supplied, in order to enlarge the field of view for near-at-hand illumination and still retain all the light. The electric control when finally understood was perfect electrically, but is of the type supplied to the seacoast lights and not rapid or elastic enough for inland work. Both units are strongly and simply made, and on the road and when in operation, are first-class machines. At the present stage it would seem that mule or horse drawn units are more suited to American roads than automobile units. The tower truck equipped with the old 24-inch General Electric searchlight was used at all of the night maneuvers, and although handled indifferently well at Gettysburg, was used very effectively at Pine Camp. The elevation of the light, some 30 feet above the ground, gives great advantage over a light on the ground. No better apparatus could be desired than the collapsible tower itself. The truck, however, is not adapted to our roads. The rear wheels are spread, so as to make room for the tower frame, to a wider gauge than the front wheels. Whatever the gauge, the front and rear wheels should track. An endeavor should be made to design the truck with standard gauge tread. Trouble was also found with the narrow-tired wheels of the tower truck. For American roads wheels should have at least 4-inch tires. The General Electric light installed in this tower truck did excellent service at Pine Camp, but, of course, a standard light should be installed. The present tower will support a 30-inch light. At Pine Camp on one occasion there were six men on the raised tower, three of these being sharpshooters who were up there for the purpose of picking off the enemy's officers, mounted men, and individual skirmishers. The above remarks are intended merely as suggestions on points brought out in Lieutenant Rose and Mr." Wheeler's article. It is hoped, in a later issue of the MEMOIRS, to discuss the operations of the outfit at the two maneuver camps, and go more into the details of practical searchlight work with a mobile army in the field. Capt. L. H. RAND From my report upon operations of the Engineer Battalion, Pine Camp Maneuvers, during the summer of 1910, I quote as follows: "It was noticed the searchlights were very helpful in open country and virtually helpless in closed country in picking up an advancing enemy. In open country the light can be moved slowly enough to permit reasonable observation in its field without affording the enemy opportunity to gain concealment. In closed country, unless the light is switched from point to point rapidly those on whom the rays are intended to be turned can see them approaching, with time to take cover; while if the movement is rapid the shadows of the brush and trees present fantastic appearances that readily i lead the imagination to deceive the sense and it is only by luck that there may be an objective in the field of view at the moment of pause. Even in closed country, however, it is believed the lights have the advantage for the defense of permitting its nearby outposts, and patrols along its front, to more effectually keep in touch with what is going on in their immediate vicinity, and the blinding, confusing effect of the light when played on an approaching enemy renders him momentarily helpless and very vulnerable. The general illumination that it is possible to give the general front, in addition to distinct searching qualities if a pronounced salient can be safely found for the light, is also very helpful to the troops whose foreground is thus covered. Care must be taken in such a case, however, not to turn the light on any part of its own lines (as was done in one instance) for then it is found that for several minutes the troops there are helpless until their eyes recover normal condition. With the confusion of direction that results from their use the searchlights seem to prove a magnet for an approaching foe, as they all seem to move toward the light. Probably the realization that the light is with their enemy and inability to fix on anything else gives rise to this. To gain the full advantage of the light it would seem that the front should be well covered with such an open artificial obstacle as an entanglement, in which case particularly is it desirable to have the light well above the plane of site, either on a natural rise or an elevated tower. The light also seemed to have a demoralizing effect on animais unused to it on the few occasions when they came into its rays. Any of the present distant controls are too slow in operation for the sudden movements that are necessary. "It did not appear that any of the larger electrically operated lights would be advantageously used by an attacking party. The small calcium light type, portable by individual soldiers, could be effectively so used, as its range is suitable for the very close work that the element of surprise that should exist in night attacks makes necessary; its operation is quiet and does not reveal its proximity or location by its noise, and it can be instantaneously started to its full illuminating effect." It would seem that for field, as distinct from siege, operations, the more readily portable calcium lights give better promise than the electric lights. The latter, however, are alone sufficiently powerful for siege operations and field expeditions approaching them in