Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-12-06


of peace, when occasion demands, it may be con-
ver.ed into vast army, confident in its discipline,
anu anconquerable in its patriotism. Tn the alb.
sence OF any general system of organization.
upwards OF 100000 men have already been
brought into the field; and, in view of the alac
rity and enthusiasm that have been displayed, I
40 not hesitate to express the belief that no com
o'nanon OF events eau arise in which this coun-
Try VIII not be able not only TO protect itself.
but contrary 10 its policy, which is peace with ali
the word, to cutter upon aggressive operations
against any power that may intermeddle " ith our
domestic affairs. A committee should be an
pointed by Congress, with authority to sit during
the recess, to devise aud report plan for the
General organization of the militia OF the United
ltis Of great Importance that immediate atteu.
uen should be given to the condition Of our for
tihcauons upon the seaboard and the lakes, and
upon our exposed fronliers, They should at once
oc placed III perfect condition for successful de-
fence AggressiOns are seldom made upon a
nation ever really to defend its honor and 10
rcpel insultsi aud we should show to the world.
that while engaged in quelling disturbances at
home, we are able to protect ourselves against
attacks from abroad.
earnestly recommend that immediate pro-
vision be made for increasing the corps of cadets
70 the greatest capacity of the Military Academy
There are now only 1872 cadets at that important
institution. am assured by the superintendent
mat 4UO can Mt present be accommodated, und
that with very trting additional expense, this
number may no increased TO 900. Itis not ne
cessary, at this late day. to speak of the value of
educated soldiers While, in time of war or re
belllon, we must ever depend mainly upon our
militia and volunteers, we slml nlways need
thoroughly trained officers Two classes having
been graduated during the present year, in order
that the service might have the benel. Of their
military cducation, had hoped that Congress,
ut IFS extra session. would authorize an increase
Of the lumber. Having failed to do So / trust
that at the approaching session mn increase will
be authorized, and that the selection of cadets
will be limited exclusively to those States which,
cooperating cordially with the Government, have
brought their forces into the field to aid in the
maintenance Of its authority.
la this connection justice requires that should
call attention to the claims OF n veteran officer
to whom, more than to any other, the Military
Academy is indebted for its present prosperous
and eHicieut condition. | allule to Colonel Syl-
yauus Thaycr, Of the engineer corps, who now
ny reason Of advanced years and faithful public
services, is incapaoilated for duty in the field
Under the recent law of Congress, he may Justly
claim TO be retired from active service hut. he
lieying that his distinguished services should
receive some mark of acknowledgment from the
Government l recommend that authority be
asked 10 retire him upon his full pay and elnolu
ments.
The health of an army is consideration of the
highest consequence. Cool men and women in
different States, impelled by the highest motives
OF benevolonce and patriotism, have come in aid
OF the constituted sanitary arrangements of the
Government and been greatly instrumental in
diminishing disease in the camps, giving increased
comfort and happiness to the life of the soldier.
anu impaning TO our hospital service more hu.
name and generous character. Saubrity of
SITUATION and pleasantness of surroundings have
dictated the choice Of the hospital sites, and
establishments for our sick and wounded. of
when we have every reason to be proud, have
been opened in St. Louis Washington, George
town, Baltimore, and Annapolis, and will be at-
tached to every division of the army in the field.
To the close of the war vigilant care shall be
given to the health of the well soldier, and to the
comfort and recovery of the sick
! recommend that the system of promotions
which prevails in the regular service be applied
to the volunteer forces in the respective States
restricting, however, the promotions to men ac
tually ia the field. At present, each Governor
selects and appoints the officers for the troops
furnished by his State, and complaint is not un-
frequently made, that when vacancies occur in
the field, men of inferior qualifications are placed
IN command over those in the ranks who are their
superiors in military experience and capacity.
The advancement OF merit should be the lending
principle in all promotions, aud the volunteer
soldier should be given TO understand that pre-
lerment will be the sure reward of intelligence.
fidelity and distinguished service.
The course above recommended has been pur- |
sued by this Department, and It is my intention, |
so lar as is in my power to continue IL system |
which cannot fail to have most beneficial effect
upon the entire service.
By existing laws and regulations nu officer of
the regular army ranks an officer of volunteers
Of the seme grade, Notwithstanding the commits
sion OF the latter may be of anlecedent date. lu
my judgment, this practice has IL tendency tu
repress the ardor aud to limit the opportunity for
distinction Of volunteer officers, and II chance
should be made by which seniority of commis-
sion should confer the right of command.
submit Tor reflection the question: whether
tue distinction between regulars mud volunteers.
which now exists, should be permitted to CON
tlnueY The efficiency Of the amy, it appears to
me, might be greatly increased by u consolidation
ol The Two during the continuance OF the war.
which combining both forces. would constitute
them one grand army OF the Union
Recruiting for the regular army has not been
attended with that Success which was anticipateJ.
although large number of men have entered this
branch Of the service While II is admitted that
soldiers IN The regular army, under the control
NJ officers of military education and experience.
are generally better cared for than those in the
service, ii is certain that the popular
preference Is largely given to the latter. Young
men evidently prefer to enter corps oflicered by
lheir friends and acquaintance, and, besides the
bounty granted to volunteers in most of the
States, inducements are often directly offered TO
mem by those whose commissions depend upon
heir success ln obtaining recruits. Ia addition.
ne volunteer il allowed to draw his full pnv of
old per month, while by law So per month ARE
deducted from the pay Of the regular, to he re-
urned to him at the end Of his term OF service.
n my Judgment, this law should he repealed, and
ne regular soldier be allowed to receive his full
my when due. lie should also receive either ,
easonably bounty upon enlstng, or an advance ,
u SO OF the 500 which law OF the last ses-
ION OF Congress grants to regulars and volunteers
n the expiration Of. their periods of service Z
his would doubtless stimulate enstments, as il !
'ould enable the soldier to make some provision
OF those dependent upon him for support until I
e receives his pay.
BY the act approved August o, 1861, the Pre- I
ldent IS authorized to appoint us many aids to n
major generals Of the regular army. acting in tbe
ED, as he may deem proper, The number of i
lds, IN my opinion, should be limited, and no b
lore should be allowed to each Major general 4
lan can be advantageously employed upon his 1
wu proper staff Much expense would thus be n
wed, and the Executive and this Department v
oulu DC relieved Of applications very embar- d
lssing from their nature and extent. "a
The nth section of the act approved September D
3, 1850, makes the discharge of minors obliga. 4
'ry upon this Department, upon proof that their "
llistment was without the consent OF their pa @
ints or guardians. In view OF the injurious h
peraton of the law, and of the facilities which NJ
opens to frauds, respectfully urge its early q
peal. Applications for discharges OF minors /,
IN then be determined either by this Depart 4
ent, in accordance with such regulations as
Spercnce may have shown to be necessary, or :.
J the civil tribunals of the country :,
The employment of regimental bands should !.