Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-12-20

to consolidate such Of the regiments as may
from time to time fall below the regul alton
standard, and thus reduce the number of ofh-
GERS aud expenses of the army.
The report speaks in high terms of the eff
ciency already shown by the volunteers; refers
to the wonderful strength of our institutions
IN the people so readily gathering together
such an immense army, without resort to con-
scriptions, eyies, drafts, or other extraordinary
expedients; says the rebellion extended over
an area of 733, ,144 square miles, possessing a
coast line of {, 1923 mics and shore line of
25,4l4 miles, With an Interior boundary line
of 7,03l miles iii length.
The battle Of Bull Run is briefly referred to
and the result declared to bo 'the natural con-
sequence of the premature advance of our
brave but undisciplined troops, which the inn
patience of the country demanded. Other
early reverses, some of no permanent advan-
tage to the enemy, are referred toj but he
lays, ssthe possession of Western Virginia and
the occupation Of Hatteras and Beaufort have
nobly redeemed our transient reversos
The early position of Maryland, Delaware,
Kentucky, Missouri and Western Virginia, Is
next reviewed, and their present condition
pointed to With pride, as showing the inereas-
ing progress of loyalty to the Union. No
doubt is entertained that the army on the Po-
tomac, under its able leader, will soon make
such demonstration as viii re-establish its
authority throughout all the rebellious States.
Il is suggested that the President be en-
powered to send commissioners with the army
with power to en- force obligations of contracts
and the collection of debts due to loyal citi-
zens, in districts where civil power has ceased
to exist.
The deficiency Of arms aud munitions of war
at the commencement of the rebellion is allud~
ed to, aud the measures taken to procure a
supply are set forth. In addition TO the large
contracts made in this country, two millions of
dollars were sent to Europe for further addi-
tious, part of which has been received. The
policy Of the War Department, however, has
been to encourage the capital, enterprise and
skill of our own people in this direction.
Congress is urged TO authorize the estsb-
liSbment of national foundry, at. some point
of facility, for the manufacture of heavy arti~
lery. The reorganization of the militia of the
country upon uniform basis is also recon-
meuded. The States should, it is urged, be
aided in organizing, arming and disciplining
them.
Immediate attention is called to the condi%
ton of our fortlieations upon the seaboard and
the lakes and upon our exposed frontiers.
They shopld at once oe placed IN perfect con
dition for successful defense.
Tho corps OF cadets at the Military Acade-
my, now numbering only 1872, it is reecom-
mended should be increased to 800, the in
crease to come from the States cordially CO.
operating with the Government in bringing
their forces into the field in behalf of the
Uaion.
TIE health of the army Is spoken Of as ex-
cellent, and the sanitary arrangements of the
authorities have been greatly aided by good
men and women in different States. Hospital
sites and establishments for the sic and
wounded have been opened in st. Louie,
Washington, Georgetown, Baltimore aud An
napolis, and will be attached TO every division
of the army in the field.
The system of promotions which prevails IN
the regular service should, il is urged, be ap-
piled to the volunteer forces in the respective
States, restricting, however, the promotions to
men actually in the field; and it is suggested
that the distinction now existing between reg
ulars and volunteers should not be continued.
Recruiting for the regular army has not
been as successful as anticipated, and 1t Is
therefore recommended that further indnce0
ments be held out to recruits by bounties and
full pay when due.
1t is recommended that the law making
obligatory the discharge Of minors. who may
enlist without the consent of their parents,
should be repealed, and the subject left to
the regulations of the War Department, or to
the civil tribunals of the country The en-
ploynsnt of regimental bands it is also reeomA
mended, should be limited.
The railroads between New York and Ball
timore having charged Sc for each soldier
transported, an argument was made to bring
them from the formor to the latter city, via
Harrisburg, at 81 each, and as consequence,
this rate was at once adopted By all the rail-
roads In the loyal States, making saving to
the government of 33a per cent, in ell its
transportation of soldiers
Although the railroad facilities between
Baltimore and Washington have been lately
improved, arrangements should be made for
laying double track between Washington
and the Annapolis junction, with improved
sideings and facilities at Annapolis and along
the branch road.
The necessity of an additional railroad be-
tween Washington and Baltimore, IN case the
navigation of the Potomac is interrupted BY
the blockade, or the weather, is next referred
to, and the fact mentioned that responsible
company, chartered bY the State of MARYLAND,
have proposed to build such a road upon con,
dition that the Government will endorse their
bonds, they Binding themselves to set aside
annually sufficient sum for their redemption,
at maturity, ana 70 charge for transportation
rates in 40 case TO exceed four cents toa
per mile FOR freight, and three cents per mile
for passengers. During the war, however,