Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-01-04

The annual report of Mr. CRAWFORD Secretary of
War, occupies only little over two columns of the
National Intelgencer, and we learn from it that the
present strength of the Army is less than provided
for by law, arising principally from discharges,
Deaths and assertions. Out of force of 1900 regu-
lar troops in California since the LIST of Jany 1849
the assertions within the first eight months have
equalled two-thirds of that number
To remedy many of the defects of the present re-
cruiting system, and encourage enlistments in the
vicinity of troops serving at frontier and remote sta
tons, especially in California, Oregon, and New Mex
leo, it is recommended that bounty be allowed to
each recruit enlisted at such stations equal
to the cost of transporting and subsisting recruit
from the general depot to the place of such enlist
ment. To guard against assertions and promote
good conduct it is proposed that the bounty should
be divided into instruments SO that their several
amounts would be increasing annually according to
length of service and the largest amount be paid to
the soldier on his discharge This bounty would al
be strong nducemen to old soldiers to re-enlist
in their respective companies, object always deem
ed of Importance to the service.
1t has been found mpracticable to carry into effect
the provisions of the act of 18th of August, 1913
which authorizes increase of the rank and file OF
certain regiments by transfers from others of the
arm the present organization being too limited, and
the difficulty Of keeping the several companies up tc
their legal complement too great to hazard further
reduction, with due regard to the discipline and eff
fciency of the several corps
For the protection of our territory in New Mexico
from Indian depredations it is suggested that the
numerical strength of each company at the several
military posts western frontier be increased
seventy privates, and that part of the infantry
| be mounted as emergencies arise.
| The Secretary submits whether the object in au
thOrizing brevet commissions (Which have heretofore
caused much embarrassment is not accomplished
by retaining them as honorary distinctions and re
strictng the officers holding them to their neal ranl
and pay, according to their commissions by which
they mustered in their respective regiments anG
corps. If any exceptions be made to the rule here
proposed, it is believed that in view of the more eff
cient discipline and service of the troops brevet rani
and pay should exist only when volunteers and mill
tia are united with the regular army; OF when tn,
officers having brevet commissions are detailed fo
duty by special assignment with difficult or expensive
commands in remote departments or divisions
| 1t is recommended shat law be enacted recurring
officers of the general staff serving with troops t.
according to their respective duties all order
emanating from the senior officer of the line which
may relate to the discipline, police, and good orde
of his command and for which he alone is response
! BILE. ---
The Secretary makes some appropriate remark
touching retiring disabled officers from the army
and suggests that the President be authorized t.
place the retired list such in his judgment ma,
be disqualified from age, wounds other disability
with an allowance equal to the pay proper of thei