The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-07

mendAOn OF the secretary OF war LnaC the act OF the
Sd OF March, 1859, prohibiting promotions and APP
pointments on the stan corps OF the army, be re-
pealed The extent OF the country to be garrlsoned
tho same with reduced army as with large one.
The number OF star officers required is more depend
ent upon the latter than the former condition.
THE NAVY.
The report OF the Secretary OF the Navy, accom-
panyng this, shows the condition Of the navy when
this administration came into 0ice and the changes
made since. Strenuous efforts have been made to
place many vessels IN commission or render them
tute the sail for steam while cruising. thus mate.
rally reducing the expenses OF the navy and adding
greatly to its efficiency. Looking to our future I
towards this branch OF the pubic service.
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
clear ana comprehensive exhibit OF the operations
OF the postal service and OF the financial condition
ss sndns the SS Of s
amounted TO $40, and the expenditures to
e23 49, showing an excess OF expenditures over
receipts VI $6.353,62O. The excess OF expenditures
over receipts for the previous year amounted to
se,4s7,se2. The increase Of revenues for 1859 over
pendrures was So67, 5ss. Tne increased revenue
In 1869 exceeded the increasru revenue IN iooy W
e9ee, 1886. and the Increased expenditure In 1859
was 81, $40 less than the increased expenditure
ture OF improvementthat while tho increase OF ex-
penditure over the increase OF receipts In 1858 was
OF expenditures In 1909 was $10s4,37l Your atten-
ton Is respectfully called TO the recommendations
made by the Postmaster 0eu0Ia IOE butuOEly W
change the rate OF compensation to the main
trunk railroad lines for their services In carrying
the mails, for having post route maps executed,
for reorganizing and increasing tho efficiency Of
the special agency service Tor tho increase OF she
mai service on the Pacific and for establishing
mall service under the naG Of the Union on the
Atlantic; and most especially do call your atten-
ton to his Recommendation Tor the total
abolition of the ranking privilege. This
Il an abuse from which no one receives common
surate advantage. 1t reduces the receipts for the
postal service from twenty-five to thirty per cent
and largely increases the service to be performed
The method py which postage should DO paid upon
public matter Is set forsh full Ia the report VI tho
Postmaster General
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
The reLort OF tue Secretary OF the Interior shows
that the quantity OF public lands disposed OF curing
the year ending the 30th Of June, 1862 1866 1914
acres exceeding that OF the preceding year by
IOl040g acres OF this amount 260q, o44 acres were
sold for cash and 2,737,36S entered under the
homestead laws. The remainder was granted to
AID in the construction OF works OF inter-
nal Improvement approved to the States as
swamp lands and locateQ With warrant and scrip
The cash receipts from all sources were $Asl26o6,
exceeding those OF the preceding ycss 81 -Aal4o
During tho last scsl year 2S 100 names were added
TO the pension rolls 4,S76 dropped thereIrom leav
ing At its close lS7663. the amount paid TO pen.
sioners including the compensation Of discussing
agens. was $2s, A2Ass4sn increase Of S4,llloO2 on