98 DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 



There should also be hand-washing and closet accommodations, not now 

 afforded to the library. 



The above suggestions are respectfully submitted with this report. 



M. J. C. MERRELL, 



Lihr avian. 



REPORT OF PROFESSOR OF MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS. 



President Michigan Agricultural College : 



Sir : — I luive the honor to render for your information, the following report 

 of the condition of the Military Department at this college, for the year 1885. 

 In obedience to orders from the War Department I reported for dnty at the 

 college in November, 18b4. Prior to that time there had been no military 

 organization whatever. 



PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION. 



At the close of the winter vacation, I began drilling a squad of Seniors 

 daily, in the elements of Infantry tactics and a month later other squads were 

 formed, the Seniors above mentioned, having by that time become sufficiently 

 advanced to assist me as instructors. On May 1, upwards of ninety students 

 having been voluntarily enrolled for military instruction, a cadet battalion of 

 two companies was organized and daily company drills were substituted for 

 squad drills. Military exercises have been continued without interruption during" 

 the college year. In August, the cadets had become sufficiently proficient in 

 the manual of arms and in marching to make a highly creditable appearance 

 in Lansing on the occasion of the Grant Memorial service. During the summer 

 dress parades were occasionally substituted for drills with satisfactory results. 

 Target practice has been held on several Saturdays. The targets used being 

 those owned by the State troops, which are situated in the Chandler marsh. 

 It is hoped that by another year the college will have a target range of its own, 

 thus obviating the disadvantage incident to using a range so remote as is the- 

 one used heretofore. 



THEORETICAL INSTRUCTION. 



As far as practicable, the officers of the cadet battalion have been taken f rom_ 

 the Senior class. They have been required to recite to me three times a week 

 in Upton's Infantry Tactics. The cadet officers have organized a military 

 society, at which I preside. This meets once a week for the purpose of stimu- 

 lating the interest in military matters at the college. At these meetings essays 

 are presented on military subjects and military questions are discussed. Ort 

 July 3, I delivered a public lecture in the chapel on the subject of Military 

 Instruction at Colleges. 



DISCIPLINE. 



The general discipline of the college has not passed under my control. As a 

 rule, the cadets, during their military exercises, have manifested a desire tO' 

 acquit themselves in a creditable and soldierly manner. No punishments have 

 been resorted to, except an occasional reprimand or temporary relegation to an 



