Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1854-12-16
Secretary Of Wars Report.

was S37 800.
Secretary Of Wars Report.
We learn from that document that The authorized
strength of the army is IA 216; The actual strength
is only 10,745. The ranks, however, rapidly
filling up under the inducements offered by the law
passed the 4a OF August last, increasing the pay
OF the soldiers
The troops have been kept actively employed
in preserving peace among the Indians, but The ar
my is TOO small 10 enable the Department TO pre-
vent or punish ou.rages. In the Wes', several
causes conspire 10 render extended hosies more
probable, and when they occur, more formidable.
An increase of military force is absolutely necessa
ry. In Texas, authority has been given TO call out
militia; bu, The necessity is constant and the Con
s,itution and laws in giving the President au,hori
~ to call ou, militia 10 repel invasion and suppress
nsuueclion, did not design that he should keep on
foot permanent force OF The kind now required -
An increase OF The regular army is therefore re-
commended The Recommendations for an increase
in the pay of the officers, for pensions 10 their wi
dows and children, and for retiring, such as are
disqualified for service, are renewed.
Seminoes. The trade with The wh es has been
cut off, and means are being taken 10 contract roads
in their country, and acquire thorough knowledge
of its topography, with view 10 uIerior opera.
lions should they no! peaceaby remove.
The most important part of the report is that
which recommends revision Of the laws regula-
ing rank and command, and fixing the organiza.
tion Much difficulty arises from Breset commits,
sions, giving many officers double rank crcum
stances determine whether The brevet commissions
shall take effect and each officer is to Judge for
himself whether the circumstances have occurred
which puts his higher rank in force Sill greater
difficulties arise rom doubts whether the staff are
entitled 10 command troops Many contradictory
decisions by the higher authority have been made,
that nothing short OF legislation can regulate The
subject. With regard 10 brevel rank it is proposed
that ii shall take effect in no case, except when
specially ordered by the President. To propose
law to the Staff regulating command, is a mailer
Of much embarrassment. On the one hand it is
maniesly improper TO exclude from command Of.
ficers ofhigh rank whose duties are of d military
character while il is scarcely less to give The right
time has been devoted 10 special duties separate
from troops. 1t is proposed, therefore, 10 break up
in great measure The exclusive Saf corps, and
enlrusl their du'ies 10 officers detailed from the
troops
concise account is given OF the recent i'm
provemens in fire arms, which said 10 have
increased their effective range lhreefod. Expert
menls made by order of the Department, have
confirmed This statement, and lhe opinion is ex-
used as military weapons. No more muskels
should therefore be made but attention should be
turned TO the improved pattern.
The report on the Pacific Railroad cannot be
completed for a month or Two yet, and no results
are yet stated; some parties are yet in The field,
AMI others will be sent out neXI spring.
Al The Capitol, The marble work has been re-
larded by deficiency of supply. Tie brick work
ha. gone so far that the Two wings will be under
roof this winter.
The remainder oi the report is occupied with de-
tails of minor importance.
Report Of Solicitor OffFic Treasury.
This report shows lha, the whole number Of
suits brought during the year under the direction OF
The Solicitor OF the Treasury is $50 that of these
46 were on Treasury Transcripts; 2lS for lae re-
covey oi fines, penalties, and fofeiures under The
revenue laws 14I OF miscellaneous character-
l7S on custom house OF ware house bonds in Cal,
folna, and for The recovery Of land purchased
by The United States and reserved for lighthouse
purposes. Oflhere $50 cases, it appears thai 2S6
have been tried and finally decided that IS have
been either discontinued or remiIled by The Pfesl-
dent and Secretary Of the Treasury, and that 25i
are pending and undecided OF these undecided
cases, it appears from the tables that the greater
portion OF lhem have been recently brought, and
The trial term has not yet been reached
The amount OF money which appears 10 have
been collected on suits brought during The year is
Slls,5 II; the amount collected during The
year on suits brought previous 10 lis commence
ment is S232, ,709 AS making the total sum OF
s35.,235 50 collected during the year.
1t further appears that suits are III charge OF he