,
hand grenades, steel caps, etc., and the use of and protection against
gas, are all matters which claim our serious attention. The develop-
ment and manufacture of new materiel of these kinds which are being
undertaken by the Ordnance Department should be accompanied by
practical tests and instruction, which can only be obtained by putting
the new materiel in service as rapidly as it can be developed ana
supplied.
REPAIR SHOPS — QUARTERMASTER AND ORDNANCE.
Large quantities of quartermaster and ordnance property are un-
doubtedly lost to the Government through the lack of proper and
timely repairs. This loss is due, it is believed, to a variety of such
causes as lack of facilities in organizations for making proper re-
1)airs; lack of skill by organization mechanics; and, to some extent at
east, lack of care and attention on the part of organization com-
304 REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL.
manders. Losses due to lack of proper and timely repairs are espe-
cially apparent in all articles of canvas, webbing, and leather. In
addition, in the Field Artillery the lack of timely repairs, made by
expert mechanics, to the materiel results in greatly increased ultimate
expenditures.
If suitable quartermaster and ordnance repair shops were estab-
lished at all points at which a regiment or more is stationed it is
believed that a substantial saving could be effected. Such shops
should be equipped with all necessary machinery and should be pro-
vided with expert mechanics as foremen, the greater part of the actual
labor of repair being done by the organization mechanics.
TRANSPORTATION FOR SANITARY TROOPS.
There is, no doubt, a universal recognition in the Army of the ad-
visability, if not the absolute necessity, of providing motor transpor-
tation for sanitary troops. Probably the necessities attendant upon
the present mobilization of a large number of troops upon the Mexi-
can border will result in causing motor transportation for the sanitary
troops to be supplied.
FIELD TRAINS.
It is believed that the field trains have been too greatly reduced.
In fixing the allowances of wagons, etc., for field trains the primary
object is, of course, mobility, but it is to be remembered that mobility
may be as readily reduced by too great a reduction in the number of
wagons allowed as by too great an increase in field trains. An unwar-
ranted reduction in wagons tends to overloading in spite of honest
efforts to enforce the regulations.
When our Army is compared to those of other nations the paucity
of trained soldiers affords a striking illustration of the necessity or
preserving the health and, in so far as possible, the comfort of our
men when in the field. To this end it is believed that the surplus
kits should be carried in the field trains, as was formerly the regu-
lation. In so far as concerns the Infantry, it is essential that at least
a st)are pair of shces be carried in the field trains.
On account of the general lack of ability in cooking among our
prople, it is particularly necessary to avoid individual cooking in our
service. It is believed that in the early stages of the present war in
Europe, rolling kitchens were frequently kept with their organiza-
tions until the arrival of the units upon the actual battlefield.
It is understood that several types of rolling kitchens are now
under test in the Southern Department, and that the issue of kitchens
to all organizations of the mobile forces only awaits the determma-
tion of the most suitable type. It is recommended that this be
expedited and that coincident with the supply of the kitchens, regu-
lations be issued providing that such kitchens shall habitually ac-
company their units on the march.
PUBLIC ANIMALS.
The requirements of active service on the border have resulted in
having quite a number of public animals inspected and condemned*
BEPOBT OF THE INSPEGTOB GENEBAL. 305
The data called for on descriptive cards of public animals are
said often to be incomplete, owing largely to lailure on the part
of purchasing officers to cause proper entries to be made on the
cards.
REMOUNTS.
The following extract from the report of the last annual inspection
of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., relates to the training of remounts, and
is reproduced as being, as is believed, worthy oi consideration :
All remounts for the regiment [Eleventh Cavalry] are now turned over to
one troop (Troop O) to be trained for six months before being assigned to
troops. The remounts now at the post have been under training for three
months. The remounts, with one or two exceptions, appear to be of a good
type. They are somewhat light in weight, but this defect may disappear
after a year's training.
The system of turning the remounts over to one troop for training is, I
believe, the proper one to secure the l>est results.
First Lieut ^ * *, Eleventh Cavalry, is at present In conunand of the
remount troop and is accomplishing excellent work. His own opinion of these
remounts is as follows:
"The horses are very quiet and gentle; they show a very good degree of
suppleness and activity, and they jump, freely and willingly, small hurdles
and ditches of any character. I believe that by the end of another three
months, when they are turned in to the other troops, they will be as weU
trained as is necessary for troop horses, and very much better than the
average troop mount."
After witnessing the work of these remounts, I confirm the above estimate.
FARRIERS^ AND HORSESHOERs' SCHOOL.
The following extract relative to the establishment of a post
farriers' and horseshoers' school, which it is reported has been of
great value, is also from the report of inspection of Fort Oglethorpe,
Ga., viz:
Without interfering with the other instruction of the regiment [Eleventh
Cavalry] a farriers' and horseshoers' school has been established under the
direction of ♦ ♦ ♦, Eleventh Cavalry, assisted by the two veterinarians of
the r^ment The class consists of 24 farriers and 24 horseshoers, the regu-
lar horseshoer and farrier from each troop, with an apprentice from each
troop.
After a thorough investigation of this class, including the Inspection of the
work and examination of the men as to their theoretical and practical knowl-
edge, I am of the opinion that this school is of great value to the regiment
It systematizes horseshoeing and treatment of diseases, and stimulates the
interest of officers and men in these two important subjects.
PUBLIC FUNDS.
As a general rule the inspections of the accounts of disbursing
officers of the Army have shown that the public funds have been
honestly and efficiently administered.
POST EXCHANGES.
It has been reported that frequent irregularities of a more or less
serious nature have been discovered in the inspection of post ex-
changes, and these were almost in every instance made possible by
failure on the part of exchange officers, auditors, and exchange coun-
69176**— WAR 1916— VOL 1 20
306 KEPOBT OF THE INSPECTOB GENERAL.
cils to properly perform their duties. The financial losseG, in every
case where they could be definitely determined, were recommended to
be charged against the officers whose negligence was proven ; in other
cases wnere negligence was found it was recommended that it be
noted on the efficiency records of the delinquent officers.
PAPER WORK.
Generally speaking, business is so conducted as to reduce paper
work to a minimum and simplify administration so far as is pr^-
ticable under the Government system of transacting business. Not-
withstanding this fact, paper work in the Army still appears to be
excessive, as always heretofore.
PRISONERS.
The system of parole of general prisoners and of probation of
garrison prisoners appears to have been generally carried out, and
apparently with good results.
ARMY TRANSPORTS.
Reports show that the trans-Pacific transport service has been effi-
cientlv conducted; no complaints of any consequence have been re-
ceived relative to any of the departments of this service, but on the
contrary commanding officers of troops have generally commended
the efficiency and courtesy of the ships officers, the cleanliness of the
ships, and the excellence of the accommodations and food. The
life-saving apparatus is reported as ample and of the latest pattern.
DISCIPLINARY BARRACKS.
At the inspections of the Disciplinary Barracks and its branches
the disciplinary companies were found to be well instructed and well
trained, and affairs were in excellent condition.
RECRUIT DEPOTS.
At the various recruit depots it was found that the instruction of
recruits was carried out in conformity with War Department regula-
tions prescribed therefor, and the results obtained were good. The
depots appeared to be carefully and efficiently administered.
Very respectfully,
E. A. Garlington,
Inspector GeneraL
The Secretary op War.
REPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
807
REPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
September 14, 1916.
Sm: I submit the following report of the Judge Advocate General's
Department for the year enmng Jxme 30, 1916.
REORGANIZATION OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.
The recently enacted national defense act (sec. 8) reorganized the
department by adding thereto 2 judge advocates with the rank of
colonel, 4 judge advocates with tne rank of lieutenant colonel, and
13 judge aavocates with the rank of major, these increases to be made
in five annual increments, as nearly as practicable one-fifth of the
total increase in each graae to be added each year. The vacancies
created or caused by the act distribute themselves under this rule
as follows:
Original yacanctos:
Colonels
LIeat€oant oolonals.
Mi^Ofs.
Appointmeot of mi^on to fin Increments.
1916
1
3
1917
1
1
a
1918
1919
1
1
2
1920
1
8
The additional lieutenant colonelcy corresponding to this year's
increment was filled by the promotion of Maj. Walter A. Bethel,
the senior officer of his grade. The four vacancies in the grade of
major corresponding to this year's increment have not yet been filled.
Additions to the clerical force of the Judge Advocate GeneraVs
Office of one clerk class 3, and two clerks class 1, with an additional
messenger, are authorized by the act of September 9, 1916.
REVISED ARTICLES OF WAR.
A project of revision of the Articles of War which has been pending
before tne War Department since December of 1903, and before Con-
gress since April of 1912, was, with amendments of the original proj-
ect, enacted mto law as a rider to the Army appropriation act for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1917, approved Aiigust 29, 1916.
The first project of the revision of the Articles of War was prepared
during the uitter half of the calendar year of 1903. This project was
subnutted to department commanders and to a large number of
specially selected officers for criticism and was exhaustively consid-
ered by a board of officers convened by the then commandant of the
309
310 EEPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
Army Service Schools, Maj. Gen. J. Franklin Bell, but was not trans-
mitted to the Congress hj the War Department. It was not until
April, 1912, that the revision, perfected in the light of the criticism
it had received, was submittea by the then Secretary of War, Mr.
Stimson, to Congress as a basis of remedial legislation very much
needed. The revision was introduced in the House on April 22, 1912,
by the chairman of the House Military Committee, and in the oenate
on April 25 by the chairman of the Senate Mihtary Committee, and
was by both Houses of ConCTess referred to their respective Conmiit-
tees on Mihtary Aflfairs. Hearings were conducted by the House
Mihtary Committee covering the period from May 14 to May 27, 1912,
but that committee, though receiving the revision favorably and
su^esting a few amendments therein of a nature to improve the
revision, did not report the revision as a whole. The Senate com-
mittee reported out 9 articles of the revision relating to the composi-
tion, constitution, and jurisdiction of courts-martial, and these articles
were enacted as a part of the Army appropriation act approved
March 2j 1913.
The Sixtj-third Congress convened on April 7, 1913. The revision
of the Articles of War, carrying the amendments su^ested during
the House Military Committee's nearings and certain otners suggested
by further study was introduced by the chairman of the Senate Mih-
tary Committee on April 15, 1913, and referred to the Committee on
Mihtary Affairs. Hearings were subsequently held by a subcommit-
tee of the Senate Mihtary Committee, whicn reported the revision
back to the full committee during the second session of the Sixty-
third Congress, which reported the revision to the Senate on Febru-
ary 6, 1914, with certam amendments. The revision passed the
Senate with further amendments on February 9, 1914, and upon
reaching the House was referred to the Committee on Mihtary
Affairs, which took no action. On February 22, 1915, the Senate
Military Committee included the revision in the tnen pending Army
appropriation bill, and as a part of that bill the revision again passed
the Senate February 23, 1915^ and went to conference. The conferees,
after reporting back to their respective houses two disagreements
respecting the revision, finally rejected it and the bill passed without
this particular rider.
Shortly after the convening of the Sixty-fourth Congress, first ses-
sion, the revision was again introduced in the Senate January 6,
1916, and hearings were conducted before a subcommittee of the
Senate Military Committee. On February 9, 1916, the revision, with
amendments, was favorably reported by the full committee to the
Senate, and on March 9, 1916, the revision was again passed by the
Senate. On reaching the House it went to the House Military Com-
mittee March 11, 1916, but it was not until June 29, 1916, that a
subcommittee of the House convened to consider the revision. It
does not appear that the subcommittee made any report iipon the
revision. Meantime the Senate Committee on Mihtary Affairs, in
reporting to the Senate the Army appropriation bill on July 3, 1916,
includecT the Articles of War m tne form they had passed the
Senate on March 9, and with the articles included, the appropriation
bill was passed on July 25. The House disagreed to the Senate
amendments and the bin went to conference. On August 7 the con-
ference report, embodying the Articles of War amended so as to
BEPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL. 311
exempt retired officers and soldiers from amenability thereto, and in
certam other regards, was accepted by both Houses, and the bill
went to the President for his approval. On August 18 the President
vetoed the bill, basing his objections thereto on the amendment
introduced by the conferees respecting retired officers. The appro-
priation bill was inmnediatelv remtroduced in the House without the
Articles of War, and in that form was passed by the House on August
22. Upon reaching the Senate MiUtary Committee that committee
restored the Articles of War, with the changes necessary to meet the
objections of the President and with certain other minor amend-
ments, and in this form the bill was passed 'by the Senate. In the
House a motion to concur in all the Senate amendments prevailed.
The bill was approved by the President August 29, 1916.
With the exception of articles 4, 13, 14, 15, 29, 47, 49, and 92,
which take effect immediately, the revision will go into effect on
March 1, 1917. Meantime the Manual for Courts Martial will have to
be revised and circulated throughout the Army. It is proposed to
enter upon this work at once, and an attempt will be made to have
the revised manual distributed throughout tne Armv by February 1,
1917, in order that there may be a month available for its study
before the new code, as a code, takes effect.
GENERAL REVISION OF THE MILITART LAWS.
A much larger task than the revision of the Articles of War is the
revision and codification of all our military laws which this office has
been directed to prepare in pursuance oi authority granted in the
Anny appropriation act approved August 29, 1916. In 1911 this
office suDmitted a report to the Secretary of War recommending that
such a general revision be attempted, the revision to conform in scope
and character to the revision and codification of the laws of tne
United States of a permanent and general nature directed by the act
of March 3, 1901. Mihtary legislation since 1878, enacted mainly in
the form of riders to appropriation acts, is piecemeal legislation.
Related legislation is widely separated and there is real difficulty
within the military estabUshment in ascertaining the condition of the
statute law on any subject. Experiencing the same difficulty in
drafting the large amount of legislation enacted this year, the mili-
tary committees readily accepted the suggestion for a comprehensive
revision and codification and have provided an initial appropriation
of $5,000 for paying the expense of clerical hire, printing, and other
expenses incioent to the making of the revision. The work has been
already entered upon and substantial progress has been made with
the chapter relatmg to organization of the Regular Army. The
Sroblem in that chapter is to restate the provisions of the new
rational Defense Act of June 3, 1916, on tne subject of Regular
Army organization, incorporating the unrepealed provisions of prior
law and particularly of the act of February 2, 1901, and to make of
it a consistent whole. It is hoped to have this much of the revision
ready to submit with the preliminary report of progress which must
be rendered to Congress on the first day of the ensuing session of
that bodv. It is confidently expected that the general revision will
be completed well within the two-year period allowed by law. The
scope and character of the revision authorized by Congress will per-
312 EBPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
mit of the omission of redundant and obsolete matter, the making of
such alterations as are necessary to reconcile contradictions^ supply
the omissions, and amend the imperfections of the original text; and
permits also the embodiment in the revision of changes in the sub-
stance of existing law. It is hoped to take advantage of this authority
to rewrite the statutes in the light of the administrative and judicial
construction they have received, in the expectation that we may
thereby reduce the number of references to the War Department
and to this office for legal construction.
OTHER REVISION WORK.
The revision of the book on Military Reservations, etc., Title,
Jurisdiction, etc., has been completed and the book published and
distributed to tiie Army. The revision of Federal Aid in Domestic
Disturbances was interrupted by the relief of lieut.E.V. Cutrer from
duty as instructor in law at West Point and his assignment to station
in the Philippines, thus postponing indefinitely tne completion of
this work. On accoimt of the large increase in the volume of work
of this office, the revision of Winthrop's Military Law and Precedents
has been suspended for many montns, but with the increased per-
sonnel authorized bv the national defense act it is hoped thk work
may be resumed ana completed at an early date.
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, this office has contin-
ued the preparation of the monthly bulletin giving a digest of the
opinions of this office, decisions of the Comptroller of the Treasury
and of the State and Federd courts, as weU as of the opinions of tlie
Attorney General on questions relating to the military service.
TRIALS IN CIVIL COURTS.
During the year a number of important insular cases, involving
considerable laoor, were prepared and presented by this office in the
Supreme Court of the United States and in the Court of Appeals for
the First Circuit, to which circuit the district of Porto Rico oelongs.
In addition, this office has represented the interests of the depart-
ment in various Federal courts and in several State courts in a num-
ber of habeas corpus and injunction proceedings arising out of the
call of the Organized Militia and National Guard into the military
service of the United States, and involving novel, difficult, andim-
E>rtant questions growing out of the reorganization of the National
uard prescribed by the national defense act.
TRIALS BY GENERAL COURTS-MARTIAL.
There were 4,743 trials by general courts-martial during the year
1916, of which trials 337 resiuted in acauittal, as against 5,339 for
1915 and 4,572 for 1914, showing a reauction of 11.1 per cent as
against 1915 and an increase of 3.6 per cent over 1914.
DELAY IK GENERAL COURT-MARTIAL TRIALS.
While the judge advocates at the department headquarters have
continued their efforts to reduce the delay between the arrest of the
soldier \mder charges and the final action Dy Uie reviewing authority
BEPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENEBAL.
813
in bis case, the UBsettled conditions affecting the Army, requiring a
lai^ portion of the troops to be stationed on the Mexican border,
away from their permanent stations, have caused the average number
of days of delay lor the year 1916 to increase to 36, as compared to 33
in 1915 and 34 in 1914. There has been a notable decrease in the
delay this year of 12 days at West Point, while in the Eastern,
Central, and Philippine Departments the average number of days
remained the same as last year. The average delay in the Western
Department was increased by 6 days, in the Southern Department
by 3 days, and in the Hawaiian Department by 4 days over last year.
TTiese delays have been caused principally by the difficulty in secur-
ing witnesses and depositions from great distances, due to the fre-
quent chan^ of stationed troops during the year — sometimes per-
sons belonging to oi^anizations in the field in Mexico — and other
causes which active duty in the field has served to counteract the
efforts to reduce the average number of days; also, another primary
counteracting cause to expeditious trials of cases has been the break-
ing up of courts by sending oflScers and organizations to the Southern
Department, thereby increasing the penod during 1916 over that
for the two preceding years.
The following taUe shows the average delays in the several de-
partments for flie past five years:
Eastern Department 1 .. .
Central Department 1
Western Department i. . .
Boathem Department . . .
Hawaiian Department. . .
Philippine Department^.
Canal zone
West Point
China expedition .
1912
Dairt.
48
48
44
25
Average.
41
1913
Day 9.
47
48
40
44
36
38
40
1914
Daf9.
42
45
41
89
32
30
26
34
1915
Daft.
37
40
40
80
22
37
38
33
1910
Dvft.
37
40
40
43
20
37
32
20
30
^ These were "Divisions" in 1912, and the figures given under that year so relate to them.
From July 1, 1915, to June 30, 1916, this oflice received, recorded,
and filed 5,017 general courts-martial records; prepared 1,749
clemency reports, 255 reports on restoration to duty, 130 on citizen-
ship, 128 on parole, and 4 on reenUstment, making a total of 7,283
cases handled. During this period the oflBce loaned 451 general
courts-martial records to the united States Disciplinary Barracks at
Fort Leavenworth, Kans., 455 to the Pacific Branch, IJnited States
Disciplinary Barracks^ Alcatraz, Cal., and 105 to the Atlantic Branch,
Fort Jay, In. Y., making a total of 1,001.
TRIALS BY SPECIAL OOUBTS-MAETIAL.
During the year there were 2,163 trials by special courts-martial.
of which trials 159 resulted in acquittal, as against 2,533 in 1915 and
1,953 in 1914, showing a reduction of 15 per cent as against 1915 and
an increase of 9.2 per cent over 1914. There were also 88 general
prisoners tried by special courts during the year, of which 3 were
acquitted.
314
BEPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENEBAL.
TRIALS BY SUlOfARY OOURTS-MABTIAL.
The total number of trials of enlisted men by summary courts-
martial during the year 1916 was 37,877, of which trials 965 resulted
in acquittals, as compared to 40,905 in 1915 and 36,856 in 1914, show-
ing a decrease of 0.074 per cent as against 1915, and a decrease of 026
per cent as against 1914.
DESEBTnON.
The statistics show that there were 1,950 enlisted men tried by
general courts-martial for desertion in 1916, as against 2,535 in 1915
and 2,097 in 1914, showing a decrease of 23 per cent as against 1915
and 7 per cent as against 1914. There were also 432 enlisted men
tried bjr special comets-martial in 1916, as compared to 201 in 1915,
indicatmg an increase of 114 per cent.
The desertions reported durmg the fiscal year 1916 amount to 2,382,
or 2.40 per cent of the whole number of enlistment contracts in force
during the year, as compared to 4,435 reported desertions and a i>er-
centage of 3.23 per cent for last vear.
It snould be noted that these tigures include the cases in which the
charge of desertion was removed as having been erroneously made,
in which the accused was acquitted, in whicn he was convicted of the
lesser included offense of absence without leave and retained or dis-
honorably discharged from the service.
The reports of the judge advocates show that during this year there
were 5 acquittals, 105 cases in which charges were removed as
having been erroneously made, 364 cases in which the soldier was con-
victedof the lesser included offense of absence without leave and re-
tained in the service, and 114 cases in which the soldier was convicted
of the lesser includea offense of absence without leave and dishonora-
bly discharged, making a total of 588 cases, which, subtracted from the
nimiber of desertions reported, leaves 1,794, or 1.81 per cent, of the
total number of enlistment contracts in force during the year.
The following table exhibits the true as compared with the reported
percentages for the past eight years.
Year.
1900.
mo.
1911.
1913.
1913.
1914.
1915.
1910.
T)iKmi tlmn
Charges
True nam-
Reported
reported.
onsiis*
Uined.
ber of de-
sertions.
percent-
ages.
4.07
4,993
311
4,682
3,464
696
2,768
8.66
2,504
380
2,124
2.28
3,411
660
2,851
8.00
4,451
871
3,580
4.15
3,882
810
3,072
8.10
4,435
795
3,640
8.23
2,3^
688
1,794
2L40
True per-
4.66
192
LOS
2LS0
8.84
145
16S
LSI
REVISED PUNISHMENT ORDER.
The executive order published in War Department General Orders'
No. 70, September 23, 1914, making important chafes in the regu-
lations governing punishment to m imposed by miUtary tribunab
has been in operation now about 22 months, and the reports received
indicate that the failures to comply with its requirements have been
decreasing until now they are quite unusual.
BEPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENEBAL. 315
As to the figures which follow it may be said that in all but a small
percentage of the cases in which detention of pay alone, forfeiture
alone, or hard labor without confinement was imposed, or sentence
of confinement was suspended, the soldier imder former conditions
would have been awarded a sentence including confinement.
Sentence of confinement imposed in cases not involving dishonorable dis-
chaige 3, 143
Sentences of confinement suspended 79
Sentences of detention of pay alone 1, 416
Sentences of forfeiture alone 14, 437
Sentences of hard labor without confinement 674
Sentences of hard labor and forfeiture without c<Hifinement 846
Total without confinement 17» 452
CrVIL WORK OF THE OFFICE.
The civil work of the office is indicated by the following summary
classes of opinions and reports rendered and legal instrmnents
prepared.
Questions involving appropriations 51
Examination of bonds 559
To secure issues of Government property to rifle clubs under the act of
April 27, 1914 352
To secure issues of Government property to schools under the act of
April 27, 1914 66
To secure issues of Crovemment property to universities and colleges
having courses in military training 34
Of ofiicers of the Quartermaster Corps 63
Of Quartermaster agents 7
Of oisbursing officers of the militia 28
To secure the performance of contracts 3
Indemnity bonds 5
Of treasurer of Soldiers' Home 1
Claims against the Crovemment 50
Contracts 74
Clemency to general prisoners 1, 749
Detached service 21
Discharge 51
Eieht-hour law 64
Enlistment 16
Gratuities to disabled or deceased officers and soldiers 39
Instruments relating to Government property 118
Leases 49
Revocable licenses 69
Proposed legislation 92
Loans and mles of Government property 46
The militia 54
Navigable waters 54
Parole of general prisoners , 128
Pajr and allowances 72
Pnvate debts of persons in the military service 29
Permits for work in navi^ble waters 337
For wharves and similar structures, dredging, etc., under authority
of section 10 of the act of March 3, 1899 116
For bridges across waterways the navigable portions of which He
wholl V within a single State, under authority of section 9 of said act . 170
For bridges across navigable waters of the United States, under the
general bridge act of March 23, 1906, and special acts 30
Notices to alter bridges which have become unreasonable obstruc-
tions to navigation, under authority of section 18 of the act of
March 3, 1899 U
316 REPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE QENEBAL.
Permits for work in navi^ble waters — Continued.
For deposits of material in navigable waters, under authority of sec-
tion 13 of the act of March 3, 1899 3
For structures in navigable waters of Porto Rico, imder authority of
the act of June 11, 1906 7
Government reservations 186
Beenlistment of discharged general prisoners 4
Restoration of general prisoners 256
Retirement 31
Questions concerning taxation 11
Volunteers 3
Transportation 47
Restoration of citizenship 130
Transfer of general prisoners 139
Miscellaneous opinions and reports (estimated) 1, 100
Total of opinions, reports, and instruments 6, 056
Total, 6,056, compared with 4,211 for last year, which shows an
increase in volume of work of 43.81 per cent.
The following tables, marked ' * Appendix A," show detailed statis-
tics as to the number of trials by general and specieJ courts-martial,
and the classification of offenses tried by all courts-martial, as well
as the trials by summary courts.
There is also submitted herewith, marked "Appendix B," a sum-
marization of reports of judge advocates on duty at department head-
quarters and other generd court-martial jurisdictions during the
year, in order that the remarks and recommendations of each officer
may be scrutinized by the others and by the service generidly, with
a view to eliciting broader criticism as to the betterments of the
legal work of the Army.
E. H. Crowdeb,
Jvdge Advocate OenerdL
The Segbstabt op Wab.
APPENDIXES.
APPENDIX A.
Number of trials by general court-martUd.
CkymmifiGioned officers 31
OonvictionB 24
GonvictiQna disapproved
Acquittals approved 4
Acquittals disapproved 8
Awaiting action by the War Department (June 30, 1916)
Cadets, convictions approved 2
Enlisted men 4,660
Convictions approved 4, 262
Convictions di^pproved 81
Acquittals approved 206
Acquittals disapproved 26
Proceedings declared inoperative
Desertion proceedings declared void 5
Plea in bar sustained 2
Members of China expedition (report does not show action of reviewing
authority) 88
General prisoners 50
Convictions approved 45
Acquittals approved 2
Convictions disapproved 2
Trials null and void 1
Total 4,743
The statistics as to trials by general court-martial in recent years are as follows:
1909
1910
i9il
i912
1913
1914
1915
1916
CoinTn*s!«*An«!>d offl'W'^trfft'l
43
10
2
80
7
4
2
5,127
45
6.98
42
6
5
"3,*766'
48
5
29
6
10
6
4,345
53
5.2
33
8
7
2
5,121
48
&8
32
8
1
1
4,466
71
4.7
35
7
3
31
Commissioiied oflQcers dismissed
Cadets tried
3
2
Cadet? dismissed .......r.rwTr
KnHsted men tried ...,.-» t
5,449
56
7.4
5,235
66
4.3
4,660
50
Qeneral Drisoners tried
Percentage of trials of enlisted men to
average enlisted strength of the
Army
4.7
Additional general court-martial statistics.
Charges received reoonmiending trial bv general court-martial
Cases referred fortrialby eeneral court-martial
Cases returned for trial by inferior court-martial
Charges upon which no trial was ordered
Defective charges requiring amendment before reference
Cases in which prooeedinss were returned for revision
Enlisted men dishonorably discharged as result of trial
Where dishonorable discharge resulted only from 5 previous convictions.
1913
5,546
5,193
215
138
2,117
397
2,653
412
1914
1915
5,199
6,191
4,595
5,468
460
493
116
232
^»SS
2,436
207
422
2,732
3,241
299
368
1916
6,037
4,619
217
103
1,733
348
2,906
438
317
318
REPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
Additional general court-martial statistics — Continued.
Total trials by general court-martial
Convictions approved
Trials of enlisted men by special coorts-mar-
tlal
Acquitted
Trial of enlisted men by summary court-
martial
Acquitted
1910
5,206
4,820
346
96
42,275
1,216
1911
3,851
206
33,062
1912
4,435
4,063
249
52
37,805
1,036
1913
5,209
4,831
884
54
39,795
1,023
1914
4,572
4,292
1,953
175
30,856
1,102
1915
5,339
4,992
2,523
202
40,905
1,166
1016
4,748
4,321
2,158
158
37,877
966
During the year 88 general prisoners were tried by special court-martial, of which 3
were acquitted, and 52 by summary court-martial, 7 or which were acquitted.
DESERTION.
statistics for desertion for the &ye fiscal years preceding June 30, 1916, are set forth
below:
Tried for desertion by general court-martial
Convicted of de8ertion.and dishonorably discharged . . .
Convicted of desertion and not dishonorably discharged .
Convicted of absence without leave only and dishonor-
ably dlsdiareed
Convicted of absence without leave only and not dis-
honorably discharged
Tried for desertion by speclal.oourt
Tried for desertion by special court and convicted of
absence without leave only
1911
1,347
932
14
101
283
1912
1913
1914
1,577
944
98
117
414
1,896
1,107
163
169
457
2,097
1,280
149
158
492
1915
2,635
1,637
120
161
531
201
11
1916
1,950
1,358
64
147
4sa
229
The above table does not specifically set out the number tried for desertion and
acquitted, and it does not include cases of desertion where action other than trial by
court-martial has been taken.
General Orders, No. 77, War Department, June 10, 1911, announced the policy of
the War Department as to the proper punishment for the offense of desertion in the
cases of inexperienced soldiers who desert in the earlier periods of their enlistment
contracts, and as well for the surrendered deserter.* Disciplinary punishment by
confinement and forieiture was therein suggested as an appropriate punishment for
such of these men as show a disposition to atone for their oQenses, and the cooperation
of reviewing authorities was invited in carrying out the new policy.
The order was issued near the close of the fiscal year 1911, and so does not materially
a£Fect the statistics of that ^ear. The execution which the order has received is very
clearly revealed by comparing the number of soldiers convicted of desertion who were
retained in the service for the two years preceding the issue of the order with the num-
ber so retained during the three years following the order. For the former years (1910
and 1911) these numbers were 38 and 14. respectively, the corresponding percentages
to the total number of soldiers tried and convicted of desertion being 3 per cent and
2 per cent. For the latter years (1912, 1913, 1914, and 1915) the number of convicted
deserters retained in the service rose to 98, 163, 149, and 310, respectively, the corre-
sponding percentages being 10, 13, 11, and 18. While the percentage increase of men
saved to the colors through the operation of this order has been most marked, the
numbers actually restored continue small in comparison with the total number con-
victed of this o£fense and dishonorably discharged. '
BBPOBT OF THE JTTDGE ADVOCATE QEKEBAIj.
319
CUusification of offenses tried by all eourts-martidl.
Article
or War.
Description of offense.
8 Making fialse return.
Offenses relating to pablic property:
16 Wasting ammunition.
17 Selling horse or arms.
1 7 Selling accouterments or clothing ^
17 Losing or spoiling horse or arms through neglect
17 Losing or spoilmg aoooutermmts or clothing
through neglect
62 Abusing public animals.
62 Destroying publ ic property.
62 Pawning and disposing of clothing.
62 Attempting to sell clotning
62 Losing arms, accouterments, stores or other prop-
erty
62 Disposing of equipment.
62 Disposing of other public property
62 Other offenses relating to public property tmder
sixty-second article of war
60 Purchasing Government property
Offenses against constituted autnority:
20 Disrespect to oommanding officer
21 Offering violence to superior officer
21 Disobeying superior officer
23 Mutiny
23 Failure to endeavor to suppress mutiny
24 Disobeying nancommissumed officer while quel-
ling n'ay, etc
62 Disobedience of standing orders or regulations
62 Disobedience of or failure to obey commissioned
officer
62 Disobedience of or failure to obey noncommis-
sioned officer
62 Dlsobed ience of or failure to obey sentinel
61 Impugning professionaleonduct of superior officer.
62 Disrespect or Insulting language or insubordi-
nate conduct or threats toward or striking or
assaulting a commissicmed officer
62 Disrespect or threats or insulting language or in-
subordinate conduct toward or assaults upon a
noncommissioned officer
62 Disrespect or insulting language or insubordinate
conduct or threats toward or assaults upon a
sentfaiel
62 Resisting arrest by military authorities
62 Breach of arrest
62 Breaking quarantine or restrictions or parole
62 Escape or conspiring to escape from confinement
or sentinel
62 Other offenses against those in authority
Offenses against subordinates: Abuse by officer or
noncommissioned officer of auth(H-ity over subor-
dtoates
Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman:
61 Financial Irregularities
61 Other irregularilies
61 Violation of pledge
62 Fraudulent enlistment
62 Carrying concealed weapons
Offenses by guards:
39 Leaving post
30 Sleeping on post
40 Quittiiu; guard
62 Senti^^allowing prisoner to escape
62 Sentinel permitthig prisoner to obtain intoxicating
liqucM'
62 Sentinel sitting down on post
62' Other offenses committed by sentinels or others on
guard in connection with such duty
Offenses of violence:
62 Fighting
62 Threats to kill or injure
62 Assault with dangerous or deadly weapon
62 Assault with hitent to do bodily harm
62 Assault with Intent to kill
62 Assault with Intent to commit robbery
62 Assault, or assault and battery, nnd other offenses
of violence not against one In authority nor
otherwise classified under this subhead
08 Manslaughter
Number of ooovictJona.
