Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-10
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.
DEPARTMENT OF WAR, {

DEPARTMENT OF WAR,
Norember 81, 1881.
Sin: In obedience to your instructions. have
the honor to submit herewith general view OF
the operations Of this Department, and Of the
various branches of its administration, together
with the accompanying reports OF the officers in
charge of the different bureaus for the 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 immediate control of
respec table and responsible officers, is well cal
culated to promote fidelity, promptitude, and
economy in the management OF these important
interests BY assigning to each Office partcu-
lar branch of the service, experience in the &C.
neral administration is acquired at the Depart
ment, and ia the practical details at the places
of execution. On this subject [ have only to
remark, that the Importance of our Indian rea-
tons, both present and prospective, demands
similar arrangement for this portion OF the public
affairs. The existing organization rests upon
executive authority, but the efficiency and re-
sponsbiltv of that department would be greatly
promoted, if its duties were regulated by legis-
iatiye act. This measure has more than once
been recommended in the reports of my prede
cessors, and beg leave to add my conviction TO
theirs of its necessity.
The condition of the army is satisfactory in its
n,a'eriel and so far in its morale as depends up
on the exertions of the officers. Its appropriate
functions are performed honorably for itself. and
usefullv for the country. Although some OF the
details of the service susceptible of improve
ment in their administration, and some in their
legislation, stll, in the general result, whether
viewed as an arm Of national defence, or as = de-
postory of military knowledge and experience,
il has attained the great objects for which IT was
raised and is maintained. 1t is efficient without
be,ng expensive, and adequate to the exlgencles
of our service without being dangerous. refer
TO the report Of the Major General commanding,
for the detailed operations 0f the year.
The annual reports of this Department have
already brought before the Government the sub
ject of desertou; and regret to state, that this
serious evil not only continues, but Increases
Inquiries have been instituted into the causes OF
This offence, and the most efficient remedy, and
much valuable information is contained IN re-
mort from the War department OF February IL,
iSsO But no measures have been adopted to
check practice, which. from its extent and i'm
punity, not only materially Injuries the service by
the loss of the men and the consequent expense,
hut threatens in its progress, and by its example,
To DESTROY that principle Of fidelity which is the
only safe bond of connex0n between the soldier
and his country. In the present state OF our
martial law, and of its necessary administration,
there is i'm fact no adequate punishment Tor the
crime of deserton. Confinement and employ
nent at hard labor are the only efficient senten-
ces. which military tribunals can infict; and
,,bere soldier is confined in guard-house, and
his companions stationed without to secure him,
and with all the facilities OF constant cOmmunlca-
lion, we may we'll doubt whether his situation is
gu much more unpleasant than theirs, as to give
20 this mode of punishment any salutary effect
upon the discipline of the army; and at all our
posts. and particularly at those upon the IN
land border, the soldiers are generally en-
Moved either in the line of their duty or upon
fa,ipue. and sentence to hard labor subjects
them 70 little more than the ordinary demands of
the service. -,
Whether any system of moderate rewards will
oreyeut this practice, may be doubted; but GER
family the abolition Of all efficient punishment,
without providing any substitute to operate upon
the prde and hopes of the soldier, IS IN fact to
invite him to abandon his cOlors. whenever the
restrainst Of discipline cause temporary dlssat's-
faction.
To retain part Of the bounty and the pay,
and thereby to provide fund for the use OF the
soldier when discharged. to reduce the period OF
service. and to increase the pay of the rank and
file Of the army, and particularly of the nom
commissioned officers. are among the most promi'
nent suggestions, which have been offered upon
this subject.
The lumber of desertions in
1926 were ooo
1897 $40
1909 $50