New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-01-04
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

According to the Report Of the Secretary OF War
THE Hon. JEFF. Davis the actual strength OF the army
is 1872 while during the year over 20 900 recruits
have been refused on account of minority unfitness
Four new regiments have been recruited and organ
lied according TO an act passed last Spring. and the
troops are distributed through the country pretty much
the same az at the time of the last report Efforts are
still III progress for the removal of the remnant OF the
Seminole tribe from Florida The Indian hostiities in
Oregon are more serious than was apprehended but
owing to the absence of definite information Is inpos
sble TO Judge what reenforcemens may be necessary
The Secretary again urges the necessity of reyis-
ison of the laws atng rank and command together
with those respecting the allowances and compensation
of officers. larger medical corps he considers to be
needed, as well increase in the Quartermaster-
Generals department Of five military storekeepers.
He calls attention to the propnety OF legislation to
place the widows aud orphans OF military men on an
equality with those Of the officers and sailors Of the
Navy. He recommends that the act providing that
no land shall be purchased on account Of the United
States except under a law authorizing such purchase
be 80 amended as to permit this Department to pur-
chase such lands may be required for military posts
He approves of the continuation of our sea coast de-
fences, and particularly urges the importance Of ort
fying Ship Island to defend the approach TO New0r
leans. He again calls attention to the necessity OF
fortifying the entrance to the Columbia River.
He renews his recommendations for an appropriation
for ARENAS in Texas, NewMexico and the North Pa
cfc Coast. The manufacture of smooth bored email
arms has been Drought 10 close IN tue National Ar
mores. Among the new models Is pistol Of increased
length Of barrel, with an attachment TO the stock,
which may be instantly applied and which converts it
into carbine. The work upon the military roads in
Minnesota Territory is rapidly progressing and the
vey of the Northwestern Lakes has been prosecuted
with .ki and energy. large area has been surveyed
more than a thousand buOys have been located to
mark dangerous reefs and shoals and materials have
been gathered for the minute and reliable charts 20
necessary to the navigation Of those inland seas The
appropriations for river and harbor improvements have,
with few exceptions been exhausted reduced 40 low a.
not to be effective for future operations. The Red
River raft being removed in order secure navga-
tiox in and aro1nd it. The Secretary gives an account
Of the various surveys for the route Of the Pacific
Railroad. He recommends its construction by the
Government a means Of national defense which so
frequently depends upon speedy transportation of
troops aud sIprIes With the present means OF com.
munication the expense of land transportation alone of
the annual supplies for such an army "a il would be
necessary maintain there would exceed $40 100000
allowing it to be possible that these supplies could be
transported ecross the continent The journey over
land would occupy from four to six months Were the
road completed, however, our Pacific Coast, instead
OF being further removed in time and les accessible TO
US than enemy. would be brought within few days
of easy communication and the cost Of supplying an
army there, instead Of being many times greater TO W
than 10 him, would be about equal.