The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-12-09
The War Department Report.

Secretary Schofield, in his annual report,
says the strength of the army on September
20 was 4S,0Sl, which by January will be
reduced by expiration of term of service
alone to about $4,000. No recruiting is in
operation except for the cavalry service.
All volunteer officers, except one, have
been mustered out of eervice. At the sug-
gestion of General Sherman authority was
given on October 9th for the muster in Of
one regiment of volunteer cavalry from
Kansas, whose service is not expected to
exceed six months, for service against the
Indians. 1t may, the Secretary says, be
reasonably expected that considerable re-
.luction of the army may be made within
the next year. He recommends such re-
duction be authorized by law to be made
gradually by ordinary casualties, by dis
charge of incompetent officers, and by
consolidation of regiments. The Secre
tary also recommends that the four
regiments Of veteran reserves be
disbanded, officers unfit for service
to be retired, and others to be transferred to
active regiments. The term of enlistment
ought to be increased to five years. The
disbursements of the Pay Department during
the last fiscal year amount to $50, 100000.
The disbursements for reconstruction have
been $4,000, 600. Bounty claims to the ex-
tent of $25 100000 have been paid. 1t is
estimated that S65, ,6S2 ,3SS.S5 will be re
quired for the War Department for the next
fiscal year. The estimated deficiencies for
the current year are, however, Sl3,975, 900.
IN speaking of the Indian war, Secretary
Schofeld says it is proved beyond dispute
that it was begun by the Indians without
any provocation whatever. Its object is
supposed to be the Abandonment Of the
Smoky Hill route, which are the best hunt
ing grounds in America and the Secre-
tary endorses General Sherman's remedy
to secure peace namely, coercion. The
rest of the War report is an unimportant
review of the military districts, which has
been anticipated by the publication Of the
district commanders.
In regard TO Virginia, Secretary schofeld
makes only the following remarks, which
seem to be q resume of General Stoneman'r
report to him:
First Military District.-This district
consists of the State of Virginia, aud is
commanded by Brevet Major-G
George Stoneman, who succeeded Breve
Major General J. M. Schofeld on the lst OF
June. The military force of the district is
composed of two regiments Of infantry and
one company Of artillery, which force has
been found sufficient to protect the citizens
in their lives and property and preserve the
peace in the district. In pursuance of the
policy pursued in the district ever since its
formation, the State courts and civil au-
thorities generally throughout the State
have been permitted to exercise the func
tons appertaining to their respective
Offices, subject, however, to appeal to the
military authorities by any person who
might conceive that injustice had been done
him By their action. .@..
The Constitutional Convention called un-
der the reconstruction acts Of Congress,
which was in session at the date of~the last
annual report, framed q constitution to be
submitted to the people, but in consequence
of Congress having failed to make the ne
cessary appropriation for defraying the
expenses of an election, it was not 80 sub
mitted, the district commander referring
the matter of the appropriation, as well as
designating day for the election, to Con-
gress, which has as yet failed to designate
the day, although the necessary appropria-
ton was made at it's last session. The deli
cate and perplexing questions growing out
of the removal Of civil officers, and appoint
ment of others in their places qualified for
their positions and eligible under the re-
construction acts, are pointed out, and the
repeal of the ninth section Of the act of
Congress passed July 10, 1867, recon-
mended.