Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-12-10

land surveyed and ready to be brought
into market in September was G1.651 =
O49 acres, and that subject to sale at
private entry was over so, 900, 900 acres.
\ view Of the operations under the
bounty land laws, and swamp and rail
road grants, is next given He recon-
mends the passage Of general laws re-
spccting the mineral lands, suggesting
that those containing the precious metals
be reserved from sale for the use and oc-
cupancy of the people Of the United
States under wholesome regulations.
OF the Indian affairs the Secretary
mentions that, with trihing exceptions,
the tribes with which we have treaties
have kept their faith and rcfrained from
hostilities; the difficulties having been
principally with those tribes the treaties
with whom have not yet been ratified
The Secretary recommends that instead
OF large reservations being set apart for
the Indians of tribe, in common, the
land be distributed to them individually:
and that, rather than divide the annui-
ties per capjta among them, the money
be spent for supplying them with stock,
implements of civilized life and in teach
ing them agriculture aud the mechanic
arts. The removal of Indian tribes is
spoken of disparagingly, as it unsettles
and disinclines them to habits Of indus
try; and the opinion is advanced that
the experiment of civilizing the Indians
has been very imperfectly tested, and
that the substitution Of other plans would
not fail of having the desired effect.
The Secretary also refers at consider
able length to the operations Of the Pen
sion Bureau, Patent Office, and other
divisions Of his Department,
Report Of the Secretary of War.
This starts out with the statement
that the actual numerical strength of the
Army was but II ,498 on the 1st of July
last, which is distributed throughout the
Union, manning all the posts, defending
all the frontiers, protecting as far as pos
sible, the routes across the interior, and |
with the hostile Indians. -
The demand for men at the stations, and |
for what may be termed the police duties
of the army, leave only thirteen regi-
ments, or about II 600 men of this force
for active field duty. Within the year,
this force has marched, on an average,
l PA miles, through uninhabited soil
tudes and sterile deserts, for the most
part, carrying with them every item of
supply
The report next states the specific OPP
erations of the army during the year
The war in New Mexico with the Ca
the Secretary regards as Just
begun. The report is accompanied by
a map showing all the military posts and
roads in the uninhabited interior.
The chapter on Utah recounts the par
ticulars Of the campaign to a limited ex-
tent, and urges that the Mormons are
now in condition of involuntary sub
mission and that the presence of an
armed force is necessary to keep them in
check. They still continue their oreani-
cation, and the Federal authority is al
legged to be excluded from all participa-
ton in the governmental affairs Of the
Territory, beyond a mere hollow show.
In referring to the Quartermaster's
Bureau, the Secretary states that if the
appropriations granted by Congress in
Tune last, could have been obtained in
January at least 25 per cent OF the ox-
penditures for the purchase of supplies
for tAr Utah expedition could have been
saved. The disbursements amount to
nearly $10,000,000 during the year;
and yet every account has been closed,
and the vouchers filed, except for $685.
200 not yet received.
The Secretary recommends, as a mea-
sure of economy, the increase of the
army; and also an increase of the ma
tional defences by gradual process, but
thinks that it is incumbent upon the GOV
eminent to secure eligible locations for
their erection, as early as possible, be-
fore private enterprise shall avail of
them for other purposes. Lengthy chap
ters are devoted to summaries of opera
tons in the construction of military roads
and conducting explorations and surveys.
The immediate Introduction of thou
sand camels, for transporting troops and
baggage over the plains, is recommended
MS a measure of wise economy. Highly
beneficial results are believed TO be at
tanned by the conversion of the asylum
at llarrodsJurg, Ky, into cavalry de-
pot, where recruits in the cavalry arm
of the service may be drilled. The Ar
tillery School at Fort Monroe is reported
to fully realize the most sanguinc cx-
pectations.
The appointment of another Inspector
General is recommended also the con-
of the Corps of Engineers and
Typographical Corps; that staff officers,
from the heads of bureaus down, be re-
quired to serve periodically in the field
that three additional Brigadier Generals
be appointed.
On the subject of expenditures, the
Secretary remarks that the disbursements
through this Department embraces many
subjects entirely disconnected with the
Army proper, such as Notifications along
the sea coast Improvement of rivers and
harbors, and the construction of public
buildings aud other works. The attempt
has been made to curtail the disburse-
ments as far as possible; and the esti-
mates for the next fiscal year are less by
50, lGO,4SS 80 than the appropriations,
and bV 80 G35 10S rs than the nsti-
mates for last year. They amount. in