US Presidency
1893

A more general and harmonious system than now exists, acting promptly and directly everywhere and constantly operating by preventive means to shield our country from the invasion of disease, and at the same time having due regard to the rights and duties of local agencies, would, I believe, add greatly to the safety of our people. The Secretary of War reports that the strength of the Army on the 30th day of September last was 25,778 enlisted men and 2,144 officers. The total expenditures of the Department for the year ending June 30, 1893, amounted to $ 51,966,074.89. Of this sum $ 1,992,581.95 was for salaries and contingent expenses, $ 23,377,828.35 for the support of the military establishment, $ 6,077,033.18 for miscellaneous objects, and 518,631.41 for public works. This latter sum includes $ 15,296,876.46 for river and harbor improvements and $ 3,266,141.20 for fortifications and other works of defense. The total enrollment of the militia of the several States was on the 31st of October of the current year 112,597 officers and enlisted men.