The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-12-12
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR

The annul report OF Col. jefferson Davis, Score
tary of War, contains variety of interesting facts
and recommends several important reforms in the
army of the United States. The following is a
condensed view OF its prominent statements and
suggestions:
The authorised strength of the United States
army IS 1881 men and officers :; but the actual
strength, according to the latest returns is only
lO.il7, Of which number S,37S are employed in the
frontier departments, on their way to
them 1t is stated, further that the measures
taken for the protection of frontiers have been
successful; that the troops everywhere have been
actively and constantly employed that Indian de-
predations have been comparatively unfrequent
and, except in California and Oregon, have not at
tanned more than a local importance.
New posts to be established in the Indian
country west of the Mississippi, in more favorable
positions TO enable the Department to dispense
with number OF the smaller and less important
posts. greater force is also to be employed for
the protection OF the emigrants crossing the plains
majority OF the cases OF Indian depredations
IN Texas which have come to the knowledge OF the
Department. have been by Indians from Mexican
territory. Maj Gen. Smith, aided by an experience
ed officer of engineers is selecting sites for perma
nent Notifications on the Rio Grande-one OF which
will be opposite Ell Paso and another at the Canaan
che crossing.
1t is the intention of the Department that as
soon as possible considerable force shall be sent
to the Pacific coast, and one OF the Brigader Gen
erals Oh tne army OTueTeu To t1e command. Nine
companies Of artillery posted in Florida, to aid
the effort now in progress there to effect the remov-
al of the Indians. COercive measures are to be
used if found necessary. Two OF the regiments of
artillery are to be arranged the Canadian from
tier and the Atlantic and Gulf coasts; a third on
the Rio Grande boundary, and a tourth on the Pa
CHIC coast OF the cavelry regiments one will be
required in Texas one in New Mexico, and the re-
naming are for the Western frontier fourth
regiment of calvary is asked Of Congress by the
Secretary. Three regiments OF infantry are re-
quired in Texas, besides two on the frontier west
OF the Mississippi, one in New Mexico, and one in
the Indian country OF the Pacific 1t is the pur-
pose OF the department to post the troops in large
bodies at commanding positions, instead of dis.
perslng them In numerous small posts
la consequence of the difficulty of keeping the
ranks iul, the Secretary proposes-lst an increase
tue present pay OF the common soldier ID an
additional increase for each successive neriod nj
nVe years, so long he shall remain in the Aruv
d,proElson Tor the promotion TO the lowest grades
o3t commissioned officers of such of the pon.cor,
mssloned officers OF the army as may be fond
qualified Tor, and by their character and services
enttled to, such advancement Also that every
solder who, having been honCrably DISCHARGED
from the service OF the United States shall WITHIN
one month thereafter reenllst shall be entitled IN
TWO dollars per mcnth III addition 10 theordinarr
pay OF his grade for the first period Of five wear.
after the expiration OF his first enlistment ana
lurtneF sum OF one dollar per month Tor each s,lc.
cessive period OF tive years so long as he shan
remain continuously III the Army
The secretary argues elaboratelv in favor Of the
increase OF the army showing the actual recpssifv
FOR such measure.