OtHowB.
Enlisted
men.
6
6
183
90
464
270
62
47
6
188
5
213
60
14
141
1
1
3
3,730
840
2,852
151
273
2,510
174
100
1,610
25
150
326
18
411
41
74
117
194
51
21
140
057
17
51
43
301
38
1
410
7
Oaieral
prisoners.
Militia.
5
8
4
6
1
34
8
7
6
a
s
1
*i
2
2
7
a
3
8
320
REPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE QEmSBAL.
ClassificoHon of offenses tried by all oenirto-mortiol— Continued.
Article
oCWar.
Description of offense.
60
80
60
60
60
60
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
81
82
83
47
62
62
86
62
81
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
84
62
62
62
62
62
88
62
Oflteises involving personal dishonesty:
Embesslement or misappropriation
Forgery
Larceny
Making or pr«8enting false claims
Wrongful acquirement or disposition of Govern-
ment property
Any other violation of the sixtieth article of war .
Failure to pay debts
Failure to return borrowed property
Selling, pawning, or otherwise diq>08ing of bor-
rowed property
Perjury or sabomation of perjmy
Falsifying aooounts
Forgery and utterinc forged papers
Fraudulent flnancJaitransactions
Larcmy
Embezdement
Robbery
Having possession of stolen property
Burglarv..
emptinf
Attempting burglary
Obtaining money or other property under Itlse
pretenses
Other offenses under the sixty-eeoond article of
war involving persooaldishonesty of the offender.
Unauthorfied absences:
Lving out of quarters
Absence without leave
FaUure to attend drill, roll call, etc
Desertion
Absence without leave from duty
lUtary
Offenses closely connected with military duty:
Losing or abandoning eouipment
Hiring men to perform duty
Quitting ranks on march
Advisinc another to desert
Careless handling or discharge of firearms
False official statement or report
Impersonating superior officer or sentinel
Conspiring to desert
Refusing to submit to surgical operation or medi-
cal treatment
Refusing to submit to medical treatment for
syphilis
Malmgering
More than I mile from camp without pass
Sleeping while on duty
Failure to perform company punishment
Failure to report for prophylactic treatment
Failure to salute
Other neglects of duty not classified under this
lead
subh<
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
62
66
Offtaises connected with intoxicating liquor:
Drunkenness on duty
D runke nness at post or in quarters
Drunkenness ana disorderly cooduot at poet (or
in quarters)
Drunkenness and disorderly conduct, causing
oflteider's arrest and conviction by oItII author-
ities
Having possession of or selUng or buying faitoxi-
catingUquor
Introducing liquor into camp, quarters, etc
Other offenses connected with intoncating liquor and
not otherwise classified under this subhead
Offenses against decency:
Committing a nuisance
Indecent exposure of person
Sodomv ana other unnatural practices.
Assault with intent to commit rape. . ..
Other similar offenses
Conduct (not involvjug drunkenness^ causing ar-
rest and conviction by civil authorities
Loaning monev at usurious rates of interest
Use or possMsion of narcotics
Oflteses against private property
Offenses against private property
Number of convlciiona.
Officers.
1
6
2
4
28
Enlisted
men.
22
5
191
4
68
8
348
29
39
7
12
99
33
629
28
24
2
23
2
41
816
9
14,841
6,117
1,593
1,244
8
6
8
2
821
886
15
2
67
4
43
1
68
6
1.094
10
1,609
1,624
8,424
1,728
811
347
876
1,787
346
19
62
4
46
76
7
34
1
18
Oenenl
prlsonera.
3
MOltift.
8
19
8
3
1
1
REPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
321
Clasnfication of offenses tried by aU oenirto-mortJd^-Oontinued.
Articto
of War.
62
63
62
63
63
62
62
63
63
63
63
62
63
63
63
63
Description of offense.
Offenses to the disgrace of the uniform and service
Profane or provoking or threatening or indecent lan-
gnage or creating a disturbance in quarters
Qambling in post or quarters
Attenipts to commit suicide
Disorderly conduct and neglects not classified
Dirty arms, accouterments, or clothing
Visiting neighboring towns without pass
Wearing improper uniform or civiliah dothing with-
out authority
Fraudulent use of class A card
Having contraband in guardhouse
Missing or sailing on transport without authority
Prisoner refusing or failing to work
Resisting arrest by or interfering with civil authorities.
Trespass and loitering around private quarters
Offenses agataist civilmns
Offenses not otherwise classified
Number of coovictions.
OfBoers.
Enlisted
men.
63
170
29
1
238
53
34
51
7
12
12
21
3
30
15
1,023
General
prisoners.
Militia.
TridU by summary courts.
Posts.
each month, during year.
Alcatraz Island, Cal
Apache, Fort. Arix
Armstrong. Fort, Hawaii
Army ana Navy General Hospital, Arkansas
Baker, Fort, Cd
Balboa, Canal Zone
Baltimore, Md.. coast defenses of
Barry, Fort, Cal
Bayanl, Fort,N. Mex
Benicia Arsenal, Cal
Benj. Harrison, Fort,Ind
Bliss, Fort, Tex
Boston, Mass., coast defenses of
Brady, Fort, Mich
Cape Fear, N. C, coast defen'^es of
Casey, Fort, Wash
Charleston, 8. C, coast defenses of
Chei<t^>eake Bay, coast defenses of
Clark, Fort, Tex.^
Columbia,Fort, Wash
Columbus Barracks, Ohio
COTOzal, Canal Zone
Cristobal, Canal Zone
Crook, Fort, Nebr
D. A. Russell, Tort, Wyo
Davis, Fort, Alaska
Delaware, coast defenses of
Department Headquarters, Hawaiian Department,
Department Hospital, Hawaiian Department
DeRussv, Fort, Hawaii
DesMomes, Fort, Iowa
Douglas, Fort, Utah
Eastern N.Y.. coast defenses of
Empire, Canal Zone
E. 8. Otis, Camp, Canal Zone
Ethan Allen, Fort.Vt
Filler, Fort, Wash
Gaulard, Camp, Canal Zone
Galveston, Tex. , coast defenses of
Gatun, Canal Zone
George Wright, Fort, Wash
Gibbon, Fort, Alaska
Grant, Fort, Canal Zone
Harrison, Fort. Mont
Henry I5arracks, P. B
Average of
enlisted
strength
K resent on
kst day of
Total
number of
trials by
summary
courts
339
238
231
18
1,351
8
226
3.18
367
1,063
1.118
461
19
13
385
99
238
21
86
17
24
668
1,760
1,675
1.097
325
990
660
254
256
316
671
157
345
"63
118
119
83
8
14
718
82
36
133
276
251
294
30
2
208
49
114
2
56
121
3
212
833
592
436
47
262
245
99
169
73
490
35
Peroentaga
oftrlaUby
summary
Courts
during year.
34.8
50
35.6
.77
58
36
10.6
36
26
.23
63
1.80
.15
.54
49.5
47
9.9
65.3
.17
31
47
35
40
14.5
36
44
38
66
S4.0
73
16
69176'— WAB 19ie--voL 1 21
I i
■
I
I II
\i\ !;
' I
n.
1
J___
322
BEPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL,
Trials by summary cowrts — Continued.
Posts.
Huachuca, Fort, Arls.i
Jay, Fort, N.Y
Jefferson Barracks, Mo
Kamehameha. Fort, Hawaii
Keogh, Fort, Mont
Key west Barracks, Fla
Lawton, Fort, Wash
Leavenworth, Fort, Kans
Letterman General Hospital, California
Llscum, Fort, Alaska
Logan, Fort, Colo
L^an H. Roots, Fort, Ark
Long Island Sound, coast defenses of
McDowell, Fort, Cal
Mcintosh, Fort, Tex.>
McPherson, Fort, Oa
Mackenzie. Fort, Wyo
Madison Efarracks, New York
Mason, Fort, Cal
Meade, Fort, 8. Dak
Miley, Fort, Cal
Missoula. Fort, Mont
Mobile, Ala., coast defenses of
Myer, Fort, Va
Narrf«ansett Bay, coast defenses of
New Bedford, Mass., coast defenses of
New Orleans, La., coast defenses of 1
Niagara, Fort, N. Y
Oahu. Hawaii, coast defenses of.
Oglethorpe, Fort, Ga
Omaha, Fort, Nebr..'.
Ontario, Fort, N. Y
Panama, coast defenses of
Pensacola, Fla. , coast defenses of
Plattsburg Barracks, N.Y
Porter, Fort, N.Y
Portland, Me^ coast defenses of
Portsmouth, N. H., coast defenses of
Potomac, coast defenses of
Presidio of Monterey, Cal
Quarry Heights, Canal Zone •
Randolph, Fort, Canal Zone
Rilev, Fort. Kans
Robbison, Fort, Nebr
Rock Island Arsenal, 111
Rosecrans, Fort, Cal
Ruger, Fort, Hawaii
St. Michael, Fort, Alaska
Sam Houston, Fort, Tex.»
Sandy Hook, rf . J., coast defenses of
San Juan, P. R
Savannah. Ga., coast defenses of
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Shaf ter, Fort, Hawaii
Sheridan, Fort, 111
Sherman, Fort, Canal Zone
Signal Corps A\iation Corps
SiJl, Fort, Okla.i
Slocum, Fort, N. Y
Snellhig, Fori, Minn
Southern New York, coast defenses of
Stevens, Fort, Oreg
Tampa, Fla., coast defenses of
Thomas, Fort, Ky
United States DisdpUnary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kans.
Valdez, Alaska
Vancouver Barracks. Wash
Walter Reed General Hospital, District of Columbia
Ward, Fort, Wash
Washington Barracks, District of Columbia
Wayne, Fort. Mich
West Point, N. Y
WiUiam H. Seward, Fort, Alaska
WinfleM Scott, Fort, Cal
Wood, Fort, N.Y
Worden, Fort, Washlngtoo
Yellowstooe, Fort, Wyo
Average of
enlisted
strength
{>resent on
ast day of
each month
284
1,306
143
353
274
169
76
391
17
1,446
39
13
560
42
214
226
14
182
801
887
140
168
17
945
871
11
268
520
869
37
1,318
143
189
333
174
135
118
172
136
398
67
672
524
376
5,443
1,908
261
345
24
929
274
160
29
225
124
915
133
730
13
707
225
1,180
126
636
Total
number of
trials by
summary
courts
during year.
106
404
121
30
220
206
64
24
49
4
547
303
6
2
346
2
110
54
7
79
262
413
70
46
5
433
523
89
225
222
6
449
78
130
119
707
14
127
101
17
163
25
28
207
99
127
2,115
766
163
200
15
304
2
479
62
77
8
121
3
248
128
38
110
3
205
80
355
30
127
79
Peroeatag»
of trials b J
gnmmary
courts
during year.
37
.30
21
62.3
.75
37.9
3L6
.12
23
38
15
15
62
4.8
.51
23.9
.50
43
33
46
50
27
29
45.8
60
33
43
25
16
34
54
68
35.7
4.04
10
L07
.58
.12
4a9
'4L8*
31
19
34
38.8
4ai
.62
57
.08
51
22.6
48
28
.53
2.4
27.1
'28.6'
15
.23
2&9
3&2
sai
34
ao
BEPOBT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
323
TriaU bff nanmajy eourU — Continued.
Posts.
Av«rm{!«of
prventon
wstday of
Tout
numborof
triatoby
tommary
coorts
Mch mooUL durtnc FMT.
Camps of instruction ,
Camp at San Diefo,CaI ,
Camp at Calexfco, CaJ ,
Miscellaiieous:
Augusta, Frank/ord, WatwtOArn, and Watervliet Arsenals and
Springfiald Armorr
TransMrts
R«cnuting and signal stations in the field, and miscellaneous. . .
Twenty-seventh In'antrv »
Ordnance Depot, Hawaii
946
236
PHILIPPINE 1SLAin>9L*
A Qgnr Barracks
Camp Eldridfe
CampGreo^.
Camp JiAin Hay
CampKeithiy
CampMcCkath
CampNidiols
Camp Overton
Camp Stotsenburg
Fortimis
Fort San Pedro
Fort WUUam McKlnley
Ludlow Barracks
Manila:
Cuartel de Espana, Department Hoq>ital, and Ordnance Depot . .
Pettit Barracks
Regan Barracks
Warwick Barracks
Miscellaneous camps, stations, etc
Transports
890
13
864
333
223
483
719
563
96
418
1,628
4,396
329
2,348
851
855
573
434
451
93
67
68
79
325
47
143
304
33
63
70
471
17
44
688
1,110
54
1,574
69
441
44
331
56
37
63
Perc«ntac»
of trials by
summary
courts
durtnc yMT.
37.4
6.00
16w6S
61.36
0.91
13.04
0.73
83.66
17.71
ia53
43.36
35.83
16.41
67.04
8wll
51.58
0.91
57.79
13.31
RECAPITULATION.
Eastern Department
Central Department
Western Department
Southern Department'
Hawaiian Department
Philippine Department
Unitea States Military Academy .
Canal Zone
China expedition
18,410
4,632
8,269
8,413
15,436
707
7,373
1,249
8,133
3,015
3,525
3,373
5,499
205
3,583
1,007
38.70
.38
33.10
4a 00
35.62
29.00
49.00
i^OO
1 The frequent shifting: of tro(n)s pertainfnt; to posts and camps in the Southern Department durinc
the fiscal year in connection with border patrols make it impracticable to complete statistics which would
be of any practical value.
s The summary court at Quarry Heights tries offenders from all posts on the Canal Zone for offenses
committed at or in the vicinity of Panama. The number of trials of members of the provost guard com*
pany was 50; hence the percentage given above would not be an indication ol the discipline of the com-
mand, the actual pat»ntage of whicn is 28.
s Twenty-seventh Infantry stationed on Canal Zone September, October, November, December, 1915,
and January, 1916.
* July 1, 1915, to May 31, 1916.
* Abandoned.
APPENDIX B.
Extracts From Reports and Recommendations of Judge Advocates of Depart-
ments AND West Point.
eastern department.
There have been very few cases of duplication of charges requiring correction before
reference for trial or reduction of sentence because of such duplication.
The failures to comply with the requirements of paragraph 8, General Orders, No.
70, War Department, 1914, have been constantly decreasing and are now quite unusual.
The same may be said of paragraph 9 of said order.
324 BEPORT OP THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
There were very few cases, only two or three as recalled, in which the court spread
upon the record its reasons upon which its findings and sentence were based.
(Signed) Lieut. Col. Dodds.
80T7THERN DEPARTMENT.
The daily routine work of this office throughout the year has included notation of
all points arising which suggest the advisability of changes in the procedure or in the
reflations pertaining to it. From time to time, when the importance of the points
arising seemed to warrant such action, recommendations relative thereto have been
submitted to the War Department. The following miscellaneous recommendations
gleaned from the notes made, while of minor importance, are nevertheless submitted
■as reHecting desirable changes resulting from questions of a routine nature.
Paragraph 126, Army Regulations, provides for discharge without trial of a deserter
foimd physically unfit for service. This paragraph should, I think, contain a qualifi-
cation so as to preclude discharge under its provisions when the umfitness for service
is due to insanity.
Paragraph 139, Army Regulations, provides, inter aliaj for the discharge of an enlisted
man on account of a sentence to imprisonment by a civil court, whether suspended
or not. This provision should include discharge because of any sentence of a civil
court resulting in imprisonment, whether suspended oir not, as well as sentences
resulting in probation or parole, either of which status is, I believe, inconsistent with
military service.
Paragraph 928, Army Regulations, provides designations for different classes of
Prisoners. I think prisoners sentenced to dishonorable discharge in whose cases the
ishonorable dischiu^ has been suspended should have a desifiiiation different
from general prisoners. I suggest that they be designated as ''disciplinary pris-
oners.
Deserters' descriptive circulars issued by the War Department are useful in con-
nection with the action of reviewing authorities upon the records of their trials, and
it is sug^ted that officers preferring charges for desertion be required to attach
thereto me descriptive drciuar of the alleged deserter.
It is important that all decisions of the Judge Advocate General be available at
Department Headquarters for use in the office of Department Judge Advocates, and
I, therefore, suggest that photographic copies of all opinions issued by the Judge
Advocate General be furnished each Department Juoige Advocate.
If it is the policy of the War Department to give effect to the provisions of the act
of March 4, 1915, in so far as it provides for honorable restoration to duty of general
prisoners confined elsewhere than in the Disciplinary Barracks, I think that the
service should be furnished with appropriate regulations.
The service at laive is, 1 think, unacquainted with that provision of the act of April
25, 1914, which decGires that no distinction shall be made between the Regular Army,
the Organized Militia while in the service of the United States, and the voluntew
forces in respect to the eligibility of any officer of said Army, militia, or volunteer
forces for service upon any court-martial, and which revokes section 6 of the act of
May 27, 1908, requiring that the majority membership of courts-martial for the trial
of officers or men of the militia when in the service of the United States shaU be com-
posed of militia officers. It is suggested that the attention of the service at large be
invited to this imfamiliar provision of law.
Six himdred and ninety-eight general court-martial charges, out of a total of 892
during the ^ear^ contained errors which necessitated either minor or material amend-
ment in this office. These errors were due principally to carelessness on the part of
the officers preferring them, and to their failure to conform to the prescribed models
for charges. I do not believe that this carelessness can be corrected and I consider
it quite the proper function for the Department Judge Advocate's office to correct
chfljges before reference to courts.
Sixty-three trials by general courts-martial out of 889 in this department during the
year were held in order that the accused inight be discharged from the service because
of five previous convictions. When the important and varied duties of the commis-
sioned personnel along the Mexican border during the past year and the diJ£culty of
holding meetings of general courts-martial are considered, I think the above fact is
a strong argument for an administrative discham by department commanders on the
approved action of boards of officers, and I therefore renew a recommendation recently
made that the discharge of soldiers with five or more previous convictions by depart*
ment commanders upon the approved action of boiuxls of officers be authonsed.
BEPOBT OF THE JXTDGE ADVOCATE GENEBAI^. 325
The average period of time aanued were in confinement before final action of the
reviewing authority ap<Hi the proceedingB amoonted for the past year in thia depart-
ment to 42 days. I consider Uiis average large, particularly when it is remembered
that depositions are not extensivelv used in the trial of cases in this department.
The delays have been due principally to the frequent moving of officers and enlisted
men, necessitating frequent changes of courts, of judge advocates, transfers of prisoners^
second reference of charges, ana to the difficulty of securing military witnesses. In
this connection I desire to renew a recommendation that I nave previously made to
the effect that time spent by accused in confinement awaiting trial and result of trial
shall be awarded as good-conduct abatement, provided conduct while in confinement
during service of sentence warrants such abatement. Such a scheme would. I think,
materially improve our system and ]>revent injustice due to long periods of confine-
ment awaiting trial and result of trial and preclude anj criticism of that system.
The department judge advocate should be mtrusted with the duty of preventing
trials from being delayed unnecessarily because of a knowledge on the part of those
concerned that the allatement would prevent any injustice due to delav.
I desire also again to submit a rec(Mnmendation that I have frequently made with
a view to securing an improvement of procedure in trials of desertion cases. I recom-
mend that when a desertion occurs the organization commander be required to make
a thorough investigation and to secure by means of depositions all pertinent testimony
as to the circumstances attendant upon the offenses discovered to have been committo<l
and to transmit the charges with accompKanyin^ P^P^ including the depositions so
secured, to the War Department to remain until notification is received there of the
deserter's return to mihtarv control, and that the papers then be mailed directly to
the proper commanding officer for investigation and action under the provisions of
paragraph 954, Army Keguladons. It has been extremely difficult to try deserteiv
from the organizations in Mexico who absented themselves before their organlzati/ms
entered that country. The records of these organizations were left in the United
States and have not been accessible to organization commanders, so that long [Hmods
of confinement awaiting trial have resulted. I do not think that the nincty-flrst
article of war, which permits the use of depositions if taken upon reasouahio notice to
the opposite party, would be interpreted to preclude their use when takoTi in the
manner above suggested, provided, of course, that the accused consents to tlicir uuo.
If he does not consent, then the delay is his own fault and not that of the Government.
The number of troops in the department has increased during the last six monttis
from a total of about ^,000 to a total of approximately 130,000. During this time the
work of this office has been carried on by exactly the same personnel that was on duty
when the department contained bv approximately one-fifth as many troops and with-
out any necessity of a change in tne enrstem in vogue, and without any necessity of a
subdivision of the court-martial jurisdiction of the department commander. In fact
the department commander has recently recommended that no such subdivision of
the duties of this office be made, but that the entire court-martial work of the dej)art'
ment continue to be conducted from this office as heretofore.
During the last few months the number of troops in the department has increased
very materially, with a natural increase in the work of this office, but it has been
impossible to secure additional clerks to assist the present clerical force in handling
the large amount of additional work thrust upon it. This fact necessitates, in my
opinion, the repetition of the recommendation so frequentlv made by dei>artment
judge advocates that judge advocates' clerks should be under tne exclusive jurisdiction
of the Judge Advocate General in order that assignments and promotions of these clerks
may be more equitably and expeditiously accomplished.
Ill conclusion, I desire to sav that the very vaned and extensive nature of the work
of this office for the past year has not only afforded a splendid test of the procedure in
vo^e in the Judge Advocate GeneraPs Department, but has demonstrated, in mv
opinion, that no material modification of that procedure, as exemplified in the work
here, is necessary.
(Signed) Capt. Howze.
HAWAIIAN DEPARTMENT.
In the last annual report of this office the desirability of making it easier to ^et rid
of worthless soldiers other than by general court-martial on five previous convictions
was stressed. In this connection attention is Invited to the amenaed excerpt from th&
one recommendation made by the undersigned on June 17. 1911. * * »
326 REPORT OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL.
It is submitted that this is still incomplete and inadequate in that it applies money
voted by the people for their defense to returning to the places of acceptance former
soldiers found to be of no value in such defense.
It should be impossible for a soldier who, either because of the existence of disquali-
fication or because of a vicious feigning of such disqualification, has earned a dis-
charge under this paragraph to enter or reenter, in time of peace, as a haven or asylum,
anv Branch of the public service.
If these two changes were written into the law and were made known to all men on
entering the service, they would result in great improvement.
It is recommended that the legislation necessary to e£fect these changes be secured;
that no discharce under paragraph 148i, Army Regulations, be ordered until the pro-
ceedings have been passed upon b)r the judge advocate of the general court-martial
jurisdiction; that the payment to interpreters of $5 a day be authorized; and that
judge advocates' clerks be placed in a separate class and promoted therein.
(Signed) Capt. Galloglt.
PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT.
lu the last annual report of this office the hope was expressed that the Philippine
Legislature would pass an act similar to section 35, Federal Penal Code, punishing
the unaiitUorized purchase of clothing and other Government property from soldiers.
Such a law has been enacted. The terms are substantially identical with those of
section 35. No statistics are yet available as to the number of prosecutions imder
this new law.
The average period of time the accused has been in confinement under general court-
martial charges before final action of the reviewing authority on the proceedines has
been 37 days. The period was the same for the year ending June 30, 1915. Effort
has been made to reduce this period, but the time required to transmit mail between
the southern islands and Mamla and the absence of a sufiScient number of competent
stenographers to report proceedings of courts convened in the vicinity of Mamla are
two elements that have made it impracticable to reduce it further. .
During the past vear progress has been made in clearing up titles to military res-
ervations. The title of the United States to the military plaza in Manila has been
decided to include the filled-in land between the plaza and tne Cavite Boulevard.
(Signed) Lieut. Col. Morrow.
WEST POINT.
The statement of evidence submitted with a view to meeting the reouireraents of
para^pli 9o4, Army ReiruUtions, frequently consists solely ot a number of papers
bearing si«^ne 1 or uusignei statements of witnesses whose testimony is relied upon
by tie otficer preferring the charges. This practice multiplies papers and seldom
results in presenting for consideration a complete and logical summary of the avail-
able evidence. It is my opinion that more satisfactory results would be obtained if
the officer preferring the chuges were required by regulations to submit a communica-
tion, signed by himself, sotting forth in logical order a summary of the testimony that
may be expected of each witness, together with an appropriate reference to any other
available e^Hdence. The closer study which the officer preferring the charges would
find it necessary to make in order to prepare a complete and logical written summary
of available evidence would tend to reduce the number of charges requiring materia'
amendment before reference to general courts-martial or return for reference to in-
ferior courts. Such a summary would enable the officer detailed to investigate the
case to make his report with the least possible delay and also enable the judge advo-
cate to go to trial with the greatest promptness. The general effect of the adoption of
the plan outlined would, it is bolieve-i, be to lead to more accurate pleading and to
greater promptness in the final disposition of cases.
(Signed) Lieut. Col. Krbobr.
Iff TT TTT^a ia^;CjL!3 »UX-51k..4*
■UbJ.bi jUjtX.
* .-
K'latc-iusiiia; tut immr i umiKninBiii 'm ii«uutu«*tjtT4. . m'tj** Sai*'* .> . -^
aerknv jffiniftgn. T'auh f^-^s-' fifni^ it l^an^^ huuh m iv*t- r^umma'/tn^ i, .^,^,\is^\
erefflinr ▼•*«r or viili^ at ihik t»*imr rnmCMLrS^ ?vc in?'?»t 7; v<ifc? u»f r.uKit .»r.\«*>
hMTif "ULtHL fc'.'ii^*' HiepF Trrrjsrc "Uif- rrnkiarativTii and -^^nar-.lfiiirMa)! ix a f^u:.ic<r»'
tbe c&oerr kuq eLm^r-HC meE tif "drt- '■nniiuiiii ai»- :t if iiop^ xhw lixwr *iD.<n? mill
Dritpt --Tiif tinjr ^^iJ, ■eape^naL'T c^ntiijf if ii hit r»;iirujii: «n/ifidaiT iiirrwa^cTic.
Sev«a3 c^aiePF in iLh- x.^aaricrnf r.-u'^iue*- '^^sj'.t'i.'i in I*i.i:fi.TTii^ lis-vf ^»f»fiii It^cTY'it^*: t»iit
•ad irouciii bekre Xiie kicaid-e aiia :ii^ nitixiTi.iiiii ji'iiufti.iiHin , a t.iw iii JfM* I r.n<*d
Stjtqp nnTBXirT. air»r6<*d in ea^*i •'•apt-. Ti^ese r:»r%3 ^:j<-»Tif "were f»f^ruTY*d bv fsir.-'^}.^'-
VDZ swdi«» on cuiT a;t tiii-«f ii^i*d^iiaru*rF, iiirLi.siit*c'. viih fuDcif oxit iti nn v^ra
prkf^, £jjd dirwted to jiun-naftt' liaf drur iroiii lij^ f*uppfH"i^ ^eudllr<u I tx^e Tiie
-^,^E ' l»€dn^ «a."irr^d . h irae sein to itie patiicilari'.'aj ia!* w^uttt, Abcitii, C-aiiaJ Zi^fli*,
far atia^^-me. "W'liV, r>.is e^idenoe the 'im-viTniditf referred io irere cvbtaiihpd \\ was
rej^»on-:'d to me a.t tbe linkf of one of the tii&ls in t}»e alralde't oouri the alcaide pro-
docad SiTid Aowad 11 c^'un C'^e^ 5{t eniiJ] boxep, 2 mr^ t»otuwv, 1 >ial. and i lin bax,
cootajring about, o^er 3(i drwee of tbiF t-erriMe dmir. which his men had secured iixmh
v^kJois* i»laceR, freauented t>T The soldiera. aft^r pe-v^ral raids thereon, ebofrini: That
to aH appezLraaces ti>e supply of cocame in the city of Panama if aliDOf*l unliiun^d,
ae it k fe3t that a great iniiiiher of vendoTF of tlup diruf escaped del^ection,
I leel that it is Xkot to be expectcni that an iDdiA^duaJ (^oe^* should, from hif> own
liosited Boesiif, be reqtiired br our OovemiDeiii 10 meet the eJtpeiisap of lighting thia
penuckxis and dtaxkaraLuin^ practice, and 1 therefore reiterate and apdn reoew my
reoommendatioDft, aad request that mifficieiit funds be furnished this ofin^e to be
used lor this and lite purpoeee. * * ♦^
I am azaiii forced to call to your attentioo the fact that thi? command should be
made a d^nrtmeut without delay. The rapidity with which the disciplinary* mat-
ten are acted upon when comiiared to the oW method of refemnt them to the Depart-
ment <rf the East in New York City, has l>een oi in€%«timaMe >Jue to the command,
and ii» rajadity with which all other business could be handled were this a depart-
ment ia of aimiJar comparable chara<*teT. 1 c^an see no ai|rumeDt a^nst the otstab-
liriimeDt of a department and many in fa\ or of such actiou .
(^Si^ed) Herbert A. WnrrK,
Major, Jydge AdxKtaUe,
CHINA BXPEMHON.
The discipline of this command, from the nature of conditioDs here, most alwmyi
be maintained at an excepti<HiaUy hi^ standard, and that it has been so maintained
during the past year is diown by the reports of the department oommander and the
d^MTtment inspector.
328 REPOBT OP THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENEBAL.
In view of the fact that liquors of all kinds can be purchased uy our soldiers in the
immediate vicinity of barracks for less than one-third what they would cost in the
United States, the number of trials in this command is small.
Besides all kinds of liquors, cocaine and morphine are easily obtained here. Every
effort is made to prevent our men from becoming addicted to the use of these dru^,
and those found guilty of usine them are, as a rme, sent to Alcatraz, in order to give
them a chance to break the habit. I believe that here, as in most places, the great
majority of offenses committed by enlisted men are due, directly or indirectly, to
dnigs or liquor. The fact that this place is so accessible to all sorts of vice and ia not
supplied with wholesome amusements on the outside undoubtedly increases the
number of trials.
(Signed) Col. Hale.
CBNTRAL OBFARTMBNT.
None.
(Signed) Col. Hull.
WB8TBRN DBPARTMBNT.
None.
(Signed) Lieut. (3ol. Goodibb.
REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
329
REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
War Department,
Office of the Quartermaster General of the Army,
Wdshington, September 6, 1916,
The Secretary of War.
Sir: I have the honor to submit the annual report of the operations
of the Quartermaster Corps for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916.
PERSONNEL.
Commissioned. — On June 30, 1915, the comnussioned strength,
Quartermaster Corps, was as follows:
Major ^neral 1
Brigadier generals 2
Colonels 14
Lieutenant colonels 18
Majors 48
Captains 102
Total 185
The two vacancies in the grade of lieutenant colonol which existed
Jime 30, 1915, remain unfiUed.
Of the 14 colonels in the corps Jime 30, 1915, 1 was retired and the
vacancy filled by the promotion of a lieutenant colonel who, later in
the year, was also retired and his vacancy filled by the promotion of
a Ueutenant colonel, leaving the number of colonels, June 30, 1916, 14.
Of the 18 lieutenant colonels in the corps Jime 30, 1915, 2 were
promoted to colonels and the vacancies filled by the promotion of 2
majors, leaving a total number of lieutenant colonels, June 30,
1916, 18.
Of the 48 majors in the corps Jime 30, 1915, 4 were relieved, 2 were
promoted, 2 were retired, 1 died, reducing the nimiber from 48 to 39.
Nine majors were detailed in the corps, bringing the total number of
majors in the corps, Jime 30, 1916, to 48, the number authorized
by law.
Of the 102 captains in the corps June 30, 1915, 45 were relieved
from detail and 1 was killed, reducing the number to 56. Forty-six
captains were detailed in the corps from captains of the line, making
a total of 102 in the corps June 30, 1916.
The duties being performed by officers of the Quartermaster Corps
on June 30, 1916, are shown in Exhibit No. 1.
Quartermaster sergeants^ Quartermaster Corps. — During the year 25
quartermaster sei^eants. Quartermaster Corps, were retired, 6 died,
3 transferred to the permanent school detachment, 2 discharged bv
purchase, 1 discharged to accept commission in National Guard,
t
331
332 BEPOBT OF THE QUAKTERM ASTER GENERAL.
and 1 dishonorably dischai^ed, making a total of 38 vacancies, 31 of
which were filled from eligibles who had qualified for appointment to
the position, leaving 7 vacancies Jime 30, 1916.
