Tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1856, 1856-01-17
The War Department.

The actual strength of the army is 1889 Off
GERS and men. The authorized forces IL, S67 The
recruiting service is progressing satisfactorily,
and 1t is believed that in a few months the dis
parity Will be overcome. Enlistments to the
number of 10 ,o46 were made during the year end.
ing Sept. 30; but upwards of 10000 persons Of
fered TO enlist, and were refused in consequence
of minority and general unftness for service
Casualties amounted to $500.
1t is lamented a growing evil that applice-
tions for the discharge of minors arc so frequent
The infants who are released, subject the gov
eminent to a serious bill of expense The Sec
rotary recommends that the contract should be
made binding in every case where deception has
been employed and a modification of the exist
ing law is called for.
The troops retain the same general contribu-
ton; four additional regiments have been or
gained. The Cavalry companies which were
sent against the Sioux have gone into winter
quarters at Fort Leavenworth, and will be in po-
sition for operations in the spring, The 9th in
fantry checks the Indians on the Oregon route.
All intercourse with the Florida Seminoles has
been strictly prohibited. Efforts are in progress
for their removal from the Florida country The
troops have explored the region, have opened
roads, ane have arrived at sources Of accurate in
formation respecting the Territory now in pos
session of the Indians, so that further operations
will be greatly facilitated The propriety Of lev
ying volunteer achievements in the Pacific De-
partment, for the purpose oe chastising the saw
ages on that coast, is a question which the Sec
rotary declines to decide, pYeferrng to leave il to
the military commander in the Department The
gallantry of the troops in the Indian campaigns
of the year, is spoken of in terms of high praise;
but the unusual extent of operations has caused
large expenditures, which have exceeded the ap-
preparations.
In order to preserve the efficiency of the army
several measures are suggested, viz;
l. 1t is essential that there be a revision of the
laws regulating rank and command. The right
of command should follow the rank by one GER
tain rule; officers holding general commissions
should not be placed at once upon the staff, but
have opportunity TO acquire practical military
knowledge: troops equipped for the same service
should not be divided nor SHOULD foot be ssbdi-
vided into artillery and infantry, or mounted men
into dragons and cavalry.
2. Officers no longer capable of performing ac-
tive duty should be retired from the service, but
the rates of compensation should be increased,
and the laws respecting allowances undergo re-
vision.
3. The provisions of the Act of August 4th,
1854, increasing pay of rank and file, should be
extended to all enlisted men.
l. A.n increase of the Medical Corps is recon-
mended.
5 Five more military storekeepers are needed
in the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS department.
6. The prohibition of the purchase of lands for
military posts causes embarrassmcnts, ard should
be removed. Useless military sites require to
be sold.
The Secretary enlarges upon these points, and
presses them earnestly. A considerable proper
ton of them are his recommendations of last
year.
The auticipations entertained, at the time sf the
establishment Of the Military Asylum, have not
been fulfilled. The average cost of maintaining
each inmate is $500. 1t is too much, and re.
duotion is necessary. The number of men receiv.
ed in four years, is PSI; cost, so far, 1881 ,497
The new buildings near Washington will accom-.
modate $50. The branch Of he Asylum at East
Pascagoula, Miss, is discontinued, and similar
action is recommended in reference to the branch
at Harrodsburg.
The cames and dromedaries which were or
dered from the East will arrive in February