The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-01-18
Abstract Of Annual Reports.

WAR DEPARTMENT. The actual strength
Of the army is 1852 officers and men. Tho
authorized force il IL ,S61. The recruiting
service is progressing satisfactorily, and il Is
believed that in few months the disparity
will be overcome. Enlistments TO the num-
Der of 1856 were made during the year
ending September 30, but this was not tho
whole number who desired to win glory,
fighting under the banner of Uncle Sam, for
there were upwards Of 10000 persons who
offered to enlist, and were refused in conse-
qucncc of minority and general unitness for
service. CASUALTIES amounted TO $500.
Ii is lamcnted rs u growing evil, that APP
plications for the discharge of minors are so
frequent the infants who are released sub
ject the government to q serious bill of ex-
pensc. The Secretary recommends that tho
contract should be made binding in every
case where deception has been Gun ploycd, and
q modification of .hc existing law is called
for.
All intercourse with the Florida Scminolcs
has been strictly prohibited. Efforts are in
progress for their removal from the Florida
country.
In order TO preserve the efficiency Of tho
army, several measures are suggested, viz:
i. IL is essential that there be revision
Of the laws regulating rank and command.
The right of command should follow rank
by one certain rule officers holding general
commissions should not be placed upon the
staff, but have opportunity TO acquire p.ac-
for the same service should not be divided,
nor should foot be subdividcd into artillery
and infantry, or mounted men into Dragons
and cavalry.
Q. Officers no longer capable Of perform
ing active duty should be retired from the
service, but the rates Of compensation should
be increased, and the laws respecting allow
ances undergo revision.
3. The provisions of tho oct Of Aug. 4,
1854, increasing pay Of rank and file, should
DO extended TO all enlisted men.
4. An increase Of the Medical CORPS Is
recommended.
S. Five moro military store-kecpcrs are
needed in the Quartcrmastcr-G Generals De-
partment.
6. The prohibition Of tho purchase of
lands for military posts causes embarrass-
ment, and should be removed. Useless mil
itary sites require to be sold.
The camcls and dromedarics, which were
ordered from the East, will arrive in Febru.
airy. These animals have been found useful
in the Crimea, and will be employed in mil
itary service here.
A new Professorship Of Ethics, and sun
dry other improvements at West Point, are
recommended.
Proper attention to the coast defcnces IL
very important, particularly the forti6cation
Of Ship Island, as connected with the defence
Of the approaches TO New Orleans, and tho
command Of the inner channel of commune
cation between the Mississippi river and
Mobile harbor. The entrance Of the Colum-
bin river should also be fortified. Appro-
priations arc asked for the erection Of arse-
nails in Texas, New Mexico, and on the North
Pacific coast. New models of all small arms
have been adopted, embracing the late i'm
provcments. A new pistol, with increased
length Of barrel, and capable Of instantane-
Gus change into carbine, is particularly
noticed.
The work upon the military road, has