Pay clerks, — On Jime 30, 1915, there were 74 pay clerks in the
service. Between Jmie 30, 1915, and June 30. 1916, 1 pay clerk was
retired from the service, he having been found by an Armv Retiring
Board incapacitated for active service on account of disability inci-
dent thereto, leaving a total of 73 pay clerks in the service on June
30, 1916.
The regular annual educational examinations of enlisted men for
appointment to the higher grades of the Quartermaster Corps (quar-
termaster sei^eants. Quartermaster Corps, excepted) were hela on
March 6, 1916, pursuant to the provisions of Circular No. 18, Office of
the Quartermaster General, 1915. Attached hereto, as Exnibit 2. is
a statement showing the number of persons examined and the numoer
of appointments made of those who attained an eligible rating of both
the educational and noneducational grades during the period July 1,
1915, to June 30, 1916.
On Jime 30, 1916, a total of 1,941 civilian employees in the United
States and 243 in the Philippines, together with 2,045 enlisted men of
the line on extra duty in the Quartermaster Corps, had been replaced
by 5,379 enlisted men of the Quartermaster Corps.
Attached hereto, as Exhibit 3, is a statement showing the number
of men by grades apportioned to the diiferent departments and other
stations and to Hawaii and the Philippines, the number of men in
the service, and the number of vacancies as of June 30, 1916.
Civilian employees, — ^There are distributed throughout the United
States and its insular possessions approximately 7,900 civilian
employees.
NATIONAL CEMETERIES.
There are 83 national cemeteries, classified as follows:
First clasB 31
Second class 18
Third class 6
FourthclasB 28
The interments therein during the fiscal year were 1,752, the total
at the close of the year being 219,026 known, 153,138 unknown;
grand total, 372,164.
The appropriation for maintaining and improving national ceme-
teries, including fuel for superintendents, pay of laborers and other
employees, purchase of tools and materials, was $120,000. From
this sum the buildings, drives, walks, walls, fences, monuments,
etc., have been kept in proper condition, so far as practicable, the
most important improvements being made at the foUlowing ceme-
teries:
Alexandria, La. , new 45>foot well |250. 00
Arlinfftonj Ya.:
Repairing Mansion House 1,140.00
Providing parking space for automobiles 250. 00
New hot-water boiler for greenhouse 350. 00
Baton Rouge, La., new 75-foot steel flagstaff 315.00
Chalmette, La., window screens and screened balcony for lodge 425. 00
City Point. Va., new 75-foot steel flagstaff 614.00
Fort Donelson, Tenn., new wire fence around reservation 500.00
Qettvsburg, Pa., resurfocing lower road SOaoO
^obUe, Ala., new concrete sidewalkB 354.00
The ptiptthk: i-?i£ tilin^e :f tir arrr rr.: ::.ri *x the <»^i *v ^ise
fiscftl year ttas f ^^< .
of narion&. <»r:-e:>r>^, £-jl1 jriT :.->". wisi $^v\:>.\ ar.^^airt
expencled. $6^:;.::i.n : >4T^r t- ^mexrvr :.-i h&lAiicie of $1x1?.
There *r« 76 szp&r^'i^-Zr.i^ :f r.i-..-i* coir.-xeri^ axithv^-tsJ by
law. Scxen rerz.*-t^ri*? ^r^re- --irrr :iiij^^ of ■:jj>rtAkers dunng tb<>
year. There Lfcxe i.-rn iLr^ OL-uiliit^. all by dwitii, and
new Appob^zzz.^!.!.^ Live V«?-r- r .s-ie,
C^ooenuK/r^ c; ;** -::--• -.o: .^: .. — Ti.-? appropriaiic^n far rrpjdiing
the 17 roadiriys ::■ r.*::!.*: ••'".t'-n-es maintiiDed by the Gv^vent^
ment ^ras S12,<»j, cf wL; i. $il,^^7-5I■ wiiS expended, leavi-.^ an
unexpended biliir.:^ c-f ?: J.S-
The mo?t irLp:>n2Ln: r?j -irs Lixe >- n -^tde : d :Le f . "owing roads :
Astietam, Md. $<Pifl M
BaBsBfaiS. Va. 3VlOO
CoDiitiuMia. Lf?6.O0
FrBdcnckitazE. V&. 2^ 00
MoaadCirr. IX t v*< M
Hatcbez.Mis : ^ 00
NewbenuX. C 2 - W
BaliAnrv, K-C 4-T.OO
Bpost^e^Mo Z *;-::. 00
gtnnatan, Va. 22^.00
Vicicabin]^ JUS.. ........ - . - ^i*.»-50
Port cem^Urie^, — ^Approximately il/y/J wa« ♦'rpfrjd'vj irj the
repair and maintenance of |x>st cer:f't*'ri*-« durio^ tr^f; fi^ral y*'U".
Headttoneg, — A contract was ent-ered into J'Jy 2^. 191-5* for fnr-
ptfthmg 14,000 headstones for miliijown grave*; of Union *^'')dif'r3,
sailors, and marine^, and Confederat** buried in nittionaJ <i*Tnet*-rieB
and ctrilian emplorees buried in po^t eerneteries, undf*r the act% of
March 3, 1873, Februarr 3, 1879, March 9, 1906, April 2%, 1904, and
Jane 30, 1906, at S2^9 each.
YieTcxx thousand eigiit hundred and sixty-one headstones were
furnished and shipped for this purpose during the fiscal year.
DUpoiiiion <f rerruiins. — ^Appropriation for fiscal vear 1916,
J57^; expen<fod, $53,789.76; learing a balance of $3,710. 24.
Ihe following dispoeition was made of the remains of officers and
enlisted men ot the Army (active) and the remains of civilian em-
ployees in the emplov of the War Department who died abroad, in
Alaska, in the Canal Zone, in Mexico^ or on Army transports, or who
died while on duty in the field, or at military posts witnin the limits
of the United States:
Becehred at San FnuKuaoo, Cal. (including tLe remaine of 24 clviLiao0 mad
IZ ranaaisM handled (or tU« Nav/ liepartoMmt):
^Sbdupped bome ».,.. 49
DeUv«ced torelativee 15
Intecrod in San Franciaco (Cal.) National OemoWry 36
Awaiting diBpoaition July X, U>1« 6
IOC
334 REPORT OP THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
Buried in Alaska 3
Received at Seattle^Wash. , from Alaska and shipped home 1
Received at New York from Panama and shipped home 4
Received at New Orleans from Panama and shipped home 1
Interred in Canal Zone, Panama 6
Interred in Porto Rico 4
— 19
In the United States and Mexico:
Missing 6
Drowned, not recovered 5
Shipped home 311
Interred in post or national cemeteries 144
— 465
Total 590
To provide for the preparation of the remains of officers, enlisted
men, and civilian employees of the Army and transportation of their
remains to their homes when desired, contracts were entered into
with local imdertakers at all military posts for this service, which
included embalming, furnishing coffins, caskets, and shipping cases.
A burial corps was organized by the department quartermaster,
Southern Department, imder the charge of an experienced cmbalmer,
for service in recovering the bodies of soldiers who might be killed or
die in Mexico.
During the year the following remains of soldiers were removed
from fields and abandoned cemeteries and reinterred in national ceme-
teries. Two known soldiers from near Billing, Mont., to the Custer
Battlefield (Mont.) National Cemetery; 15 unlmown remains at City
Point, Va., to the national cemetery at that place; and 6 remains of
civilians from the abandoned post cemetery of Fort Washington, Md.,
to the Arlington National Cemetery.
During the year the remains of a British sailor who died in 1855,
and of a Unitea States Navy seaman, who died in 1850, were removed,
with the head and foot stones at their graves, from the Fort Baker,
Cal., military reservation to the cemetery at the Mare Island Navy
Yard, Cal.
Interment of indigent soldiers. — Forty claims, amounting in the ag-
gregate to $1,760.67, have been settled under the provisions of the
act for expenses of burying in the Arlington National Cemetery, or
in the cemeteries of the District of Columbia, indigent ex-Union sol-
diers, ex-sailors, or ex-marines of the United States service, etc., who
have been honorably discharged or retired and who died in the Dis-
trict of Columbia. The amount allowed in each case, exclusive of
cost of grave, is $45. Seven claims of burial expenses under this
law were rejected and two claims are awaiting settlement. One-half
of the exnenses incurred for this purpose is payable by the District
of Columbia.
Revocable licenses. — Revocable licenses authorizing the use of por-
tions of national cemetery reservations or Government approach road-
ways to national cemeteries have been issued by the Secretary of War,
as follows :
Annapolis, Md., to county commissioners for Anne Arundel County,
Md., to lay an 8-inch sewer pipe on the cem.etery reservation; October
30, 1915. *
City Point, Va., to E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., to lay a 6-inch
water pipe under the approach roadway; December 10, 1915.
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB OEKEBAL. 335
City Point, Va., E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., to lav two water
pipes, one 4 inches and one 6 inches in diameter, across the approaoh
roadway • February 14, 1916.
Corinth, Miss., to city of Corinth, to lay concrete sidewalk 4 feet
wide along the approach roadway; August 12, 1915.
Fort McPherson, Nebr., to Farmer's Cooperative Telephone Asso-
ciation, Brady, Nebr., to erect three telephone poles on the reserva-
tion, to string wires thereon, and maintain the same; August 2, 1915.
Newbem, N. C, to William T. Hill, for himself and 17 other resi-
dents of Riverview, Newbem. to cross the approach roadway with
water and sewer pipes from tne east to west sides thereon, in order
that water and sewer faciUties may be given to the residents of
Riverview; September 2, 1915.
Staunton, Va., to W. B. Johnson, to construct a crossing over the
approach roadway by placing a concrete slab acrosLi the gutter at
station No. 31 ; July 17, 1915.
A revocable lease issued by the Secretary of War, March 26, 1916,
to Jacob Hankins, of Brady, Nebr., for a term of one year from April
1, 1916, for cultivation of a portion of the Fort McPherson National
Cemetery Reservation, contaming from 6 to 8 acres, the lessee agree-
ing to seed the tract to oats, one-n)urth of the crop to be the property
of the United States.
The depot quartermaster, Jeffersonville, Ind., reported on October
18, 1915, that by an act of the legislature of the State of Tennessee,
fifty-eighth general assembly, 1913, approved April 14, 1913, the cor-
8 orate limits of the town of Dover were extended so as to include the
rovemment approach roadway to the Fort Donelson National Ceme-
tery, and under the proviso limiting the expenditure of the appropria-
tion "Repairing roads to national cemetenes'' to roads owned by the
United States within any town or village the authorities of the town
of Dover were accordingljr advised that the Government will make
no repairs on the roadwav in the future, the title of the United States
to the roadway being only a right of way.
Mommients have been erected during the fiscal year by the State
ot Minnesota in the national cemeteries at Andcrsonville, Ga.,
Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn., in memory of its soldiers
buried there who died during the Civil War.
In October, 1915, a monument which had been erected on Flamenco
or Deadmans Island, in the Bay of Panama, by the oflBcers and crew
of the U. S. S. Lancaster, to the memory of nine shipmates who died
and were buried there in 1860 and 1861, and subsequently transferred
to the Ancon Cemetery, Canal Zone, was brought on the U. S. S.
Ohio to Philadelphia, and from that point shipped to and reerected
in the ArUngton National Cemetery. When the monument was re-
moved to Ancon Cemetery it was also intended to remove the remains
thereto, but no trace of them was found.
On August 4, 1915, a storm caused considerable damage to the
Poplar Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, Va., destroying 138
trees, damaging the lodge and outbuildings, and destroying the wagon
sheH, part of inclosing wall was blown down, the Saltan bent, and
a large number of headstones were broken, etc., which required an
expenditure of $1,225 to put the cemeterv in good condition.
On September 29, 1915, a hmricane also caused damage to the
Chalmette National Cemetery and the national cemeteries at Baton
336 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMA8TEB GENERAL.
Rouge and Port Hudson, La. At Chalmette 78 trees were destroyed,
Eart of inclosing wall was blown down, lodge was badly damaged,
itchen addition damaged, wagon shed demolished, stable unroofed
and waUs blown down, rostrum wrecked, and many headstones
broken. Expenditures to place the cemetery in good condition
amoimted to $4,204. At the Baton Rouge and rort Hudson National
Cemeteries $30 each was expended for repairs.
On October 4, 1915, a flood at the United States National Ceme-
tery, Mexico City, Mexico, washed away a large portion of the in-
closing wall and otherwise damaged the cemetery, repairs being made
at a cost of $2,150.
In April, 1916, a bronze tablet, including bronze supports for same,
was erected near the tomb of Maj. Charles L'Enfant, m the Arlington
National Cemetery, containing the facsimile of the inscription that
apnears on the tomb, at a cost of $297.
On May 9, 1916, the superintendent's lodge at the Mill Springs
National Cemetery, Somerset, Ky., was destroyed by fire, and a
thorough investigation of the matter by the depot quartermaster,
Jeffersonville, Ind., failed to disclose the cause. Steps are being
taken to reconstruct the lodge.
I can not too earnestly invite attention to the^ inadequacy of the
appropriation made annually ($120,000) for the care and mainte-
nance of the 83 national cemeteries imder the control of this office.
Of this sum 58J per cent is expended annually in the hire of labor in
keeping these cemeteries in proper condition, which leaves but a
very small sum available for repair to lodges, outbuildings, water
supply and sewer systems, reservation walls and fences, roads and
walks, trimming trees, etc., or the construction of new locoes and
outbuildings destroyed by fire, or of repairing damages occasioned
by hmricanes and storms.
During the past fiscal year the amount required to repair damages
by storms at three cemeteries in the South and in Mexico City aggre-
fated $6,414, and a new lodge is required to replace one destroyed
y fire at the Mill Spriijgs (Ky.) National Cemetery, which will cost
apm-oximately $4,500.
The price of labor and material has so far advanced in the past
year or two that most needed improvements and repairs at many
of the national cemeteries have been postponed, or only partially
made, for want of fimds. To meet this condition it is recommended
that in submitting estimates for the fiscal year 1918 the sum asked
for ''For care and maintenance of national cemeteries" be increased
to $150,000.
CLAIMS.
Miscellaneous accounts. — ^During the fiscal year there were received
for action 49 accounts for payment for services due to deceased
civilian employees of the Quartermaster Corps, amoimting in the
aggregate to $1,875.46. One account, amoimting to $58, was allowed
for pavment, and 48 accounts, amoimting to $1,817.46, were trans-
mitted to the Treasury or other departments for settlement.
Damage claims. — At the berinning of the fiscal year there were on
file in the office 16 claims for damages to private property of citizens
of the United States and its island possessions, amoimting in the
aggregate to $715.95. Thirty-six claims were received during the
3CEP0BT or THE QTJiSTEXMJLSTESi GEXSSUkL. ^T
fiscal yevr, smomitzng to S3«5&4.S9. Tot4J on hxnd «nd r^c«uvMi. ^!^
In tie CBtim&teB porgtsTDd in this offic* for the Ww IVr^ttTT^meTit
mod submitted to Cangrees aJ its present session in IVc<»mhor liist,
the sum of $5,0(K) ^iras iDcliided for the piyn^ent of duna^ c1iu7r$
theai cm £le in t^ office sod socb Additional ciaiTiis as ^'«(N' <!nh<)e-
<IiientlT reoerred and approTed bj tbe Secretjuy of War afrw an
investisatian to aBoertain viiat amount was iusvUv doe to tho r]jii;n-
ants. Tlus sera, h is nDder5t<K>i is inchidM in tbe hill making aT>*
|Rx>piiatians for tbe support of the Army durini^ the cnrront t»i"^
year, 'widci is now petnmng in Congress,* As the approrwiatjon oJ
$5,000 win eK-seed the amount required for pavnieint of the dATiiiure
claims now on file in tbe office, if that amount Is made avftU«blA, ti>e
balance, after paTmcnt of the claims now on lile^ will be used to p^^'
such additionju claims of this character as may be received dtmng
the present fiscal year.
ChnfederaU J^f/r^e da'tirt^. — ^At the beginning of the fissral yCAf there
was on file in this office 421 claims for payment for horses and l^>^::irA4^e
taken from paroled Confederate soldiers in violation of the tcr.^is of
the saiTCTider of the Confederate armies at Appomattox in April,
1865, pr^ented to this office under the act of Conaress appi\>>-e*i
FetMnary 27, 1902.
The time limit fixed by law for the presentation of these olaii>^:*
having expired on June 25, 1912, no claims were receive<i during the
fiscal year.
One claim was disallowed during the fiscal year, and two chin>!^
amoimting to $260 were allowed, leaving on hand at the cK\se of the
last fiscal year 418 claims.
It is beheved tluit of tlwse 418 claims, ncAriy, if not all, should W
dropped as abandoned and the papers sent to the i>ermanet>t tilcK <^
the office. Many of tbe claimants it is presume<i have died sinoe
their claims were presented, and others have been abandonetl by the
claimants for want of official evidence to enable favorable aotion U>
be taken upon them.
There remained at the close of the fiscal year of the appri>priatit>n
made by Congress for the payment of tliese claims the sum of
$5,399.05.
NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS,
For the supply of newspapers and periodicals for the use of the
enlisted men of the Armv there was authorized expondod d\iiinjx
the fiscal year the sum of $7,149.13, and the amount expoiuiod for
supply of reading matter for the troops serving in the Philipniiu^
Islands was, as reported, $632.74, making a total of $7,781.87 nutitor-
ized expended for this purpose.
Reading matter is bemg suppUed during the current fiscal year to
all posts and stations in the Lnited States, including the troo|xs serv-
ing on the Mexican border, and also the troops serving in Alaska,
the Canal Zone, and tbe island possessions.
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTINQ.
Apportionments, — Consolidated financial statement^ fiscal year
ended Jtme 30, 1916. (Exhibit No. 4.)
69176**— WAB 19ie~voL 1 22
838
BEPOBT 09 THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
Detailed statement of expenditures of the Quartennaster Corps
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, itemized under different appro-
priations. (Exhibit No. 5.)
Statement of account of the Phihppine Islands (Exhibit No. 6) :
Letters, etc., received during fiscal year 1916 10, 671
Letters, etc., eex^t during the fiscal year 1916 13,781
OflScers' money accounte:
Onhand July 1, 1915 212
Received diuing the fiscal year 1916 2, 984
Examined and sent to the Auditor for the War Department during the
fiscal year 1916 3,045
On hand at the close of the fiscal year 1916 151
Certificates of deposit received 4, 278
Beneficiaries. — ^During the period July 1, 1915, to June 30, 1916,
payments were made under authority of the act of Congress ap-
proved May 11, 1908. as amended by act approved March 3, 1909,
to the beneficiaries oi 31 officers of the Regular Army $50,205; for
321 enlisted men of the Regular Army, $49,112.60, and 11 enlisted
men of the Phihppine Scouts, $603, malang the total paid on account
of enlisted men $49,715.60, and a grand total disbursement on thb
account of $99,920.60.
Mileage. — For mileage disbursements for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1916, see Exhibit No. 7.
Letters, etc., received during fiscal year 1916 15,272
Letters, etc., sent during fisotl year 1916 23, 458
Property amounts. — Beginning with the fiscal year 1916 the rendi-
tion of annual returns of quartermaster property in the hands of the
Organized Mihtia was discontinued and the system of property
accounts provided in Circular No. 38, office Chief of the Quarter-
master Corps, 1913, for use in the Quartermaster Corps, was adopted
to account for this property.
The number of vouchers to property accounts handled during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, is as follows:
Onhand July 1, 1915 9,295
Received during the fiscal year 284, 245
Posted to property accounts 279, 323
On hand June 30, 1916, to be posted 14,217
Letters, etc., received during the fiscal year 1915 6, 500
Letters, etc., sent during the fiscal year 1916 7, 332
Deposits and aUotments. — Report of soldiers* deposits received
and repaid during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916:
Number.
Amount.
Interest.
Deposits received
69.514
S1.&57.&44.02
PAivMits reDft^d by nnftrtenn«ut*j»^ ......,,.,,.,,,.,.,
44,308
1,143,614.77
16,036.36
$40,677.63
DebosJts rebeid by Treasury settlement
579.13
Total
1,159,651.13
41,156.75
Amount remaining to credit of depositors June 30, 1916, 12, 719,549.91.
During the period July 1, 1915, to June 30, 1916, there was dis-
bursed $973,770.47 in payment of allotments made by enlisted men
of the Army,
BEPOBT OF THB QTJABTEBMASTEB GENERAL. 339
Total number of allotments in force on June SO, 1916 8,138
Letten, etc., received during fiscal year 1916 83,379
Letters, etc., sent during fiscal year 1916 16,481
Svhsistenee returns. — ^The number of subsistence returns handled
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1916, is as follows:
On hand June 30, 1915 80
Received during the fiscal year 1,924
Examined during the fiscal year 1,894
On hand June 30, 1916 110
Letters, etc., received during fiscal year 1916 1,349
Letters, etc., sent during fisoil year 1916 2,323
Contracts. — ^There have been received, indexed, examined, and cor-
rected when necessary and entered on record of contracts during the
fiscal year ended Jime 30, 1916, contracts, leases, etc., as indicated
below:
Contracts with bonds 1,658
Contracts without bonds 1,777
Leases 1,143
Supplemental contracts * 189
Annual bonds 21
Notices of increase, decrease, termination of contracts 589
Letters, etc., received during the fiscal year 15,990
Letters, etc., sent during the fiscal year •••• 2,395
SUPPLIES.
Statement ofisma made during thefieedl year 1916,
Qairison, travel, reserve, trail, and field rations (36,487,325); average
cost, 28.0124 cents $10,220,989.99
Filipino ration (2,058,132); average cost, 17.4048 cents 358, 213. 85
Number, value, and average eoet of ratume, by geographical divieione, etc., ieeued during
the fiecai year 1916.
DlTiaions.
United BtatM (IncludM Canal Zona).
Alaska
Hawaii
PhfUppinaa (AuMrioan)
Total aTwaga coat:
Annrlcan
Phfllppinea (natlTa),
Canal zona
Nombarof
rations.
28,006,531
215,024
8,248,027
4,416,863
Vahia.
86,487,325
2,058,132
2,334,048
18,000,825.88
76,162.00
800,031.44
1,244,060.77
10,220,080.09
858,213.85
782,548.77
oott
(oants).
28.00
85.42
27.41
28.10
28.0124
17.4048
83.52
MILITIA.
Jima 21 to 36, inclnsHa, 5 dayi.
Jima 36 to 30, incioalva, 5 dayi.
Total ftv mmtia, Jona 21 to 30, IncOoalTa.
106,000
106,000
106,000
8807,600.00
150,000.00
556^500.00
178.00
t30.00
153.50
1 Par day.
Average cast of the roHon, wiih and without transportation. — ^The
averagje cost of the actual food included in the garrison ration
(Amencan) during the fiscal year 1916 was as follows:
Canta.
At all posts or stations in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii). . 27. 9912
At all posts or stations in the Philippines 28. 1664
At all posts or stations in the Unitea States and Philippines 28! 0124
340
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENERAIi.
The cost of transportation charged on subsistence supplies was
$364^143.74. Charging this amount to the total cost of the garrison
ration issued, it gives for the fiscal year 1916 an increased cost for
each ration oi 0.998 cents, thus making the cost of the garrison ration
delivered, including food and transportation, as follows:
CeDts.
At all posts or stations in the United States 28. 9892
At all posts or stations in the Philippines 29. 1644
At all posts or stations in the United States and Philippines 29. 0104
Yearly and per diem cost of subsistence per man in the United States and the Philippine$.
Cost in United SUtes. .
Cost in Philippines. . .
Number of
rations.
Datty
average
ni mber
of men.
32,070,472
6,474,985
87,864
17,739
Netoost.
$8,976,920.23
1,602,283.62
^^^- (cents).
$102.17
90.33 I
27.99
24.74
Emergency ration, — Some difficulty has been experienced with the
emergency ration and it.s final adoption, owing to a slight odor and
rancidity which was noted after it had been packed for several months.
This defect has been traced and overcome, and 20,000 of these emerg-
ency rations have been procured in order to give an elaborate try-out
under difl'ering conditions and in various sections, especially on the
Mexican border and in the Philippines, where conditions should be the
most trying;, and if entirely satisiactory, a large quantity will be pro-
cured and kept as a reserve to meet possible needs.
The ration as devised by the fooa experts of the Department of
Agriculture, working in conjimction with medical officers and quar-
termasters of the Army, is composed of the following: Raw and
ground lean beef, 96 parts; flour, 96 parts; skim -milk powder, 64
parts; invert sugar, 3 parts. Salt to taste.
The nutritive qualities of the ration have been tested fully by the
experts and pronounced satisfactory, and it only remains to test the
keeping qualities, which may be determined only by long periods of
storage under various conditions of climate and temperature.
Restoration oj certain articles to subsistence list, — In the act making
appropriations for the support of the Army for the fiscal year 1913.
certain articles from the appropriation ''Subsistence of the Army
were transferred to the appropriations ''Reralar supplies,*' "Incidental
expenses/' and "Clothing, and camp and garrison equipage." The
act making appropriations for support of the Army for the nscal year
1916 authonzed the disbursement of the appropriations named
above, including "Subsistence of the Army," as one lund to be known
as "Supplies, services, and transportation." In view of this it was
deemecf advisable in order to facilitate supply, and in order to avoid
complaints as to deUveries and keeping the stock of the articles at
posts up to the required Quantities, to obtain authority to direct
the purchase of the articles listed below with purchases of subsistence
stores and suppUes for posts on monthly ana quarterly requisitions,
as outlined in Circular 15, O. Q. M. G., July 6, 1916:
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMA8TEB GENE&AIi.
341
Baaiiis, hand.
Bluing, ball.
Bluing, powdered.
Borax.
Brooms, whisk.
Brushes, hair.
Brushes, shaving.
Brushes, shoe.
Brushes, tooth.
Buttons, composition,
large and small.
Buttons, collar.
Candles.
Candles, lantern.
Combs, medium.
Combs, pocket.
Electrosilicon.
Equipment, dressing, olive
draD.
Equipment dressing,
white.
Handkerchief, linen.
Matches, safety.
Metal polish, paste.
Metal polish, powder.
Mugs, shaving, enameled.
Needles.
Polish, shoe, black, combi-
nation.
Polish, shoe, russet, combi-
nation.
Poliah, shoe, russet, paste.
Razors.
Razor strops.
Salt, rock.
Shoestrings, linen, black,
long.
Shoestrings, linen, black,
short.
Shoestrings, linen, olive
drab, long.
Shoestrings, linen, olive
drab, short.
Soap, issue.
jSoap, hand.
Soap, laundry.
Soap, scouring.
Soap, shaving.
Soap, toilet.
Starch, laundry.
Thread, cotton, black.
Thread, cotton, O. D.
Thread, cotton, white.
Thread, linen, black.
Thread, linen, white.
Thread, silk, olack.
Towels, bath.
Towels, huckaback.
Toweling.
RoUirw Icitchens, — Quite a number of experiments or tests of various
types of rolling kitchens, from both domestic and foreign sources,
have been made during the year, and some under severe service
conditions in Mexico and on tne border. It is beheved that a satis-
factory type of American design has been found, and over 25 of
the most promising designs have been procured and shipped to the
Southern Department for a most elaborate field-service test. A
special test is also being conducted at Fort Sam Houston, Tex., of
certain models, under the direction of the department authorities of
the Southern Department.
Among those tried out were several which developed the fact that
the^ simply added to the amount of transportation that had to be
mamtainea for an army in the field, and did not produce satisfactory
results in the way of hot food for men on the march and on the firing
line.
So far as information is obtainable or judgment can be depended
upon, it is believed that the type that is finally adopted after addi-
tional and elaborate tests have oeen made will compare most favor-
ably with the best designs of rolling kitchens in European armies.
Manual for Army bakers and Army cooks. — It was deemed advisable
to have the Manual for Army Bakers and the Manual for Army Cooks
revised and brought up to date. It was also desired when such
revision was made to have these two manuals, which are so closely
related and both of which are ordinarily used by instructors and
students at the bakers' and cooks' school, combined into one volume,
but divided into two parts. Such consolidation would reduce the
expense of printing, eliminate the necessity for carrying so many
puolications for distribution, and enable the volume to be more
readily carried or handled.
Capt. E. S. Wheeler, Fourth Field Artillery, who was well qualified
to do the work, was selected and bejgan the revision. He made
considerable progress, but his tour of^duty in the Quartermaster
Corps expirea before he could complete the work, and did not. in
consequence, conclude it. In view of this, Capt. Leonard L. Dei-
trick, Seventh Cavalry, who was also well prepared to continue and
complete the volume was selected for this duty and now has the
342 BEPOBT OF THE QUAETERMASTEB GENERAL.
work well on toward completion, and it is hoped to have it shortly
ready for issue.
Mobilization of the National Guard. — On May 1, 1916, the National
Guard of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico was called into active
service by order of the President, and on June 18, 1916, the remainder
of the National Guard of the United States was called into active
service by the President. It became necessary, therefore, to at
once provide for their subsistence. Under law and regulations,
when called into active service they are to be subsisted at the expense
of the Government from the time of their arrival at company ren-
dezvous. The subsistence of the National Guard is supervised and
provided for by the mihtary authorities of the State at company
rendezvous, and also at State mobilization camps until sworn into
the service, when they come imder the supervision and control of
the Federal authorities and are subsisted as are other troops of the
Regular Army.
When the National Guard troops were transported from State
mobilization camps to the Southern Department, or Texas border,
kitchen cars were provided in which to prepare their food, or a
baggage or box car was furnished, with a range installed by which
the food could be prepared. When they were ready to be trans-
ported, 10 days' rations were furnished to make the journey to
destination in the South and to afford them a small supply in addi-
tion, so as to provide against anv delays and to care for their wants
until arrangements could be mad.e to meet their needs at destination
in the regular way.
The subsistence of the troops, suddenly mobilized in camps and
when transported to the Mexican border and after their arrival
there, was accomplished in a satisfactory and successful manner by
the department. This is borne out bv the extensive inspections of
the National Guard by inspectors, ana in the inspection and reports
of Maj. Gen. Tasker H. Bhss, who has borne testimony to the thor-
ough and satisfactory manner in which the troops have been sub-
sisted in Texas and on the border.
Isolated cases of inadequate subsistence have here and there been
urged by some, but even if true, it is hiunanly impossible to over-
come every objection and meet every possibility of hardship, but
where any mistake or hardship has occurred it will probably be
found traceable to lack of experience and judgment of the Nationdl
Guard in not knowing how to care for themselves as regulars do,
which is a most natural result, because of the fact that they have
not had the necessary training and experience in this direction, but
have done remarkably well, all things considered. Regular, troops
at posts, when traveling or when campaigning, have very rarcJy
complained. This is prmcipally due to the years of training and
experience regular troops have had in caring for themselves whereas
the National Guard come from homes where they enjoy aaily sur-
roundings, comforts, and cooking accustomed to, and the cnange
comes somewhat as a revulsion when they go from such homes and
food and cooking to the camp and the fooa and life of the soldier.
In short, most of the complamts as to the National Guard are due
to or can be charged up fi^ainst inexperience. Cooks who may be
first-class men in a restaurant, club, or home, but without experience
in the field cooking for himdreds and without the tools ana equip-
EEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAIi. 343
ment at hand they would have at home, can not be expected to meet
every demand, and is one of the reasons for failure. Another reason
is the inexperience of commanding officers in not knowing how to
provide for their men. One company may be living in plenty on
the regular ration, wlule another company may be hungry because
of food spoiled through lack of proper care or preparation.
The niunber of meat inspectors of the Army is very limited. In
consequence meat inspectors from the Agricultural Department were
detailed, through the courtesy of that department, to cooperate with
and assist the inspectors of the Army in safeguarding its meat supply
by making a careful inspection of all fresh and canned meats before
issue to and consmnption by the troops.
Meat for use of the Army is riridly inspected at the packing houses,
the inspection beginning with tne animal before it is killed and all
througn the after process by inspectors of the Agricultural Depart-
ment stationed at tne various packing houses throughout the coimtry.
In addition to this, meat inspectors and experts of the Quarter-
master Corps are also stationed at the large packing centers, Uke
Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha, San Francisco, and elsewhere where
meat is being prepared or cured for the Army, and they also watch
it through tne wnole process from the killing of the animal until
turned over to the Government. Besides all this, the inspectors of
the packing houses also closely inspect all moats.
In addition to the above safeguards, meat inspectors from the
Agricultural Department have, with the cordial cooperation of that
department, been ordered stationed at all places where large bodies
of troops are located to inspect all meats oefore use by the troops.
With regard to other food articles or stores purchased for me
Army, trained experts at depots and purchasing stations carefully
inspect all supplies purchased, and at stations where troops are
actually locatea, inspections are made by the officers who procure
the supplies, who are assisted by trained inspectors if they are
available.
