Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1916 [PAGE 157]

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1914]

PROCEEDINGS OE THE BOARD OE TRUSTEES.

157

up the scheme presented at some future time. This Government is now in great need of auxiliary troops to reinforce the Infantry already on hand in the National Guard. Very respectfully, Professor of Military

F. D. WEBSTER,

Science.

From: Maj. F. D. Webster, Infantry; Professor of Military Science and Tactics. To: The Adjutant General, United States Army, Washington, D. C. Subject: Issue of late model of field guns to University of Illinois. 1. Referring to paragraph 26, G. O. 70, November 18, 1913, I request to know if the standing of the University of Illinois is, in the opinion of the Inspector, such as to warrant the issue of a later type of field gun for use of the student Battery of Artillery. 2. There are over 2,000 men in the student'Infantry Brigade and a Battery of Field Artillery of sixty men proficient in foot battery work whose services should be utilized in learning the use of the later methods of field artillery fire. 3. If later model guns can be furnished more men can be made available for such duty. 4. JThe guns now on hand are the 3.2 inch B. L: Steel rifles, model 1885. To Maj. F. D. Webster, Infantry; Professor of .Military Science and Tactics, University of Illinois, Urbana, III.: 1. While the standard of military instruction at the University of Illinois, as determined by the last annual inspection, was very satisfactory, the 3-inch field artillery material cannot be supplied at the present time under the provision of General Orders No. 70, W a r Department, 1913. Attention is invited to the fact that where the authorities of a state can organize a bona fide battery of field artillery composed wholly or in part of students of a college or university it can be incorporated in the Militia of the state and placed upon the same status as to material; instruction, etc., as any other Militia Battery. It should be clearly understood that the purpose of the Militia Law is to organize and equip units that will be effective in time of war and that will be available for service when needed, in the same manner as organizations of the Regular Army. 2. Such batteries are liable to Federal inspection under section 14 of the Militia Law and will be under the Inspector-Instructors of the Regular Army on duty in districts. They must attend camp, conduct target practice and in general show a state of efficiency that warrants recognition by the Federal Government. 3. Two such batteries are now organized at the University of Minnesota. The state authorities of Indiana are now contemplating the organization of similar batteries. 4. The organization of a Militia Battery in the University of Illinois might be effected in the same manner, by the State authorities of Illinois with the approval and support of the University. By order of the Secretary of W a r : A. F. LANDJ Adjutant General.

F. D. WEBSTER. WAR DEPARTMENT, The A. G. O., November 12, 1914.

URBANA., I I I . , October 21, 191k.

No action was taken on this matter.

R E Q U E S T FOR C H A N G E OF U N I F O R M .

(3) A letter from the Professor of Military Science concerning a change in the uniform for the Cadet Brigade of the University of Illinois; November 12, 191J/. President E. J. James, University of Illinois. SIR : I have the honor to make the following recommendation regarding the Military Department, with the request that it be submitted to the Board of Trustees for its action at the earliest practicable date. That a change of uniform be made from the present one to the Olive Drab Woolen Service, the same as is in use in the United States Army. This will consist of the following articles: 1—Cap, olive% drab. 1—Leggins,. canvas. 1—Breeches. 1—Waist belt (web). 1—Trousers. 1—Shirt, olive drab. 1—Coat. The total cost of these is, about $14 as against $16.20 required for the present uniform. This uniform will be more comfortable than the present one and more serviceable in every way. The breeches with leggins will be worn for drill purposes and the trousers when appearing at cadet hops and for other social purposes. This change will result in a mixed uniform for the first year, the sophomores wearing t*ie present uniform and only the freshmen buying the new one. The sentiment of the cadets is almost unanimous in desiring this change. The new two-year contract for 1915-16 and 1916-17 is to let in the Spring of 1915. The War Department attempts in no ,way to influence the University in regard to uniform. Upon the recommendation of Director A. A. Harding, it is thought desirable and advisable to retain the present uniform for the band. Very respectfully, Major of Infantry, Professor of Military

F. D. WEBSTER,

Scievne.

Consideration of this matter'was deferred.