The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1854-12-13

at present what is, in my judgment, made
quate compensation.
The valuable services constantly rendere,
by the Army, and its inestimable impor
lance, as the nucleus around which the vol
untecr forces of the nation can prompt,
gather in the hour of danger, sufficient,
attest the wisdom of maintaining a militar,
peace establishment; but the theory of on
system, and the wise practice under it, re
qure that any proposed augmentation, ii
time of peace, be only commensurate witt
our extended limits and frontier relations
While scrupulously adhuing to this princi
pie, find, in existing circumstances, he
ccss:ty fer increase of our military force
and it is believed that four new regiments
two of infantry and two of moulted men-
will be sufficient to meet the present cXigen
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 light.
With the increase of the numerical force
of the army, should be combined certain
measures of reform in its organic arrange
ments and administrations. The present OF.
ganization is the result of partial legislation
often directed to special objects 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 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 we'll
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
pliance 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-
tically confined to the grade of general
officers, might be somewhat extended
with benefit to the public service. OBJ
servance of the rule of seniority some
times leads, especially in times of peace
to the promotion Of officers who, after
mcrritorious and even distinguished SER
vice, may have been rendered by age
or infirlnity 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 commencing this measure
to the favorable consideration of Con-
gress, l would suggest that the power Of
placing officers OH 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
lie reproduced with any improvements
which experience may indicate. The
present organization of the artillery in
to regiments is liable to obvious objcc-
tions. The service of artillery is that
of batteries, and an organization of
batteries into corps of.artillery 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 disproportionate to
the whole force, and greater than the
wants of the country demand. there
fore commend the discontinuance 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 a system, which
would produce the happiest 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 mere ample pro-
visions tor he discipline and general improve
ment in the charactC: of scamcn, and for the
reorganization and gradual increase of the ma
Wy, l deem emincntly worthy of your favorable
consideration.
The principles which have controlled our policy in
relation the permanent military force by sea and
land, are sound, consistent with the theory of our
system, and should by means Ike dlsregarded. But,
limiting the force the objects particularly set forth
in the preceding part of this message we should not