The pure food and drugs act of 1906, and amendments since, as
to the sale, etc., of poisoned or deleterious food, and also the meat-
inspection law of 1906, and amendments since, against the use of
meat that is * * unsound, unhealthful, unwholesome, or otherwise imfit
for human food," helps greatly to safeguard the food supply.
The health, contentment, and efficiency of troops are tne first care
of a commander. To make proper provision regarding the soldier
demands the best thought and effort of his superiors at all times.
The subsistence of the soldier is of vital importance, and it is ad-
mitted that the ration of the American soldier is the most liberal of
that of any army in the world, and, as stated, proper subsistence
or cooking of their food is of the greatest importance, for it is follv
to train soldiers to the highest state of efficiency ana then by lacK
of care or attention to their food for a short season prepare the way
to put them out of condition at the most critical moment.
The Army has also the latest designs and devices for cooking
food in the field and baking bread. Tne field bakery will compare
most favorably with the very best types of this kind, in any of^the
European armies of to-day, and the bread produced is uniformly
excellent. There are, too, trained cooks and bakers who prepare the
food and bake the bread for the Army. These trained experts are
344 REPOBT OF THE QUARTERMA8TEB GEKEBAL. .
taufbt in the various bakers' and cooks' schools that are estabEshed
at designated places in the United States, in the Hawaiian Territory,
in the rhilippmes, and it is hoped shortly to establish a school m
Panama.
To meet any possible exigency that might arise, it has been nec-
essary to procure and place in stock at the depots at El Paso, Fort
Sam Houston, Harlingen, CJolimabus, Nogales, etc., large quantities
of articles of the ration and other subsistence supplies for troops
on the border and in the Southern Department. The corps has
been able to practically meet every demand made upon it, so far
as the food supply of the Army is concerned.
Some complaints have reached this office as to the poor quality
and insufficiency of the food furnished various militia organizations.
After investigation of these cases, the records indicate that prac-
tically all the complaints so far as have been investigated have oeen
unfoimded, or due to the inexperience of cooks of the National Guard
or lack of experience and training of the National Guard in taking
care of themselves, though, as previously stated, they have done
remarkably well in this respect. The following indicates the char-
acter of the complaints and some of the replies thereto:
Hon. Hoke Smith, United States Senate; Hon. Carl Vinson, House
of Representatives; and Mr. C. T. Wiebis, reported to this office that
there was a shortage of food, etc., also that the food was not of good
quality at the Geor^a mobilization camp at Macon, Ga. The com-
plaints were immediately referred for investigation, and the reports
of the senior mustering officer at the camp at Macon,. Ga., indicated
that at no time were the rations inadequate, but that they were ample
and of excellent quality. Later on Senator Smith submitted a com-
munication from the lion. Hooper Alexander, United States attorney
for the northern district of Georgia, who stated that he had visited
Camp Harris and found the troops in fine spirits and prospering in
every way. Mr. Alexander's letter is as follows:
August 7, 1916.
Hon. Hoke Sioth,
UnxUd States SenaU, Washington, D. C.
Mt Dear Senator: I see by the ^pen that the customaiy crop of critics 10 com-
plaining at the administration of the War Department and its treatment of the militia.
It has occurred to me that the Secretary of War may be interested to know that the
Geors^ troops are in fine spirits and prospering in every way. I went to Camp
Hams a few days ago after they were concentrated there and personally inspected
the cooking arrangements and other camp facilities and I was delighted with the
situation.
I have a boy 19 years old, who enlisted with the Fifth Geonria Regiment and is now
in camp. He came here last night on a 36-hour furlough. He has gained 14 pounds
while m camp, and reports to me that everything there, especially the food, is as
nearly perfect as could be asked. He seems delighted with the situation, and sa^
that practically every man with the Georgia Brigade feels the same way about it.
There are a few critics there as you will fiuad them everywhere, but I am sure that
there is no ground for criticising the War Department, at least so far as concerns the
Georgia troops.
I am writing this because it may be of interest to the Secretary of War, if you should
see fit to communicate it to him.
Respectfully,
Hooper Alsxakder.
This communication was entirely volimtary and unsolicited, and
Senator Smith, who had previously deplored the alleged poor food
and conditions, stated that he was very much gratified to receive this
EEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAL. 345
letter and to submit it to the Secretary of War, as he had very much
confidence in the statements of Mr. Alexander.
Mr. Frank G. Gorrell, secretary of the National Canners Associa-
tion, forwarded a clipping to this oflBce from the New York World
relative to the poisoning of the Massachusetts Militia by canned
salmon. A thorough investigation of this case disclosed the fact that
several cans of this salmon were brought by the Massachusetts
Militia with them from their mobilization camp at Framingham,
Mass. Through the carelessness of the cook a swelled" can was
mixed with other cans containing good food furnished by the Army
authorities, and the mixing of tne bad with the good food was the
cause of the illness of the troops. The illness was the direct result of
lack of judgment and experience of militia cooks. Steps were imme-
diatelv taken by the authorities to prevent a recurrence of cases of
this cnaracter, and orders were issued from this office looking to the
prevention of similar cases.
Mr. G. W. Pratt submitted a clipping from Mr. McCann regarding
the bad food furnished the militia on the border, particularly the
New York troops. A thorough investigation of tnis matter was .
made, and the commanding general of tne New York Division re-
ported that the complaint was entirely without foxmdation and
attached complete statements of company commander, mess ser-
feant, first sergeant, and cook of Company H, Seventh New York
nfantry (where it was alleged the bad food had been served), indi-
cating that the food furnished was of the best quality and that the
complaints were entirely imfoimded.
But one case reached this office and was investigated, wherein the
complaint of lack of food was well founded. This occurred in com-
plaint of the Hon. H. P. Snyder, House of Representatives, who
reported to this office that a member of Troop 6, First New York
Cavalry, on his way to the border by train, had been without food
for 24 hours. On investigation it was ascertained that the officer in
charge failed to provide for subsistence at the time. This failure
was due to lack of experience and poor judgment on the part of the
officer, for he should have met the emergency promptly by procuring
the necessary food if his rations were exnausted, at any eating
station, and made a charge against the Government the same as he
would or should have done if his men had been delayed and the ration
supplies were all consimied before reaching his destination, as is fre-
(juently the case with the Regular Armv. So that while the incident
is greatly regretted, it seems to have been due to the fact that the
militia officer in charge was lacking in experience and initiative in
caring for his men.
But, as previously stated, it is humanly impossible to provide
against every contingency, mistake, or even nardsnip in a great move-
ment of this character.
In conclusion it may be well to repeat that Maj. Gen. Tasker H.
Bliss, United States Army, Assistant Chief of Staff, made an ex-
tensive investigation of practically all the militia organizations en-
camped on the Mexican Tborder, and reported that the rations were
ample and of excellent quality, and that a general spirit of content-
ment prevailed among tne troops.
846 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
Value of miscellaneous supplies issued to the militia; fiscal year
1916, $38,446.65.
Losses, — ^The following losses occurred during the year, and are
based on the losses for nine months, which is the latest d.ata available:
Ordinary wastage $21,109.92
Deterioration 166,701.34
Loss in transit 2,001.80
Loss — carriers and sellers responsible 4, 747. 60
Theft or fire .-. 549.95
Miscellaneous 34,034.28
Losses on account of Galveston hurricane 10, 761. 90
Issued to replace losses to troops on account of Galvestou hurricane 11, 769. 86
Total 261,666.65
Deduct gains r23,228.68
Deduct sales at auction 32,750.36
Deduct reclamation made on carriers and sellers 4, 747. 60
Total 60,724.64
Total net losses 190,942.01
Issues to destitutes on accoimt of hurricane, etc 3, 041. 04
The excessive losses are due to the sale of surplus stock of the Corregidor Reserve and
to the Galveston hmrricane.
CLOTHING AND EQUIPAGE.
FINANCE.
Appropriation by Congress for the purchase and manufacture of cloth-
ing and equipage for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916:
Original amount -. $6,693,000.00
Deficiency 5,014,702.00
Total 11,707,702.00
Credit on account of sales to oflicers, etc 220,000.00
Collections and disbursements in connection with the settlement of the
clothina accounts of the enlisted men of the Army. — The following are
the collections from and disbursements to the enlisted men oi the
Armj in the settlement of their clothing accounts during the period
specified, viz:
Collections on accoimt of clothing drawn in excess of established allow-
ances:
Appropriation, 1915—
From Apr. 1, 1915, to June 30, 1915 $13,107.63
From July 1, 1916, to Mar. 31, 1910 76,349.91
Appropriation, 1916, from July 1, 1915, to Mar. 31, 1916 98, 783. 52
Total collections 188,241.06
Payments to enlisted men at time of discharge from service on account of
clothing undrawn:
Appropriation, 1915 —
From Apr. 1, 1915, to June 30. 1915 304,432.58
From July 1, 1915, to Mai. 31, 1916 457.705.37
Total disbursements 762,137.95
From the above it will readily be seen that the allowance of cloth-
ing established to properly clotne the enlisted men of the Army under
alTservice conditions is ample.
EEPOBT OF THE QUABTERM ASTER GENERAL. 347
Issues to the militia.^Theie were issued to the governors of the
several States and Territoiies and to the commanding general of the
District of Coltmibia Militia, for use of the Organized Militia during
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, clothing and equipage supplies
to the total value of $1,098,813.15, of which $931,104.08 was on
account of issues under the act of May 27, 1908, and $167,709.07
under the act of June 22, 1906, amending section 1661, Revised
Statutes.
The issues of these supplies were made upon requisitions submitted
by the governors of the respective States and Territories and the com-
manding general District of Columbia MiUtia, duly approved by the
Secretary of War. Reimbursements for the value of the property
issued have been and will, as soon as the receipts for the same shall
have been received by the officer making the issues, be submitted to
the Mihtia Bureau for transmission to the Auditor for the War
Department, in order that the appropriation *' Clothing, and camp
ana garrison equipage" may receive proper credit.
S3.es to the muitia, — ^The amount of money realized during the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, from sales of clothing and equipage
supplies to the governors of the States and Territories, and the com-
manding gener^ District of Columbia Militia, under the act of Con-
gress approved January 21, 1903, amounted to $70,352.85, which
sum has been placed to the credit of the appropriation *' Clothing, and
camp and garrison equipage.'*
Sales of clothing and equipage to various departments and bureaus of
the Government — By special authority of the Secretary of War, imder
the provisions of paragraph 671, Army Regulations, 1913, there were
sold during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, to various depart-
ments and Duroaus of the Government, clothing and equipage supplies
to the value of $87,301 .09. The amounts have been or wul be crodi tod
to the appropriation "Clothing, and camp and garrison equipage."
Sales of clothing and equipage supplies to military schools and col-
leges, — Tnere were sold dunng the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916,
under the provisions of the act approved July 17, 1914, to military
schools and colleges at which officers of the Army are detailed as pro-
fessors of military science and tactics, clothing and equipage supplies
to the value of $9,363.75. The amounts have been placed to the
credit of the appropriation "Clothing, and camp and garrison
equipage."
Sales at auction. — There was realized at the general depots of the
Quarteiinaster Corps during the past fiscal year from sales of con-
demned and unserviceable articles of clothing and equipage and cut-
tines the total sum of $27,532.53. The expenses connected with
making these sales amounted to $192.04, which were deducted from
the amount realized, leaving a balance of $27,340.49, which, under the
law, was covered into the Treasury of the United States, credited to
''Miscellaneous receipts."
Field supply depots. — For statement of quantities of clothing and
equipage ^\^ch, by direction of the Secretary of War, as stated in com-
munication from the office of The Adjutant General, of February 23,
1911, are to be kept available in field supply depot No. 1, also the
quantities on hand Jime 30, 1916, see Exhibit No. 12. It will be seen
that most of the supplies have during the recent mobiUzation of the
National Guard been drawn upon and that the articles constituting
348
BEPORT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
the reserve supply have virtually become exhausted and no great de-
pendence can DC placed upon the same.
Cloihim and equipage supplies for the National Guard called out by
the President of the United States, — The Secretarv of War on June 18,
1916, under instructions from the President, called upon each of the
governors of the States (except the governors of Texas, New Mexico,
and Arizona, the militia of which States were called into service upK>n
a previous call), by telegraph, and directed the assembling at the re-
spective State mobiUzation points, or at such points as mi^ht be
designated by the conmianding generals of the respective imlitary
departments, of such organizations as were deemed necessary.
Kealizing that immediate steps should be taken to promptly and
efficiently furnish the troops thus called into service with the neces-
sary clothing and equipage supplies for field service, at war strength,
all the supphes available^together with such as imder s{>ecial author-
ity of the Secretarv of War were purchased at the general depots,
either in open market or after inviting proposals upon short notice,
were placea under the control of the several department conmianders.
The States in the Western Department to be supplied from the depot
at San Francisco, Cal., those in the Central and Southern Depart-
ments from the depot at St. Louis, Mo., and the States located in
the east from the depot at Philadelphia, Pa.
The action in making these pm*chases was due solely to the fact
that the stock of clothijng and equipage held in reserve proved to be
inadequate to meet the pressing demands so suddenly made upon
the corps, the limited appropriations by Congress heretofore made
for the procurement of a reserve supply not having been sufficient.
The loUowing is a statement showing the amoimts estimated by
the clothing supply branch as being required for reserve suppUes of
clotliing and equipage for the fiscal years 1909 to 1916, inclusive,
the amounts included in the annual estimates, and the amounts
appropriated by Congress for the purpose:
Fiscal year.
1909.
1910.
1911.
1912.
Amount esti-
mated by
clothing sap-
ply brancb.
Amount in-
cluded in
estimate.
12,500,000.00 $2,500,000.00
1,549,615.61 1,M9,615.61
1,494,653.64 I 494,653.64
332,011.70 1 332,04L76
1913 ! 2,051.889.34 1 131,70a00
1914 1 1,596,8^79 I 696,898.79
1915 1 2,900,064.45 j 225,880.95
1916 225,ooaoo i aoo,ouaoo
Total.
12,656,158.59 6,030,294.75
Amount ap-
propriatea
by Congress.
$1,274,873.85
1,549,61^.61
494,653.64
832,041.76
" *244;958!7»
225,389.96
4,121,53101
The stock on hand at the general depots had been further reduced
by issues to equip the trainmg camps, no funds having heretofore
been appropriatea to cover cost of such supphes.
Purchase of clothing for spedal issue to troops in Alaska. — ^Under
existing orders the troops stationed in Alaska perform duties which
require that they shoiild be suppHed clothing of a specially warm
character. The following is a statement of the articles prociired
during the past fiscal year, amounting in the aggregate to $8,758.46:
iAJSOJLL^ i^^
SMI V T'lrkK finest . > IKS
^ »L ■ fiumm ft. tmr , . ::.' nC ■
at m- f»ti»x«rfc7«r - . 4M .-Tilt
fi 14% 9 I 1111111 I ^ wBtt.. cnr.. , .3^ 4^ ■
M m. ■
!
Trial ^dsAimf mmimBf^ehtrrei ffxmt v(nt! o »* '7 : a- t. ?# ,v-:" '^ : --^ : r> —
Reports upoD the cotic«i loid wk>} matd ^t y*^ 'j * r i^-u'-i
for trial by tzoc«p« slAtJcosc^ At FtS Mjvrr Vi. T'-Tr^^i i r ::j*^
lOBtuJ rcpTTt fee liw- £?4nJ yew ^ZjIts - -r*' • ! IT. i.L-* *>«-
reeeived- The ti^^Ke of tbf*?^ rvpr-ri- m^Lj' ftT -rtJ' V > r- : . _ '**
conchishnp, as li>^ rt" ihr-.g h** i*-! r»^- >-** --vi :. v lt -• . j
fieU-s-e-rvice eocfedit>ciQ&. Jadg^.g fr^is r*T» ^1=. r'^-^.-'if -'• * '-^
oBr-PHlrab sliirte. vlurli «rp irc-m- #-x'iuf.- -It rr.h z . Jkf" ^-l ir :zi
flannel cooaposed of 75 per orT.t w-> -1 *r i 1* >^ rvr_: ", :*. :. ':i^.'* * ^t
no doubt Inat the C'lrrf^-drmb s-^iti'-v <j :1_.z »"~il i-r -* - -/-t--J **
aceeptabie acd serrioeable.
Searcity <!^ df^^ityTi. — As MAii^-i ir. tb?- 1^^*. 4^ - :ii.I r- -» n r'^t". ./'
ficidties were expenenoed br rr.Mr.vf^A^ir^T^ r c'^-l * -' i' " *> -: v*^
stuffs needed to produce the fa.st rrrkrv ^r : ^r.-..*^ f r •.;-'^ - ' '^-^-•t*^
woolen and cotton fabrics er.i*er.:-z ir.:^* li.'^ i^i' "-5^* * -r- •' .v..tv ; t^*
for the Army.
On account of the European wa»r &- •! f>:r.*^ .-> - • rr. 'r>*-/- „ \} -/
importing the dyes which har^ L-r*e:'>f -r^ xm^z^ • r'>' -r^*-; 5r'y;-% *^;'/t/i,
the situation became quite s«-r>.*us.
In connection with the purchise of \t.^ -l tLI: z :r,^>r^l* f*-, >,.''d
by the Quartennaster Corps, c^f^^i.^r *l' -r^e -.--i: .-rr ^-*t. ,v.^' ,-
factawrs represented thait it wo:Id t-^ irj^Tra/:.- ^'^^ •'^y ',*/•-<.,; r.'.^
needed dyes, which had entiivly di-^'j-irwi fro:a t.^'r A,v,< r.' >-r#
markeL
Contractors haTe, however, be^r* able to pr-vi-;'^ ^':.*t f^*/*-/'* ;^' J
the situation seems to hare beer* -onif^rr^.t t* ..^^*^A or •;,'- i'.,,.* y vf
American manufacturers to producer i^'i\tJ,\*^ dy#;^t*.:T* i;. t;.<: \,:.\***i
States.
The department no longer ifi^btj upo'. an orin^-^Jmb -f/Ior for
stockings, it having been decided to p'Jr^..A.-»rf? o;.!y t'.<r '-^y/.-./^i-r'^^J
article, therebv giving relief to manufA/:l»in'r^ of u-xiiif {3w*fT,t *..
Brawn mixei tpoolens. — In view of the var^ itv of rf v^* uiU t*^U^nt*A
to, this office realized that timely step«» -uould tjo ta^c^n fo f^ro'lu/^ a
fabric that would prove satisfactory a% a ser.i'e uniforrn and a» t}*e
same time eliminate the uncertainty of depending ufKjn Ay^^ 'A for<^ij{n
production, and samples of brown and gray mixed melt/jriA merw pro-
cured from various woolen mills, and it was'^demonstrated that, »h/>uJd
occasion arise, there will be no difficulty in obtaining woolen cl/Hht in
sufficient quantities.
Revision qf specifications for woolen fabrics. — It having been found
advisable to change the standards and specifications for woolen f ab-
rics entering into the manufactiu^ of uniforms, the specifications
governing the purchase of such materials have been revised by elim-
360 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTBBMASTBB GENERAL.
inating the 14 and 17 ounce olive-drab meltons and substituting
therefor a 16-ounce melton for service coats and breeches.
Changes in uniform, — For the purpose of making a studv of and
reporting upon the question of the uiiifonn and clothing allowances
of enlistod men, a board of officers was appointed under the provisions
of War Department Special Orders, No. 39, February 16, 1916, as
amended by Special Orders, Nos. 49 and 80, of February 29 and April
5, c. s.
It is understood that the board referred to has rendered its report
and submitted the same to The Adjutant General. Up to the present
time this office has not been advised of the action taken upon the rec-
ommendations of the board of officers referred to.
Previous to the appointment of the board this office, on several
occasions during the past year, recommended the abolishment of the
blue imiform as an economic measure and the discontinuance of the
clothinff money allowance, it having been found impracticable to
establish an allowance that would be equitable imder existing service
conditions.
Unauthorized wearing of uniforms. — ^The act of Congress approved
June 3, 1916 (sec. 125), provides that it shall be unlawful for any
person not an officer or enlisted man of the United States Army,
riayy, or Marine Corps to wear the duly prescribed uniforni of the
United States Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, or any distinctive part
of such imiforms, or a xmiform any part oi which is similar to a dis-
tinctive part of the duly prescribea uniform of the United States
Army, Navy, or Marine Corps. This provision is not, however, to be
construed so as to prevent officers or enlisted men of the National
Guard from wearing, in pursuance of law and regulations, the imiform
lawfully prescribed to be worn by such officers or enhsted men of the
National Guard; members of tne organization known as the Boy
Scouts, or such other organizations as the Secretary of War may
designate, are exempted from the provisions of this act.
Several organizations having made inquiry as to whether their
status was such as to prevent tnem from weanng the authorized uni-
form of the Anny^ The Adjutant General, by direction of the Secre-
tary of War, hds informed the representatives of such organizations
that a compliance with the following requirements, with the exception
of a distinctive hat band, would meet with the approval of the War
Departmcn t, viz :
Organizations must be purely military.
They must be composea of atizens of the United States, or those who have declared
their intention to become citizens.
The object of the organization must be to so drill and train its members that they
may be better able to take their places in the large armies that would be called in
case of great national emergency.
The organization must be armed with the rifle or other arm approved by the War
Department.
The drill and training must be according to the prescribed regulations and tw^nn^iiy
of the War Department.
Some mark or insignia of a distinctive character must be adopted to be worn on
the blouse or coat, or shirt when blouse or coat is not worn; also a distinctive hat-
band in lieu of a cord must be worn.
Officer must not wear the insignia of rank prescribed for officers of the Army, Navy,
or Marine Corps.
The insig[nia of rank prescribed for officers of educational institutions are reomi-
mended, with reference to which a circular now in process of pubUcadon will be
issued in a few weeks and furnished to the different educational institutions and
military societies.
REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL. 351
Fidd shoes. — ^ReaUzmg the fact that on account of the numerous
complaints that the regulation shoe, while excellent in all other re-
spects, was too li^it in construction and material, and consequently
Old not possess tl^ necessary wearinjg qualities for seryice in the fiela,
this office ordered the purcnase and issue to troops, for preliminary
trial, of 600 pairs conforming in pattern and substance, with minor
modifications, to those fumisned \>y American manufacturers to the
French and Belgian Armies during the present European war. The
uppers are made of undressed yeiQ or side leather. Ihe soles are of
adequate thickness and are studded with hobnails. The shoes are
made upon the same lasts as heoretofore used in the manufacture of
Army snoes, and in r^ard to ^diich no complaints haye reached this
office.
There are now being purchased under contracts at the Boston,
Philadelphia, and St. I>)uis depots 265,000 pairs, at an ayera^e cost
of $3.69 per pair, and they are dispatched to tne troops as fast as
accepted rrom the contractor.
Overhauling and repairing qfivom-out shoes. — ^It haying been demon-
strated that m many cases tne worn-out shoes discaroed by the en-
listed men could be oyerhauled and remodeled at a reasonable price,
thus rendering them fit for further service, the question of retaining
the ownership of the shoes by the Goyemment was submitted for
consideration by higher authority. The work connected with the
repair of such snoes, after collecting them from the principal posts,
could, it was suggested, be done eitner at the Disciplinary Barracks
or under contract with a firm specializing in the remodeling of old
shoes, which would result in a large saying to the Goyemment in the
cost of shoes.
In reply to the foregoing this office has been adyised that after
carefid consideration it has been decided that it is to the best interest
of the service to continue the clothing allowance system for enlisted
men instead of the Goyemment retaining ownership of all dothing
issued to enlisted men.
Aviators^ clothing. — Under the proyisions of paragraph 20, Special
Orders No. 274, War Department, Noyember 24, 1915, a board of
officers was apj)ointed to meet at Fort Sam Houston, Tex., to con-
sider the question of adopting clothing suitable for ayiation purposes.
This depiutment, upon the recommendation of said board, procured
from abroad, through the miUtary attachfi at London, England,
articles of equipment suitable for the purpose.
Upon receipt of these samples they were forwarded to the board
of officers referred to for consideration. No definite result has, how-
eyer, as yet been communicated to this office.
On the 27th of May last the Chief Signal Officer requested a de-
cision as to whether ayiators' clothing should be paid for from
appropriations of the Signal CJorps or from those for the Quarter-
master CJorps.
Under date of June 7, 1916, the Secretary of War approyed the
recommendation of this office that the clotmng required oy officers
should be paid for by the officers themselyes, and that sucn as may
be required by the enlisted men be furnished by the Quartermaster
Corps and issued on memoradum receipt.
Issue of civilian clothing to prisoners upon release from confinement —
Under tne proyisions of paragraph 1170, Army Regulations as
852 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
changed by C. A. R. No. 27, 1915, each general prisoner upon release
from conmiement is furnished by the Quartermaster Corps with a
suit of citizens' outer clothing at a cost of not to exceed $10.
Experiments conducted at the .United States Disciplinary Barracks.
Fort Leavenworth, Kans., demonstrated that the clothing reqmred
for issue to discharged prisoners could be economically manufactured
by prison labor and tne savings would cover the cost also of an
overcoat.
Steps were taken during the past year to install a tailor shop at
the Pacific Branch, United States Disciplinary Barracks, Alcatraz
Island, CaJ., and the Atlantic Branch, Fort Jay, N. Y. A shoe-
repair shop has also been established at these barracks.
These aaded f acihties will not only enable the Quartermaster Corps
to manufacture the several suits required for issue to discharged pris-
oners, but will provide the means by which garments can be reno-
vated and repau-ed for issue to general prisoners in confinement.
Experience has shown that obsolete shoes and other articles can be
altered and utilized in this manner with considerable economy to
the Government.
Leather leggings, — A supply of leather leggings has been procured
and issued to the mountea organizations for whom they are intended.
From reports received it appears that they do not meet with favor,
partly due to xmsuitable material of which made. No action to dis-
continue their procurement and issue has thus far been taken, as the
department considers that a further and more extensive trial will be
necessary to arrive at a thorough and correct understanding.
Suggestions have been made that in case it should be decided to
a])o;ish the leather leggings it would be preferable to adopt for the
mouiite<l troops a suitable legging made of canvas and to reinforce
them with leather.
Canvas leggings, — Reports have been received that the present can-
vas legging is not suitable for the requirements of the service. It is
pointed out that a return to the pattern issued prior to the Spanish-
American War would be preferable. The pattern referred to was
provided with a leather strap to go beneath the shank of the shoe,
thereby keeping the legging m proper place and extending the ma-
t(»rial sufficientR'' over the instep to prevent sand and other substances
fro?n entering tne shoe.
Ponchos and slickers. — Experiments have continued during the
past year in the eflFort to develop a satisfactory poncho and slicker for
the service, it being found that the waterproof sheeting heretofore
used in manufacturing these articles was not suitable for the purpose.
As to shckers, so far experiments have shown that a double texture
material with a rubber interlining has given the most satisfaction.
Recently a fabric known as ** aeroplane cloth" was brought to the
attention of this oflfice, and preliminary experiments and tests indi-
cated that this fabric would prove especially serviceable for ponchos.
Contracts have been awarded for a quantity of this material, and it
will be given a thorough trial.
In general it can be stated that complaints with reference to pon-
chos and shckers have been less frequent during the past year, and
it is hoped that within the near future a perfect^ satisfactory article
will be evolved.
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB OENEBAIi.
353
Changes in speciJUationsfor clothing and equipage. — ^The following is
a statement oi the yarious changes that were made in the specifica-
tions for clothing, equipage, and materials dining the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1916, with the reasons therefor:
Mo.
1231
1232
1233
1234
1235
1236
123S
1239
1240
1241
1242
Articles.
Collar omftmeiits.
Cap ornaments
Leather leggings
Ambulance guidon staffs
Tent poles and pins
Tentage
Silken colors, guidons, and standards .
Field desks for companies andregi*
moital headquarters.
Woolens
Banting flaa, colors, standards, pen-
nants, ana guidons.
Containers for identification certificates
Reasons for change.
Adoption of ornaments for Disciplinary Guards.
Adoption of ornaments for Disdpllnary Guards.
Adoption of. for mounted oi^anJxations.
Readopted for ambulances.
New hexagonal pole for pyramidal tents in lieu of old pole
and tripod; new specmcations f<x- ward tents and con-
solidation of specifications for poles and pins.
Adoption of wall tent, large (formerly hospital, regulation);
adoption of ward tent; wall tent, small (formerly wall
tent, tropical) in lieu of pyramidal tent, small; canvas
cover for folded ward tent as prescribed in 0. 0. 39, W. D.,
1915; and oonsoUdation of all tentage speciflcatioos.
Adoption of guidons for ambulance companies, field hos-
pital compaoles, aero squadron, and telefpraph c(Miipa-
nies. Signal Corps.
New nllng arrangement.
Provide for mixture of cotton in 30-oance melton and shirt-
ing flannel; substitution of 16-ounoe for 14 and 17 ounoe
meltons.
Adoption of guidons for ambulance and field hospital com-
panies, aero squadron, and telegraph companies. Signal
Corps.
New.
Guidons for nutchine-gun troops. — ^Requisitions for guidons for
machine^un troops having been made upon this department, The
Adjutant General, by order of the Secretary of War, has advised
this office that the same are not required by such troops.
The officers in charge of the several issuing depots have been
advised accordingly.
Band instruments. — ^The change in musical instruments furnished
to the bands of the Army and the militia by the Quartermaster Corps
from hiffh to what is known as the low or mtemational pitch has re-
ceived the constant attention of this office in so far as the appropria-
tions available for that purpose would permit. About one-third of
the bands have been supphed with new instruments, or, whenever
Eracticable, alterations in the instruments on hand by means of sUdes
ave been made, thereby perfecting the changes in the most economi-
cal manner.
Mosquito bars for troops in Canal Zone. — The attention of this office
having been called to tne necessity of supplying the troops stationed
in the Canal Zone with mosquito oars of a nner mesh, in view of the
fact that those of regulation pattern did not afford sufficient protec-
tion against the sand ffies so prevalent in that part of the country,
the Department Quartermaster of the Eastern Department on June
28 last was authorized to purchase the necessary bars, to be of a
quality that may be found most suitable and satisfactory.
A report has been received from the officer referred to, from which
it appears that 5,610 bars have been purchased at the several posts
requiring them, at a total cost of $10,889.68.
Claims, act of March S, 1885. — ^There were received at this office
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1916, 144 claims for personal
property destroyed or lost by officers and enlisted men while in
the service of the United States. The act of Congress approved
e917e*— WAB 1916— VOL 1-
23
854 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
March 3, 1885, authorizes settlement of claims of this character by
proper accomiting officers of the Treasm'y Department.
The act contains a provision that the Uability of the Grovemment
shall be limited to such articles as the Secretary of War, in his dis-
cretion, shall decide to be reasonablcj useful, necessary and proper
for sucn officer or soldier to have in his possession while in quarters,
engaged in the public service, or in the Ime of dxitj.
The claims received were carefuDy considered in this office and
submitted to the Secretary of War for transmittal to the Auditor for
the War Department, the total amount reconmiended for settlement
amounting to $1,713.23.
Claims on account of the Texas flood. — ^A severe tropical storm or
hurricane reached the coast of Texas at Galveston on August 16,
1915. The storm was of exceptional violence and duration, and the
wind and the rain and the floods from the great tide and backwaters
caused enormous damage at the Army posts, camps, and stations at
and near Galveston ana Texas City.
In view of the extraordinary situation the Secretary of War ap-
f)roved recommendations for apphcation to Congress for special legis-
ation for the reUef of those connected with the Army wno suffered
loss of private property in the storm, including civihan employees,
and also to provide reimbursement for loss of articles personal to
the use of members of families and dependents of officers, enlisted
men, and civihan employees and for military organizations.
Up to June 30, 1916, there have been received appUeations* from
8,321 claimants for amoimts aggregating over $655,000. As revised
by several boards of officers, where there has been such review of
the claims submitted, the amount involved is reduced to $515,449.20.
Of this latter amount $414,306.29 is for articles that were personal
to the use of officers and enhsted men; $55,841.79 for articles used
by civihan employees connected with the Army and members of
famihes and dependents of officers, enUsted men, and civihan employ-
ees; and $45,301.17 for reimbursement of articles lost by mihtary
organizations.
The matter was reported to Congress by letters addressed by the
Secretary of War to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
imder dates of October 30, 1915, and January 11, 1916. Those com-
munications, with inclosures, were pubhshed in Document No. 582,
House of Representatives, Sixty-fourth Congress, first session.
The exammation of these claims is proceeding, but their trans-
mittal to the Auditor for the War Department must of necessity be
deferred until Congress shall have had opportunity to consider the
special legislation recommended by the Secretary of War.
The claims can not be adjudicated under the act of Congress
approved March 3, 1885.
Clothing danuiged by Galveston, Tex,, flood, — The large (j^uantities
of overcoats, blankets, sweaters, and other articles of clothing dam-
ped by salt water incident to tne hurricane and flood at Galveston.
