Worcester daily spy., 1861-12-04

often directly offered to them by those whose COM
missions depend upon their success in obtaining
recruits. In addition. the volunteer is allowed u
draw his full pay of Sl3 per month, while by law
uar to be returned to him at the end OF his term of
service. In my judgment, this law should be re.
peaed and the regular soldier be allowed to receive
his full pay when due lie should also receive either
a reasonable bounty upon eulsting or an advance
OF $50 OF the 800 which law of the last session
of congress grants to regulars and volunteers on the
expiration OF their periods of service This would
doubtless stimulate enliStments, as it would enable
the soldier TO make some provision for those de-
pendent upon him for support until he receives his
pay.
By the act approved August 5, 1861, the president
Is authorized TO appoint as many aids TO major gen
erals OF the regular army acting in the field as he
may deem proper. The number of aids in my opin-
ion, should be limited, and no more should be al
lowed to each major general than can be advantage
ously employed upon his own proper staff, Much
expense would thus be saved and the executive
and this department would be relieved of applica-
tons very embarrassing from their nature and
extent.
The fifth section of the act approved September
%, 1861, makes the discharge OF minors obligatory
upon 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, App-
catOus for discharges Of minors can then be defer
mined either by this department. in accordance
with such regulations experience may have shown
TO be neceSary, or by the civil tribunals Of the
country.
The employment OF regimentaI 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
TRANSPORTATION AND THE RAILWAYS.
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 thai
route Tor the transportation of each soldier from
New York to Baltimore. AS this rate seemed ex-
tlplgIfmput " aIpd in
connection with the great increase of trade upon
these roads, made necessary by the wants of the
government, inquiry was made concerning the eN-
pcdiency OF using the roads from New York TO Bal
timore. Via Harrisburg. The result was an arrange
ment by which troops we're brought by the last
named route al 81 each and, Il consequence, this
rate was at once necessarily adopted by all the rail
roads in the loyal states, making saving TO the
government of 335 per cent. in all its transportation
of soldiers, and at the same time giving to the rail
roads, through increased business, liberal compen
satiOu.
The railroad connection between Washington and
Baltimore has been lately much improved by addi
tional siGeings, and by extensions i'll this city. In
order, however that abundant supplies may always
be at the command OF the department. arrange
ments should be made for laying a double track be-
tween this city and Annapolis Junction, with inn
proved sideings and facilities at Annapolis and
along the branch road
Should the navigation of the Potomac river be in.
terruped by blockade or the seventies of winter it
woud become absolutely necessary. for the proper
supply of the troops in the District OF Columbia and
vicinity and OF the inhabitants of this CITY, to pro-
vide additional connection between Washington and
Baltimore. responsible company, with charter
from the state OF Maryland, have proposed to do
this upon condition that the government will en-
dOrsc their bonds they binding themselves TO set
aside annually sufficient sum for their redemption
at maturity, and thus eventually release the govern
ment from any liability whatever and to charge
for transportation. rates in no case to exceed fonr
cents ton per mile Tor freight, and three cents per
mile for passengers. During the continuance OF the
war, however their charge for passengers is not 10
exceed two cents per mile, The charge for the
transportation OF passengers between the two cities
Is at present % cents per lnle, ana Tor freight the
rates per ton VIII average from live to eight cents
per mie The large saving TO the government in
cost OF transportation would amply COMPENSATE for.
all liability, and give the citizens of all the loyal
states greatly improved facilities for reaching the
national capital and al much less rates than they are
now competed TO pay. TO the citizens of the Dis
tlIct 1t would cheapen the cost of supplies, and
prove of immense value in every respect.
