The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1854-12-14

I at present what is, in my Judgment, made
quaie compensation.
i The valuable services constantly rendered
by the Army, and its incstimable impor
lance, as the nucleus around which the vol
unteer forces of the nation can promptly
gather in the hour Of danger, sufficiently
attest the wisdom of maintaining Il military
peace establishment; bat the theory of Our
system, and the wise practice under it, re,
qlrc that any proposed augmentation, in
time Of peace, bc only commensurate with
Our extended Int, and frontier relations.
While scrupulonsly adhcriag to this pr;nci-
pie, | find, in existing circumstances, ne
ccss:ty fer increase of our military force,
and It is believed that four new regiments
two of infantry a:d two of mounted men
will be sufficient to meet the present eXigcn-
cy. If It were necessary carefully to weigh
the cost in case of such urgency, it would
be shown that the additional expense would
be comparatively lglt.
| With tie increase of the numerical force
Of the army, should lie combined certain
measures of reform in its organic arrange
ments and administrations. The present or
ganization is the result of partial legislation
often directed to special jects and interests,
and the laws regulating rank and command
having been adopted many years ago from
the British code, are not always applicable
to our service 1t is not surprising, there
fore, that the system should be deficient
in the symmetry and simplicity essential
to the harmonious working of its several
Parts, and require u careful revision.
The present organization, by main
tanning large staff corps or departments,
separates many officers from that close
connection with troops and those active
duties in the field, which are deemed
requisite to qualify them for the varied
responsibilities of high command. Were
the duties of the army staff mainly
discharged by officers detached from
their regiments, it is believed that the
special service would be equally well
performed, and the discipline and in
struction of the army be improved
While due regard to the security Of the
rights of officers, and to the nice sense
of honor which should be cultivated
among them, would seem to exact COM
pliancc with the established rule of pro-
motion in ordinary cases, still it can
hardly be doubted that the range of pro-
motion by selection which is now prac-
ticalIy confined to the grade of general
officers, might be somewhat extended
with benefit to the public service. Oh
servance of the rule of seniority some
times leads, especially in times of peace
to the promotion If officers who, after
merritorious and even distinguished SER
vice, may have been rendered by age
or iniirlnity incapable of performing
active duty, and whose advancement
therefore, would tend to impair the eff
cacy of the army. Suitable provision
for this class of officers, by the creation
of retired list, would remedy the evil,
without wounding the just pride of men
who, by past services, have established
the claim to high consideration.
In again commenting this measure
to the favorable consideration of Con-
gress, l would suggest that the power of
placing officers on the retired list be
limited to one year. Its practical OPP
Grafton would thus be tested, and if,
after the lapse Of years, there should be
occasion to renew the provision, it can
be reproduced with any improvements
which experience may Indicate. The
present organization Of the artillery in
to regiments is liable to obvious OBJ ec-
tons The service of artillery is that
of batteries, and an organization OF
batteries into corps oftatillcry would
be more consistent with the nature eff
their duties. A large part of the troops
now called artillery are, and have been
on the duty of infantry; the distinction
between the two arms being merely
nominal. This nominal artillery in our
service is entirely disproportionatc to
the whole force, and greater than the
wants of the country demand. l there
fore commend the discontnuance of the
distinction, which has no foundation in
either the arms used or the character
of the service expected to be performed
In connection with the proposition for the
increase of the army, have presented these
suggestions with regard to certain measures Of
reform, as the complement of system, which
would produce the happicst results from a
given expenditure, and which hope may at
tract the early attention, and be deemed wor-
thy of the approval of Congress.
The recommendation of the Secretary of the
NAVY. having reference to more ample pro,
visions tor =" discipline and general improve
ment in the characic: of scamcn, and for the
reorganization and gradual increase of the ma
w, deem cmiucntly worthy of your favorable
consideration.
The principles which have controlled our policy il
relation to the permanent military force, by and
land, are sound, consistent with the theory of ou
system, and should by means be dssesarded. But
limiting the force the objects particularly set forth
in the preceding part of this message, should no