Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1894 [PAGE 247]

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248

UNIVERSITY

OF

ILLINOIS.

The military professor reports t h a t the discipline of the cadets isfair and a decided improvement over the preceding year. Breaches of of discipline are punished by reports, warnings, suspensions, and expulsion. * * * The following are reported to have shown special aptitude for t h e military service, viz: H. E. Reeves, C. W. ISToble, A. M. Munn, E. V. Capps, juniors: R. P. Brower, F. H. Green, H. R. Marsh, J. H. McKee, G. E. Rowe, R. KL Porter, G. H. Scott, sophomores. * * * Since date of last annual inspection, May 18, 1893, there have been 121 days upon which drills and ceremonies have taken place. There have been 69 infantry company drills, 61 artillery drills in formation of detachments, manual of the piece, and mechanical maneuvers; 35 battalion, drills; 7 dress parades and 10 reviews and inspections; 5 signal drills with flag. Company inspections have been made from time to time as part of t h e drill. There have been 8 aiming drills with cadet rifle. First the officersand non-commissioned officers, then each company in turn—the last being for those not present at either of the other drills. This instruction: was not compulsory and was given to 120 cadets. Gallery practice was held ten times from January 20th to May 5th.. Each cadet was instructed in pointing1, aiming, and the manner of holding his piece. 120 cadets participated in this practice. Those who desired to go were taken on the range and had practice on April 28th (all day) at 100, 200, and 300 yards, also during the forenooa of May 12th. Thirty-six cadets attended April 28th, and 13 on May 12th. The practice has been very satisfactory considering the limited opportunity afforded for this work. The drill ground is suitable for close order movements, but limited for extended order. Military Hall—100x150 feet—affords excellent facilities for indoor drill. The target range is H miles from Military Hall and admits of practice up to 400 yards. The butt is for one stationary target and should be made larger. Direction of firing is toward the south. Theoretical instruction has been personally conducted by t h e military professor, with the exception t h a t during fall and winter terms, owing to the size of the freshman class, Cadet Captain Reeves was employed by t h e University as an assistant instructor and heard three recitations per week. During the fall and winter terms five, and during the springterm four, hours per week are devoted to this instruction. Since last annual inspection the three classes, juniors, sophomores, find freshmen, have had 94 recitations, but during the fall and winter terms t h e freshmen class was divided into six sections, thus occupying six hours (days) per week—making the whole number of recitations 204. The recitations were in infantry drill regulations, guard duty, notes on cannon and projectiles, organization of U. S. A., signaling, Afield fortifications, and art and science of war. The military professor delivered three lectures on army organization, courts martial, and military and martial law. Infantry Drill Regulations, Manual of Guard Duty, Wheeler's Field Fortifications, and Wheeler's Art and Science of War are used, as textbooks. The University library contains about 300 volumes on different military subjects. Ordnance and ordnance stores consist ot 300 cadet rifles, 300 sets of accoutrements, and 2 field guns—bronze, 6 pounds, with carriages and limbers. The rifles and accoutrements are in a good condition, stored in Mijitary Hall, and cared for by the janitor (an old soldier). The field guns and carriages are in bad condition and should be replaced. The full allowance of ammunition has been drawn from the IT. R. * * *