The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-12-14

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our Pacific possessions have been massa-
cred with impunity. The recurrence OF
such scenes can only be prevented by
teaching these wild tribes the power Of,
and their responsibility to the United
States. From the garrison of our from
tier posts, 1t is only possible to detach
troops in small bodies +; and though these
have on all occasions displayed gallant
ry and stern devotion to duty, which on
larger field would have commanded uni
versal admiration they have usually suf-
fered severely in these conflicts with su
perior numbers, and have sometimes been
entirely sacrificed. All the disposable
force of the army is already employed on
the service, and is known to be wholly IN.
adequate to the protection which should
be afforded. The public mind of the
country has been recently shocked by saw
age atrocities committed upon defense.
less emigrants and border settlements,
and hardly less by the unnecessary de-
struction Of valuable lives, where made
quate detachmcnts Of troops have under.
taken to furnish the needed aid without
increase of the military force, these scenes
will be repeated, it is to be feared. on a
larger scale, and with more disastrous
consequences. Congress. am sure, will
perceive that the plainest duties and res
possibilities of government are involved
in this question, and doubt not that
prompt action may be confidently antcl'
pated when delay must be attended by
such fearful hazards.
The bill of the last session, providing
for an increas of the pay of the rank and
file of the army has had beneficial results,
not only n facilitating cnlistments, but an
obvious improvement in the class of men
who enter the service. l regret that COR
responding consideration was not beStow.
ed on the officers, who, in view of their
character and services, and the expenses
to which they are necessarily subject re-
ceive at present what is, in my judgment,
inadequate compensation.
These valuable services, constantly rem
dered by the army, and its inestmable
importance, as tire nucleus around which
the volunteer forces of the nation can
promptly gather in the hour of danger,
sufficiently attest the wisdom of maintain
ing a military peace establishment; but
the theory of our system and the wise
practice under it, require that any propo-
sed augmentation, in the time of peace, be
only commensurate with our extended
limits and frontier relations. While scru.
pulously adhering to this principle, find,
in existing circumstances, necessity for
the incrc caSe of our military force, and it
is believed that four new regiments, two
of infantry and two of mounted men, will
be sufficient to meet the present exigency.
II it were necessary carefully to weigh
the cost in case of such urgency, it
would be shown that the additional ex.
Pense would be comparatively light
Within the increase of the present nu
merlcla force of the army should, think,
be combined certain measures of reform
in its organic arrangement and admins
tration The present organization is the
result of partial legislation often directed
to special objects and interests and the
laws regulating rank and command, hav-
ing been adopted many years ago from
the British code, are not always applica-
bic TO our service. 1t is not surprising
therefore, that the system should be de-
tcient in the symmetry and simplicity es-
sential to the harmonious workings of its
several parts, and require a careful rcVis-
ion.
The present organization, by maintain
ing large staff corps or departments, sep
arates many officers from that close con
nection with troops, and those active du
ties in the field, which are deemed requi-
site to qualify them for the varied respon-
sibilities of high command. Were the
duties of the army staff mainly discharg.
ed by officers detached from their regi.
ments, it is believed that the special ser
vice would be equally well performed,
and the discipline and instruction of tho
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 compliance with the estab-
lished rule of promotion in ordinary ca
ses, still it can hardly be doubted that the
range of promotion by selection, which is
now practically confined to the grade of
general officers, might be somewhat ex-
tended with benefit to the public service.
Observance of the rule of seniority some.
times leads, especially in time of peace,
TO the promotion of officers who, after
meritOrious and even distinguiSh,d d ser.
vice may have been rendered by age or
infrmity incapable of performing active
duty. and whose advancement, therefore,
would tend 10 impair the efficiency of the
army. Suitable provisions 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 claim to
high consideration. In agan commend.
ing this measure to the favorable consid
Grafton of Congress, would suggest that
thepower ofplacing officers on the retired
list, be limited TO one year.
The practical operation Of the measure would tbus
be tested and II after the lapse Of years. there should
be occasion to renew the provision il can be re pro-
duced with any improvements which experiences NAV
indicate. The present organization Of tho artillery
into regiments Is liable to objections The service Of
ARTILLERY is that OF batteries aud m organization Of
batteries iuo corps Of artillery would be more con.
sstent with the nature Of their duties large par
Of the troops called artillery are and have been, on
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