%x., in August last, which it was beheved could be renovated ana
rendered serviceable for issue, were ordered to the depot at Phila-
delphia, Pa., for that purpose. The expenditure connected with
sucn renovation is reported to have amomited to $12,606.97.
BEPORT OF THE QUABTERMASTER GEXERAL. 355
Many of the articles were discolored with a brown color which it
was found impossible to remove, bat the discoloration was not suffi-
ciently noticeable to prevent the clothing from bein^ issued to troops
at the several disciplinary barracks, and it has therefore been set
aside accordingly. The remainder of the renovated property has
been placed in stock for issue.
Manx^adure cf maUressesfor prisoners at the AUantie UrUted States
Disciplinary Barracks. — On the 2l8t of March last The Adjutant
General informed this office of the approval of the request of the
commandant United States Disciplinary Barracks at Governors
Island, New York Harbor, that the old and present poMcy of fur-
nishing the prisoners with straw mattresses witn no pillows or sheets
be discontinued, and that they be supphed with cotton mattresses,
pillows, etc.
A requisition for the required articles having been submitted, and
it having been decided to make the mattresses at the United States
Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kans., thus giving employ-
ment to prisoners, an order to manufacture the number needed (400)
was given after ascertaining that the necessary picking and filler
macbme and materials could be procured as cheaply at Fort Leaven-
worth as elsewhere. Purchase has been authorized at a cost of
$1,404.25.
Relief of sufferers from fre at Paris, Tex, — Congress, by act approved
April 11, 1916, authorized the Secretarv of War to supply for tem-
porarv use, under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe,
a sufficient niunber of tents to aflfora shelter for the suJOTerers from
the conflagration in Paris, Tex., and who may be in need of the same,
and to fiUTiish such cots, blankets, and supplies as, in his judgment,
woidd be necessary to give relief to such persons as were rendoix>a
destitute by said conflagration.
The act of Congress quoted made no provision permitting the use
of anv public fimds for the purpose referred to, and upon the receipt
of information to the effect that governmental aid would not be
required, no further action regarding the matter was taken by this
office.
Issue of tents to flood sufferers in the Mississippi Valley, — There
were issued in February fast, from the St. Louis, Mo., depot, to
sufferers from the overflow of the Mississippi River, 51 conical wall
tents, 2 pyramidal tents, large, 5 wail tents, small, and 17 wall tents,
large, all complete with poles and pins, valued at $2,875.10. The
cost of shipping the same from St. Louis to Arnaudville, La., was
$199.53, and report has been received that all this tentago would
be returned to the St. Louis depot.
Loan of cotsfoi' use of the United Veterans' reunion at Birmingham^
Ala, — There were loaned from the depot at Philadelphia, Pa., to the
committee having charge of the United Veterans* Reunion ncld at
Birmingham, Ala., in M^y last, under Senate joint resolution No. 76,
by authority of the Secretary of War, for use of the veterans attend-
ing said reunion, 5^000 cots, satisfactory bond for the value of the
property to insure its safe return having been given.
£oan of tents arid other property to sanitary organizations of the
American Na4ional Red Cross. — There were loaned for use of the
356 BEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
National Service School, upon receipt of satisfactory bond, the fol-
lowing Quartermaster Corps suppUes, etc. :
260 each cots, mattresses, pillows, and mosquito bars.
520 pillowcases.
1,040 bed sheets.
150 galvanized-iron buckets.
2 field desks.
11 hospital tents.
65 p>Taniidal tents.
41 tent flies.
all complete with tripods, poles, and pms.
The property has been returned to the custody of the department.
Purchase of supplies under annual contracts, — Under the annual
contract system advertisements were issued and contracts awarded
by the Quartermaster GeneraPs office, for delivery of various classes
01 supplies, as required diuing the fiscal year, at the several depots
of the Quartermaster Corps. Under these advertisements 674 oids
were submitted and 319 contracts awarded.
These contracts covered supplies and services of the classes indi-
cated in the following statement, which also shows the total amoimt
of purchases under each class, viz:
Stationery and office supplies, wrapping and toilet paper, school books,
etc 1178,047.70
Hardware and tools 223, 731. 12
Rope and twine 66, 876. 38
Toilet articles, soap, and cleaning materials 253,384.75
Paints, acids, and glass 71,668.17
Canvas, duck 10,920.71
Iron, steel, copper, etc 5,530.23
Leather and harness hardware 167, 999. 00
Band instruments and parts 18, 565. 99
Clothing, equipase, and materials 2, 430, 471. 55
Manufacture of clothing 327,635.57
Packing and waste 14, 304. 55
Office furniture 23,813.57
Fire, garden, and steam hose 24,414.70
Tableware and kitchen utensils 27,934. 97
Total 3,845,298.96
Under these annual contracts orders are placed with the con-
tractor direct by the depot quartermaster requiring the suppUes^ from
time to time during the fiscal year, which simplifies to a great extent
the procurement of supplies.
Some diflSculty was experienced in a few cases in obtaining satis-
factory and prompt dehveries of certain supplies, due to the unusucl
market conditions existing and the shortage oi materials entering
into their manufacture.
CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR.
Appropriations and expenditures. — A tabulated statement attached
hereto as Exhibit No. 8 shows the appropriations and amounts avail-
able during the past fiscal year for the construction, repair, and rental
of buildings, hicluding plumbing, heating, hghting and equipment,
purchase and rental of land, construction and repair of water, sewer,
lighting and power systems, wharves, roads, walks, bridges, and other
nprovements on military reservations ; also the approximate amounts
^portioned from the several appropriations, the general purpose for
diB
for
WfM
the
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heading df ^Shooting gaUencs and ranett/' «^t«w Ui*r i^/i»ttiif :
S^^iiid S&S to b€^^
358 REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
The following report indicates the expenditures made thereunder:
Construction: Oo«t.
Dade, Fort, Florida, rebuilding tai:get-ran£:e shelter $150. 00
George Wright, Fort, Washington, material for construction of shooting
gallery. 31.96
Greble, Fort, Rhode Island^ target range house storeroom 246. 82
Kamehameha, Fort, Hawaii, target butts 1, 100. 00
Mcintosh, Fort, Texas, replacing revetment and target house on range
(Laredo)* 170.00
Brownsville, Tex . , material for target range, Fourth Infantry* 320. 10
Canal 2k)ne, temporary butts on range 1, 000. 00
Gaillard, camp, Canaf Zone, temporary range 309. 66
Plattsburg Barracks, N. Y., addition to range house for storage of
additional tat^gets 451. 80
St. Michael, Fort, Alaska, extending shooting-gallery building No. 43. . 266. 37
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, revetting range site, excavating, etc 9, 681. 00
Sill, Fort, Oklahoma:
Target range for school of musketry 774. 60
Range house for school of musketry 605. 00
Williams, Fort, Maine, small-arms target range and house 396. 00
Total 15,503.31
Items followed by (*) pertain to Mexican border.
The following items, not included in the foregoing, indicate where
target ranges were rented, and cost, for the fiscal year 1916:
Buena Vista, P.I $111 . 30
Colchester, Vt 276. 00
Clackamas, Oreg 699. 99
Edsall, Va 750.00
Fabens, Tex. * 30. 00
Junemanns Pasture, Tex. * 600. 00
Laredo, Tex. * 420. 00
La Teria Tract. ( ameron County, Tex.* ; 75.00
Leichuang. China 180. 00
Do 30.00
Marfa. Tex. * 75. 00
Do.* 17.43
Nogales, Ariz. * 240. 00
Pbarr, Tex. * 15. 00
Total 3,519.72
Items followed by (*) pertain to Mexican border.
Militarif post exchanges. — The Army appropriation act, under
heading of '^MiUtary post exchanges,'' covers the following:
For continuing the construction, equipment, and maintenance of suitable buildings
at military posts and stations for the conduct of the post exchange, school, library,
readine, lunch, amusement rooms and gymnasium, including repairs to buildings
erected at private cost, in the operation of the act approved May 31, 1902, for the
rental of films, purchase of slides, supplies for and maian^ repairs to moving-picture
outfits, to be expended in the discretion and under the direction of the Secretary of
War, fl5,839.85.
The following indicates the expenditures made thereunder for
construction:
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, completion of swimming tank $500. 00
Corozal, Canal Zone:
2 bowling alleys 650.00
Equipment 130. 60
Empire, camp at. Canal Zone, improvements in exchange 1,724.00
SEPOKT or THE QUASTOOl^STlJt :=X5TX%...> ]59^
y-t^m-'i tTT- ^ ,^ f|i|1 41
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iz^zirom^^ SR (Wf . W
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Fori KilffT, KiaB_ ?-:aiscra"^i:iL :c r-jfcOf - , ^:,^ft^»
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Fen Mcrtherscc^ 'ja . viklf ij-fiir •»3i«ri'»Li;ii. I SO "^
Xaotomvee Iams^ivSel afeaL 'jutecmt-uui aJ viJi:* ..^ 4 f»?i 06
ITiffrr-'^. — ^At Yyn i^bJc*fr f'u..^ Mi'tio* '^ » - pw rel: fcirrwi can-
Crete vL^ vft§ r-r-'.^-trj'-v^ at « *-.»-: c*^ *-' J. '*•'■. Tri^ rpr:ifcr»rtflr rf
the work w** *.-:'j:*ra,it< frvtu fu*iC- '/ t*jt f'yj'.»v::i5 1^17 5scJ
some of tije mo-re jjr v-»rut' t ;,»* v ♦•^-u *./f ■ jf
Fort Gmpt. 'STiBi , r^^-mmnr-^rft. ^^^ ti. 4H~
Fort CoBK^ -ui<L »6i^M'it '.t »*utt*^ 1 41*:. 5<*
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Fort **it if '^miTi^'Ji T*5i CiaiiSij^ v- ij ui.C'iiiuj*«: ,^ 1 t%t 80
For: rinj.-'.^ ifl** u cnwuai^ v *'i<> Lt-j'^ , ^ Kri W>
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360 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTERMASTEB QENEBAL.
Some of the more important projects undertaken during the year
were:
Fort Maaon, Cal., fire-protection eystem $1, 981. 75
Fort Mills, r. I., two air compreemrs, centrifugal pump, air receivers, etc. 9, 902. 00
Fort Sam Houston, Tex., pump house, tanks, etc., for aviation grounds. . 5, 330. 75
Scbofield Barracks, Hawaii, completing the water-supply system 31. 320. 00
Water disirilyuting systems:
Fort Huachuca, Ariz., water and sewer systems for new building 19, 000. 00
Fort Sam Houston, Tex., water-distributmg system for aviation post.. 4, 970. 00
Sewer systems:
Fort Miley, Cal., connecting post with city sewer 1, 445. 00
Fort Sam Houston, Tex . , sewer system for aviation post 7, 392. 00
Fort Sill. Okla., sewer for school of fire building 1,875.00
Purchase oflandy revocable licenses, leasee, etc. — ^Particular attention
has been given to leases of Government property under the control
of the Quartermaster Corps, in order that the greatest benefit might
be derived therefrom. The Secretarv of War has authority under the
law to lease property not required for immediate military use^or a
period not exceeding five years, and revocable at any time. When-
ever practicable such leases aie entered into after public advertise-
ment and award made to the highest bidder. Oftentimes the
grounds, buildings, etc., are kept in repair, etc., by the lessee, as a
condition of the lease, and the land, too, is thereby kept from weeds
and generally turned back to the Government, after having been
cultivated for a period of time, in a much better condition tiian it
would have been had it been allowed to remain unused. Although
the funds derived from the rental thereof are not recredited and made
available foi military expenditure, they are, however, deposited to
the credit of the Treasurer of the United States as miscellaneous
receipts and indirectly operate to loweiing the cost of the Military
Estanlishment.
Dm-ing the past fiscal year this office reconmiended, and the rec-
ommendation was approved by the Secretary of War, that hereafter
leases of Government property to others be executed in guintuphcate,
one copy to be fumisnod the lessee, one copy filed witn the records
of the post concerned, one copy returned for file in. the office of the
Jud^e Advocate General, as required by law, one copy sent to the
Auditor for the War Department, and the remaining copy furnished
for the information of this office. The point raised by this office was
that heretofore there had been no complete and adequate check
upon the receipts collected from the lease of such property, or of any
moneys received from licenses, and it is beUeved that ,the plan
adopted will eliminate that objection.
Tne amoimts expended for the purchase of land, etc., and a state-
ment of changes m military reservations, also a list of revocable
license? granted during the year, as far ao shown by the records of the
Quartermaster General's office, will be found in Exhibits Xos. 10
and 11.
Front Royal, Va, — Vouchers were prepared in October, 1915^
and payments made to Mrs. Alma Jackson and R. H. Jackson, in the
sum of $1 ,042.19, for the acquisition of lOS acres and 120 square poles;
and to Miss Lucy E. Barbee, in the sum of $1,068.13 for 85 acres and
20 square poles. This completed the purchase of the land authorized
by Army act of March 3, 1911. (See p. 35 of the annual report for
1915 for details.)
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTBB QENEBAL. 361
Presidio of San Francisco, Cdl. — ^The sum of $100,000, appropiiated
by the sundry civil act of March 4, 1909, remains available and
covers the purchase of land and acquisition of water rights on Lobos
Creek. An agreement, dated June 10, 1915, between the Depart-
ment and the opring Valley Water Co., under the terms of which the
Govenmient will pay to me above-mentioned company $98,937.50
upon being furnished with a deed conveying a good and valid title
to the property, remains in effect. The dteed has not as yet been fur-
nished, but the negotiations are in process and it is expected soon to
close this matter.
Tobyhanna^ Pa. — ^During the past fiscal year, the Henry Pratt
tract, compiising about 422 acres, was purchased from the owner,
Mr. Thomas Brady, for the sum of $1,255. This money came from
the original appropriation of $50,000 made in the Army act for 1914.
(See p. 36, annual report for 1915, for further details.) Two small
tracts still remain to be acquired through condemnation proceedings.
Fences. — ^The total amount expenaed from the appropriation
"Supplies, Services and Transportation, Quartermaster Corps,"
during the fiscal year, for the constiuction of reservation fences, was
approximately $2,937.50, which includes $1,632.10 for a fence at
Fort Barry, Cal., $388 for material for construction and lepair of
fences at Keno, Okla., $372.40 for extension of fences along southern
boimdary of Fort Sill, Okla.^ and $545.56 for a woven-wire fence on
the east side of the reservation at Vancouver Barracks, Wash. For
corral fences, which are constructed from the appropriation "Bar-
racks and quarters," see Exhibit No. 9.
Balce ovens and apparatus. — ^The cost of bake ovens, dough mixers,
bread racks, ana othei equipment for post bakeries, is defrayed from
the appropriation "Supplies, Services and Transportation, Quarter-
master Corps." Dming the past fiscal year these articles weie pur-
chased on approved requisitions by the depot quaitei master, Jeffer-
son ville^ Ind., at a cost of $11,466.12.
Heating installations. — ^There have been authorized during the
year in connection with heating installations the following:
Fort Bliss, Tex., hot- water heating apparatiis in 5 captains' quarters and
8 lieutenants* quarters $9, 090. 00
Fort Keogh, Mont., heating system in oflScers' quarters No. 2 .*. . . 850. 00
Fort Liscum, Alaska, supplies for installation of steam heating plant in
officers' quarters No. 33 593. 80
Fort Moultrie^ S. C, hot-water heating plants in 5 sets captains' quarters
and 5 sets lieutenants' quarters 6, 635. 00
Philadelphia Depot, Pa., material for connecting officers* quarters to central
heating plant 650. 00
Fort Sill, 6kla. :
Steam-heating plants in 13 sets officers' quarters, old post 11, 475. 00
Steam-heating plants in 6 sets officers' quarters, old post 4, 200. 00
Lighting systems. — Under this beading there has been expended
during the year from the appropriation * * Supplies, Services, and Trans-
portation, Quartermaster Corps," for the mstallation, extension, and
improvement of electric-lightmg systems, the following amoimts at
the posts named :
Fort Baker, Cal., material for electric-lighting systems on road between
poet and Sausalito - $942.83
Fort Hamilton, N. Y., extension of lighting system 411. 83
362 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
Fort Huachuca, Ariz.^ combination electric light, pow^, and ice plant,
including electric distribution system, wiring and fixtures in buildings
(lighting portion only) $77, 115. 00
Fort Keogn, Mont., electric-lighting system 2, 266. 00
United States Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kans. :
Traveling crane in power plant 1, 010. 00
Purchase and installation of 300-kilowatt turbo-generator and switch-
board 13,689.00
Letterman General Hospital, California:
Metering feed water-heater and purifier in power plant 2, 626. 00
Two bofler feed pumps in power plant 1, 144. 00
Fort Mcintosh, Tex., instollation electric-light system 2, 079. 23
Presidio of San Francisco, Cal., changing location of pole line and making
improvements to lighting system, West Cantonment 1, 274. 87
Fort Kuger, Hawaii, electnc line along engineers' trail to Diamond Head. 795. 00
Fort Sam Houston, Tex., exterior and interior lighting system, aviation
post 2,017.00
Fort Sill, Okla.:
Wiring and fixtures in extension of barracks and stables 800. 52
Wiring and fixtures in remodeled buildings, old post 1, 500. 00
Boiler feed pump, additional feed- water lines and steam header for
power plant 855. 00
Fort Snellin^, Minn.:
Installation electric motor-driven machinery for power plant 2, 878. 00
Smokestack for power plant 580. 00
Fort Strong, Mass., connecting hoisting engine with central power plant.. 859. 52
Fort Terry, N. Y., new street-lighting system 1, 765. 00
Ice and refrigeraiina plahts. — ^The following work has been author-
ized during the fiscal year in connection with ice and refrigerating
plants:
At Fort Bayard, N. Mex., the walls in refrigerating room of ice
plant have been rebuilt, at a cost of $1,131, ana a complete ice and
refrigerating plant, with a capacity of 20 tons refrigeration per day,
in combination with the electric light and power plant at Fort
Huachuca, Ariz., has been installed, at a cost of $20,050.
Laundry plant. — The only laundry plant installed during the year
is that at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., at a cost of $33,047.40.
Incandescent lamps, — There has been expended for the piurchase of
incandescent lamps in the United States, $20,868.01. All lamps
now being supplied are of the Tungsten type, and are purchased
through tne General Supply Committee and aistributed through the
New York depot. The supply of lamps for the ensuing fiscal year will
be of the nitrogen-filled Tungsten type in lieu of the vacuum Tung-
sten, on accoimt of the greater efficiency which will thus be obtained.
The supply of carbon lamps is exhausted, and the Gem lamp is nearlj
so. These latter two types of lamps are no longer purchased by this
department.
Purchase of light. — For the purchase of light there has been author-
ized during the fiscal year the following amoimts:
Electric current and gas $361, 287. 21
Mineral oil 48,014.98
Total 409,302.19
Fu^. — ^There has been expended during the fiscal year for fue' in
kind and purchase of heat the following amounts:
Fuel in kind, for heating public buildines, and power purposes 51, 755, 035. 76
Heat, purchase of 36. 837. 74
Fuel for pumping plants 132. 243. 75
Fuel for incineratorB 34,989.45
Fuel, blacksmith coal, and charcoal 5, 251. 40
BEPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL. 363
WaU lockers. — Wall lockers are purchased for installation in barracks
and the cost is defrayed from the appropriation ** Barracks and quar-
ters." They are also sometimes issued to offices. As they can be
gurchased cneaper when large lots are obtained, the Quartermaster
brps makes contract, upon which the Office of the Surgeon General
sometimes draws for installation in hospitals, in which event reim-
bursement of appropriation from which purchased is made from the
appropriation "Construction and repair of hospitals;" $23,044.01
expended fiscal year 1916.
^Annual repairs to huUdings, etc. — Based on the estimates of March 1,
1915, received from military posts and depots, apportionments were
made to departments and mdependent stations at the beginning of
the fiscal year 1916 for annual repairs to buildings and systems
From the apportionments to departments, allotments were made to
each post by the department commanders within the limits of the
funds available. Instructions were given to retain a reserve balance
in each department to meet unforeseen contingencies. The total
amount apportioned for annual repairs from each appropriation of
the fiscal year 1916, not including the Phihppine Islands, was approxi-
mately as follows:
Barracks and quarters: General repairs to buildings $616, 507. 03
Military post exchanges: Repairs to post exchanges, gymnasiums, bowl*
ing alleys, gymnastic apparatus, etc 11, 358. 00
Supplies, service, and transportation, Quartermaster Corps:
Kepairs to reservation fences, lighting and heating plants, exterior
lighting and heating systems, lighting and heating within build-
ii^, bakery buildings, bake ovens and equipment, ice and refriger-
ating plants, and laundry buildings 117, 908. 10
Repairs to water systems and pump houses, sewer sys-
terns, sewerage-disposal plants and crematories,
plumbing in buildings, and fire apparatus $134, 331. 57
Repairs to flagstaffs, picket lines, and electric-bell
systems 4, 171. 00
Railroad equipment 2, 832. 00
Total 259, 242. 67
Roads, walh^, wharves, and drainage: Repairs to roads, walks, curbs,
gutters, railroad tracks, wharves, seawalls, retaining walls, drains, and
drainage; also improvement of grounds 208, 303. 00
Shooting galleries and ranges: Repairs to buildings on target ranges, etc . . 9, 049. 15
Construction and repair of hospitals: Repairs to hospital buildings 77, 578. 26
Quarters for hospital stewards: Repairs to hospital stewards' quarters ... 10, 191. 15
Special repairs, aUerationSj and improvements. — In addition to the
annual apportionments for repairs as stated above, expenditures were
authorized in the course of the past fiscal year for special repairs,
exclusive of Mexican border expenditures (the necessity for which
could not be anticipated when tne annual estimates were prepared),
and for alterations and improvements in buildings, exterior systems,
and grounds of the various military posts and stations. The total
amount expended for special repairs, alterations, etc., from each
appropriation was approximately as follows:
Barracks and quarters (including door and window screens, storm doors,
etc.) $191, 991. 16
Military pK)et exchanges (including gymnastic apparatus, etc.) 25, 076. 25
Construction and repair of hospitals 29, 153. 99
Quarters for hospital stewards 814. 89
Supplies, services, and transportation. Quartermaster Corps 121, 093. 36
Roads, walks, wharves, and drainage 61, 804.86
Total 429,934.51
364 BEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
Meiican border. — ^The following is a siimmarized statement of
expenditures made during the past fiscal year to provide necessary
accommodations and conveniences for troops on the Mexican border:
Temporary storehouses, kitchens, mess hails, stables, latrines, screening,
etc., flooring and framing of tents, assembly and amusement halls, hos-
pitals, bakeries, etc $213,932.43
Repairs to temporary shelter, etc 16, 663. 29
Electric lighting of camps, installation and repairs 9, 992. 08
Construction and repair of water-supply systems and plumbing 32. 070. 96
Roads, walks, drainage, etc., at camps 2,093.12
Fittinfi; up target ranges, repairs, etc. , including rentals 3, 037. 59
Miscellaneous supplies 42, 980. 80
Total 320.770.27
Losses by fire and storm. — The losses by fire and storm during the
fiscal year 1916 were as follows:
Fort Thomas, Ky., July 7, 1915, buildings Nos. 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 19, 26, 43, and 56
were damaged by storm to the extent of $2,562.10. Extensive damage was caused to
glass, electric and telegraph lines and poles.
Valdez, Alaska, July 15, 1915, building No. 2 (post office, storeroom, and stables)
was destroyed by fire.
Fort Revere, Mass., August 9, 1915, stable No. 6 was struck by lightning and dam-
aged to the extent of $200, and forage loss amoimted to $300.
Camp Stotsenburg, P. 1., July 9, 1915, the machine-gun platoon stables, building
No. 382, was damaged by fire to the extent of $700.
Fort Howard, Md., August 4, 1915, damage by storm, $1,000.
Fort Carroll, Md., August 4, 1915, damage by storm $25.
Fort Armistead, Md., August 4, 1915, damage by storm $20.
Fort Small wood, Md., August 4, 1915, damage by storm $5.
Fort McHenry, Md., August 4, 1915, damage by storm $400.
Presidio of San Francisco. Cal., August 27, 1915, brigade commander's quarters
No. 22 was totally destroyed by fire, at a loss of $12,617.05.
Fort Crockett, Tex., August 16-18, 1915, buildings, roads, sewers, water system,
batteries, electric lighting, and telephone systems were damaged by severe hurricane
in the total sum of $338,680.
Fort Slocum, N. Y., September 18, 1915, the coal dock was damaged by fire, loos
$820.
N^'ashington Barracks, D. C, September 23, 1915, limiber shed and storeroom were
destroyed by fire, and on September 26, 1915, quartermaster stable (No. 24A) was dam-
aged by fire.
Jackson Barracks, Fort St. Philip, and Fort Jackson, La., September 29, 1915,
buildings, wharves, and property were ba<ily damaged by hurricane; estimated damage
to buildings $13,000, lignting systems $1,000, hospital $800, wharf $5,000. Launch
Mansfield was sunk.
Vancouver Barracks, Wash., October 4, 1915, building No. 145, brigade headquarten
ofllce, was damaged by fire.
Fort Bliss, Tex., October 15, 1915, storeroom in rear of basement under bakery in
building No. 57 was damaged by fire.
Fort Sill, Okla.. October 15, 1915, saddle shops, school of musketry, was damaged
by fire to the extent of about $125. A lot of target cloth was destroyed.
Fort St. Michael, Alaska, October 27, 1915, post laundry building No. 57 and con-
tents were totally destroyed by fire.
Fort Sill, Okla., November 1-2, 1915, post exchange building (new post) was dam-
aged by fire to the extent oi ^0.
Fort Ontario, N. Y., November 19, 1915, buildings were damaged by storm to the
extent of approximately $135.
Fort Slocum, N. Y., November 19. 1915, porch in rear of barracks, building No. 84,
was damaged by storm to the extent of about $71.93.
Madison Barracks, N. Y., November 20-21, 1915, buildings damaged by wiodstonn
to the extent of about $400.
Presidio of San Francisco, Cal., December 2, 1915, officers* quarters No. 19, main
post, was damaj^ by fire apparently due to defective flue. Damage confined to two
rooms and portion of roof.
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBBfASTEB OENEBAL. 365
•
F(»rt Dade, Fla., December 4, 1915, range shelter, building No. 32, totally destroyed
by fire, loss $150.
Fort Mills, P. I., December 7, 1915, btiildings, etc., damaged by typhoon to the ex-
tent of $11, 596.50.
Camp Eldridge, P. I., December 7, 1915, buildings, etc., damaged by typhoon to
the extent of $61.40.
St. Francis Barracks, Fla., December 13, 1915, building known as '"Monastery"
used for offices of militia, State of Florida, destroyed by fire. Quantity of militia
property and all records destroyed.
Valdez, Alaska, December 23, 1915, Hogan telegraph station destroyed by fire.
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, December 25, 1915, three Infantry and two Cavalry
barracks were destroyed by tornado, and 150 other buildings were damaged. The
board of officers' report stated that the total damage was to the extent of $29,377.
Request was made for $25,000, but owing to the low state of appropriation, this office
authorized but $15,000 for immediate repairs.
Fort Hamilton, N. Y., December 26, 1915, roof of building No. 77S damaged by
storm to the extent of $200.
Fort Strong, Mass., December 26, 1915, building No. 42, barracks, partly unroofed
by storm; al^ damage to porch.
Fort Huachuca, Ariz., December 29, 1915, building No. 17, barracks, damaged by
fire.
Presidio of San Francisco, Cal., December 29, 1915, band barracks, building No.
164, main poet, was damaged by fire.
Fort Miley, Cal., January 2-3, 1916, buildings were damaged by gale to extent of
$800. Main sewer and drain pipe damaged to the amount of $100; also, shooting-
gallery roof damaged.
Fort St. Michael, Alaska, January 4, 1916, all buildings damaged by storm, porches
destroyed, and all docks dams^ed. Amount of loss, $5,000.
Unalaska, Alaska, January 9, 1916, building No. 49, telegraph station, destroyed
by fire.
Balsovia, Alaska, January 4, 1916, buildine No. 64, fish cache, destroy by storm.
Fort Ontario, N. Y., January 17, 1916, barrack building No. 24 was seriously damaged
by storm to the extent of about $1,793.10.
Fort Huachuca, Ariz., January 30, 1916, stable No. 28 collapsed under weight of
snow, amount of damage $430; telegraph line destroyed.
Fort Flagler, Wash., January 23, 1916, wharf building No. 42 damaged by storm to
the extent of $650.
Whipple Barracks, Ariz., January 26-27, 1916, old blacksmith shop destroyed by
storm, 200 yards of fence washed out, and county road damaged.
Governors Island, N. Y., January 27-28, 19*6, building No. 15, offices of depart-
ment staff, damaged by fire to the extent of $40.
Fort Ontario, N. ¥., February 7, 1916, buildings Nos. 5, 6, 8, 10, and 24 damaged
by wind storm.
Fort Reno, Okla., February 9, 1916, building No. 97 destroyed by fire.
Eagle Pass, Tex., February 22, 1916, hay sh^ destroyed by fire.
Fort Gibbon, Alaska, March 7, 1916, building No. 2, barracks, destroyed by fire,
including all property, records, etc. Three soldiers' lives lost.
Presidio of Monterey, Cal., March 13, 1916, administration building No. 20 destroyed
by fire. Original cost, $1,000.
Fort Slocum, N. Y., March 17, 1916, building No. 23, tinners' shops, damaged by
fire to the extent of about $44.50.
Fort Ixiaven worth, Kans., March 20, 1916, crematory (new) building No. 332, with
all electrical apparatus, destroyed by fire. Furnace and chimney not injured. Esti-
mated damage, about $1,495.29.
Plattsburg Barracks, N. Y., March 31, 1916, post hospital was damaged by fire and
$20 was authorized to repair the same.
Fort Williams, Me., April 8, 1916, post gymnasium damaged by fire to the extent
of $108.
Fort Walla Walla, Wash., April 21, 1916, barrack building No. 9 was totally destroyed
by fire, and building No. 20, formerly used as administration building and commis-
sary, about half destroyed.
Fort Mills, P. I., April 21, 1916, company barracks (C. A. C), was damaged by fire
to the extent of $10.
Fort Adams, R. I., May 9, 1916, building No. 42A was damaged by fire to the extent
of $60.
366 REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
Fort Crook, Nebr., May J.4, 1916, the chimney to the post hospital was damaged by
lightnine and $31.65 authorized to repair the same.
Fort Bliss, Tex., May 13, 1916, stables of Troops C and D were destroyed by fire.
Rentals. — The total amount expended from the appropriation
'* Barracks and quarters/' fiscal year 1916, for the rental of quar-
ters, offices, storehouses, stables, recruiting stations, lodgings, camp
sites, etc., was approximately $451,556.41. This amount includes
$50,000 allotted for all rentals in China.
It was not necessary to rent quarters for officers during the fiscal
jear 1916, and a large reduction in the total cost of rentals has
resulted thereby, all officers having been placed on a commutation
status by law. Barracks were rented on the Mexican border for
noncommissioned officers and enlisted men at a total cost of $3,867.64
the larger rentals being at Texas City, Tex., in the sum of $2,075.14,
due to the storm of August 15-16, 1915, and at Mission, Tex., in the
sum of $1,031.50. In addition to the above quarters were hired for
noncommissioned officers on general recruiting service, who were
authoiizcd by tne Secretary ot War to live separate from the recruit-
ing party at an approximate cost of $13,262.94. Quarters with the
heat and light included were obtained at an average cost of $15 per
man per month.
Offices weie rented at a total cost of $50,650.85.
Storehouses were rented at a total cost of $91,105.44.
The cost of stabling pubhc animals and authorized private mounts
of officeis during fiscal year 1916 was approximately $27,022.92, the
rentals being distributed over approximately 61 dliflferent cities in
the United States. The average rental paid, for stable proper was
$10 per horse per month.
The rental of main and auxihary recruiting stations during the
fiscal year 1916 (not including lodgings) amounted to approximately
$100,526.28. A total of 140 new auxiliary reciuiting stations were
rented dui*mg March, April, May, and June, 1916, when it became
necessary to mcrease the Army under emeigency.
The cost of lodgings for enlisted men on duty at recruiting sta-
tions, appUcants for enlistment and lecruits, amounted to approxi-
mately $81,810.88.
Congress appropriated $45,987 for rental of offices, warehouses,
and quarters in tne District of Columbia. An unexpended balance
of $13,347.90 remains.
TRANSPORTATION.
ABinr TRANSPORT 8BRVICB.
Ovmed service. — ^This service consists of 16 ocean-going vessels,
owTied and opeiated as required for the transportation of troops,
animals, and supplies for the Army. These vessels were engaged in
service or stationed at the close of the fiscal year as foUovrs:
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAI..
367
Name.
Class.
Location.
PACmC FLEET.
Bumskie,
rAhlAflhfp ,
r&hle sArvir>A. TaramA. Wash.
