Journal (Volume 29 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1901. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Comment anb Criticism. "CAVALRY DRILL REGULATIONS." Holguin, Cuba, April 4, 1901. The Editor of the Journal of the Military Service Institution. Sir: In your issue for March, "G. H. M." comments on my paper on our Cavalry Drill Regulations. May I say a few words in reply. I did not advocate making the command of execution invariably sharp and quick. My words were: "It is not always, nor is it] ordinarily advisable that the command of execution be prolonged." The reason why the recruit does not lock the piece when the instructor does not examine it at open chamber (par. 100) is that the piece is not loaded, and there is, therefore, no need of its being locked (par. 91). The error is not that the piece is left unlocked when not examined, but that it is locked when it is examined (par. 100). G. H. M. says: "The verv important part relating to the firing has been corrected for the rifle, and is supposed to be applied to the carbine." Perhaps I do not understand this sentence. But if I do, I should like to ask, to whom does he refer as supposing that the corrected regulations for the firings of infantry are applied in the cavalry? I have never observed any such departure from the firings prescribed in the cavalry drill regulations, nor do I know of any authority therefor. G. H. M. disapproves my idea that a guide can determine and move on a straight line without considering two points. Straightness as understood in this discussion is relative. G. H. M. will doubtless admit that even with two points a guide will not move perfectly straight. I am willing to admit that with two points he would move straighter than with one. He would move still straighter with three or four or more. But I am satisfied that in practice, even at drill, a guide cannot be made to direct his...