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Message started by Knute1 on Jan 22nd, 2020 at 2:07am

Title: Re: Early Politics Over the Krag Rifle
Post by Knute1 on Mar 6th, 2020 at 3:56am
Article in the "Army and Navy Journal" dated 8/11/1900. Not sure who wrote this letter, but the Journal suspects "the leader of the Filipino forces". But the writer had an axe to grind and defended the Krag rifle in a cynical/scathing manner. Not sure who "Aggie" is. He is referring to the above comments by the three senators.

THE KRAG AN UGLY GUN
    We have received the accompanying communication, which appears to come from the leader of the Filipino forces, though why he should address us so familiarly we do not know. It has certainly not been our intention to endear ourselves to Aguinaldo.
    Biae-na-Bato, or Some Other Place, Any Old Day.
Dear Army and Navy Journal
    I have just read with interest in your issue of May 12 the views of Senators Teller, Hawley and Warren concerning the Krag-Jorgensen gun. I agree with them that it will be well to change the gun of the Americanos. I do not like the Krag at all. They are right in saying it is an "ugly" gun. It is a second rate gun, for in all the tests which I have held in the Philippines it has been after my Remingtons. Another objection is that it does not get out of order, and honest Filipino workmen in the repair shops in Manila are deprived of their occupation.
    The United States should at once appoint a board consisting of these three Senators who are experts on guns, and I would suggest that they adopt the Ladies' Model Stevens .22 caliber, short, which is a beautiful gun. Yours,        AGGIE
    P.S.-After you adopt the new gun, would not my friend Carl Schurz arrange it so that I can buy the retired Krags cheap?      A.
    P.P.S.-The 32 field pieces and the Hotchkiss guns have also been severely criticised by my soldiers, and the Gatlings are not so good as they should be.         A.

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