Wilmington expositor. (Wilmington, Del.) 1831-18??, 1832-01-13
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Il
posts, as from their position and the strength
OF the garrisons may seem to call for such a
measure, would be productive of great advan-
ltages to the serviceSand to the soldiers indi-
Iyidnally the measure would be equally bcne-
lhcial. Reproofs and celebrations in life, and
the consultations of religion in death, would be
freely offered to them. The experiment, |
think, is worthy of trial; and the expense can
scarcely be placed in fair competition with an
lobject, which promises such useful results for
1.-THE present Improvement and future happiness
| of the soldiers. y
The various departments Of the staff of the army
have performed with fidelity their accustomed routine
LOT duties. In the three great divisions of efficiency
ECONOMY, and accountability, the present mode Of adj
ministraton well adapted to the nature of SER
vice. The several tabular statements accompanying
this report exhibit the satisfactory in which
the public funds have been expended and accounted
for Morris there any believe that the slight
lest cost will occur from the fiscal operations of the
year. A system, whose effects are thus beneficial
must be not only safe in ITSELF but safely administered
And for this administration indebted to the SUI
pernendng care of the several bureaus and the
rious officers employed under them, throughout the
country 1t is evident, that fund Of knowledge has
been provided, which cannot fail to be useful in any
future exigency Armies may be suddenly raised and
discipline in some measure introduced, by great exer
tons, and in great emergencies. The experience of
either nations and OF owns too, has demonstrated
that the peculiar nformaton upon which depends the
subsistence, the health, and the Of troops
and the supply of the necessary material only be
acquired by time and experience The disasters and
prodgal expenditures in the beginning of the late war
furnished memorable lesson upon the subject which
lit is hoped will not be forgotten, recede from the
period of their occurrence Our present organization
lis small enough for the wants OF the SERVICE and yet
such is its nature, that it may be indefinitely extended
the pressure of circumstances may require ensurng
lin every branch of the service udicious system Of
administration and experienced officers to direct and
apply il. y
The Military Academy has existed sufficiently long,
under its present mode of instruction, TO enable the
Government and the country to form correct esti-
mate of its value both with relation to the cadets them
Selves and the character Of the army. OF $50 Off
Icers, having rank in the line, and in SERVICE 4o4
were educated at that institution. These young
have been prepared by rigid and judicous course of
instruction and discipline of the various duties of their
profession $50 have entered the army, of whom but
thirteen have been dismissed and during the present
year only two have been brought before courts martial
and they upon charges not affecting their moral char
acter.
These facts are honorable and decisive proofs Of
general good conduct when the high state of disc-
pline and the of vigilant inspection in
visitors West Point is exhibited the result of the
most careful observations, made by persons competent
to estimate, and prepared to sctnze the claims and
condition Of the institution. For years these
ports have borne unequivoca evidence to the fidelity
and ability of the superintendent, and the academy
staff generally and to the proficiency and correct de-
their progress and conduct, the spirit of emulation
cessary excited, and the judicious plan of rewards,
which offered by the publication of the names of
the most distinguished individuals, and by their admis-
sion into the army in the order of merit powerful
incentives to exertion, and, when combined with the
strict and impartial examinations to which all must
submit, scarcely fail to for the service o
their country such and such only, as qualified to be
useful
;! The science Of war is an advancing one In Europe,
where peace is seldom long maintained, large por
ton of the talent and intelligence of the community is
devoted to this study and to the cons Iteration and s
DIGESTION of changes and improvements in all the BRAN
Iches of their military establishments, whether they
relate to the operations in the field to the various sup
lplies, to the necessary course of administration
1--WE must look to those nations for the benefit of the
-iexperience And progress in the elements OF mil
iltary knowledge will depend in great measure, upol
1.-THE careful preparation and education OF the youn
linen, who annually appointed in our service. Gu
oca position, well our free institutions may de
Hay, but have right to expect they will prevent
1.-THE occurrence Of war. As this event may happen,
lis the part of true wisdom to be prepared for it, as ia
las preparation can be made without too great sacr
'lfce. Our army is barely sufficient to furnish sma
sgarrisons for the Notifications upon the scaboard an
Ito hold in check the numerous and restless India
tribes upon inland frontier. Under these circuH
Stances the practical duties of the profession are az
quired; and long the officers enter the service
with well grounded knowledge of its principles,
70 NAV look to the army the depository OF a fund
yinformation upon this important subject, which wi
4 enable the Government to difuse it among the con
immunity upon the approach Of danger. By assignlr
portion of the officers, previously in service to ne
htegments and corps, these will soon acquire comp
knowledge of their duties both in subordinate
i and discipline The great objects of present cconon
and future security in other mode be so certa
Nv attained When avert to the comparative effec
Ill of training Young for the course OF lie beto
10 Them or Of selecting them ndscrminately for the
ne N.Y. without reference to previous pursuits, it will
manifest that the present system alone can assure
attainment of the important objects, connected WI
Vi our military establishment.
,y 1t has been stated that the number Of cadets ao
I'd ed at the Military Academy is 300 There are in
~ line of the army 612 officers of all descriptions
these on the LIST day of November there were prese
ne for duty 303, Of whom 10 field and 2s4 compa
IF, officers. There were &c sick and on furlough.
43 were detached upon various staff duties, incudi
e the regular staff departments of the army, objects
:. internal improvement and the emigration of the
.l- of raanies heinpr 100. thu