The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-12-12

-,roocbino session an increase will be author
"a and that the selection of cadets will be lml-
tod ovclusively to those States which co-opera-
tino cordially with the Government, have
hronobt their forces into the field to aid IN the
maintenance OF its authority.
In this connection, justice requires that
should call attention to the claims OF veteran
officer to whom, more than TO any other' '"e
Military Academy is indebted for its present
7rosnarous and efficient condition. I allude to
Colonel Svlvanus Thayer Of the Engineer corps
who now, by reason OF advanced years ana ial'n-
ful public services, is incapacitated Tor du'y ="
the field. Under the recent law OF Congress 'o
NAV Justly claim to be retired from actl'e SoI
vice but, believing that his distinguished %.
vices should receive such mark OF achno' I -
ment from the government, l TecoihneiHu e. ~
authority be asket to retire INN upoh MS iui'
pay and emoluments. r.
tbo b;gbaet consequences Good men and women
in different States impelled by the highest mo-
tives Of benevolence and patriotism, have come
in aid nj the constituted sanitary arrangements
If the Government, and been greatly instrument
toI in diminishing disease in the camps, giving
Increased comfort and happiness to the life Of
the soldier, and impartiEg to sur hospital service
q more humane and generous character, Salu-
brity of situation and pleasautness of surround
ings have dictated the choice Of the hospital
sites, and establishments for our sick and wound
ed, Of which we have every reason to be proud
have been opened in ST. Louis, Washington,
Georgetown, Baltimore, and Annapolis, and Will
Be attached to every division of the army in the
field. To the close Of the war vigilant care shall
be given to the health ofthe well soldier, and to
the comfort and recovery of the sick
1 recommend that the system Of promotions
which prevails in the Regular service be APP
piled to tho 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 byhis State, and complaint
is not unfrequently maed 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 leading principle i'll all promotions, and
the Volunteer soldier should be given to under
slant that preferment will be the sure reward
of intelligence, fidelity, AND distinguished ser
vice.
The course above recommended las been pur-
sued by this Department, and it is my intention,
so far as in my power, to continue system
which cannot fail to have a most beneficial eff
feet upon the entire service.
By existing laws and regulations an officer Of
the Regular army ranks an officer OF Volunteers
of tee same grade Notwithstanding the commits
sion Of the latter may be Of antecedent date.
In my judgment, this practice has tendency
to repress the ardOr and to limit the opportunity
for distinction of Volunteer officers, and d
change should be made by which seniority Of
commission should confer the right Of command.
L submit for reflection the question, whether
the distinction between Regulars and VOlun-
teers which now exists, should be permitted to
continue. The efficiency Of the army, II appears
to me, might be greatly increased by consOli-
dation Of the two during the continuance OF the
war, which, combining both forces, would con-
sttute them one grand army Of the Uuion.
Recruiting for the Regular army has not been
attended with that success which was antici-
pated, althougha large number OF men have
entered this branch of the service. While it
is admitted that soldiers in the Regular army,
under the control of officers of military educa-
ton and experience, are generally better cared
for than those in the Volunteer service, it is Gel
tain that the popular preference is largely given
to the latter. Ioung men evidently prefer TO
enter a corps differed by their friends and ac-
quaintaGces and, besides the bounty granted
to volunteers in most of the States, inducements
are often directly offered to them by those whose
commissions depend upon their success in OBJ
tanning recruits In addition, the Volunteer is
allowed to draw his full pay of Sl3 per month,
the pay of the Regular, TO be returned to him at
the end Of his term of service. In my judgment,
this law should be repealed, and the the Regu-
lar soldier be allowed to receive his full pay
when due, He,shOuld also receiye-either a rea-
sonable bounty upon enhstng, advance
OF $50 of the 800 which a law Of the last SEES
sion of Congress grants to regulars and vOlun-
teers on the expiration of their periods of ser
vice This would doubtless stimulate enlist
ments, as it would enable the soldier to make
some provision for those dependent upon him
for support until he receives his pay.
BY the Act approved Aug. ), 1861, the President
is authorized to appoint many aids TO Maj. Gen
erals Of the regular army acting iii the field as he
may deem proper. The number Of aids, in my opin
ion, should be limited, and no more should he al
lowed to each Major General than can be advan
tageously employed upon his own proper staff
Much expense would thus be saved, and the Exec
utive and this Department would be relAved OF
applications very emban assing from their nature
and extent.
The 5th section of the Act approved S ept. %
1850, makes the discharge OF minors obli gatory up
on this Department, upon proof that their enlist
ment was without the consent of their parents or
guardians In view of the injurious operation of
this law, and of the facilities which it opens to
frauds, respectfully urge its early repeal. Appli
cations fer discharges of minors can then be deter
mined either by this Department, i'll accordance
with such regulations experience may have
shown to be necessary, or by the civil tribunals
of the country.
The employment OF Regimeutal Bands should be
limited the proportion Of musicians now allowed
by law being too great, and their usefulness not AT
all commensurate with their heavy expense.
Corporations, like individuals are liable to be
governed by selfish motives in the absence of com
petition. An instance Of this kind occurred in the
management of the Railroads between Baltimore
and New York. The sum Of Sc was charged upon
that route for the transportation Of each soldier
from New York TO Baltimore. AS this rate seem
ed extraYagant to the Department, when consider
ed in connexion with the great increase OF trade
upon these roads, made necessary by the wants oil
the Government, inquiry was made concerning the
expediency of using the roads from New York to
Baltimore ria Harrisburg. The result was an ar
rangemeEt by which troops were brought by the
last named route at 81 each; and as a consequence
this rate was adopted by all the railroads in the
loyal States, making a saving to the Government
and at the Same time giving to the railroads. thro'
increased business, a liberal compensation.
The Railroad connection between Washington
and Baltimore has been lately much improved by
additional sidings and extensions IL this city. In
order however, that abundant supplies may always
be at the command Of the Department, arrange
ments should be made tor laying double track
between this city and Annapolis Junction, with
improved sdeings and facilities at Annapolis and
along the branch road.
Should the navigation of the Potomac river be
interrupted by blockade, the seventies of win
ter, it would become absolutely necessary, for the
supply of the troops in the District OF Ctlumba
and vicinity and of the inhabitants OF this city, &c
provide additional railroad connection between
Washington and Baltimore Irresponsible compa
ny with charter from the State of MARYLAND have