ARTICLES OF WAR, UNITED STATES. The discipline and disciplinary procedure code of the United States Army. The articles, or rules, were originally copied from the English Mutiny Act, "July 30, 1775, and then enlarged, Septemoer 20, 1776. The present articles, which are substan tially the same as the former, were enacted April 10, 1806. and form Section 1342, United States Revised Statutes, being printed in full in the United States Army Regulations. They com mence by a statement declaring that the armies of the United States shall be governed by these ' rules and articles; that the word officer, as used therein. shall be understood to designate com missioned officers; and the word soldier—all non commissioned officers, musicians, artificers, pri vates, and other enlisted men ; and the convic tions mentioned therein shall be understood to be convictions by courts-martial. There are 128 articles altogether, to which all commissioned officers must subscribe on appointment. Under these articles expressions or conduct implying disrespect or disobedience toward the President, or those placed in authority, are prohibited; but provision is made for appeal against the decision or conduct of a superior. Mutiny, sedition, quar
rels, frays and other disorders; dueling, and all that pertains to it: drunkenness on duty; sleeping on duty; and desertion of duty, as well as all other forms of misconduct, during war, come under distinct clauses. The authority and order of procedure for every description of courts-martial or courts of inquiry is explicitly stated, as well as the law to be observed in the discharge or dismissal of officers; the disposal of the effects of deceased officers or men; and the treatment of spies. Subordination to civil authority is enjoined. attendance at divine ser vice encouraged, and punishment ordered in in stances of profanity or abuse. Soldiers are also forbidden to hire other soldiers to perform any of their duties. The concluding article ordains that the articles shall be read and published once in every six months to every garrison, regi ment, troop, or company in the services of the United States, and shall be duly observed and obeyed by all officers and soldiers. See MILITARY LAW and COURTS, MILITARY.