Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1831-12-15
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

N>IiONi VI LIE SECRETARY OF WAX.
DEPARTMENT WAR, Nor. 2I, 1881.
SIR; In obedience TO your Instructions have the hon
or to submit herewith general operations OF
this Department aud Of the various branches OF its admin
saton together with the accompanying reports OF tho
officers in charge of the different bureaus past year.
The plan of organization by which the great objects OF
public concern, committed TO the War Department are
divided into different classes, and placed under the more
immc date control respectable and responsible officers is
wei calculated to promote fidelity, promptudc and eco
nomy in the management of these portant interests By
assigning to each Office particular branch of the service
experience in the general administration Is acquired the
Department. and in the practical details the places of
execution On this subject have only remark max the
Importance OF our Indian relations both present pro-
spccvc demands similar arrangement this portion os
the public affairs The existing organization rests upon
executive authority but the efficiency and responsibility of
mat department. would be greatly promoted, if its duties
were regulated by legislative This has more
than been recommended in the reports Of prede-
ceos and Bag leave 10 add my conviction 10 theirs Of
its necessity.
The condition Of the army Satisfactory in its n,ate7eI
and so far in its morale depends upon exertions OF
the officers. Its appropriate functions arc performed hon
oiably for ITSELF and usculy for the country. Although
some OF tho details the service susceptible Of improve
mcnt in their administration, in their lee aton
sill, in the general result, whether viewed an arm Of
national defence depository of military kno,yle
and experience il has attained the great objects which
was raised and is maintained It is efficient without be-
ing expensive and adequate 20 the exirencics of onr
vice without being dangerous refer to the report Of the
Major General commanding for the detailed operations os
the year.
The annual reports of this Department have already
brought before the Government the subject OF dcseron:
and regret to state, that this serious evil only CONT
uie causes oil TINS offence and the most efficient
medy, and much valuable information is contained in
report from the War Department of February IT. 1880
Dut no measures have been adopted TO check practice,
which, from its extent and impunity not only materially
injuries 'e service by the loss OF The and the
quent expense but threatens in its progress and by its
example, 10 destroy that principle Of fidelity which is the
only safe bond Of connection between the soldier his
country In the present state Of martial law, and
Its necessary administration, there is in fact adequate
punishment for the crime ofdescrton Confinement and
employment at hard labor the only efficient
which military tribunals nllct where a soldier
is confined in guardhousc, and his companions station
ed without 10 him. and with all the facilities
stan communication, may well doubt whether his ST.
tuaon Is much more unpleasant than theirs give
TO this mode OF punishment any salutarv effect upon the
discipline of the army: and at all posts particular
~ Those upon the inland border the soldiers genor
ally employed either in the line OF their duty upon ia
iguc and sentence TO hard labor subjects them TO tlo
more than tho ordinary demands of The service
Whether any system OF moderate rewards win prevent
this practice may be doubted; bat certainly the abolition
OF all eicen, punishment, without providing any subs
uc 10 operate upon the pride aud hopes of the soldier
fact TO invite him to abandon his color whenever tue
straints of discipline temporary dissatisfaction
To retain part of the bounty and the pay, aud thereby
ed, TO reduce the period of service and the pay
of the rank and file of The army, and particularly of the
non commissioned officers among the most prominent
suggestions, which have been offered upon this subject
The number of assertions in
1926 were 636
1927 S4s
1928 500
1929 Ills
1880 OIL
And in 1881 they will probably amount 10 1,45O
An estimate has been prepared the Adjuent Gene
rails oice, founded upon minute examination and
parison of the various expenses incident to the ante-
nance OF a soldier and exhibiting the actual pccuuiary
loss OF the Governucn arising from this
This loss was for 1926 S5i,s9s
1927 6l,SH
1928 G3,I37
1929 o83t5
1880 l02,0S7
1881 probably IIS32I
The tabular statement ACCOMPANYING the rcport Of ,I
commanding general shows, that the pay of the
iniss'oeu ocers musicians, and prvates, may be in
creased so materially to improve their condition. and not
exceed the aggregate auount Of S5,92O The noncou-
missloned officers particularly in service made
quaely paid Every military is sensible of their
Importance 10 the character and efficiency army; and
such inducements should be offered as would ensure The
engagement fcompcen qualified by teir principles
habits and Intelligence, TO acquire the confidence to
command the respect OF the soldiers. That this additional
compensation would have tendency diminish the mis-
chiei oil descrton there IS no doubwheher in great
degree as TO save the whole proposed be given
experience only determine.
a very large proportion of all the crimes committed I'm
the army may be traced TO habits of ntcmpcrance This
vice is in fact the prevalent of our sodery.
tscd that ardent spirits should not form component mart
OF the ration. BY issuing it, furnish those already
accustomed TO its the vicious indulgence
we invite those who arc vet temperate 10 acquire this de-
strucvc habit. Ii is certainly sufficient for all useful
purposes, if there be in truth any utility the consump
ton of ardent Spirits that the officers be authorized grant
permission for IFS purchase in proper quantities, those
whose situation may require it, without the direct agency
of the government in allowing and providing it.
There issued in the army, in 1880, 1887 gallons
of whiskey, $22 1872 If this sum were APP
Piled TO the purchase tea, coffee, and sugar. for the
improved and the discipline and responsibility Of the army
promoted. The regulation Of this Department, by which
an oHcr is made to the soldier of committing the whskoy
ration by the payment Of one cent is productive of little adj
vantage In this estimate of the value of this part of tho
ration reference has been had only the average
cost of the article delivered large quantities the va
posts. But this is unjust to the soldier. He estimates
very naturally at the retail price, averaging probably
FIVE cents, and the present offer OF is in fact TO
ask him 10 sell his whskcy for onch of its value.
far better TO leave the troops choice but TO allow them
liberal compensation, and in such articles will DO
useful.
The American soldier IL we'll paid, fed and clothed
and in the event of sickness disability ample provision
IL made for his support But his moral culture wholly
neglected There is arrangement in service for his
mental religious improvement And there is, perhaps,
similar service, in which such is moro me-
cessary. Many of the positions occupied by our troops
upon the verge Of civilization, beyond it, There,
they retained for years and under circumstances,
which if couneractod almost necessarily lead great
Decentralization. None Of the ordinary of instruc-
ton within their reach, and neither their habits
principles be improved fortified by those institu
lions, which elsewhere generally established and
useful. independently Of any obligation which may DO
supposed TO exist The part Of the Governments TO pro-
vide for tho moral well the physical wants OF class
of men who in dcvoiing themselves TO The service Of the
country become unable provide for their own wants, II
il certan that question Of eNpcdiCncy ths
sure is recommended by powerful considerations
Where moral and religious principles practically
knoicdeed their sanctions will add validity TO the o5ga