Crook. ..'
Troop sliip 1 UndereoingriBpairs, San Francisco, Cal.
Fretent ftnd animal ship, . . , ' TraiKuPsu'ifip isAnHnA
Dix
Ix)gaD
Troop ship
Out of commission. Ban Francisco, CaL
Trans- Pacific service.
8her idfui
do
Bherm&D
do
Do.
Thoirms
do
Do.
Slocum
TuK
In service, San Francisco, CaL
At Manila. P. I.
ATLANTIC FLEET.
BufOTd
Troop ship
Kflpfttriek
CK)
New York and Canal Zone service.
Mf/lflllftn
Refrigerator ship
Out of commission, Newport News, Va.
Do.
If 6ade
Troop ship
Siimner
do
At Vera Cms. Mexico.
PHILIPPINE FLEET.
LJscum
Troop ship
Interisland service.
Merritt
do
Do.
Warren
do
Do.
Movement of transports. — ^The transports have been operated with-
out interruption upon a monthly scnedule between San Francisco,
Cal., and Manila, P. I. The Logan was dispatched as an extra trans-
port, leaving San Francisco January 7, 1916, and after taking aboard
the Twenty-seventh Infantry at Balboa, Canal Zone, arrived at
Manila March 5, 1916. Besides other cargo this transport carried
778 tons of ordnance material for fortification work in the rhihppines.
This ship returned to San Francisco April 20, 1916, and soon after
made ready for interchanging troops in Alaska, but the movement
was suspended, due to the mobilization of troops on the Mexican
border.
The B^ord was in service during the greater part of the year,
leaving Gfalveston, Tex., September 29, 1915, with the Twenty-
seven tn Infantry aboard for Manila, P. I., but the Panama Canal
being closed, the troops were disembarked and the ship utihzed for
the return of the Twenty-third Infantry from Jacksonville, Fla., to
Galveston, thence going to New York to carry Company A, Signal
Corps, with its complement of animals and equipment to the Canal
Zone. After completion of this duty, the Bujord was loaded at
Newport News and New York with turret material for the PhiUp-
pines, where the vessel arrived Mav 28, 1916.
The KilpatricJc left Galveston, Tex., September 20, 1915, with the
Twenty-tlurd Infantry, which was disembarked at Jacksonville, Fla.,
for duty at the National Matches. Commencing in February, 1916,
this transport made three voyj^es to the Canal Zone, taking on the
first trip the First Squadron, Twelfth Cavalry; on the second trip
Batteries E and F, Fourth Field Artillerv; and on the third trip, the
Fifth Band and five companies Coast Artillery Corps. After com-
pletion of this special service, the Kilpatrick was continued in ojpera-
tion upon a regular monthly schedule between Christobal, Canal
Zone, and New York, the expense connected therewith being divided
in accordance with tne terms of an agreement between the Panama
Canal and the Quartermaster Corps, mutually advantageous to aU
concerned.
368 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QEKEBAL.
The Sumner was hurriedly made ready for sea at the request of
the State Department and left Newport News Jime 23, 1916, for
Vera Cruz, Mexico, where 606 refugees were taken aboard for dis-
embarkation at Port Tampa, Fla., and New Orleans, La. At the
latter port 173 Porto Rican refugees from Progreso, Mexico, were
embarked after the close of the fiscal year and landed at I^once,
P. R., after which the transport was agam placed out of commission
at Newport News, Va.
Philippine cargo, — Owing to the shortage of ocean tonnage upon
the Pacific available for the movement of products of the Pmlippine
Islands, it was decided by the Secretary of War to utilize the cargo
space upon returning transports for the carrying of such products of
tne Philippine Islands as could not be taken bv conmiercial carriers.
By agreement the PhiUppine government will reimburse the War
Department for all additional expenditures incident to the handling
of such cargo upon the transports and will deposit the remainder of
the freight chaises collected from shippers to tne credit of the United
States Government.
Special duty for ^^ Crook.** — ^Under agreement with the Interior
Department, steps were taken to prepare the Crook for service in
connection with the Alaskan Engineering Commission between the
United States and Alaskan ports. The snip will be operated by the
Quartermaster Corps, but the entire expense of operation will be
borne by the Alaskan Engineering Commission. The Crook left
Seattle, Wash., for the first voyage on August 5, 1916.
RBPAIB8.
San Francisco. — ^The transports having San Francisco as a home
port have been maintained in good nmnmg condition by repairs at
the end of each round voyage, which have averaged in cost $3,850
per vessel for each vojrage. The Sherman and Logan have been
withdrawn from service in turn during the year for chipping of iron-
work and overhauhng, which could not lie accompUshed between
voyages.
Seattle. — Necessary repairs to the Dix were made during the year
at an aggregate cost of $24,457.38, and to the Bumside at a cost of
$13,699.87.
Newport News and New York, — Repairs to the KUpatrick during
the year have aggregated $31,786.59; to the Buford, $11,546.39; to
the Sumner, $27,810.64; and the McCleUan, $9,550.
Service for other departments. — ^There have been carried bv the
transports during the year for other departments and for the Philip-
pine government, passengers and freight, the value of which at tariff
rates would be as follows :
Navy Department $308,105.32
Poet Office Department (including 495,276 pounds mall) 157, 390. 30
Philippine government 158, 905. 86
Other departments 7.583.96
Total 631.985.44
WORK OF THE THAN8PORTS.
The following is the summary of the work performed by the
transports during the year:
BEPORT OP THE QUABTEBMASTER GENERAL.
369
PASSENQEBS.
Between—
•
Salllnei.
Officers.
Enlisted
men.
CiyOians.
Total.
Ran Francisco and Philippine Islands
13
13
3
1
7
367
288
6,792
7,477
18
2
2,564
12,507
1,500
1,906
7,669
9,670
18
Seattle and Manila
New York and Philinnlnes
2
118
864
25
81
3,022
29
United States ports and Canal Zone
Other ports...
2,763
16,393
Total
1,639
28,360
6,533
36,532
CARGO.
Between—
Animals.
Freight
(tons).
Remains.
Lumber
(feet).
Mans
(pounds).
Money (dol-
lars or pesos).
San Francisco and Philip-
pine Islands
138
33,521
17,614
14,623
4,601
10,165
12,322
234,059
76,745
1,823,854
184,773
Philippine Islands and San
Fraiicls'X*, . . . . ,
60
Seattle and Philippine
Islands
788
15
865
371
676,653
San Francisco and Hondulu.
45,340
United SUtes and Canal
Zone
Other ports
45
63,755
139,132
Total
2,171
92,846
106
740,408
495,276
2,008,627
Earnings arid expeTidiiures. — The eaxnings of the transports during
the year for the above service, based on the lowest rates offered for
similar service by commercial lines, have been:
For passengers $2,094,336.84
For cargo 1,583,966.33
Total 3,678,303.17
At pubHc commercial rates the earnings would be:
For passengers 2,103.816.84
Forcaigo 1,584,678.17
Total 3.688,395.01
The foregoing does not take into consideration the value of trans-
porting fs^ilies of officers, soldiers, and employees, or of the other
persons not entitled to transportation at the expense of an appropria-
tion of the United States or of the Philippine government.
The value of such gratuitous service auring the year, however,
agOTegated $568,612.97.
The expenditures for the operation and maintenance of the trans-
ports durmg the year were as follows:
Wages of oflQcors and crew
Repairs
FueL
Deck, engine, and steward's supplies
Miscellaneous .'
Total
69176'*— WAB 1916— VOL 1 24
In commission.
1671.683.81
165.608.24
418,556.37
562.009.56
1.58,464.09
OutofconunJs-
sion.
1,976,322.07
133,418.60
28,796.65
3,163.09
9,276.48
4,401.37
79,058.28
ToCaL
f705,102.S0
194,406.80
421,719.46
571,286.04
162,865.40
2,055,380.35
370 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
Shore expenses, including proportionate part of salaries of officers,
commutation of officers' quarters, wages of^ employees, rent of offices,
warehouses, wharves, etc., were as foUows:
San Francisco $53,349.52
Seattle and Tacoma 8,220.51
Galveston and Newport News 30, 678. 51
Honolulu 5,384.25
Nagasaki (estimated) 9,983.11
New York 1,781.32
Manila (estimated) 21,023.90
Total for this purpose 130,421.12
Grand total 2,185,801.47
Included in these expenditures is the cost of operating and main-
taining the Bumside while engaged in cable work for the Signal
Corps of the Army, the total of which was $106,004,83.
Inasmuch as the service rendered by the Bumside was not performed
in the interest of the Quartermaster Corps, the expenditure in
connection therewith should be deducted, leaving the net cost to the
Government on account of the transportation of troops, suppUes, etc.,
and the maintenance of all transports, both active and inactive,
during the year $2,079,796.64.
RECAPrrULATION.
Lowest com-
mercial rate.
Pnbllc com-
mercial rata.
Eamfnn of th* transports rtnrlnR th« y«ftf . ...-^-^-r-- tt
13,678,303.17
2,079,796.64
13.688,395.01
KxMins6 of OTX^rAtkni And niftlntmanoo dtuins th6 sani4 p^fod
2.079.796.61
Savinp to the Qoverament by using transports over same senr-
l,508,.'i06./»
1,006,506.87
HARBOR BOAT SERVICE.
Ovmed service. — ^The department has operated during the fiscal
year in the various harbors along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf
coasts and rivers tributary thereto the following vesseb;
6 firstrclaai steel mine planten,
2 cable steamers,
2 ferry steamers,
24 passenger and freight steamers,
28 tugs and Artillery steamers,
3 lighters,
88 steam and gasoline launches,
30 distribution box boats,
a total of 133 owned vessels (exclusive of 118 mine yawls and mis-
cellaneous small craft) engaged in (^artermaster, ArtiUery, and
Signal Corps work. The totiS expenditure for wages of officers and
crews, fuel, supplies, repairs, water, etc., was $1,538,777.81.
These vessels carriea diuing the year 2,668,943 passengers and
153^83,520 poimds of freight.
Chartered service. — ^To supplement the foregoing service, chartered
vessels were operated in connection with the coast defenses of Nar-
ragansett Bay, between Newport and Fort Greble, R. I., at a total
cost of $9,288. The entire cost of th6 chartered service at all points,
EEPOBT OP THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENEBAL. 371
including the cost of the hire of substitute vessels for short periods
to replace owned vessels undergoing repairs and of vessels hired
for towing targets, vessel tracking, subcaUber practice and like
purposes for the Coast Artillery, which could not be performed by
owned vessels, amounted to $23,429.41.
Vessels disposed of. — ^The electric launch West Point having been
reported to be in an unserviceable condition and not worth the cost
of necessary repaire, was disposed of by sale November 11, 1915.
Vessels lost. — During the year the following small vessels were lost:
Lieut. Self ridge, lost in storm; distribution dox boat No. 5, lost in
storm; distribution box boat No. 16, run down by tank steamer and
sunk; mine yawl M-BS, lost in storm; mine yawl rio. 41 , lost in storm.
The launch Mansfield sank in the Mississippi River, but was subse-
quently raised and restored to serviceable condition.
Vessels acquired. — ^The following vessels were acquired or con-
tracted for during the fiscal year.
One 171-foot twin-screw steel mine planter and cable steamer, to
be constructed and deUvered before July 1, 1918, under contract with
the New Yurk Shipbuilding Co., at a cost of $331,000, without boil-
ers. This steamer will be known as the General Wm. M. Graliam,
and is intended for service at the Panama Canal Zone.
Eight 30-foot standard mine yawls (four with gasoline engines)
were constructed at the New York Navy Yard at an approxunate
cost of $7,500. Six of the yawls were assigned to the coast defenses.
Panama Canal Zone, and one each to Fort H. G. Wright, N. Y., ana
Fort Hancock, N. J.
One 64-foot large distribution box boat, afterwards named L-S6,
was constructed at Gulfport, Miss., xmder contract with T. M. Favre,
at a cost of $11,800, and assigned to duty in the coast defenses,
Panama Canal Zone.
One houseboat for service in the waters of the Panama Canal
Zone was authorized at a cost of $4,500 and also $1,600 for the pur-
chase of the material for a similar boat for the same coast defenses.
The latter vessel has been named the Capt. W. F. Endress.
Two motor sailing launches were purchased from the Navy Depart-
ment for service in the Panama Canal Zone at an approximate cost
of $5,600. These vessels have been named the Lieut. C. F. Conry
and Lieut. H. R. Adair.
Betterments. — ^During the year the masts of several mine planters
were lengthened, as reauired to permit the use of radio outfits of
greater range furnished oy the S^al Corps.
Philippine Army transport service. — ^The owned transports Liscunif
Merritt, and Warren have been operated during the year and made
a total of 34 voyi^es to various ports in the PniUppines and China.
These vessels carried upon these voyages 7,360 passengers, 599 ani-
mals, 45 remains, 26,495 tons of freight, 9;658 feet of lumber, and
$975,737.60 in United States or Philippine Islands currency, all enti-
tled to transportation at Government expense, the value of which
transportation at commercial rates for similar service amoimted to
$251,116.98. There were also carried 16,953 passengers and 1,062
cubic tons of freight, for which no credit has been taken, the value
of which at regular rates was $97,387.18.
The expenses of the whole service amounted to $585,239.25, and
after allowing the proper proportion of shore expenses chargeable to
374 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
and Morgan Line steamships (via Galveston and rail) from October 15,
1915, to May 31, 1915, at an agreed rate of 90 cents per 100 poimds.
On the latter date both companies canceled their agreements and
shipments thereafter were forwarded over various lines at regular
tanff rates, less land-grant deductions.
Bids were invited lor transportation from New York City to San
Francisco, Honolulu, and Manila for the fiscal year 1917, but no
bids were submitted carrying a lower rate than was available under
regular tariffs and all bids were rejected and shipments for the
fiscal year 1917 will be forwarded by such routes as desired at open
rates.
Cooperation between the transporte^tion companies and the Quarter^
master Corps, — EJspecial attention was devoted during the fiscal year
1916 to the establishment of a closer cooperation between the Quarter-
master Coips and the various transportation interests with a view to
coordination in the movements of troops and supplies for the Army.
The officer in charge of the transportation division. Office of the Quar-
termaster GreneraT, appeared before several of the transportation
associations and outlined a plan of mutual cooperation which would
be of benefit to both the carriers and the Government in case any
necessity arose involving the transportation of large numbers of
troops, the plan outlined oeing practically that which has since been
placed in effect.
Under date of October 16, 1915, a letter was prepared in the office
of the Quartermaster General reconmiending that the Secretary of
War commimicate with the American Railway Association (which
association is composed of the presidents, general managers, and
other chief operating officials of tne American railways) ana surest
the establishment within that association of a committee on mihtary
transportation to whom the department could look for any informa-
tion that might be desired as to the railroads of the United States,
and with a further view to coordination and cooperation between the
railroads and the War Department in the transportation of troops
and supplies of the United States. On October 26, 1915, a letter
of the nature indicated was sent by the Secretary of War to the
American Railway Association, and after some further correspondence
a** Special committee on cooperation with the military autnorities**
was appointed by that association. This committee was, and is,
composed of the following gentlemen: Fairfax Harrison (chairman),
S resident Southern Railway- R. M. Aishton^ president Chicago &
[orth Western Railway; A. W. Thompson, vice president Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad; W. 6. Besler, president Ontral Railroad of New
Jersey. Conferences were held with this committee, and a general
plan of cooperation outlined to be placed in effect at the time of any
public emergency.
Immediately after the call for mobiUzation of the State troops
was issued, this committee met in the office of the Quartermaster
General with Lieut. Col. Chauncey B. Baker, representing that office,
and the plans previously determmed were at once placed in effect.
Arrangements were made for placing a competent railroad official
at eacli department headquarters, at each mobilization camp, and
in the office of the Quartermaster General. These repre3entati\cs
were to act as advisors to the officers of the Quartermaster Corps at
these various points on any matters affecting rail transportation.
BEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBMASTEB GENERAL. 375
They were all men of the highest reputation in the railroad world,
and did not represent any particular railroad hut were representa-
tives of all lines interested.
Directly after the announcement of the mobilization this com-
mittee of the American Railway Association also called upon repre-
sentatives of the various railroads of the country to meet in Wash-
ington for the purpose of extending every possible assistance among
the railroads themselves. The object of this meeting was to make aU
of the railroad equipment, motive power, and personnel, of the
country available to effect this movement in the most expeditious
manner possible.
The main object of the special committee on cooperation with
the military authorities was to assist the War Department in the
transportation of troops and supplies, and the committee acted only
on instructions from the War Department, except in matters directly
affecting the operation of trains.
When it was definitely known that an organization was to move,
the camp quartermaster consulted with the American Railroad
Association representative at his camp and advised him as to the
strength of the organization, and it was the duty of the American
Railway Association representative to see that all railroad equipment,
other than tourist cars, was promptly assembled in time for the move-
ment. Tourist cars were ordered direct from the office of the Quar-
termaster General, and the camp quartermaster was immediately
advised by wire whether tourist cars could be furnished from point
of origin* if not, the American Railway Association representative
was so advised, and it was his duty to see that coaches were secured
for the movement.
In 1912 the Quartermaster General's Office took up with the
American Railway Master Car Builders' Association the question
of placing placards, in time of war or threatened war, on all carload
shipments of Government property. As a result of a large amount
of correspondence, a plan was formulated which was accepted by
all the railroads in the country and a series of placards adopted.
Through the agency of the American Railway Association all rail-
way officials and employees were notified that cars so placarded must
be given right of way from point of origin to point of destination.
Sucn cars are placed in the fastest moving freight trains and kept
constantly moving to point of destination, where they are imme-
diately delivered and at once identified, shifted into position, dis-
charged, and released without the necessity of waiting for the formal
bills of lading and official papers of the railways and the Govern-
ment: the placards themselves serving to fully identify all shipments.
All placards bear the legend '* United States Army" at the head,
foUowed by the department to which suppUes belong, the car initial,
car number, point of shipment, contents, consignee, destination,
routing, date shipped, and consignor. Cars bearing these cards are
never sidetracked nor shifted into yards except to be placed in
through freight trains. Should a car become damaged through any
cause, it is given preference and precedence for any repairs, and if
repairs require an extended period, contents are loaded into another
car and the movement continued.
As a result of this imderstandiiig between the railroads and the
Quartermaster General's Office, shipments of freight are being made
876 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTBB GENERAL.
with remarkable expedition. Many instances are cited where freight
shipments have been sent through from Washii^ton and vicinity to
the Texas border in four days, and from New i ork and vicinity in
five days or less; freight from Philadelphia, Pa., has reached San
Antonio, Tex., in 79 hours, from the Lakes to the border shipments
have been made in an elapsed time of a Utile more than 48 hours.
The hearty cooperation of the railroads in making these shipments
has been rendered without any hesitation whatever, with all the
energy possible, and without admtional chcu^e to the Government.
It IS Deheved that this simple device, with the fullest cooperation
of the railroads, has removed one of the principal sources of criticism
appUcable to the period of mobilization m 1898.
Where special, urgent shipments have been made they have been
followed t&ough by wire to destination and most satisfactory results
have been obtained in every instance.
As a specific example showing how the cooperation of the railroad
companies assisted the Army, there may be cited the case of the first
motor truck company purchased for the expeditionary forces in
Mexico.
Bids were invited for a number of trucks, and award made about
6 o'clock the evening of March 14. Twenty-seven trucks were pur-
chased under this advertisement in Wisconsin. These truclra were
inspected, the personnel to operate them employed, the trucks were
loaded in 14 cars, and tourist car furnished for the personnel, and the
train left at 3.11 a. m. March 16. It arrived at Columbus, N. Mex.,
1,591 miles away, shortly after noon on the 18th, the trucks were
unloaded from the cars, loaded with suppUes, and sent across the
border, reaching Gen. Pershing's command with adequate suppUes
of food before he had exhausted the suppUes taken with him trom
Columbus.
In a Uttle more than four days after orders were placed with the
manufacturers, these trucks had gone across the border at Columbus,
1,600 miles away from the factory, loaded with supplies.
The generalplan of cooperation also provided for coordinating the
duties of the Pullman Co. in furnishing sleeping car equipment, and
under this plan when it became necessary to mobiUze the Organized
Militia the supply and distribution of tourist sleeping cars was handled
directly under the instructions of the Quartermaster General of the
Anny . In order to centraUze the furnishing of toiuist sleepers at the
point most convenient to the Government, to utilize the available
supply of these cars to the best advantage, and to keep them con-
Btantfy in service, the Pullman Co. changed the supervision of the
supply and movement of these cars from the heaaquarters of the
company, at Chicago, to Washington, where they stationed Mr.
C. W. Henry, assistant to superintendent of car service, with a com-
petent force. Mr. Henry was in immediate touch with the office of the
Quartermaster General, and on receipt of request from camp quarter-
masters for tourist cars, he was advised of the needs and at once took
steps to supply the cars if they were available at any point. Reports
were received by him daily from all parts of the United States showing
the number of tourist cars that were available in all sections of the
country and in cases when, on account of the necessity for immediate
departure, it was impossible to ftmiish cars from the starting point,
this branch of the Pullman Co. used every effort to furnish uie cars
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAL. 377
en route, immediately starting such cars as could be secured over the
route to be taken by the troons, so that they could be transferred to
toiuist sleeping cars at the nrst possible opportunity. During the
first two weeks of the concentration this force was on duty until
nearly midnight every day, including Sundays, and deserves great
credit for the excellent assistance rendered the Government.
The great value of the plans made for cooperation and coordination
between the railroads and the War Department was fully demon-
strated in the mobilization and concentration of the Organized
Mihtia. Every assistance possible was rendered the Government,
not only by the American Railway Association and the Pullman Co.
but by the various passenger associations, and by the officials and
employees of all the railroads concerned, from the presidents of the
companies down to the minor employees. In addition to the rep-
resentative of the American Railway Association, nearly all the
important Southwestern railway lines had representatives in Wash-
ington during the entire movement, and these representatives kept
in close touch with the transportation over their respective Unes, and
were available for consultation at any time, if desired by the depart-
ment. The cooperation of the American Railway Association
representatives, with their expert knowledge of transportation con-
ditions, has proved of great value to the aepartment, and quarter-
masters have been reUeved of a great deal of trouble and annoyance
heretofore experienced in the mobilization of large bodies of troops.
It is believed that the careful plan of cooperation adopted and the
assistance of the transportation interests m this plan has demon-
strated that the problem of rail congestion, which was the bugaboo
of the mobihzation of troops in 1898, has been entirely eUminated.
TTie arrangements entered into with railway lines in eastern and
western territory, as referred to in the Annual Report of the Quarter-
master General for 1915, pases 50 and 51, were continued during the
fiscal year 1916, and resiiltea in a saving of approximately $40,000 on
8assenger traffic. Negotiations are now under way with lines in
few England and Southeastern territory on a similar basis with every
prospect of a successful conclusion; this arrangement will then cover
the entire United States. Briefly, it provides for a deduction of 5
per cent from the usual fare available to the Government and for an
equitable distribution of the traffic between all lines interested, it
simpUfies the settlement of accoimts, and insures the cooperation of the
various carriers.
Transportation of Regular Army organizatwns to the Mexican
border, — During the latter half of tne fiscal year 1916 conditions on
the Mexican border were such that it became necessary to augment
the troops stationed along that frontier, and the following movements
of Regular Army organizations were ordered on the dates indicated.
March 11, 1916, First, Eleventh, and 2 squadrons Twelfth Cav-
alry.
March 20, Fifth Cavalry.
May 9, Third, Twenty-first, Thirtieth, and 2 battalions. Four-
teenth Infantry, First battalion Third Field Artillery, and 21 com-
panies Coast Artillery.
June 11, First battalion Engiaeers.
378 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEEAIi.
The transportation of these organizations was accomplished in an
excellent manner, in exceptionally good time, and without any
accidents of any nature.
Mobilization of the Organized Militia and National Ouard. — On May
9 the President called into the service of the United States the
organizations of the Organized Militia and the National Guard of the
States of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. These oi^anizations were
not mobiUzed at their State mobilization camps, out directed to
proceed from their home rendezvous direct to the border.
On Jime 18, 1916, the Organized Militia and the National Guard of
all the other States of the Union were called into the service of the
United States and directed to assemble at their State mobilization
camps. The movement from the company rendezvous to the State
mobilization camp was under the control of the State authorities,
and from these camps to the station designated on the border was
under direction of the War Department.
Ixnmediately on receipt of tne order for this mobilization, routing
schedules prepared in tne office of the Quartermaster Greneral were
furnished to tne quartermaster at each of the four department head-
quarters; these schedules indicated the routing to be used bv each
organization from the State mobilization camp to the Mexican
border, 288 routes being shown, and were arranged with a view to an
expeditious movement, employing all available lines, as far as prac-
ticable, so that if it had become necessary to transport all the militia
at one time the carriers could have performed the service without
congestion and without delay.
A Handbook on Transportation by Rail, issued by the Quarter-
master General of the Army, was sent to each mobilization camp
immediately aiter orders were issued for the mobilization of the State
troops.
This handbook, amon^ other matters, consolidates the information
showing tiie manner and extent to which standard sleepers, tourist
sleepers, and coaches shall be furnished under existing regulations
for troops traveling; it provides for the methods to be i^ed to secure
an adequate suppfy of drinking water for the troops, and contains
full instructions as to the instalfiition of Army field ran^ in baggage
or box cars, so that hot coffee and hot meals may be furnished en route.
It also exhibits the details of assembling and loadiujg of equipment,
and the entraining and detraining of the men and animals.
The militia troops began leaving their mobilization camps for the
Mexican border about midnight June 26, the first organization to
leave its camp for the border being Battery B of the New Jersey
Field Artillery, which departed from Sea Girt, N. J., at 11.30 p. m.,
June 26, but was closely followed by the Ninth Massachusetts
Infantry, which left its canip at Framingham at 12.28 a. m. June 27.
Other organizations from Massachusetts and New Jersey abo left
the State mobilization camp for the border on June 27, as well as
organizations from Connecticut, New York. Oregon, Utah, and
Vermont. On July 1 there were en route to tne boraer from various
sections of the United States 122 troop trains, carrying over 2,000
freight, passenger, and baggage cars, with a total strengUi of 36,042
men. On July 4 101 troop trains were en route to the border and
62,681 militia troops (not including Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
were either at the border or en route thereto.
B^POBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAIj. 379
From the beginning of the movement up to July 31, 1916, there
have been 111,919 militia troops transported to the border, as shown
by Exhibit 13.
Some idea of the task imposed upon the railroads of the country by
the transportation of the rJational Guard may be had when it is
considered that 350 trains were necessary to carry the first 100,000 of
the National Guard and that these trains, if combined, would have
made a train nearly 90 miles long. Over 3,000 passenger cars, in-
cluding standard Pullman and tourists and coaches, were provided
for the troops, and in addition about 400 baggage cars, most of which
were equipped as kitchen cars for serving hot meals en route, 1,300
box cars, 2,000 stock cars, and 800 flat cars were used in transporting
the equipment and materiel of the troops. An enormous number of
locomotives were required in these movements, as will be reaUzed
when it is remembered that at each division point a different loco-
motive, with crew, was attached to each train section, and the num-
ber of division points at which it was necessary to change locomotives
varied from three, in the case of the Louisiana troops, to 24, in the case
of the Connecticut troops. There were employea in the movement
of the first 100,000 of these troops approximately 4,900 engines and
crews, not including switching engines, yard engines, and their crews.
The call upon the railroads for the transportation of the militia
came at a time when their passenger traffic was at its height. In the
fortnight which includes the Fourth of July the greatest density of
travel of the entire year always occurs in the Eastern States.
Instructions were issued by all railroads concerned that the move-
ments of troop trains were to be given preference over other travel,
and it is beheved that this was done m all cases. Many of the
western roads being single-track lines, it was, in some cases, necessary
for the troop train to take the siding in order that a train proceeding
in the opposite direction could pass, but this action is sometimes
necessary on these roads with even the fastest limited trains. The
following wire received from one of the southwestern railroads is
characteristic:
Instructions have been issued to aU concerned that all military trains are to be
^ven ri^ht of way. Sunshine Limited was sidetracked last night for the first time
in its history. We are doing everything possible to facilitate the handling of this
business.
It is, of course, impossible to compare the concentration of the
United States Militia on the Mexican border with the mobilization
in Europe in the summer of 1914. In Europe all civil trafl&c was
stopped and the entire railroad system given over to the military
movement. The distances involved in this movement of the Organ-
ized Mihtia are very much ^eater than those in Europe, the long-
est run in the German Empire, from one frontier to the other, being
about 700 miles and those in Fr«\nce much less. The distances
traveled bj; the militia organizations of the United States yar^ from
608 miles, in the case of the Jjouisiana troops, to 2,916 miles in the
case of the Connecticut troops. Ihe majority of these troops came
from North and Northeastern States and were carried over 2,000
miles; in most cases in remarkably fast time. As an example, the
Seventh New York Infantry, about 1,400 men, with equipment,
ammunition, and baggage, left New York at 2 p. m. Jime 27, and
380 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QEKEBAL.
arrived at San Antonio, Tex., 8.30 p. m. June 30, a distance of
2,087 miles. Similar nms on time almost as last were made from
other points.
When it is considered that these trains were, as a rule, heavy trains
of from 17 to 22 cars each, and were composed of freight, passenger,
and baggage eauipment (which was necessary in order to enable each
unit to proceea to its destination intact with all its equipment and
impedimenta), it will be seen that the movement was made with
exceptional rapidity.
To have effected the entire movement of all the troops moving in
tourist sleepers would have required the use of approximately 3,000
cars; in otner words, approximately five times as many as there are
in existence. The Pullman Co., by utilizing some standard cars,
made available for the movement of these troops 623 tourist cars.
Tourist equipment was furnished troops from tne beginning of the
movement wnenever it was possible to do so.
Particular attention is invited to the fact that the effort to furnish
tourist ciXTS for organizations leaving in coaches did not cease imtil
the organizations had actually arrived at destination, and that
wherever tourists coidd be secured en route they were placed in the
train and the men transferred from coaches to these tourists up to
the number that coidd be suitably berthed. Taking as an example
some of the New York organizations: Headquarters, band, and
Battery A, First Field Artillery, left Yonkers, N. Y., for Browns-
ville. Tex., on J\dy 3, requiring four tourists. There was only one
available at startmg point, but the organization was furnished one
at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., one at Buffalo, N. Y., and one at Sapulpa,
Okla. The Seventy-fourth New York Infantry, leaving Buffalo,
N. Y., on July 5, required 25 tourists, but none were available at
Buffalo, Chicago, or Kansas City. Four were furnished at Herrington,
Kans., 13 at Caldwell, Kans., 3 at El Reno, Okla., and 5 at Fort Worth,
Tex. These two examples are fair illustrations of the efforts made
to furnish toiunsts for these organizations wherever they could be
secured. In other words, the department did not lose track of
organizations, but continued to serve these organizations in the
above manner and to loUow them until their arrival at destination.
In cases where tourist cars coidd not be furnished, day coachee
were supplied by the railroads at the rate of one double seat for eadi
man where the distance was long. In some instances day coaches
were suppUed at the rate of four seats for each three men for at least
a portion of the journey; this the railroads considered necessary,
due to the fact that at the beeinning of the mobilization it was
anticipated that movements womd be kept up in the same intensity
throughout this concentration as in the first 48 hours, in which case
the radroad equipment necessary coidd onl^ have been obtained by
annulling many of the most important trains of the railroads and
U}?ing the equipment therefrom for the movement of troops. The
railroads, in case of necessity, were prepared to proceea to this
extremity. In all cases, where it was possible to do so, tourist
equipment for the entire movement was furnished, but where not
immediately available the troops were met en route and transferred
to tourists in every possible case. This proved to be a wise method,
inasmuch as it kept all toiurist equipment in constant use.
BEPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAJj. 381
Official reports from all military departments show that no organi-
zation moved in coaches with le.ss space than three men to every four
seats, and wherever equipment was available the railroads furnished
two seats for each man. Tlie total nxmiber of men trr.ns} orted in
coaclies showed an average of 30 men to each coach.
With all this large number of persons transported in special trains,
on special schedules, but one accident involving any injury to the
men was reported. This occurred to a train of the First Minnesota
Field Artillery, due to a collision with a commercial train, in which
throe men were injured — two of them slightly and one seriously but
not dangerously — and with this exception tHe transportation of the
militia was accomplished without accident.
Although the movement of the Organized Militia to the border
came at a time when the commercial traffic on railroads of the United
States was the largest in years, the transportation of the militia was
performed with very Uttle interference with regular train service and
with no congestion whatever, either at initial or terminal po'mts or
en route. As an example, there moved into the Brownsville district
during the month of JuJy, 1916, 106 special trains, composed of 1,216
cars of passengers and 1,201 cars of ireight for the Army, a total oi
2,417 ciirs, in addition to 680 cars of Army supplies handled in
freight trains and the usual commercial traffic. This district is
reached only by one single-track railroad line, and all rolling stock
had to be returned over the same line. ITie cars were unloaded at
once and hauled back and there was at no time any delay in unloading
nor was there any congestion.
