The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-13

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lion of muskets in its arsenal, with CORES.
ponding proportion of arms and equipments
for artillery and cavalry. Otherwise. it
may, at q most critical moment, find itself
deficient in guns while having an abundance
of men.
recommend that application be made to
Congress for authority to establish ma
tional foundry for the manufacture OF heavy
artillery at such point as may afford the
greatest facilities for the purpose. While
sufficient number of cannon, perhaps,
could be procured from private manufac-
tories, the possession of q national estab-
lishment would lead to experiments which
would be useful to the country, and prevent
imposition in prices by the accurate knowl-
edge that would be acquired of the real
value of work of this character.
After discussing the propriety of organizs
ing the militia on uniform basis, be thus
refers to
| sEABOARD AND LAKE DEFENCEs.
1t is of great Importance that immediate
attention should be given to the condition
of our Notifications upon the seaboard and
the lakes, and upon our exposed frontiers.
They should at once be placed in perfect
condition for successful defense. Aggres-
sions are seldom made upon nation ever
ready to defend its honor and to repel in
suits and we should show to the world
that while engaged in quelling disturbances
at home we are able to protect ourselves
against attacks from abroad.
He recommends an increase of the mum
Der of Cadets at West Point; gives great
credit to the value of that institution, and
asks that Col. Thayer be retired upon full
pay. He speaks highly of the efforts of the
sanitary association, and attributes the
general health of the army to great ex-
tent as due to them.
PROMOTION-REGULARS AND VOLUNTEERS.
recommend that the system of promo.
lions which prevails in the regular service
be applied to the volunteer forces in the
respective States, restricting, however, the
promotions to men actually in the field. At
present each governor selects and appoints
the officers for the troops furnished by the
state, and complaint is not unfrequently
made, that when vacancies occur in the
field, men of inferior qualifications are pla-
ced in command over those in the ranks
who are their superiors in military expert
ence and capacity. The advancement of
merit should be the leading principle in all
promotions, and the volunteer soldier should
be given to understand that preferment will
be the sure reward of intelligence, fidelity,
and distinguished service.
Oh Ill lxa, Ior,
pursued by this department, and it is my
intention, so far as in my power, to contins
ue system which cannot fail to have a
most beneficial effect upon the entire ser
vice.
By existing laws and regulations an off,
Ger of the regular army ranks an officer of
volunteers of che same grade, notwithstand-
ing the commission of the latter may be of
antecedent date. In my judgment, this
practice has tendency to repress the arder
and to limit the opportunity for distinction
OF volunteer officers, and charge should
be made by which seniority OF commission
should confer the right of command.
1 submit for reflection the question,
whether the distinction between regulars
and volunteers which now exists, should be
permitted to continue. The efficiency of
the army, it appears to me, might be great
ly increased by consolidation of the two
during the continuance of the war, which,
combining both forces, would constitute
them one grand army of the Union.
He notices the fact that enlistments for
the regular service are not as rapid as de-
sirable and suggests that regular troops be
allowed to draw their full pay like vol
unteers.
STAFF APPOINTMENTS.
By the act approved August 5, 1861, the
President is authorized to appoint as many
aids to Major Generals in the regular ar
my, acting in the field, as be may deem
proper. The number of aids, in my opinion,
should be limited, and no more should be
allowed to each Major General than can be
advantageously employed upon his own
proper staff. Much expense would thus be
saved, and the executive and this depart>
ment woald be relieved of applications very
embarrassing from their nature and extent.
He asks the repeal of the law requiring
minors to be discharged and suggests that
there be limitation upon the employment
of regimental bands. He states that ar
engagements have been made for the trans
portation of troops at one-third of the cost
that was first charged, and suggests a
double track on the road from Washington
to Annapolis Junction. Should the Poto>
mae be blockaded, he urges to contract for
increased railroad facilities between Wash
ington and Baltimore, and also railroad
through Washington city connecting with
the Virginia side of the river. He states
that the repair of the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad west of Harpers Ferry is greatly
needed, and that be has rendered the com
pany protection while engaged in putting
the road in order.
The department has caused to be rebuilt
portions of the Orange and Alexandria rail
road, and
Under an appropriation granted for that
purpose at the last session of congress, a
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