cation of the Prussian tactics, coming to us through
France
In 1831 the French adopted a new system and
a result of this was a revision by Gen. Scott in
1834, giving us "Scotts Tactics ''—which were
used 3o years by the line of the army, A few
years before our Civil War, Major Hardee intro
duced a system, which tended more towards the
individualization of the soldier.
But against Hardee was the fact that he joined
the Confederacy, and the modification of his sys
tem known as " Casey's Tactics, " was adopted
early in the war
General Upton's system followed in 1867, and
in 1873 his tactics for Infantry, Cavalry and Ar
tillery were assimilated.
The rapid improvement in arms compels us to
change again--and a Board of Officers is now in
session in Washington to revise the present, or re
commend a new system. It will be a year or
more before its work is finished. s, s. r.
Work will begin next month on the Armory
building, it will be a model for attractiveness and
comfort. It will hardly be ready for opening be
fore the fall session.
Grading in military discipline and tactics will
be very close the coining session, as there are
numerous applicants for the Roberts' Military
prizes.
Our Commandant (S. S. Pague ist Lieut. U.
S. A.) is the author of a book entitled Guard
Duty for National Guardsmen, The book clear
ly defines the duty of t, l e officers connected with
the Guard and explains the various things con•
nected with guard duty. Adjutant General Hast
ings, in speaking of it says, that it possesses four
essential qualities; it is clear, concise, correct and
• complete, and urgently reconmmends that every
man in the National Guard.service fully acquaint
himself with its contents. Lieut. Pague is also the
patentee of a gun rack for tents. It is simple,
durable, and light and can bd easily attached to
THE FREE LANCE.
a tent pole. It is recommended especially foi
National Guard Encampments.
• Dear Sir: —College opened for the second
term on January sth, with an address by Dr. F.
Cr. Apple. In attendance there is no change from
last term, The prospects of the college are still
brightening. Next year we are to have another
professor and a new building. The ladies A. B.
C, progeSsion is also meeting with success. In
athletics everything is dead,' but little prospect
for a base ball team next spring. This is because
of our• want of a gymnasium, owing to which want
our students get no athletic training whatever
during the winter months. Skating however be•
came quite popular, and though on the Conestoga
creek it only lasted about a week, it proved very
fine and was enjoyed by many of the boys.
The five oratorical contestants. of the •junior
class have been selected, and the senior class has
already elected its class day programe for next
June.
The " Onjlamme," the annual of the junior
class is expected to make its appearance in from
six to eight weeks. In connection with the as
tronomical observatory a state signal station has
been established under the care of Prof. Kersch
ner. The Y. M. C. A. is in a flourishing condi
tion, though its yearly course of lectures will
probably be omitted this year. •
Both literary societies are wide-awake and
showing strong society feeling. They are pre
paring for their anniversaries, held early in May
in the opera house. They are both also making
arrangements to add to the beauty of their already
fine halls. The Gwthren, having raised the ne
cessary funds, is about having a well known fresco
painter decorate its hall in the finest style of his
LETTERS FROM COLLEGES
FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL COLLEGE
LANCASTER, Feb. 30, 1888.