The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1857-12-19

| The army consists Of nineteen regiments
! divided into ten of infantry, four Of artillery
two o! Dungeons, two of cavalry and one o
mounted rifiemeu. The whole strength Of
the army as posted, consists Of about II,
9S4 men, and the actual strength on the lst
Of July last was 49, ,1Gt. In addition to the
movements which the troops have been call
ed on to make this year, this force is called
! on to garrison GS permanent forts and to oc-
cupy 20 posts spread over an area of about
100000 square miles. The Secretary OF
War thinks that to render governmental pro-
lection TO our vast frontier and emigration
perfect, very large augmentation of the
army would not be reqnred-fve additional
regiments would answer the purpose, if pro
perly posted he, therefore, suggests the
propriety ofasking from Congress this in
crease.
The army has been constantly and active
ly engaged. The Indian war in Florida
claimed the attention of a strong force-exi-
gent affairs in Kansas demanded the pres
ence there of two regiments-and, finally,
the movements Of troops to Utah was most
serious and important undertaking.
The Secretary of War reviews the pres
ent condition of the mormons-their disre-
gard Of the civil authorities Of the United
Sta;es-ind alludes TO the prevailing belief
that they inStigatad the Indians TO hostil;ies
against our citizens. Nevertheless, it has
always been the policy and desire of the
Federal Government to avoid collision with
this Mormon community. 1t has borne
with their nsubordination until, at length,
they stand like lion in the pathway that
leads from the atlantic States TO the Pacific
seaboard. 1t was hence thought expedlcnt,
during the last summer to send body of
troops to Utah, with the civil officers recent
ly appointed to that Territory. As the in
tcntion then was merely 10 establish these
fuuctionaries in the Offices to which they
had been commissioned. and to erect Utah
into 4 geographical military department, the
force then dispatched and now en- route to
the Territory, was thought to be amply suf-
ficient FOR these purposes. Supplies were
abundant, the position was favorable for
holding the Indians in check, and it was
hardly within the line of reasonable proba-
biIty that the people could pat themselves
beyond the pale.of reconciliation with the
Government by acts Of unpTorokcd rebel
ion. This, however, they have done
Great care vas taken, in preparing the march
TO Utah, thai nothing should even seem to
excite apprehension. The instructions TO
the commandiu. officer were not 10 allow
any conflict between the troops and the Peo-
pie of the Territory, except only in case he
should be called on by the Governor for SOL
diers 10 act as a posse ccM!tatns IN enforcing
obedience to the laws. In conformity with
this sentiment, an active, discreet officer
was sent IN advance of the army TO | tab, for
the purpose Of assuring the people OF the
Territory OF the peaceful intentions Of the
Government. This officer found that the
deluded people were determined 10 resist by
force if necessary, the entrance Of the army
into the valley Of Salt Lake. Supplies of
every sort were refused him, and the day
after his departure Brigham Young issued
his proclamation substantially declaring war
against the United States. In view OF this
menacng attitude Of affairs in Utah, and Of
the importance of promptly supproSsing the
spirit of rebellion there, the Secretary re-
ports his recommendation for the Immediate
addition Of at least five new regiments to the
service.
The Secretary expresses the opinion that
in the formation oi Railroad between the
Pacific and the valley of the Mississippi, the
route by FL Paso would be chosen. Until
then, other military roads require special
opening aud occupation for the passage and
protection of emigrauts, and for the trans
portat on Of military stores. The military
roads already in charge Of the Department
are progressing satisfactorily.
From the Chief Engineers report it ap-
pears that the National sea-coast defences
are gradually, but certainly, advancing to-
wards completion. and when finished will
constitute system of maritime dei>nces for
nidable in extent and of great magnitude
New York will be considered impregnabe
when the Publications now in progress shall .
De finished. The fOriiications viii be bet
Ter, the guns heavier and more numerous .
han those OF Scbastopol. The Secretary,
n concluding his observations on this point
lwells upon the importance Of sea-coast for .
ifica,ions aud their perfect capabilities for .
defence against any feet that could be bro't
lgaimst them.