Considering the great distances traveled by the militia from the
various camps to the Mexican border, the fact that there was but a
single accident, and that of a minor character, the celerity with which
the trains were moved and the entire absence of congestion or delay,
it is believed there has been no case in history where troops have
been as well and safely transported or as well cared for while en route
as in the recent mobilization.
Drayage and hauling, — During the fiscal year 1916 the cost of dray-
age, cartage, and haming was $(>9,256.47, as shown below:
Drayage at poste $44,633.19
Drayage at depots and arsenals 24,623. 28
Total 69,256.47
The bulk of the expenditures for hauling at posts is incurred at posts
in Alaska and the Canal Zone, where owned means of transportation is
insufficient; at Coast Artillery posts in the United States that are situ-
ated on islands, necessitating hauling from railroad stations to docks;
and at some of the western posts that are situated a considerable dis-
tance from railroad, such as Fort Apache, Ariz., and Fort Clark, Tex.
The approximate division of the amoimt shown above is as follows:
Alaska $16,000 Interior western posts $12,000
Canal Zone 5,000 Miscellaneous posts 3,000
Coast Artillery posts 8, 000
The drayage at depots is incurred at cities where owned means of
transportation is either unavailable or insufficient.
Transportation accounts acted on, — During the fiscal year 1916 a total
of 1|442 transportation accoimts, aggregating $203^930.69, were re-
382 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENEBAIi. ^
ceived and acted on in the transportation division, office of the Quar-
termaster General, as shown below:
Accounts payable from appropriations pertaining to other bureaus of the
War Department (699) .^ ^ $64, 885. 33
Disputed accounts payable from appropriation "Supplies, Services, and
Transportation " (743) 139,045.36
The accounts prepared by the disbursing officers of the Quartermas-
ter Corps, covermg transportation payable bv other departments of
the Government, are forwarded direct to sucn departments for pay-
ment. The accounts paid by the disbursing officers from appropria-
tion ''Supphes, Services, and Transportation" are not received in the
transportation division, but pass tm*oi^h the finance and accounting
division to the Auditor for the War Department, the 743 accounts
referred to above being those in which disputes have arisen as to the
proper basis of settlement.
The four offices of the Quartermaster Corps charged with the settle-
ment of transportation accounts during the fiscal year 1916 paid trans-
portation accounts in which were included a total of 76,353 transpor-
tation requests and 72,849 bills of lading.
Motor transportation. — ^The first motor truck for carrying supplies
was procured by the Quartermaster*s Department in Jime, 1907, since
whicn time the Quartermaster's Department has made constant prog-
ress in developing the motor truck as a means of transportation.
Appropriations for this purpose, until recently, have been very lim-
ited. The progress of oevelopment, however, considering these cir-
cumstances, has been very satisfactory. The Quartermaster's De-
partment first took up the matter of operating trucks seriously in 1911,
and extensive experiments and observations nave been made annually
since that time. Near the close of the fiscal year 1916, however, ex-
tensive opportimities were afforded for detennming the value of motor
transportation imder severe conditions in connection with the opera-
tions in Mexico and along the Mexican frontier.
The first specifications of the Quartermaster's Corps were written
in 1913, after extensive correspondence with manufacturers and
the Society of Automobile Engineers. These specifications have
been revised and brought up to date annually. The revision of 1916
was carefully prepared in consultation with the Society of Automobile
Engineers, which nas given this department valuable and much appre-
ciated assistance in solving the problems of motor transportation.
In this connection it may be stated that it is very difficult for motor-
truck manufacturers to immediately efifect changes to conform to the
reauirements of military trucks, for the reason mat orders for mate-
rials are placed many months in advance of the time when it is re-
quired to enter into the manufacture of trucks.
DuriM the early part of the fiscal year 1916 motor transportation
was confined to operation of motor trucks in connection with the trans-
portation of suppUes between base depots and outlying camps on the
Mexican border, in connection with the operation of Quartermaster
Corps depots, and at a few posts in the United States and over-sea
possessions where motor transportation could be installed at a saving
over animal-drawn transportation. By careful observations and such
experiments as could be undertaken with the Umited funds appropri-
ated for procurement of motor transportation experience of great value
was obtained, demonstrating that motor transportation can be relied
BEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBM ASTER GENERAL. 383
upon under severe road conditions. Tentative organizations and reg-
ulations for all motor units, repair shops, and suDsidiaries were pre-
pared in the office of the Quartermaster General and distributea to
those charged with handling these units, so that necessary steps were
taken, so far as it was possible for this office to do so, under these new
conditions.
When instructions were given for the organization of an adequate
mihtary force of troops to cross the Mexican border in pursuit oi the
Mexican band which attacked the town of Columbus, Pi. Mex., and
troops there on the morning of March 9, 1916, this office was in position
to take inmiediate steps k) procure necessary motor transportation
which it was foreseen would be required. On March 11,1916, the first
call was received from the Southern Department for two motor-truck
companies, consisting of 27 motor trucks each, of 1^ tons capacity,
equipped with necessary personnel for their operation. As soon as the
approval of the Secretary of War was received these trucks were pur-
chased and provided witn the necessary personnel, hired at the facto-
ries at which the trucks were manuiactured. The personnel con-
formed to the organization above referred to. The two motor-truck
companies first ordered left the region of the Great Lakes at 12 o'clock
midnight, March 15, and early on the morning of March 16. Both
were sent by special-train service to CJolumbus, N. Mex. Two addi-
tional truck companies followed soon thereafter, as well as the neces-
sary tank trucks for carrying gasoline, oil, and water.
It was soon found that motorcycles which originally accompanied
these truck companies for carrying a certain portion of the personnel
were unsatisfactory in operation over the heavy sandy coimtry in
Mexico where no made roads exist. Upon the recommendation of the
local authorities light automobiles of the roadster type were substi-
tuted for use of motor-truck company commanders and truckmasters
in heu of motorcycles and have been found more satisfactory.
One of the most important features in connection with the operation
of motor trucks is that they be equipped with a strong and suitable
body. This ia especially necessary where the roads over which they
operate are rough and imeven. The body should be specially con-
structed and smtable for the work for wmch intended. Whilst the
heavy body provided for in the specifications of the Quartermaster
Corps adds materially to the weight of the truck, it more th^ makes
up by its longevity and carrying capacity.
As the experience of the department becomes more extensive in the
operation oi motor trucks imder the extremely severe conditions to
be found in 'the operations in Mexico, many defects developed in some
of the trucks in use; some of them of minor character, which could be
easily corrected; others of a much more serious character. In gen-
eral, however, it may be stated that the provisions of the specinca-
tions issued by this department were found to be based on correct
principles for the service for which these trucks were intended.
The department has been greatly assisted by representatives of
various truck manufacturers in the study of defects and recommen-
dations for improvement in the motor transportation now in opera-
tion. By the end of the fiscal vear 10 motor-truck companies, each
consisting of 27 motor trucks oi 1^ tons capacity, 6 mo tor- truck com-
panies consisting of 28 motor trucks of 3 tons capacity, and 2 motor-
truck companies each consisting of 33 motor trucks of S t^x^ ^^^%£^^
384 ' BEPOBT OF THE QUAKTERMASTEB GENERAL.
had been purchased and were in operation along the Mexican border
or en route to that point to be placed in operation. Of the above
truck companies, 10 companies of l^ton trucks and 2 companies of
3-ton trucks were in operation on the line of communications which
extended from Columbus, N. Mex., to San Antonio, Mexico, 301 miles
from Columbus.
Upon the recommendation of the department authorities, Southern
Department, a proportion of 3-ton trucks were suppUed for use on the
line of communications into Mexico, and at certain points along the
Mexican border. At present there are 8 companies oi 3-ton trucks in
service in connection with troops operating m the Southern Depart-
ment. Reports received up to this time mdicate that these trucks
are satisfactory in dry weather, but it is reported that during the
rainy season the lighter trucks of 1 J tons capacity are more rehablo.
From reports received it would appear that these truck companies
were averaging somewhat more than 60 miles per day, in many
instances as high as 80 to 90 miles per day, but due, however, to con-
stant travel, the roads are reported to have become almost impassable.
Steps were taken early in these operations to provide road machinery
for necessary repairs to the roads This work was done by the EngT-
neer Department with funds and machinery furnished by the Quar-
termaster Corps.
From the time that the expedition went into Mexico to June 30,
1916, there were purchased for use on the Mexican border and with
the expedition into Mexico 588 motor trucks; 57 motor tank trucks for
carrying water, oil, and gasoline; 10 motor machine-shop trucks for
repairing motor transportation in transit; 6 motor wrecking trucks;
75 automobiles; 61 motorcycles; and 8 tractors for repairing roads,
miscellaneous road machinery, repair parts, and equipment, amount-
mgto $2,175,670.09.
The policy pursued in furnishing transportation for operations in
Mexico and in connection with the troops on the Mexican border was
to furnish only such makes of trucks as had been tried out under the
severe service conditions prevailing in Mexico and on the border and
had proven satisfactory to a committee appointed by the department
authorities. All motor-truck manufactiirers applying were given
authority to place their trucks on the line of conmiunications at
Columbus, N. mex., for demonstration and test. The operations of
these trucks were carefully observed, and upon their performance on
the line of communications subseouent purchases were made.
The commanding general, Soutnem Department, states that "All
motor-truck manumcturers agree, without exception, thtft their serv-
ice on our line of conmiunications from Columbus, N. Mex., south into
Mexico was the hardest test of motor-truck transportation they have
ever known, and no make of truck was purchased for this service that
was not first tested out on our line of communications and recommended
as satisfactory by officers who actually tested out these machines on
the line."
In this way it is believed that the Government has secured the best
makes of motor-truck transportation for this severe class of service
that can be procured in this country. Motor-truck manufacturers
have expressed themselves as being well pleased to have been afforded
an opportimity of testing out their trucks, even in cases where trucks
have not proven satisfactory for the service, inasmuch as it discloses
KEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBMASTER GENERAL.
385
the nature of the weaknesses of such truck and led manufacturers to
modify and improve their trucks for this class of service. It is real-
ized by them that the truck best suited for the military service is also
best suited for use of the average farmer over ordinary country roads
and across fields.
The conmianding general, Southern Department, reports that the
approximate cost of operation of trucks per ton-mile is $0.70, which
includes all incidentals, such as upkeep of repair shops, roads, etc.
Among officers of experience with motor trucks it is known and
realized that speed is the greatest menace to the successful operation
of trucks. It IS the hardest thing to control and causes more expense
than all other things combined m connection with the handling of
motor trucks. Manjr officers of the Army are now getting valuable
experience and gaining a considerable knowledge of motor-truck
transportation, and no doubt in the future will be able to handle such
problems better than they have in past, and all of them will realize
that care is essential in the handling of this class of transportation.
The commanding general, Southern Department^ states that, due to
the necessity of Quartermasters devoting their tune to the supply
situation on the Mexican border, it was impossible to obtain lull
reports with reference to the operation of motor transportation in the
Southern Department; therefore complete data with reference to
operating expenses of the various kmds of motor vehicles during the
fiscal year 1916 must be included in the report which will be renaered
for the fiscal year 1917.
This office is continuing its efforts in conjunction with the Society
of Automobile Engineers, manufacturers, and Government de-
partments in developing our present specifications, with a view to
making such changes as will adequately meet the requirements of the
Government and which it is felt will eventually harmonize to a greater
extent than has been expected heretofore with the needs of private
users of commercial motor vehicles. Some well-qualified experts feel
that within two or three years the commercial product will approxi-
mate what, according to the best opinion, will be suitable for opera-
tion in aU except special cases of Government service.
Trailers. — During the fiscal year eleven 2^ to 3 ton and one 1 J-ton
trailers were purchased for use in connection with the operation of
motor transportation on the Mexican border, costing $8,023.50.
So far trailers have not proven satisfactory. It is not believed
that they can be generally utilized in divisional trains, though in
certain instances it may be found practicable to use them on the line
of commimications.
Road machinery, — ^The following road-makii^ machinery was pur-
chased during the fiscal year for use in connection with the repair of
roads into Mexico:
Num-
ber.
Articles.
Cost.
Num-
ber.
Articles.
Cost.
i
2
1
3
3
18
Holt tractors
1
$14,250 ' Ifl
CouDllnr Doles
1180
Phoenix tractors
8,900
10,200
4,800
4,950
105
2,160
47
3
Russell CTa lers
2,724
Knox tractors
3
4
Austin era Jers
1,485
Buckeye tractor
Acme scrauers
632
Monarch roail rollers
Tractor Darts
600
TnriiATi ^aaI rlr&ff^
Total
Watson dumu trailers
61,083
4
Tractor Doles
69176°— WAB 1916— VOL 1-
-25
386
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
Issues to the militia. — Supplies to the value of $275,059.75 were
issued by the transportation division to the Oi^anized MiUtia dur-
ing the fiscal year under authority of statutes providing for such
issues, as follows:
Items.
Ambolanoes, hdrse-drmwn . . . .
Harness, lead, s. s
Harness, wheel, i. i
Saddles, rldtai£
Wagons, esoort
Miscellaneous articles
Total.
Number.
87
2,1m
1,838
12
921
Cost.
18.309.00
41,350.85
42,500.00
336.00
118,780.50
20,786.83
4,984 ,232,150.18
Items.
Oats pounds..
Hay do...
Bran do
Bedding do...
Number.
Cost.
1,479,811
1,728.544
36.023
386,547
04,532.68
16,904.50
471. a
1,991.97
Total 3,630,925
42,900.6T
No gratuitous issues of such supplies were made to the Organized
Militia of the District of Columbia.
Forage. — ^The expenditures during the fiscal year for forage for
animals pertaining to the Army amoimted to $3^563,251.15. This
includes the forajge used in the rhiUppine Islands, Alaska, Hawaiian
Islands, Porto Rico, and the Panama Canal Zone, except native grass
and beading purchased in the Phihppine Islands. In addition to the
above there was purchased 127,179 pounds of dog food at a cost of
$8,237.60.
Quantities and cost of forage and bedding purchased during the
fiscal year 1916, except that purchased for the rhiUppine Islanos:
Kind.
Oats ,
Hay
Bran
Com
Barley
Shiveriok compressed forage.
Bedding
Peatmoss
Dog food
Total
Total forage and bedding purchased (except for the Philippines
and ex^islre of dog food)
Poands.
Total oo8t
108,152,007
140,198,523
2,674,662
1,008, 1S9
2,262,274
71,400
23,043,885
8,995
127,179
277,648,107
2n, 420, 928
$1,979,506.86
999,733.42
84,732.72
20,263.52
28,916.21
1,963.50
112,825.87
80.06
8,237.60
3,186,338.75
3,178,101.15
Ayeiage
cost.
SI. 8304
.7U1
L2008
Z008
L2S
i75
.4899
6l39
>•••••••••••
Of the above suppUes the following were shipped to Alaska, Porto
Rico, Panama Canal Zone, and the I^waiian Islands:
ALASKA.
Oats
Hay
Com.
Barley
Bran
Beidfaig.
Dog food
Total
POBTO UCO.
Oats
Hay
Bran
Bedding
Total
Poands.
501.149
1,013,544
10,000
140,000
24.990
240,900
127.179
Cost.
17,052.04
8,872.50
176.00
PANAMA CAKAL ZONE.
2,060.762
Oats.
Hay.
1,806.00 I S^^l;;
820.97. Bedding
1,080.45
8.237.60
27,664.65
487.885
720.609
6t.951
128.838
Total
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS.
11,006.34
9.722.50
993.55
1, 48^.05
Oats.
Hay.
Bran.
1,392,183 23,208.44
Total.
Pounds.
407,620
639,483
9,500
127,710
Cost.
S10,Ml.O
7,827.2ft
131.67
888. !•
1,184,213
10,600,000 146,741.gt
19,6».33
14,822.117
220.000
25,642,117
123, 003. 9t
3,722.30
371,088.42
SEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMA8TBB GENEBAL.
387
Of the above supplies the following were piirchased in the Hawaiian
Islands:
Pounds.
Cost
Hay
1,000
2,413,050
SIO 00
Bedding
16,069.36
Total
2^414,050
16,079.36
The following quantities of forage were purchased for shipment to
the PhiUppine Islands during the hscal year 1916:
Pounds.
Cost
Oats
14.000.000
ti5n Qxn iM
Hay ^....x .
24,000,000 1 204,200.00
«
Total
38,000,000
385,150.00
The following forage was purchased in the Phihppine Islands
during the fiscal year 1916:
Green forafce
Bedding
Total.
Pounds.
8,351,200
2,486,000
10,837,200
Cost
$21,559.16
6,446.20
28,005.36
Average
cost
10.259
.26
The matter of amending contracts for forage so as to permit con-
tractors to supply grades of hay and grain as fixed by the grain
associations and chambers of commerce was considered. It was
represented that the peculiar conditions existing in various sections
made it difficult for mspectin^ officers to accept forage that would
comply in all respects with the specifications. The Department of
Agriculture was consulted, as that department had assisted in the
preparation of the specifications in use by this department, and it
was concluded that contractors should have no dimciJty in meeting
the requirements called for in regular specifications. No change
was therefore authorized, except that a modification so that oats
which were clean and practically free from other grains could be
accepted. No change was authorized in the specifications for hay.
Compressed forage, — ^An extended test was begun in the Eastern
Department of compressed forage with a view to determining if
it will be possible either to definitely adopt this ration for certain
conditions of field service, or to suggest such minor changes as ex-
i>erience may indicate to be necessary. A quantity of compressed
orage was purchased and issued to posts in the Eastern Department,
but owing to the withdrawal of troops for service on the Mexican
border before the test could be concluded, no definite conclusion was
reached as to its value. A test on the Mexican border under service
conditions has been ordered, and this test should decide if there are
any merits in this type of forage.
888
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
Forage shipped to the Philippine Islands. — Oats and ^in hay sent
to the Philippine Islands from the United States during the fiscal
year have been of good quality and sufficient at all times.
Remount service. — Animals purchased by the Quartermaster Corps
during fiscal year 1 9 1 6 :
Kiod.
Cavalry horses. .
Artillery horsses
RMiiignorses...
Youne horses. . .
Draft horses
Bell horses
Draft mules
Pack mules
Dogs
Number.
8,733
2,255
137
2.3M
2
2, £09
1,434
28
Total cost
$1,299,880.79
371,265.08
20,n4.14
320,574.92
1.470.00
200.00
511,288.25
189,451.50
1,400.00
Average ooflt.
1916
$148.85
164.64
146.82
137.64
245.00
100.00
203.38
132.11
50.00
1915
$146.00
150.15
152.11
134.46
218.24
184.55
140.13
5L68
The average cost of mounts for the year is $149:53 per head.
During the year 1,630 animals were condemned, sold, etc.; 437
died; a total oi 1,967. There remained on hand June 30, 1916, in the
United States, Hawaii, and Panama, excluding animals at remoimt
depots :
Cavalry horses 12,613 Pack mulee 2,073
Artillery horses 3,715 Riding mules 639
Ridine iiorses 2,042 Dogs 121
Drafthorses 930
Bell horses 27 Total 28,814
Draft mules 6,754
Fort Keogh Bemount Depot, Fort Keogh, Mont:
Animals on hand July 1, 1915
Animftiq received during the fiscal year 1916. .
► Total on hand and received
lasaed durine the year-
Cavalry norses 999
Artillery horses 164
Ridine norses 5
Horses sold tooi£cers 1
Horses died 62
Horses otherwise disposed of 4
Total disposed of.
Balance on hand June 30, 1916.
Fort Reno Remount Depot, Fort Reno, Okb.:
Animals on hand July 1, 1915
Animals received during the fiscal year 1016.
Total on hand and received
lasaed during the year-
Cavalry horses 1,056
Artillery horses 3S3
Riding horses 67
Horseesold tooflScers 29
Horses died 62
Horses otherwise disposed of 17
Total disposed of
Moles Issued 232
Moles otherwise disposed of 1
i of!^.
Total disposed
Balance oo band June 30, 1016.
Horses.
893
2,075
2,968
1,235
1,733
992
3,215
4,207
2,514
1,(»3
Moles.
6
Ml
au
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTERMASTEB GENERAL.
389
Front RojBl Remount Depot. Front Royal, Va.:
Animals on hand July 1. 1915
Animals Teoeired during the fiscal year 1916. .
Total on hand and received
Issued during the year-
Cavalry horses 535
Artillery horses 199
Riding horses 14
Draft horses •. 2
Horses sold tooillcers 34
Horses died 24
Total disposed of.
Mules issued
Balance on hand June 30, 10 16.
Sammary of remount depots:
Aniinals on hand July 1, 1915
Animals received during fiscal year 1916.
Total on hand and received
Issaed during the year-
Cavalry horses 3,490
Artillery horses 746
Riding horses.
Draft horses ,
Horses sold to officers
Horses died
Horses otherwise disposed of.
86
2
64
148
21
Total disposed of ,
liules issued 233
If ules otherwise disposed of 1
Total disposed of
Balance on hand June 30, 1916.
Horses.
448
1,104
1,552
808
744
2,333
6,394
8,727
4,557
Moles.
84
84
33
281
381
4,170
234
47
The number of horses that* passed through the Army remount
depots during fiscal year 1916 was much greater than the number that
were handled during fiscal year 1915, as shown by the following com-
parative table:
Received at jemoont depots
Issued from remount depots
On band at remount depots.
Fiscal
year
1016.
6,394
4,557
4,170
Fiscal
year
1915.
2,309
1,964
2,333
Increase
in 1016
over 1015.
3,005
2,503
1,837
The quality of horses purchased during the past fiscal year showed
a marked improvement over those bought previously, aue, in part,
to the stallions provided by the Department of Agriculture, and to
the better knowledge that^ farmers and breeders have of the type of
horses desired, as tne result of coining in contact with the remoimt
officers who can advise them as to the tvpe of animals required by the
Army. However, the breeding of suitable horses for military purposes
could be greatly improved and their number increased if the appro-
priations were mcreased so as to enable the Department of Agricul-
ture to purchase additional stallions and extend the present plan of
breeding.
Foreign Governments have purchased and exported thousands of
mature norses out of the coxmtry. This baa Tedwc^^di XJciftVox^^ ^\»^Ofi.
considerably in the United States and Yiaa vaeTe^ae^di ^Sci'^ ^^^^^ ^
390 BEPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL.
mature horses. However, it is not thought that the shortage in ma-
ture horses will materially affect the supply of animals needed by the
Regular Army during peace time, for the reason that a sufficient num-
ber of young norses can be obtained and handled through the remount
depots to meet the normal rec[uiremcnts of the Army.
In March, 1916, two auxiliary remount depots were established —
one at El Paso. Tex., and the other at Fort Sam Houston, Tex. — for
the purposb ot providing the necessary means of maintaining the
animals of the forces along the border in good condition. These are
the important reservoii-s from which animals are drawn for the
equipment of new troops and to replace those that are lost or become
unfit for service from any cause. At these points hospitals have
also been established, to which animals are withdrawn from the
service when they become sick or, from long continuous service,
reqiiirc- recuperation.
Keports indicate that horses shipped from the remount depots at
Fort Keogb, Reno, and Front Royal to troops on the borcter and
elsewhere arrived in good condition. On May 16, 1916, the depot
Suartermaster, El Paso, Tex., stated that horses shipped to tnat
epot from the Fort Keogh remount depot were received in excel-
lent condition ; that no horses were sick, none appeared to be gaimted,
and that the condition of the horses was so fine that his veterinarian
was most enthusiastic about them, remarking while they were being
imloaded, ''This, from a standpoint of condition, is the l>est shipment
we have receivea and appear ready to go to work at once."
On the other hand, a good deal of sickness and a number of deaths
were reported among mature horses purchased imder contract and
shipped to the Mexican border, due to the shipping fever contracted
in passing through stock yards. These animals had to be quaran-
tined for several weeks and doctoted before they became fit for
issue to troops.
In a report received from the authorities in the Southern Depart-
ment, they state that the wisdom of issuing green animals to oi^ani-
zations to bring to the border with them immediately is seriously
doubted; that about 150 deaths have been reported in the New
York division at McAllen, Tex., and a board of moimted officers has
reported as follows: ^'The board on mortalitv amon^ public ftnimRlfl
at McAllen considers that mortality is not abnorm^in view of con-
ditions of mobilization. Losses mostly occurred amongst horses
purchased for the emergency, of whicn nearly all were sick when
received by organizations and many sick when entrained."
The prudence of handling as many horses as possible through the
Army remount depot is apparent.
Fort Keogh remount depot — In the fiscal year 1916 the exterior
Eainting of all buildings around the narade and on entrance road has
een completed hj the use of depot laboi and material secured under
the annual apportionment for repair.
An interior and exterior electnc lighting system was installed at a
cost of $2,266.20, current being purcnasea from Miles City.
Four grooming machines, electrically driven, were installed at a
cost of $839.52, which will permit the thorough grooming of aU horses
being trained, an important training factor, which, without this
equipment, has necessarily been less thoroug^y done.
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAU 391
A steam heating plant was installed in the commanding officer's
quarters by depot laoor at a cost of $617.19 for apparatus.
A tank of 8,000 gallons capacity was installed by depot labor at a
cost of $395.96, for storage of fuel oil for power farm machinery.
This enables the depot to receive the oil in car lots at about half
the cost of other methods.
Three windmills were installed at a cost of $217.50 at artesian
wells in pastures. They will provide water continually and the
overflow irom the troughs will fill holes and furnish water at all
times for animals in pasture. To accomplish this heretofore it has
been necessary to use several men with gas engines.
Two 30-60 oil pull tractors, each with gang plows, were purchased
at a total cost of $6,171.40. They were necessary to carry the farm-
ingoperations beyond the acreage of 1915.
The pasture area remained imchanged — about 35,000 acres. The
area cmtivated in 1916 was 1,625 acres, as against 1,275 acres in
1915. It is proposed to break about 300 acres of new land in the
fiscal year 1917, only to fallow an equal amount now cultivated, as
the total of about 1,600 acres is ail that can be handled with the
present personnel and existing irrigation plant.
Forage grown during fiscal year 1916:
Oats, 1,750,000 pounds.
TTov i500,000 pounds (alfalfa).
^*y 1450,000 pounds (blue joint).
Straw, 2,000,000 pounds.
Approximate value of above forage* $40,000*
Forage grown during fiscal year 1915:
Oats, 116,250 pounds.
Tra«/43,300 pounds (aMalfa).
^*y\21,750 pounds (timothy).
Straw, 296,390 pounds.
Approximate value of above forage, $3,270.
Front Royal remount depot — During the fiscal year the following
progress has been made in improving the depot:
Buildings completed and received from contractor:
3 colt stables. 1 coal storage (banker).
1 granary and hay shed. 1 oil house.
3 civilian quarters. 1 dispensary.
1 barracks. 1 set double noncommlamoned officers' quar-
1 administration building. ters.
1 quartermaster stable. 1 veterinary ward.
1 farm implement shed. 1 fire station.
10 Isolated quarters for en- 1 granary office,
listed men. 10 sheds.
Roads constructed:
Macadam road from main gate to officers' quarters. ^
Macadam road from officers' quarters to administration building.
Roads to feeding sheds repaired.
All feed sheds have been repau^.
200 trees have been planted at depot.
500 rods interior fencing completCKl.
About 100 acres of land were imder cultivation in 1916, compared
to 45 acres in 1915. It is contemplated to break up such land as it
is possible to farm where briars, locust, etc., have ruined the turf —
from 100 to 150 acres.
392 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENEBAL.
Forage raised during the fiscal year: Vain*.
140.000 pounds hay $1,386.00
640 bushels rye 513.00
28.000 pounds com 280.00
32.450 pounds straw 145.22
Total 2,324,22
Forage has been raised as an incident to the main object, th©
planting of barren tracts with permanent grass pastures. This has
Deen sbghtly extended to the planting of tracts m alfalfa, so that a
permanent hav crop is assm'ea on an otherwise worthless field.
Fori Reno nemount Depot. — Improvements have been made at this
depot during the fiscal year, which have largely been in the nature
of caring for buildings, roads, and sroimds in the vicinity of the post.
Other improvements are contemplated and will be effected before
winter. Temporary shelter will be constructed in the vicinity of the
post where feeding can be readily carried on without the loss of time
and expense of labor.
Acreage imder cultivation during the fiscal year 1916 was the
same as that for fiscal year 1915. The acreage m pasture was also
the same as that for fiscal year 1915. Up to cume 30, 1916, 316 tons
alfalfa hay were baled and stored. Experiments were made with
Sudan erass, and this crop yields excellent returns. The feeding
value of Sudan grass has not yet been ascertained, but should it prove
to be a good feed crop and relished by the animals, a considerable
acreage of it will be sown next year. The feterita forage grown was
of excellent quality.
MisceUaneoua statements. — ^The following statements pertaining to
transportation are appended:
Statement showing principal movements of troops in the United States for etiictly
military purposes, marked "Exhibit No. 14.**
Statement showing special movements o! troops in connection with labor strikts,
parades, dedications, celebrations, etc., marked ^Exhibit No. 15.**
Statement showing number of National Guard and Organized Militia moved to
Mexican border from each State prior to August 1, 1916, marked ''Exhibit No. 13.*'
Statement showing operations of the tran^rtation division of the Quartermaster
Ck)rps in the Hawaiian Islands, marked ''Exhibit No. 16.**
Statement showing operations of the transportation division of the Quartermaster
Corps in the Philippme Islands, marked "Exhibit 16|.**
Statement showing weight of bagea^ of officers, noncommissioned officers, and
civilian employees transported at public expense, with cost of shipment and cost of
packing ana crating, marked "Exnibit No. 17.**
Statement showing cost to the Quartermaster Corps of operation of militarv telegraph
lines in Alaska exclusive of the operation of tne caole ship Burrmae, maiked
"Exhibit No. 18.**
Statement showing motor trucks purchased during the fiscal year, except the
Philippine Islands, marked "Exhibit No. 19.**
Statement showing automobiles in use June 30, 1916, except Philippine Islands,
marked "Exhibit No. 20.'*
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
Fuel. — ^The cost of coal for domestic purposes at posts in the
department was found so high that the ase of wood has been sub-
stituted at practicaly all stations in order to keep the cost of fuel
down to at least what it has been heretofore. The Army range is
adapted to either fuel and no change in fire boxes was required.
KEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL. 393
Ndtwe lumber. — During the year native lumber has been used exclu-
sively for general purposes throughout the department. There seems
to be a diversity of opinion as to the suitability of native lumber as
compared with Oregon pine. A report on this subject was called for
from the different posts, and a statement of tne result, marked
"Exhibit 23/' is inclosed. On the whole, however, the native lumber
(Lauan, Tanguili, and Apitong) have proved so satisfactory and much
cheaper than Oregon pine tnat contract has been made for over
4,600,000 feet of rougn lumber at $24 per 1,000 board feet, and
411,000 feet of flooring at $30 per 1,000 board feet.
Oreen forage and hmding. — Green forage has been procured imder
contract to supplement the forage ration for animals in this depart-
ment at posts of Camp Eldridge, Camp McGrath, Camp John Hay,
Camp Stotsenburg, Fort Wmiam McKinley, and Manila. The
quahty of this class of forage has been very satisfactory. The class
usually furnished is known as native zacate, barn grass, and green
com. Rice straw and cogon grass, for bedding, have been supphed
imder annual contract. At Fort WilUam McKimey, in January, 1916,
the animals in several organizations were seriously affected and 11
died. The local veterinarians were puzzled as to the cause but
finally, by analysis, traced the trouble to musty rice straw used as
beddmg. With this exception no complaints as to the quality of
bedding have reached this oflBce.
Heavy furniture for officers' quarters, — The following heavy furniture
wasmanufactured at the land transport shops during the year, from
native woods:
50 chairs, dining, end 1832.94
228 chairs, dining, side 323.49
47 drawers, chests of 1,210.52
55 sideboards 1, 156. 55
13 tables, dining 652.67
74 tables, kitchen 269.09
Orders have recently been given for construction at the land trans-
port shops of additional heavy furniture and ice boxes. All quarters
occupied by officers with American troops are now fully equipped
with these articles, and when the furniture now imder construction
is completed all officers' quarters at scout posts will also be fully
equipped.
Fresh potatoes. — ^The procurement of fresh potatoes presented some
obstacles. Bids were mvited and opened on February 1^ 1916.