characteristics. The general type of electrical light, as described, showed its adaptability to service conditions, and with minor improvements-in detail well known to those immediately in charge of operations with the lights-would seem to answer every need. It is believed, however, that a lighter tripod type of tower, with easily fitted and removable connections, could be designed to take the place of the German type of tower used. It is also believed that the system of developing the heat for the calcium light might better be analogous to that of some American system, to utilize the more readily available commercial materials. NEW RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BY Capt. E. N. JOHNSTON It is believed that the present interest in matters relating to the improvement of the waterways of the country is such that some interest may be taken in the following notes, prepared mainly from official reports of officers of the Corps of Engineers. The River and Harbor Act which was signed by President Taft on June 25, 1910, contained appropriations aggregating $41,329,113.50 and authorized an additional sum of $10,618,605 to be pledged on contracts. Of the funds appropriated or authorized, $25,593,160 will be used in prosecuting 140 projects which had been previously commenced, $2,454,110 will be expended for maintenance of 138 works already completed, while the balance of $23,900,448.50 will be expended in work upon 175 new projects. In addition to the 453 new and old projects for which provision is made in this act. there are many other works now under way for which the funds previously provided are sufficient to cover the work which can be done during the next year. One feature which distinguishes this act from others which have preceded it, is the adoption of a policy which indicates the intention of Congress to provide funds at rates sufficient to insure the completion of the most important projects within a definite and reasonable number of years. For example, the act adopts a new project for the Ohio River with a view to the completion of such improvement within twelve years;" for the Upper Mississippi River with a view of completing said improvement within a period of twelve years;" for the Mississippi River, below the mouth of the Missouri, and above the mouth of the Ohio “with a view to completion within twelve years;" for the Mississippi River below the Ohio River with a view to completion within twenty years;" for a deeper channel to Mobile with a view to completion within four years,” etc. etc. Such a provision is of service to the engineers charged with the execution of the work, since it authorizes such a disposition of the funds appropriated as will lead to the maximum economy, assuming that Congress has practically pledged itself to provide funds at the rates necessary to insure completion of the projects within the periods stated. In the past, the funds have not generally been provided at rates necessary for economical prosecution of the works. The interest of the Federal Government in the improvement of waterways arises from the commerce clause" of the Constitution, and until recently no ground was advanced for improvement by the Federal Government except the necessities of commerce. All plans of improvement have been thus limited. The act of March 3, 1909, however, prescribed: "That every report submitted to Congress in pursuance of this section, in addition to full information regarding the present and prospective commercial importance of the project covered by the report, and the benefit to commerce likely to result from any proposed plan of improvement, shall contain also such data as it may be practicable to secure regarding (first) the establishment of terminal and transfer facilities, (second) the development and utili zation of water power for industrial and commercial purposes, and (third) such other subjects as may be properly connected with such project: Provided further, That in the investigation and study of these questions consideration shall be given only to their bearing upon the improvement of navigation and to the possibility and desirability of their being co-ordinated in a logical and proper manner with improvements for navigation to lessen the cost of such improvements and to compensate the Government for expenditures made in the interest of navigation." In compliance with this law, the related subjects mentioned in the act are now given very careful consideration in connection with all proposed improvements. For example, in the case of canalization schemes consideration is given to the possibility of an ultimate saving by the construction of high dams and the development andi sale of water power, etc. An instance of this is found in the revised project adopted by the 1910 act, for the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul. That portion of the river has been under improvement under a project, adopted many years ago, involving two locks and dams with lifts of 13 feet each, to provide a 6-foot navigable depth. Under the authority granted by the act of 1909, a careful study was made of the possibility of reducing the ultimate cost to the United States, and at the same time conserving the water power. This resulted in a recommendation to Congress that the lift of the lower dam be increased to 30 feet, thus making possible a water |