Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-10

pay OF the non commissioned omCers, musiCidhs'
and privates, may be increased 50 as materlaliyto
improve their condition, and hot exceed the az
gregate amount of S85,920 The noh-conmls-
stoned officers particularly are, in our service
inadequately paid. Every military man is SEN
sible Of their Importance to the character and Ell
fciency of an army; and such inducements
should be offered, as would ensure the engage
ment Of competent men, qualified, by their Prin-
ciples, habits, and intelligence, to acquire the
confidence and to command to respect OF the sol.
ders. That this additional compensation would
have a tendency to diminish the mischief OF de-
sertion. there is no doubt-whether in so great
degree as t. save the whole sum proposed to be
given, experience only can determine.
A very large proportion OF all the crimes com
mitted in the army may be traced to habits OF IN
temperance. This vice is in fact the prevalent
one Of our soIdiery. l am satisfied that ardent
spirits should not form component part OF the
ration. BY issuing it, we furnish to those airea
dy accustomed to its use the means OF vicious IN
diligence, and we invite those, who are yet tenn
perate. to acquire this destructive habit. 1t Is
certainly sufficient for all useful purposes. 1t
there be in truth any utility in the consumption
of ardent spirits, that the officers be authorized
to grant permission for its purchase, in proper
quantities, to those whose situation may require
u, WunOut tht uUtCt dScut VI tuS
in allowing and providing it.
There were issued to the army, in 1880, 1857
gallons Of whlskey, at the cost of SEALS If
this sum were applied to the purchase Of tea, cot
fee, and Sugar, for the use of the soldiers, their
habits and morals would be greatly improved,
and the discipline and responsibility OF the army
promoted. The regulation of this Department, by
which an offer is made to the soldier OF cOmInut-
ing the whiskey ration by the payment OF one
cent, is productive of little advantage. In this
estimate of the value of this part OF the ration
reference has been had only to the actual average
cost of the article, delivered ir large quantities
at the various posts. But this is unjust to the
soldier. He estimates It very naturally at the
retail price, averaging probably five cents, and
the present offer of communication, is in TACT to
ask hun to sell his whskey for one-6fth of its
value. Ii is far better to leave the troops no
choice, but to allow them liberal compensation,
and in such articles as will he most useful
The American soldier is well paid, fed, and
clothed; and, in the event OF sickness or dlsab.
lily, ample provision is made for his support
But his moral culture is wholly neglecte There
is no arrangement in our service for his mental or
religious Improvement. And there is perhaps no
similar service, in which such measure is more
necessary. Many of the positions occupied by
beyond it. There, they are are retained for
years, and under circumstances. which 1t not
counteracted, almost necessarily lead to great de-
moraization. None of the ordinary means of
instruction are within their reach. and neither
their habits nor principles can be improved or
fortified by those institutions, which are else
where so generally established and so useful
independently of any obligation which may be
supposed to exist on the part of the Government,
to provide for the moral as we'll as the physical
wants of class of men. who in devOting them
themselves to the service of the country, become
unable to provide for their own wants, 1t is GER
tain. that. as question of expediency. this mea.
sure is recommended by powerful considerations.
Where moral and religious principles are praci-
caly acknowledged, their sanctions will add va
lidity to the obligations voluntarily assumed BY
the soldier. and his duties will be performed with
more fidelity and alacrty. As he becomes bet
ter man, he will become a better soldier. Dis
cipine and subordinatiOn will be promoted. pun
ishments diminished, and all the details Of the
service will feel the spirit of improvement.
am satisfied, that the appointment of chaplains,
and their employ ment at such of our military
posts. as from their position and the strength OF
the garrsons may seem to call tor such measure,
would be productive of great advantages to the
service, anu I'd the SOuleIS lhuiNiuudiN 'hC Wea-
sure would be equally beneficial Rcpr"ofs and
exhortations in life, and the consultations of re-
glon in death, would be freely offered to them.
The experiment. think. is worthy Of trial; and
the expense can scarcely be placed in fair compe-
titlon with an object. which promises such useful
results for the present Improvement and future
happiness of the soldiers,
The various departments Of the staff of the ar
nv have performed with fidelity their accustom-
ed routine of duties. In the three great d.
visions of efficiency. economy, and accounta-
biltv, the present mode of administration seems
we'll adaptedto the nature Of our service. The seve
raj tabular statements accompanying this report
exhibit the satisfactory manner in which the pub
lie funds have been expended and accounted for.
Nor is there any to believe, that the slight
est loss will occur from the fiscal operations of
the year. A system, whose effects are thus be-
nehciaI, must be not only safe itself. but safe
ly administered. And for this administration We
are indebted to the experimenting care of the
veral bureaus, and to the various officers employ
ed under them, throughout the country. Its evil
dent, that fund of knowledge has beeu provid-
ed. which cannot tail to be useful IN anv future