There was but one bidder (Pacific Commercial Co.) and their price
was 2.99 cents per pound as compared with 1.56 cents per pound,
their old price. The bid was considered excessive and a cable was
sent to the depot quartermaster, Nagasaki, to ascertain if he could
purchase 500,000 pounds of potatoes, and at what price. He repUed,
quoting 1.16 cents per pound f. o. b. Nagasaki. He was asked to
purchase 500,000 pounds. Later the depot quartermaster, Nagasaki,
replied: ** Government contractor(s) potatoes, fresh, crop cornered by
Pacific Conamercial. Will send particulars by mail. Was unable to
secure bond.*' Here we were confronted with a serious proposition.
TTie following letter was sent to aU posts, and in the meantime this
office began to look about for substitutes:
Keport is desired from commanding oflScers as to the possibility of procuring locally
potatoes or substitutes therefor during the months named (March, April, May, and
394 BEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
June), and accounts settled with issuing quartermasters at the end of the month, or
whenever necessary, on the basis of the price of the last lot purchased, at $0.02199 per
pound, instead of depending upon the quartermaster for supply as usual.
First. We bought 70,000 pounds of sweet potatoes at 1.25 cents
per pound from the Momungan Colony near (Jamp Overton. These
were issued and sold. We c5)led the depot quartermaster, San Fran-
cisco, and bought 63,000 pounds potatoes at 2.05 cents; they arrived
on Sherman,
Second. We ascertained that there was an excellent white notato
in the local market, and upon investigation found it was shipped from
Hongkong. Arrangements were at once made for an open-market
purchase of 150,000 pounds of these potatoes at 2.15 cents per pound.
This stock, together with the sweet potatoes and the San Francisco
shipment, broke the ''comer" on white potatoes required for month
of April. The low and only bidder (Pacific Commercial Co.) protested
any mtention of a ''corner," but at the same time desired to offer a
lower quotation after this oflBce had arranged for March deliveries.
For May and June deliveries this same firm offered potatoes at 2.4
cents per poimd, ascribing the difference to easier freight conditions.
This price was considered excessive, and the depot quartermaster at
Nagasaki was requested by cable to quote on 500,000 pounds in that
market, shipment to be made on the U. S. Army transport MerriU on
return trip from China. He quoted 1.65 cents per pound, and pur-
chase was made accordingly for the month of May. For the montn of
June potatoes were procured from China at 2.05 cents per pound. It
was impossible to prociire potatoes from Japan for June consimiption
on account of lack of transportation facihties.
Fresli fruit. — Fresh fruit received from San Francisco has been very
good quality and is much appreciated by the personnel of this com-
mand. Considering quantities handled and conditions of diipment,
losses have been comparatively small. The monthly shipment has
been increased as follows: Apples, 200 cases; oranges, 150 cases;
lemons, 70 cases; grapefruit, 100 cases. This will give ample fruit
to all.
United States Morgue and Burial Corps. — ^There has been no change
in the civiUan personnel during the year and the work has been car-
ried on successfully and satisfactorily. Eightv-four bodies were
embalmed and prepared for burial, 41 disinterrea, 44 shipped to the
United States, 31 transferred to other cemeteries, 3 awaiting ship-
ment. The cemetery at Camp Gres^ was abandoned and l>odie8
removed to the cemetery at Fort Wiffiam McKinley.
Quartermaster steam laundry. — ^To accommodate the needs of the
troops the capacity of the taundrv in buildings, machinery, and
employees, has practically been douoled during the year. This plant
is a great convenience ana in fact has become a necessity to the troops
in Manila and to a large number of organizations other than those
stationed in the city. The average number of pieces laundered for
the past 11 months was 301,507 per month, at a total cost of
$1,456 per 100 pieces. The number of employees has been increased
from 187 to 225, but the full number authorized is not employed
except in cases of necessity. In the past collections and delivery of
lauildry in the city o^Manila has been made by two wagons, wnich
has proved unsatisfactory, being both slow and imnecessarily expen-
sive. A Ford chassis has been purchased, for which a body is now
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENEBAL. 395
beins constructed at land transport shops. This light delivery car;
which will run at very moderate expense, will greafly facilitate the
collection and delivery of laundry. The cost of operation of this car
will of course be borne entirely from the revenues of the laundry and
will therefore be without cost to the Government. Due to increased
cost of supplies and replacement of machinery, the rate for enlisted
men was mcreased in January, 1916, from $1.26 to $1.50 per month,
and flat-rate work for the Quartermaster Corps and Medical Depart-
ment from $1.25 to $1.30 per month.
Beservations. — ^There has been very little change in the reservations
during the year. Camps Gregg and Treadwell were both abandoned
and aB buildings and other structures at those stations, in so far as it
was practicable to do so, were demolished and the material salvaged.
A small addition to the Camp Eldridge Reservation was purchased
for the purpose of making a necessary extension to the target range.
Agreement has been made with the owners for the purchase of two
Earcels of land lying within the limits of the Camp Gregg Reservation,
ut as yet the reqiured papers in the case have not been completed.
At Augur Barracks, Jolo, an old blockhouse and the grounds sur-
rounding it, not needed by the mihtary authorities, were turned over
to the constabulary for its use until further orders. The civil govern-
ment was given a license to construct a roadway through the Augur
Barracks Reservation.
BARRACKS AND QUARTERS.
All buildings at Manila depot have been repaired and repainted,
but the floors in some of the buildings will require additional work
in the near future, which will be taken up as soon as funds become
av^able. Twenty-eight iron-pipe posts have been installed in the
laimdry groxmds at the Manila depot and equipped with galvanized-
iron wire for the air drying of heavy articles, such as canvas bunk
bottoms, blue denim, and cotton O. D. cloth. The grounds have
been improved in appearance by the setting out of hei^es bordering
roads and walks and the use of flowering shrubs.
The condition of barracks and quarters at the different posts in
this department is as good as could be expected under the circum-
stances. The majority of them are old and badly in need of exten-
sive repairs. Althoiidn for several years the appropriation has been
insuflicient to keep the barracks and quarters m repair, this year it
has been particularly insuflBcient on accoimt of extra repaLre made
necessary by the succession of storms, one or more of which has
reached and damaged nearly every post in the department. In
order to repair the damages caused by these storms it was necessary
to use funds which had been allotted for annual repairs; consequently,
repairs much needed at the present time will have to be delayed
until funds for the next fiscal year become available. The following
construction of barracks and quarters is now under way or has been
completed:
Fori Mills. — ^Two Infantry barracks, permanent construction;
five scout barracks, temporary construction, to replace five barracks
demolished diuing typhoons; a hangar, complete with plumbing and
electric wiring.
396 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
Fort WiUiam McEinley. — This post was provided during the last
fiscal year with a bakers' school barrack by enlarging and remodeling
a building formerly used for civilian employees. Also, a kitchen
was built in connection with the present post bakery building, for
baking pastry in conjunction with the bakers' and cooks' schooL
The two double sets of company^ officers' quarters, semipermanent,
are now imder construction at this post. *
Camp Stotsenburg. — ^Twelve old field officers' quarters, nipa con-
struction, are being replaced by new wooden construction, and in
addition, six new sets of quarters are being built at this post.
Camp Overton.— Two new sets of company officers' quarters were
constructed at this post during the past fiscal year.
Camp Keithley. —Fo}}T cottages bmlt as rest houses were, during
the year, remodeled into satisfactory officers' quarters.
Camp Nichols. — ^Two double sets of officers' quarters, semiper-
manent construction, have been completed during the year.
Camp John Hay.— Two frame barracks were constructed at the
scout garrison at this post from the same plans as the present bar-
racks. The scout barracks now have sufficient accommodations for
one battalion.
Bakeries, storehouses, stables, etc. — These buildings are in the same
condition as the barracks and quarters, being in need of extensive
repw^ during the coming fiscal year.
A large modern and well-eqmpped bakery, permanent construc-
tion, has been completed at Fort Mills during the year.
The bakine f acihties at Camp John Hay have been increased dur-
ing the year DV the installation of an additional oven.
Storage faciuties at Fort Mills, Fort William McEinley, and Camp
John H^y have been increased to some extent during the present
year.
No new stables have been constructed during the present fiscal
year, and very little change has been made in the old ones.
A small addition was made to the Signal Corps stables at Fort
William McKinley. The blacksmith shops and guard house in
connection with the Cavalry stables at Camp Stotsenburg wero
rebuilt by the use of material salvaged from Camp Gregg.
The following bake ovens are now installed and in operation at
the different posts in this department: Marshall, No. 30, 8: No. 40,
20. Middelby, No. 3, 2; No.l, 1. Blodgett Stanard, 3; No. 19, 2.
Knocked-down type, 1. Concrete, 1.
A number of ovens have been repaired and some have been replaced
during the year. All of them are now in good working condition.
Hosjoitals. — New hospitals under construction at Camp John Hay
and (Jamp Nichols have been practically completed. Sufficient
screening has also been furnished Camp Nichols to completdy
screen the hospital at that post. The hospitals at the other posts in
the department are in good condition and sufficient funos were
available during the year to keep them in repair.
A temporary smallpox hospital has been constructed at Augur
Barracks.
The hospital at Fort San Pedro, Hoilo, has been remodeled to
provide a dressing room.
Electric passenger elevators have been installed in the hospital at
Fort William McKinley, and at the department hospital, Manila.
BEPORT OF THE QUARTEBMASTER GEITBRAIj. 397
Water supply. — In general, the water supply at the different posts
is ample and water is of good quality, although in most places it is
not potable.
The water supply at Camp John Hay has been improved by the
installation of electrically driven pumps and an increase in the
reservoir capacity. Arrangements have been made for procuring a
hypochloride dosing apparatus for the water system at Camp John
Hay, which, when installed, will render the water potable and will
allow the distilling plant to be discontinued.
The water sup^y at Fort WilUam McKinley is derived from two
sources — ^wells and seepage water along the Pasig River. The well
system is satisfacory and is sufficient to supply potable water for
all purposes excepting fire and sprinkling. The seepage water
system has been remodeled and increased durmg theyear, in so far as
funds would permit. It is the intention to carry on the work during
the next fiscal year. When completed. Fort William McKinley wiu
have a water supply sufficient for all needs.
The water system at Camp Eldridge has been improved during
the year by the installation of a larger sized main to the reservoir,
and now it has a water supply sufficient for all purposes.
The water system at Camp Overton was improvea during the year
by raising the elevation of the intake and straightening the pipe.
Shortly filter this work was completed a flood carried away a por-
tion 01 the pipe line, but this has been replaced and the water system
is in good condition at present.
The water system at rettit Barracks is not satisfactory at present,
but as the city of Zamboanga is installing a water system which
when completed will be sufficient to supply both the city and the
post, nothmgis being done at present except to keep the system in
operation. When the city water system is completed arrangements
will be made to procure water from this system.
An attempt was made to drive an artesian well at Ludlow barracks
for the purpose of obtaining a satisfactory and potable water supply.
This attempt was not a success. It is believed tnat one of the reasons
why a successful weU was not obtained is that it was not properly
located. Further investigation will be made, after which it will be
determined whether or not the probabiUties of obtaining a potable
water supply are sufficient to justify another attempt.
Camp Stotsenburg has two sources of water supply, one from the
river and the other from artesian wells. Owing to the condition of
the pipe line and the failure of the wells, the water supply was reduced
below the needs of the post. The pipe line for the river water supply
has been placed in good condition and a reservoir in connection there-
with is being constructed. Two new successful artesian wells have
been driven. When the reservoir is completed and the machinery
installed for pumping the new wells, Camp Stotsenburg will have a
water supply sufficient for all necessary purposes.
Camp Nichols obtains its water from an artesian well. This has
been improved during the year by the erection of a new tank, and by
the installation of an auxiliary engine for use in case of emergency.
The water supply is now satisfactory and ample for all necessary pur-
poses.
The large product of water conservation at Fort Mills is well under
way. Downspouts have been placed on a number of the buildings, a
number of successful wells have been driven, and a number of springs
398 BEPOBT OF THE QUARTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
have been opened up and arrangements made for conserving the
water therefrom, and the excavations for two of the reservoirs are
made. Work on the reservoirs is delayed on account of lack of mate-
rial, which has been ordered from the States.
A new high-power electrically driven triplex pump and other
equipment, including condenser, etc., for the more economical opera-
tion of the pumping plant and to increase its capacity, is being pur-
chased under contract. A new boiler to be installed in conjunction
with the present boilers, to increase the capacity of the boiler plant,
is also being purchased.
The Sisiman water supply has been placed in good condition, and
as soon as the new water barge is completed it will materially assist
in supplying water for Fort Mills and tne other Coast Artillery posts
in Manila Bay.
The project of increasing the water supply at Fort Frank by rais-
ing the intake and installmg a new pipe une from the mainland to
Carabao Island is now imder way. After this project has been com-
pleted Fort Frank will have a supply of water sufficient for all pur-
poses.
Water for the use of the military stations m Manila, excepting for
drinking purposes, is secured from the city water supply. This is olf
course paid for on meter readings. In the past it was customary to
have but one meter at each station, in consequence of which sewerage
charges were paid on all water consimied. During the past year this
has all been changed, so that water for sprinkling purposes,
watering stock, etc., is paid for on a different meter and no sewerage
charges paid tnereon. This has resulted in a considerable saving m
the expenditures for water for stations in Manila.
The water used for drinking purposes was formerly obtained from
the distilling plant located at the land transport corral. As the oper-
ating expenses of this plant were very large, it was decided to make
an attempt to obtain a successful artesian well for the purpose of
supplying drinking water to the different stations in Manila. A weJl
was driven at the Ouartel de Espana. Although the well was suc-
cessful, unfortunately, on account of the failure of the distilling
plant, the water from this well had to be used before it had been
pumped sufficient to clear it. Like all other artesian wells in this
vicinity, the water at first is very impalatable, but after having been
used for some time it finally clears up and becomes palatable. It is
believed that the result in this case will be the same as in others.
The distilling plant at the land transport corral having been
unserviceable, it was dismantled and installed in connection with
the fire system at the Manila depot for use in case of emei^ency.
A successful artesian well has been drilled at the department hos-
pital and the installation of machinery completed. It will deliver
sufficient water to supply this station.
Sewer systems, — At such posts that have sewer systems the same
have been satisfactory during the year. Sufficient fimds have been
available to keep these systems in proper condition. However, at a
number of posts dry-earth closets are still in use. These are being
replaced by sewer systems as rapidlv as funds will permit.
A sewer system has been installed at Camp Nichols during the
present year, and funds to start sewer systems at Camp Keithley and
Ke^an Barracks have been allotted. Work on these systems is now
under way.
BEPOBT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL. 399
As soon as the post of Pettit Barracks is connected with the water
system of the city of Zamboanga, it is proposed to install a sewer sys-
tem at that place should the necessary funds be available.
The sewer system at Fort William McKinley is being improved by
the installation of a new bacteriological tank. When this tank has
been completed the sewer system at Fort William McKinley will be
satisfactory and in good condition.
New incinerators have been constructed during the year at Fort
Mills, Camp John Hay, and Regan Barracks.
lAgJUing systems. — ^The only stations in this department lighted by
electricity are Camp John Hay, Fort William McKinley, Fort Mills,
and the posts in Manila. Fort Mills and Camp John Hay have their
own lighting systems. At the other posts mentioned electric current
is purchased from the Manila Electric Railroad & Light 0>.
it is the intention to install a generating plant at Fort William
McKinley. and one generator, two exciters, one switchboard, com-
plete, ana one condenser, to be used in conjunction with street and
service lighting, for installation in the new power plant in connection
with the steam engine and generator now on hand, are being pur-
chased under contract. Electric house meters to replace those now
owned by private parties, as well as constant-current transformers
with street-lighting brackets and lamps to replace the present arc
lamps, are also under contract.
It is the intention during the fiscal year 1917 to pay on one meter
reading for all current consumed at the different stations in Manila,
and to this end meters are being purchased under contract for use
where it is necessary to measure current to comply with existing r^-
ulations to replace those now owned by the lighting companv.
Sufficient funds have been available during the year to keep the
system at Fort Mills in repair, and the same has been satisfactory.
The only additions made tnereto have been the necessary extensions
to furnish light to buildings completed.
Camp Stotsenburg was provided with a switchboard to be used in
conjunction with a small generator.
At Camp John Hay a concrete shed was erected for the protection
of certain electrical equipment and main valves for the hydroelectric
]>liuit: also the electric substation at this post was provided with addi-
tional equipment, and a machine shop was installed in conjunction
with the ice plant.
Complete apparatus has been purchased for the installation of series
street lighting at Camp John Hay, as well as cooking ranges, hot-water
heaters, and air heaters for the entire post, so as to utilize power now
generated by the hydroelectric plant.
Ice, distiUiryjj coid-stordge, and pumping plants. — ^These, in the main,
have been satisfactory throughout the department and sufficient funds
have been available to keep them in proper condition.
During the year an inspection of every plant has been made by an
engineer from this office, the result of wilcn has been an improvement
in the condition of aU these plants and a saving in the amoimt of
coal consumed.
During the year a new compressor was installed at Camp Eldridge.
New compressors have been purchased for Fort Mills, but as yet have
not been instaUed. Material and apparatus have also been purchased
for insulating one of the rooms in the present bombproof plant at this
400 BEPOBT OF THE QUAKTEBMASTER GENERAL.
post, as well as a new ammonia condenser, piping, etc., so as to in-
crease the cold-storage facilities, and to be used m conjunction with
the two 65-ton ammonia condensers already purchased.
The ice and cold-storage plant at Camp John Hav is being enlarged
and remodeled. When completed this post will have a plant sim-
cient for all needs and shoula be a very economical one, as it will be
operated by electricity. A machine shop was iostalled in conjunction
with the ice plant at this post, as stated in paragraph 48.
As stated before, the distiUing plant at the land transport was moved
to the depot. When the new well at the department hospital is in
operation, the distilling plant at that place can be discontinued.
Roads and walks. — ^The roads at the different posts in the depart-
ment are in good condition, and sufiBicient fimds nave been available
to keep them in proper repair.
Road extensions nave been made at Camp Eldridge, Camp John
Hav, Camp Stotsenburg, and Fort Mills.
A cableway is being erected at the hydroelectric plant at Camp
John Hay, so as to provide a better means of reaching the plant and a
safe exit for the employees in case of danger.
Considerable grading in connection wim the scout post at Camp
John Hay was done during the year.
At Camp Stotsenburg fimds have been allotted for the purpose of
building a road to connect the post system with the insular pubUc-
road system. After this road nas been completed there will be a
&st-class road from Camp Stotsenburg to Manila.
During the year funds were allotted for resurfacing the Overton-
Keithley road. WTiile this work was being carried on the road was
severelv damaged by flood, which carried out some of the bridges,
washed, out portions of the roadbed, and caused slides which covered
other portions. All steps possible were inmiediately taken to clear
this road and it is now passable for automobiles. Work is being car-
ried on in repairing the road and resurfacing it, and such funds as
could be used during the year were allotted. It is the intention to
carry this work on until completed, such funds as are necessary to
be provided from the fiscal year 1917 appropriation.
Considerable grading has oeen done at Fort Mills in connection with
new construction at that post.
The old bridge across tne moat at Fort Santiago has been replaced
by a fill and a macadam roadway, which has very much improved the
appearance of the entrance to Fort Santiago.
Wharves. — Pier No. 1, Manila, has been completed aiid surfaced
with block pavement during the year and is now in splendid condition.
Contract has been let for the construction of Pier B on the Port
Reservation, Manila. This pier will be constructed on the bay side
of the strip of land known as Lot No. 2, Port Reservation, Mafiila, and
will be directly opposite the present Pier A. The construction con-
sists of concrete piles of sufficient size and driven to sufficient depth
to provide for a future concrete docking. The present plan is to
install a wooden deck, with the necessary wooden beams, etc., pro-
tecting same with an asphaltum coating.
Extensive repairs have been made to the wharf at Camp Eldredge.
A new wharf has been buUt at Camp Keithley.
Two new wharves, in connection with water supply at SisimaUi are
being constructed.
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTBB GENEBAL. 401
A contract was made with the civil government for the dredging of
the approaches to the wharves at Fort Mills. Anchors and buoys
were also furnished Fort Mills.
The wharf at Iloilo has been improved by the installation of fender
piles, so that interisland transports can go alongside and unload at this
wharf at any stage of the tiae.
The old wooden wharf at Fort William McKinley was replaced by a
concrete wharf during the year.
The wharves at Ludlow Barracks, Augur Barracks, and Camp Over-
ton have been kept iq serviceable condition, and while the whan at the
latter post is not in perfect condition, suflSciont funds were allotted to
keep it in repair durmg the year.
Screenivg, — Such fimds as were available were allotted the different
posts in the department during the year for screening, and a state-
ment showing the condition of the dinerent posts in regard to screen-
ing is inclosed.
Typhoons. — ^This department was visited during the year by four
destructive typhoons and a disastrous flood at Camp Overton, which
occurred on the following dates: October 23, November 3, December
7, 1915, January 14 to 27 and May 6, 1916, resulting in damage to the
different posts as follows:
Camp Eldredge $73.40
Camp John Hay 8,713.92
Camp Overton (O.-K. Road) 32, 000. 00
Camp Overton 6,000.00
CampMcGrath 3,288.00
Camp Stotsenburg 4,737.00
FortMillfl 78,341.50
Regan Barracks 970.00
Augur Barracks 4,000.00
Fire apparat'us, — The fire apparatus at the different posts has been
kept in good condition. On investigation it was found that no
standard nad been adopted for the size of hose and hydrants at the
different stations. A standard has been adopted which conforms to
that in general use and the project is imder way to standardize all of
this apparatus at the different posts in the department.
Post exchanges. — The post exchange handball court has been con-
structed at Fort William McKinley, and jimiping standards have
been furnished all posts in the department.
Motor. — ^The economy of motor transportation over animal-drawn
is no longer debatable, but so far as this department is concerned,
the initialcost of motor trucks and the Umited appropriation available
prohibits consideration of any very considerable increase in trucks.
A recent board of officers on Corregidor Reserve recommended exclu-
sive use of motor transportation for Corregidor Island. Owing to the
distance from the factory, the cost of upkeep of motor transportation
in these islands is very great for two cogent reasons, viz :
First. In order to avoid delays in making repairs the department
is called upon to invest large sums of money in spare parts sent out
from the States, or,
Second. These spare parts are bought locally, as needed, at an
exorbitant pnce, because the local dealer nmst bear the outlay men-
tioned in firet paragraph above, and he makes his retail price to cover
interest on investment.
These conditions should not be overlooked m coT^idsra^ xsksA/^x
transportation for this department.
69176"— WAB 1916— VOL 1 26
402 BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENERAL.
One auto truck of IJ-ton capacity was purchased and placed in
service on the Overton-Keithley Road, wnich, together with the
supply of two trailers, which were manufactured at the land-transport
shops at a cost of $714 each, released for assignment elsewhere 22
draft animals.
Twelve 2-ton, one three-fourths ton, and four Ford truck chassis,
three Ford runabouts, and one 7-passenger touring car have recently
been ordered.
Three of the 2-ton trucks arrived here from San Francisco on July
3, 1916, and will be sent to Camp John Hay for use in hauling fud
for the post. Contract was made for 3,243 cords of wood, dehvfery
to be taken at a point 7 miles from the post, at a price $14,593.50
less than the lowest bid for delivery at post, and these three truck
chassis will be equipped with bodies constructed at Manila Depot
suitable for transportmg this wood to post.
Three of the 2-ton trucks will be used on the Overton-Keithley
Road and the post authorities at Camp Overton have been instructed
to submit plans for suitable bodies, and trailers, if desired, to be con-
structed at Manila Depot.
It is estimated that each of the 2-ton trucks to be used on the
O.-K. Road and in Manila will take the place of two 4-mule teams
at present in service, and the light trucks each take the place of two
light deUvery teams. Requisitions for animals for fiscal year 1917
will be reduced accordingly.
Railroads. — Regan Barracks has been connected by a spur track
to the Manila Rai&oad during the year. This utihty is now in opera-
tion and has resulted in a great saving in wagon transportation.
The electric railroad at Fort Mills has been kept in good condition
and funds have been allotted for double-tracking it. This project is
well under way and it will be nearly, if not entirely, completed by the
end of the present calendaryear.
Transportaiion, water. — The equipment of inter-island transports,
harbor boats, mine planters, distnbution box boats, laimches, lighter-
age, and rowDoats has been maintained in a satisfactory state during
the year. The following additions have been made to tnis equipment
at cost indicated : Scow No. I4S, $6,795 ; scow No. 144y $6,795.
Due to lack of water transportation and fimds pertaining to
fiscal year 1916 being available, contracts have been made for the
construction of five additional scows, viz: Two 110 feet long at an
estimated cost of $18,100; work was begun June 12, 1916, and calls
for completion in 76 working days. One 110 feet long ; contract price.
$10,515.60; work was begun June 28, 1916, and is to be completea
in 68 working days. Two 80 feet long ; contract price, $10,750 ; work
was begun June 28, 1916, and is to be completed in 90 working days.
The following equipment was lost during typhoons in October and
December, 1915:
Value.
Bcow No. 39 11,700
Scow No. 45 2,000
LorchaNo. 106 3,800
Bcow No. 121 1,760
Bcow No. 124 3,650
Total 12,900
Total| 1 lorcha and 4 scows.
BEPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENEBAL. 403
Lorcha No. 90, value $13,814.37, was sunk at sea en route to
Aparri. Repairs to equipment, made necessary incident to typhoons,
amoxmting to $40,000, were made from apportionment maae to this
department for fiscal year 1916.
Manual for the QuartermcLster Cor^ps. — ^The compilation of a manual
for the Quartermaster Corps has been in progress for several months.
When completed it will cover the consoUdated corps and will embrace
all subjects contained in the manuals for the former Quartermaster,
Pay, end Subsistence Departments.
It is estimated that the manual will be ready for distribution to
the service by January 1, 1917.
Civilian employees, Oj^ce of the Quartermaster General, — The legis-
lative, executive, and judicial appropriation bill, fiscal year 1916,
provides for 295 employees of this office, 235 of the number being
clerks. The organization of the office is that approved by the
Secretary of War September 10, 1912. and with tms organization
CTeat economies in the administration of the business of the office and
Quartermaster Corps have been accomplished. The clerks have
attained a high state of efficiency and are entitled to great credit for
the splendid work performed during the year. Delinquencies have
been remarkably few. The office has kept step with modem commer-
cial developments in its business methods, and the work has been
simplified and so systematized as to require the fewest clerks possible.
The national defense act. approved June 3, 1916, will, it is beUeved,
after a careful analysis of its provisions, increase the work of tlus
office 40 per cent, and the clerical force must necessarily be in-
creased. With a view to obtaining additional clerical assistance
this office, on May 20, 1916, the date the national defense act passed
the House of Keprcsentativcs, submitted a supplemental estimate
for 30 clerks (3 principal clerks at $2,000, 4 clerks at $1,600, 6 at
$1,400, 8 at $1,200, and 9 at $1,000 per annum), an increase of
approximately 10 per cent. These clerks are urgently required in
tne grades indicated to assist in handling the large amount of ad-
ditional work imposed upon the office by the national defense act.
The need for tne grad!e of principal clerk of branch at $2,000 per
annum has been much felt since the consolidation of the Pay, Sub-
sistence, and Quartermaster's departments on' November 1, 1912
(fiscal year 1913), at which time the Quartermaster General in his
scheme for an office force for a consoUdated bureau, recommended
six such positions. This grade was again asked for for the fiscal years
1915 ana 1917. This latter year Congress authorized three of the
positions, and it is hoped that it will authorize the remaining three
which have been estimated for, thus completing the organization
originally proposed.
In a number of previous annual reports this office called attention
to the need for some equitable system of retirement for superannuated
clerks. Because of the consideration that has been given this
subject both in and out of Congress, I do not deem it necessarv to
say more in this report than that as each year passes the neea for
some such provision becomes more pressing. .
Very respectfully,
Henry G. Sharpe.
Brigadier General, Quartermaster Uorvs,
Acting Quartermaster General.
BEPOBT OF THE QDASTEBUABTEB QENEBAIt.
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HEPORT OF THE QUARTEBMASTEB QBNBRAL.
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408
BEPOBT OF THE QUAHTEBMASTEB QENEBAL.
Exhibit 2.
Grade and examixiation.
Educational:
Master electrician.
Sergeant, flist class-
Baker
Blacksmith and horseshoer, foreman.
Carpenter, foreman
Clerk
Electrician
Engineer, foreman
Mechanic, foreman
Packmaster
Painter, foreman
Plumber, foreman
Superintendent of transportation.
Trainmaster
Truckmaster
Total.
Sergeant^
Chauffeur
Clerk
Electrician...,
Engineer ,
Foragemaster.
Storekeeper...
Total
Total educational.
Noneducational:
Sergeant-
Baker
Blacksmith and horseshoer.
Carpenter
Farrier
Fuel overseer
Mason
Overseer
Packmaster
Painter
Plumber
Saddler
Tinner
Trainer
Wagonmaster
"WheelwriRht
Total noneducational
Grand total
Number
ex-
amined.
Nomber
poixited.
17
17
15
27
122
18
29
5
6
11
Id
12
18
1
le
2
2
296
134
143
24
67
5
15
378
691
34
64
50
12
18
6
S3
11
34
23
41
5
1
40
5
427
1,118
3
»7
33
143
75
8
11
1
238
272
15
47
16
'»
at
17
1
31
8
5
10
18
2
1
10
183
453
1 Appointed after practical test.
Exhibit 3.
Statement showing number of enlisted men, Quartenruuter Corps, by grades, apportioned
for the performanceofthe variouLS duties of the Quartermaster Corps in the United States,
Hawaii, and the Philippines, the number of such men actually in the service, and the
number ofvaaincies as of June SO, 1916.
United States
Alaska. Porto
Canal Zone):
Apportioned.
In the sen,ice
Vacancies
Hawaii:
Apportioned.,
In the "service
Vacancies
Phillppine.s:
Apportioned.,
In the service
Vacancies
(including
nice, and
Totals:
Apportioned..
In the service.
Vacancies
Master
elec-
tricians,
4
4
3
3
Ser-
geants,
first
class.
94
86
8
5
5
18
14
4
Ser-
geants.
1,028
934
74
66
63
3
143
132
11
7
7
117
105
12
1,237
1,149
88
Cor-
porals.
615
464
51
26
25
1
46
43
3
5S7
532
55
Cooks.
75
75
6
II
8
3
92
89
3
Pri-
vates,
first
class.
2,2S1
2,lo:j
178
157
153
4
299
261
38
2,737
2,517
220
Pri-
vates.
543
621
27
25
2
32
14
18
602
660
ToUl.
4,540
4,307
287
277
552
475
Va-
cancies.
311
10
77
6,379
5,060
378
I
1
J
BBPOBT OF THE QUABTEBMASTEB GENEBAL. 409
Exhibit 4.
I\re(uury balance hool$, financial Mtatement, QuartermasUr CorpSf fiscal year ending
June SO J 1916.
For appropriatioDfl desiniatod as aimiial there was provided for the service
of toe Quartermaster Corps for the fiscal year aiding June 30, 1016, and
by allotments, the sum 01 $106,321,808.60
During the said fiscal year 1016 there was deposited to the credit of said
appropriations by Treasury settlements, sales, collections, balances, etc.,
thesumof. 0,062,308.26
And by department and Treasury transfers and miscellaneous items the
sum of 02,012.40
Total 1116,477,114.81
Of this there was remitted to disbursing officers upon requisitions, the sum
of 100,081,820.10
There was expended on account of settlements made at the Treasury, the
sum of 880,170.00
And by department and Treasury transfers and miscellaneous items 2, 630. 01
Total 110,873,630.10
Leaving a balance on hand July 1, 1016, available for payment of
outstanding obligations, the sum of 4,603,484.26
On July 1, 1016, there was on hand from annual appropriations for the
service of the Quartermaster Corps, pertaining to said fiscal year, the
sum of 4,656,735.74
Also on hand from appropriations of other fiscal years, including all special
and indefinite appropriations, the sum of 2,714,603.30
There was added during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1016, by appro>
priations and allotments, the sum of 2,467,703.03
During said fiscal year there was deposited to the credit of these appropria-
tions by balances, sales, collections, etc., and settlements made at the
Treasury, the sum of 3,548,588.00
And by department and Treasury transfers and miscellaneous items 34,184.23
Total 13,421,004.48
Of this there was remitted to disbursing officers on requisition the sum of. . 6, 233, 001. 75
There was paid out cm account of settlements made at the Treasury the
stmiof 1,023,008.21
And on account of department and Treasury transfers and miscellaneous
items 2,321,278.50
Carried to surplus fund, the sum of. 2,002,220.01
Total 11,580,505.46
Leaving a balance on hand July 1, 1016, available for payment of
outstanding obligations pertaming to fiscal years lOlo, 1014, etc.,
and special or inaefinite appropriations, the sum of 1,841,480.02
KECAPITULATION. '
Balance on hand, all appropriations, July 1, 1015, fiscal year 1015 7, 371, 420. 13
Appropriated by Congress for fiscal year endi 
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