recommend that railway be constructed
through this city from the navy yard, by the Cau
tOl, to Georgetown forming connections with the
existing raill DAD depOs, and using the Aqueduct
bridge for the purpose OF crossing the river at
Georgetown. by junction of this proposed rail-
way with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, not
only would the communication with our troops in
Virginia be greatly improved but an easy access be
Obtained to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad near
HaTpeTs Ferry, by means OF the Loudon and Hamp~
shire Railroad. To its importance as aiiordng ia
cties for moving troops and supplies in time of
war may be added the future benefits it would con-
fer upon the District Of Columbia. The outlay re-
qured would be saved in Il lew montha by enabling
at Georgetown, and by greatly decreasing the costly
wagon transportation OF the army through this city
The injuries TO railroads, instgated by the rebel
authorities of Baltimore, in order to embarrass
communication with the nOIth and west, via liar
iisburg and with the east, via Philadelphia, have
been repaired by the different companies that own
them. That portion OF the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad west of HarperS Ferry which was so ruth
essly destroyed by the rebels has not yet been re-
stored The great interests OF trade require that this
road should be reopcneu rs speedily as possible by
the company Tor the transportation of the immense
surplus OF the agricultural productions of the west
To aid ths object tie department has rendered 10
the company sufficient force for its protection dur
ing the progress OF tic work, and will render such
facilities it may be able to provide in connection
with its other Important public duties.
sUNDRY TOPICS.
For the purpose OF facilitating the TRANSFORMATION
of supplies to Alexandra and TO points be ond it
has been found necessary 10 rebuild portions OF the
Orange and Alexandria and the LoudOn and llamp-
shire railroads., and TO lay track from the railroad
depot TO point on the Potomac river, in this city
Undera appropriation granted Tor that purpose
az the last session of congress telegraphc bureau
was established and has been found Of the greatest
service in our military operations Eight hundred
and hlty-seven miles OF telegraphic line have been
ain eady built and put in operation, with efficient
corps of operators, and large extension is in
process OF construction.
Congress, at its late session, made an appropria-
tion tor the reconstruction OF the Long Bridge
across the Potomac, which, in its then dapidated
condition, was unsafe Tor military purposes. The
work which has been carried on without interTuD-
tion to trade travel is rapidly approaching com
ple'ion, and when finished, will be substantial
structure.
On the first OF the present month Lieutenant Gen.
eral Winfield scott voluntarily reinquished his
high command as general-in-chief of the American
army. lie had faithfully and gallaDtly served his
country for upwards OF half a century, and the
glory of his achievements has given additional
lustre to the brightest pages of national annals
The affections of grateful people followed him
in his retirement. The presiuent Immediately
conferred the command upon the officer
next in rank; Fortunately for the country,
Major General Mcclellan had proved himself
equal to every SITUATION III which his great talents
had been called into exercise. Ills brilliant achieve
ments in western Virginia. the untiring energy and
cOnsummate ability lie has displayed in the organ
izaion and discipline OF an entirely new army, have
justly won for him the confidence and applause of
the troops and of the nation.
Extraordinary labor energy, and talent, have
been required of the various bureaus of this depart
ment to provide for the wants of our immense army.
While errors may have been occasionally committed
by SuboTdiuateS, and while eXtrayagant prices have
undoubtedly in some cases. controlled by haste and
the pressure of rapid events, been paid for supplies
it is with great qualification that refer to the
nomica administration OF affairs displayed in the
various branches of the service Our forces had not
only to be armed, clothed, and fed, but had to be
suddenly provided with means of transportation to
an extent heretofore unparalleled. While l believe
there is no army in the world better provided Tor in
every respect than our regulars and volunteers
canddy think no force so large and so well euuip-
ped, was ever put in the field in short space of
time at so small an expense.
While it is my intention to preserve the stricest
tCOHOHl1 uCcOuHlaDlilly Inllk IHe laSl dollar
should be expended, and the last man should be
armed, to bring this unholy rebellion to "A speedy
aud permanent close
WASHINGTON, AND RECONSTRUCTION OF BoUN-
DIARIES.
The geographical position of the metropolis of the
nation menaced by the rebels. and required to be
defended by thousands of our troops induces me to
suggest for consideration the propriety and eXpedi-
ency of a reconstructon of the boundaries OF the
states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Wis
dom and true statCsmanshp would dictate that the
seat of the national government, for all time to