The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1854-12-09

military force employed in the territory in
habited by the Indians. The settlers on the
frontier have suffered much from the incur
sions of predatory bands, and large parties
of emigrants TO our Pacific possessions have
been massacred with impunity. The recur-
renee of such scenes can only be prevented
by teaching these wild tribes the power OF
this government and their responsibility to
us.
From the garrisons in frontier posts, it is
only possible TO detach troops IN small
bodies, and though they have, on all occa
sions, displayed gallantry and a stern de-
votion to duty, which, on larger field,
would have commanded admiration, they
have suffered severely in these conflicts with
superior numbers, and have sometimes been
nearly sacrificed. All the disposablc force
of the army is already employed in this ser
vice, and is known to be wholly inadequate
to the protection which should be afforded.
The public mind of the country has been
recently shocked by savage atrocities COM
mitted upon defenceless emigrants traders
and settlers, and hardly less by the unneces-
sary destruction OF lives where inadequate ;c
detachments of troops to furnish the needed
aid. Without increase of the military force.
these scenes will be repeated it is to be
feared, on larger scale, and with more dis
astrouS consequences. Congress, | am sure
will perceive the plain duties and response
bilities of government involved in this ques-
ton and action may he confidently antcipa-
ted, when delay may be attended with such
fearful hazards.
The bill of the last session providing for
an increase of the pay Of the rank and file
Of the army has had beneficial results. not
only in facilitating enlistments but in obvi
!
enter the service. | regret that correspond
ing consideration was not bestowed on the
officers who, in view Of character and ser
vices and the expense to which they are nee
Iessarily subject, receive al present what is in
my judgment inadequate compensation.-
The valuable services constantly rendered br
the army, and its incstimable impos ante as
the nucleus around which the volunteer
forces Of the nation can compaclly gather IN
the hour of danger, sufficiently attest the
wisdom of maintaining peace establish
ment, but the the theory of our system, and
the wise practice under it, require that any
proposed augmentation, In time of pence, be
only commensurate with our extended limits
and frontier regions.
While scrupulously adhcrng to this prin-
ciple, | find in existing circums tances ne
cesSity for an increase Of our military force.
1t is believed that four new regiments two
of infantry and two of mounted men, will
! be sufficient to meet the present emergency
! If it were necessary carefully TO weigh ,hc
cost in case Of snch urgency, it could be
shown that the additional expense would be
comparatively light.
! With the increase Of the numerical force
of the army should, | think, be combined
certain measures of reform in its organiza-
ton and administration. The present organi-
zation is the result Of partial legislation,
often directed to special objects and inter
ests, and the laws regulating rank and COM
mand having been adopted many years ago
from the British code, are not always appli-
cable to our service. 1t is not surprising,
therefore, that the sy stem should be deiicienl.
simplicity is essential TO the harmonious
working Of its several parts and it requires
a careful revision Of the present organiza-
ton.
By maintaining a large staff corps or de-
partment we separate many officers from that
close connection with troops, and those &C
tive in the field, which are deemed requisite
to qualify them for the varied responsibili-
ties to command. Were the duties of the
army staff mainly discharged by officers de-
tailed from the regiment, it is believed that
special services would be equally we'll per-
formed and the discipline and instruction of
the army be improved, while due regard TO