The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-03
S;CEFysRY OF WAR.

The returns of the Adjutaut General reIre-
sent that the present strength of the army is less
than the organization provided by law, the dis
charges deaths, and dtsertions, the latter partc-
ularly in California tending to the deficiency
In California the desertions in eight months were
equal to two fttbs of the whole number. Short
furloughs were granted, to enable the troops TO
work at the Placers, but this diu not materially
remedy the evil
The difficulty attending the enlistment Of re-
cruits at places remote from the stations to which
they are to be appointed il is proposed to remedy
by a bounty to each recruit enlisted near such
station equal to the cost of transportation aud
suhsistencr~to be paid in instalmcnts increasing
annually, the largest amount 10 be paid on dis
charge to prevent deserton.
1t has been found impracticahle to increase the
rank and file of certain regiments by transfers Of
others from the same arm, according to the act OF
August, lSis, and at the same time 10 maintain
the discipline and efficiency of the several corps.
For the pro ection of our frontier lines, so great
" enlarged since the Mexican war, and exposed
to ncursions from predatory Indians, it il propc-
sed that the numerical strength OF each company
on the western frontier be increased to seventy
four prvatcs, and that part of the infantry be
mounted as emergencies arise.
In relation TO embarrassments arising rom hre-
vet commissions it j. submitted whether the OBJ
ject, in authorizing this class Of commissions is
not accomplished by retaining them as honorary
distinctions. and restricting the officers holding
them to their lihcal rank and pay
Exceptions TO this rule TO be made only when
volunteers and mitiaare united with the regular
army, or when the officers having breyet commis-
sions arc detailed for duty by special assignment,
with difficult or expensive commands IN remote
departments or divisions.
To obviate the inconvenience resulting from the
position Of officers holding staff commissions which
confer rank, it il suggested that stan Cheers be
required Ivy law, when serving with troops, 10 ex-
ecute according to their respective duties all or
ders rmruatrg from the senior officer of The line.
The necessity Of adopting some rule for reti-
ring disabled officers Is urged, aud il is proposed,
! with view TO Justice aud proper regard to the
feelings of this deserving class of men, that the
President be authorized to retire disqualified Off
Gers. al his discretion, with an allowance equal
! to the pay proper of their respective grades; no
! officer to be retired, how ever, until the Senate
{,shv% have confirmed the nomination at his sue
( JcsSaT. .s.,",.,..
J The provision Of an asylum for veteran sol
ders is strongly and properly recommended.
| The Military Academy at West Point Is COM
mcndcd TO the care and patronage Of the Govern
ment.
Ia consequence OF the outragcs committed by
the Indians IN New Mexico, lhe pOhlliinllHp olii-
Ger OF the troops stationed in that territory has
called into service an auxiliary volunteer force.
The late aggrossions of the Indians remaining
in Florida are referred to, together with the sue
ccs,ful measures adopted for their suppression.
PROPOSITIONS are nov before the Indians. which
will Ice DISCUSSED in council al m early day for
their removal west of the Mississippi
The estab'i ,hmCnt Of line of frontier posts
IN Texas had been retarded in consequence OF the
eff ctve strength of the troops being reduced by
the rayagcs Of cholera /; and the Frequency of az
tacks from hostile han Is OF Indians imrosedup
the Commanding General the necessity Of calling
upon the Executive of that State for three com
panies Of mounted militia From recent proifcrs
Of peace FROM the Camanchc nation, il is believed
, that the regular troops IN that country will he
sufficient Several captives made by ihe Indians
have been recovered, and restored to their homes
| in Mexico agreelby to the trety with that Re-
public
The establishment Of military posts on toe
route to Oregon, delayed by the late war, is now
in Progress, and il is supposed that the regiment
detailed lor that service has reached its desiIa-
/ ton
Officers of the customs Indian aReuis, and 9TH
ers. appointed for C,liforifi aud New Mexico,
have RE ivei transportation 1T the public eS-
pense. Officers of The subsistence department
we're ord red to relieve all eases Of distress which
they might meet with amongst the emigrln,s on
the route
Examinations AMI surveys for the erection Of
forti6cations for the defence of oar distant terri.
tories are recommended. Saryeys west OF the