Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-12-13
IRASBURGH, VERMONT FRIDAY DECEMBER 13 1861.

beyond the resources of loyal people,
and to believe that the same patriotism
that has thus far sustained the govern
ment will continue to sustain it till peace
and Union shall again bless the land.
THE ARMY.
l respectfully refer to the report
of the Secretary of War for infor-
nation respecting the numerical strength
of the army, and for recommendations
having in view an increase of its efiicen-
cy and the well-being of the various
branches of the service entrusted to his
care. 1t is gratifying to know that The
patriotism of the people has proved equal
to the occasion, and that the number of
troops rendered greatly exceeds the force
which Congress authorized me to call in
to the field | refer with pleasure to
those portions of his report which make
illusions to the creditabie degree of dis
cipline already attained by our troops,
and to the excellent sanitary condition of
the entire army. The recommendation
of the secretary for an organization of
the militia upon uniform basis, is sub
ject of vital Importance to the future safe
ty of the country. and is commended to
the serious attention of Congress. The
large addition to the regular army in
connection with the detection that has so
considerably diminished the number of
its officers, gives peculiar Importance to
his recommendation for increasing the
corps of cadets to the greatest capacity of
the Military Academy.
CHAPLAINs FOR HOSPITALS.
BY mere omission, l presume, Con-
gress has failed to provide Chapains for
the hospitals occupied by the volunteers.
This subject was brought to my notice,
and was induced to draw up the form of
letter, one copy of which properly ad-
dressed has been delivered to each of the |
persons, and at the dates respectively |
named and stated in a schedule contain
ing also the form of the letter marked a,
and herewith transmitted. These gen
tlemen, l understand, entered upon the
duties designated at the times respective
ly stated in the schedule, and have la
bored faithfully therein ever since. l
therefore recommend that they be COM
pensated at the same rates as chaplains
ia the army. l further suggest that
general provision be made for chaplains
to serve at hospitals as we'll as with reg
iments.
THE NAVY.
The report of the Secretary of the
Navy presents in detail the operations of
that branch of the service, the activity
and energy which have characterized its
and the results of the
measures TO increase its efficiency and
power. Such have been the additions
by construction and purchase, that ii
may almost be said that a navy has been
created and brought into service since
our difficulties commenced. Besides :
blockading our extensive coast, squad +
rons, larger than ever before assembled ;
under our flag have been put afioat, and ;
performed deeds which have increased +;
our naval renown. | would invite spe- |
cial attention to the recommendation of ,
he secretary for more perfect organi- q
zation of the navy by introducing ad- {
ltional grades in the service. The pre- r
sent organization is defective and unsat- ,
sfactory, and the suggestions submitted
BY the department will, it is believed, if q
adopted, obviate the difficulties alluded to,
harmony and increase the eff
iciency of the navy.
THE SUPREME COURT. +
There are three vacancies on the f
)ench of the Supreme Court-two by
he decease of Justices Daniel aud Nc
Lean, and one by the resignation of JUS
ice Campbell. / have so far forbore
making nominations to fill the vacancies, @
or reasons which will now state; Two 5
If the outgoing Judges resided within r
he states now overrun by revolt, so that {
successors were appointed in the same Il
ocalities, they could not now serve upon
heir circuits, and many of the most COM o
'etent men there, probably, would not 81
axe the personal hazard of accepting to ii
erve, even here, upon the Supreme a
Bench. / have been unwilling to throw ci
Il the appointments northward, thus dis el
bling myself from doing justice to the ci
'outh on the return of peace, although I is
lay remark that to transfer to the North cl
ne which has heretofore been in the as
outh would not, with reference to ter in
tory and population, be unjust. b'
During the long and brilliant career nc
4 q