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

I'm ,he cadets themselves, and the character ot
the army Of $50 officers, having rank IN the
line, and now in service, 40I were educated at
that institution. These young men have oeeh
prepared by rigid and judlcious course OF In.
struction and discipline Tor the various duties VI
their profession. 600 have entered the army, OF
whom but thirteen have been dismissed; and dur
ing the present year only two have been brought
before courts martial. and they upon charges not
affecting their moral character.
These facts are honorable and decisive proofs
Of general good conduct, when the high state OF
discipline and the course OF vigl'ant insPecuon
in our service are taken into view. In the annual
reports of the Visitors at W est Point. is exhibit
ed the result of the most careful observations,
made by persons competent to estimate, and pre-
pared to scrutinize the claims and condition OF
the institution For some wears these reports
have borne uuequvocal evidence to the hdelty
and ability of the superintendent, and the acade-
mic staff generally, and to the proficiency and
correct department of the pupils. The record
which is kept of their progress and conduct. the
spirit of emulation necessarily excited, and the
udic,ous plan of rewards which are offered, by
the publication OF the names OF the most distln-
guished individuals, and by their admission into
the army in order of merit, are powerful incen-
tives to exerton. and, when combined with the
stiict and impartial examinations to which all
must submit, can scarcely fail to secure for the
service of their country such and such only, as
are qualified to be useful.
The science Of war is an advancing one. In
Europe, where peace is seldom long maintained.
large portion of the talent and intelligence oil
the community is devoted to this study, and TO the
consideration and suggestion of changes and I'M
provements in all the branches of their mill
tary establishments. whether they relate to the
operations in the field, to the various supplies, or
to the necessary course of administration We
must look to those nations for the benefit OF their
ex Derence And our progress in the elements
of military knowledge will depend, in great
measure, upon the careful preparation and edu-
our service. Our local position, as well as our
free institutions, may delay, but We have no right
to expect they will prevent, the occurrence OF
war. As this evert may happen it is the part
of true wisdom to be prepared for it, as far as
preparation can be made without too great sa-
critice Our army is barely sufficient to furnish
small garisons for the Notifications upon the sea-
board, and to hold in check the numerous and
restless Indian tribes upon our inland frontier
Under these circumstances. the practical duties OF
the profession are acquired; and as long as the
officers enter the service, with well grounded
knowledge of its principles, we may look to the
army as the depository of fund OF Information
| upon this important subject, which will enable
the Government to diffuse it among the commu-
nity upon the approach of danger. BY assigning
portion of the officers, previously in service,
to new regiments and corps, these will soon &C
oulre competent knowledge of their duties,
both in subordnatiOn and discipline. The great
objects of present economy and future security
can in no other mode be so certainly attained.-
When we advert to the comparative effects of
training young men for the course OF lite before
them, or of selecting them indlscrlminately for
the army, without reference to previous pursuits,
it will be manifest, that the present system can
alone ensure the attainment Of the important OBJ
iects, connected with our military establishment.
1t has been stated, that the number OF cadets
allowed at the Military Academyis ESQ. There
are in the line Of the army sig officers of all de-
Der, there were present for duty sos, Of whom
10 were field and ss4 company officers. There
were &C sick and on furlough. And las were
detached upon various staff duties, including the
regular staff departments Of the army, objects Of
internal imp, ovement and the emigration OF the
Indians. The number Of companies being 100,
there were not three officers to each company
Taking into view the casualties of the service,
there ought not to be less than that number at all
times with their companies. The law provides.
that there shall be three to each company OF in.
fantry, and five TO each company Of artillery. In
addition to these, the act Of April 29th, 1872 al
lows one supernumcrary brevet second lieutenant
to be attached to each company. OF these, there
are in service 95. leaving Is vacancies to be fill
ed from the graduates OF the Military Academy
for 1882 The number Of the average annual va
cancies in the army for five years. has been 2S.
and of the graduates to fill these, 40. There
NAV, therefore. at the next examination, be forty
cadets candidates, for appointment, and but Sc
vacancies to be filled. would suggest the ex-
pediency of adding "a to the number of brevet
second iieutenants, and leaving them unattached
to do duty whenever required. Every company
NAV thus have three officers at all times present.
to the great advantage of the service.
refer to the report of the chief of the Engi-
neer Department for the various details connect
ed with this interesting branch of the public SER
wee.
The suggestions he has made, appear to me
worthy of consideration; and particularly re-