Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-07-11

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF
WAR

WAR.
After alluding to the seizure of the public
property by the rebels, and the traitorous
conduct Of Twiggs, Secre airy Cameron just
ly praises the acts of Anderson and Slemmer.
He states that while under the call of he
President for the Militia in April, the Gov
ernors OF Delaware, Virginia and Missouri,
peremptorily refused to send their quotas each
of these States have since furnished a regi-
ment, raished by patriotic citizens The
force now at the command of the government
is 10000 men, and after the discharge of
the three months volunteers there will be
force of 100000 officers and men. The in
crease in the regular a rmy consists of one
regiment of cavalry, one of artillery, and
nine of infantry. The artillery contains
twelve batteries of six pieces each. Mr.
Cameron recommends that the term of en-
hstment in the new regiments~shal be three
years, and that, at the close of the term. those
who shall be honorably discharged shall re-
ceive bounty OF one hundred dollars. In
making the selection of officers it was neces-
sary to make the appointments from the reg
ular service by seniority or by selection
The objection to the first method was. that
inefficient men might be promoted to place.
which ought to be filled by young and vigors
Gus officers. The objection TO the second
was, that favoritism might prejudice the claims
of worthy officers. 1t was therefore wisely
decided under the advice of the Geheral-in-
chief, TO appoint one-h4lf from the regular
army and one-half from civil life OF the
civilians appointed, as regimental domman-
ders all except one are either graduates of
Wesl Point or have served with hondr in the
field. Mr.. Cameron asks the sanction of
Congress for these preliminary steps in the
augmentation OF the regular forces, and states
that when at the close of the war a reduction
OF the present force is necessary, a sufficient
one should be retained to protect all the pub
lie property wherever found
Oi the volunteer system he speaks highly
a substitute for standing army, stating
that facts now prove it reliable and efficient
in an emergency. The ardor with which
{ men Of every rank and every nation have
come forward, and the voluntary contribu-
buttons both from individuals and Ststes are
alluded to. The calling out of large force
he deems in strict accordance with wise
economy, and regards vigorous measures as
a merciful policy.
The appropriation required, in addition TO
! that already made for the year ending June
/ 80, 1861, for the force now in the field, is
! S185,296, ,397. He recommends an appro-
.
ment of railroads and for the expense of
maintaining and operating them, and also
for the construction Of additional telegraph
/ lines and their appurtenances He urges the
/ Importance of enforcing the strictest dsci-
/ pline when active army operations are car
I ried on in the rebellous states. He recon-
mends the organization of military tribunal
/ to take cOgnlzance of criminal offences and
punish the guilty. The tribunal, however.
/ is not TO have jurisdiction if the functions OF
/ the federal courts are uninterrupted. In re-
! gard to the subsistence of the troors he urges
/ the Importance OF more fresh meat and vege-
! tables, and recommends, for the better protec-
| ton Of the men, waterproof capes and blan-
! kets. He notices the Sanitary Commission
/ and the organic ton of military hospitals
| The arms made ar our national manufacto-
Ties compare, he says, most favorablv with the
| best made by for eign governments, and he
| recommends the making of those arms we
may require, and which the national armo-
ries cannot supply, by private manufactures
| in place of foreign ones. As the rife can
non is so efficient, arrangements have been
made for rihing a large portion of the guns
now on hand. The presenting of the Whit
worth guns is noticed. Mr.. Camera On deems
necessary reorganization upon uniform
| basis, of the military of the country, and no
tees favorably the efficient manner In which
some of the New England regiments, now in
service, are equipped. He advises also the
further distribution of improved arms among
the militia. In alluding TO the disaffection
among the officers of the army, he traces its
causes to defects in the system OF education
in the academy at West Point, and earnestly
trusts that Congress will examine thoroughly
the system of education and discipline in that
nstistuion, and provide without delay rem.
edy for whatever defects it may find. AS the
exlgencles of the public service have greatly
| increased the labor of The War Department,
| he asks for a law authorizing the appoint
ment OF an Assistant Secretary Of War.