Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1854-12-15
Rcrott Of The SECRETARY Of iNnt.


The actual strength Of the Army Is only
l0,7ii The whole authorized etrencth ic
ll,2lo Tho deficiency is fast decreasing by
more rapid onllGtments \ statement Of the
changes made in the distribution Of the army
during the last year is made
The removal from Florida of the remnant
OF the Seninolos, has received tho attention of
the department but its efforts have not been
very successful. Better fortune 10 expected
next year, through the instrumcntality of the
new plan OF operations. The Indian Difficult
ties elsewhere arc alluded to The massacre
oil Lieutenant Grattan and men by the Sioux
Is narrated, and the fact stated, that the ar.
my force isquite inadequate to the protection
OF our frontier and to punish Indian aggrcs.
slons, Our entire loss in Indian actions du-
ring the year is officers and SO men killed.
and officers and AZ men wounded.
The occurrences ON the frontier furnish de-
plorahle proofs Of the ineticiency of our mil
itary force, and Of the absolute necessity for
It's increase, which was urged by the Secretary
last year. Our effective force does not exceed
II oo0 men, which is entirely inadequate for
the purposes for which We maintain a stand
ing army. I'm immediate increase is urged al
II cost sufficient to give some degree Of sccu-
rity to the Indian frontiers, for which ,,ur
pose the regular force is the most efficient.
cheap, proper and constitutional means The
increased pay to enlisted men, induced the
enlistment Of COG men in October and Sep
TENDER last against 500 men during the cor
responding months last year The number of
recruits required for the service of the cnsu-
ing year will probably not be less than GOOO.
lie recommends the use OF camels and dromc-
darles for military purposes again, and asks
an appropriation to test their usefulness
n sod It,r, ,ni
act Of justice and necessity Additional lr-
slslatcn is asked to place the widows and or
phaus of the officers and soldiers of the army
ON an equality with the widows and orphan.
OF the officers and soldiers of the navy
The necessity of Il revision Of our military
legislation III some important particulars, is
pointed out, III order to prevent conflicting
claims IN regard to rank and command, which
now give rise to much inconvenience and
trouble. Ono great source of difficulty is the
double rank recognized by our laws, to rene
dy this 1t is proposed to give effect to brcvct
rank only When the President may see fit,
and forbid the exercise of breyct commissions
IN the regiment, troop or company where Of
lcors arc mustered. Elaborate Suggestions
for rC.organ iLatiun Of the stan corps are rrc-
scented ana compared with European systems
1t ID proper that there bo nine Brigadier
Generals one for each department, QUO Cor
Quartellnaster General one for Adiutant
General, and two for Inspectors General be.
Ing an addition of three to those who now. 10y
brcvct OF otherwise, have rank and command
as Brisadier Generals Other marked chang
IS IN staf appointments, rank and duty. are
proposed
Reforms III the organization Of regiments
arc also suggested. The expedlenoy Of gene
raj promotions By seniority instead of merit
Is doubted by the Secretary and the osta bli.h
ment Of retired list again urged Profess,
orshlps Of Ethics and Of English studies 1t
the Military Academy are Recommended
Many other subjects are treated Of 1t con
adorable length y y Timet