Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1856-12-18
Report of the Secretary of War-Hon
Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi.
rTRENGTH OF THR ARMY.

| The authorized strength of the army is now
| IL, S9i men, The actual strength at the date of
the returns, July /, 1886, was 1862. The
| uuuIber of en!istments made during the twelve
months ending Sept. 3 ,, 1851, was 4,441 The
Number Of offers refused on account of minority
| and unfness for service was 5,59i, The num-
Der Of casualties during same Anne was $685.,
| Of which 1928 were by desertion.
INDIAN TROUBLES.
The Indian difficulties in the West have been
Succt ssfully terminated, except with the Chey-
ennes.
A vigorous campaign has been projected
against the Florida Indians, Gen. Harvey com
handing the military posts.
WESTERN POSTS.
The expense and embarrassment to the service
resulting from the present policy of locating
military posts in advance of settlement, and
along emigrant routes across the continent, con.
tinue to De enormous, without any CORES pond
ing benefit to the country or frontier, and
complete revolution OF the whole system is
urged.
PAT OF ARMY OFFICERS.
The great nunber OF designations n the army
show the necessity for an increase of pay 1t
.vinces policy injurious to professional pride
while the hard service and frontier stations of
he officers require of them sacrifices which no
other officers OF the government are call upon
10 make. The expense of living has been great
v increased and the pay is about the same. as
t was fifty years ago. 1t is bad economy the
report continues, to drive the active and inteli.
gent from the service which they adore.
OLD AND NEW FIREARMS.
The operations of the national armores have
been restricted TO the completion of new models
Tor small arms. aud the alteration of old models
10 the ong-ranCe rifle arms, and TO the prepar.
atoms requisite for the exc. usive manufacture Of
Il. la IA. =
such As is commonly called the Mimic Rifle with
an improvement OF the lock after Maynard's
plan. The alteration of the common flint lock
20 the se.t-prmug has been effected to a limited
exteAt. The report recommends the alteration
20 this model OF all the old arms of the United
States, including those distributed to the States
There are, altogether. upwards OF half million.
ARSENALS
The arsenals at Waterve.. y. Y, and Fayette.
vile, y G, are recommended to be used for ar
,ena!s 81 construction, Tor which an extension
u the buildings Is required.
NATIONAL FOUNDRY.
The Secretary renews his Recommendation f,r
the establishment of the national foundry for
casting guns.
FoRTIFICATI0NS.
The sea-coast Notifications are progressing but
fherc j. much YET 20 be done before many Of IN.
most important will be efficient The fortified
items for harbor deiences are held to be most en
cieug aud reference is made TO the failure of Tor
mdaa.e nayai ornaments against fortified places
IA the Back SEA- aid the Battle, as showing con
clusiYeiy that properly constructed Notifications
are a sure reliance against the most formidable
deets.
ARETIRED LIST.
The Secretary reueWs his recommendation for
retired list OF disabled officers, IS Indispensable
10 the efficiency of the service.