Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1896 [PAGE 90]

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PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

9&

His ripe experience and mature judgment in. the management of the University will insure its success if the people give him that hearty support that he and the cause he so ably represents merit. Most respectfully submitted,

ORVILLE F. BERRY, GEORGE D. ANTHONY, C. PORTER JOHNSON,

Committee to Visit State Educational

Institutions.

The following report from the Inspecting Officer to the Inspector General of the United States Army, will show a very gratifying improvement in the military department:

MILITARY DEPARTMENT. SPRINGFIELD, I I I . , May 20, 1995.

The Inspector General, United States Army. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of an inspection of the Military Department of the University of Illinois: The Military Professor, Captain D. A. Brush, 17th Infantry, is a progressive and energetic officer of much experience. The result of his year's work proves him well fitted for the position. The authorities are convinced of the good effect of military instruction on the students, support it by marked consideration in class standing, and uphold the Military Professor in the enforcement of discipline. A rifle range, one of the best armories and drill halls in the State, groundadequate for close order drill, and such expenditures as are necessary, afford material support. The corps is organized into a battalion of four companies, and band officers' are uniformed as in the State service; band in dark blue blouse, trousers, and forage cap; all others wear a similar uniform of cadet gray. All were ini uniform. The average age of the cadets is twenty years. The review was followed by an inspection and battalion drill. All movements were executed with snap and precision. Officers seemed thoroughly conversant with their duties. Of the total number of cadets (239), 13 were absent, 3 with and 10 without leave. Arms and equipment are cared for by a janitor. The arms were iit good condition; the leather parts of the equipment were scratched. The setup of the cadets and their steadiness during the exercises showed thorough: instruction in the school of the soldier. The marching in line and: column was excellent. The old guns being obsolete and the 3*2 in. rifles expected v no instruction has been given in the manual of the field piece., Magging of messages by the signal squad was well done. Some instruction; in target practice is given. Theoretical instruction is given hr drill regulations and organization and tactics. 7 Wagner's "Security and Information," and " O r ganization and Tactics' are the text books used. Lectures illustrative of thecourse of study are given by the instructor. All government property was' serviceable and in good condition. The cadets'" rifles are new. The graduating class showed, by their answers, intelligent and practical application of the theoretical knowledge given.. The Military Department is in a healthy and growing condition. The benefits evidenced amply justify its continuance. Woven cartridge belts should replace the leather waist belts. They are less expensive, more durable, more useful, and easily cared for. Pieces lighter and more easily handled by cadets than the 3.2 in., rifles* should.be supplied for artillery instruction..