The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1870-12-22
(ARMY REpoRr-coNcLUDED }


islation of Congress will result in benefits
to commerce which will amply justify an
appropriation adequate to its accomplih
ment.
The act relative to expenses incurred
by the Territory of Montana for suppress
sion of Indian hostilities has been carried
out by having complete examination
of papers, vouchers, and evidence made
by az officer of the army, who visited
Montana for that purpose. A report will
be submitted 90 Congress thereon during
the ensuing session. and small appro
priaticn asked to defray the expense I'M
avoidably incurred in the examination.
The act setting apart portion of Fort
Smelling military reservation fora perms.
nent military post, and the settlement of
all claims in relation thereto, has been
carried out by having the location and
the facts concerning the claims referred
to examined by board of officers, who
made report recommending a settle.
ment, which settlement was concurred III
by myself and accepted by the claimants.
The annual report of the General of
the Army, with accompanying reports of
the commanders of military divisions and
departments, is submitted herewith, and
attention is invited to his various recon-
mendations.
Since my last report no changes have
been made in commanders of the military
divisions excepting in that of the Pacific
caused by the death of Major General
George H. Thomas, which occurred in
May last. In his decease the army has
sustained a severe loss He was a soldier
Of solid attachments, of honorable action
of few words, but of many heroic deeds
His life is part of the history OF the
army. The military division of the Pa
cifr is now commanded by Major Gener
al John NJ Scho6eld.
The operations Vi the army during the
year have been chiefly confined to the as
sistance of the civil authorities in carry
ing out the laws, and in the suppression
OF Indian depredations l would again
ask consideration to the matter of incur
sious nf Indians from the south side of
the Rio Grande, which seems to consti-
tute systematic business, only to be bro
ken up by cooperation on the part OF
the Mexican authorities. Pursuit by our
troC ps stops at the border, while our cit
liens can pass into Mexico and wines
the sale of theil animals recently stolen
A system of general regulation for the
administration Of the affairs of the army,
As prescribed by Section 90 of the act Of
July IS, 1870. is being prepared. and will
be presented to congress at its coming
season 1t is a work which requires
much labor and studious care but it is
hoped that it may be submitted in time
tor full consideration by Congress.
THE WASHINGTON BUREAU
The slow, tedious, and cumbersome sys-
tenn of clerical administration in the W.
rious bureaus Of the department retarded
business to such all extent that, for the
purpose OF devising some plan which
would expedite its transactions, b ard
was organized composed of two officers
OF the etaf corps ana civilian clerk,
For an examination of the subject. They
gave the matter thorough and exhaustive
attention, which resulted in the report of
plan which has been approved and
which Will go into operation on January
l, 1871. 1t is confidently believed that
tn, result will be satisfactory, fastening
forward the work OF the different bureaus,
doing away with the necessity for incre&s
cd clerical force, and giving satisfaction
to that large humber of persons who have
business vii h the department. which will
be fastened to conclusion by q change
which is radical, and which the interests
of all connected with this branch Of the
public service has so long demanded. In
connection with this subject. it is here
stated that during the month of Septem-
Der many changes were made In reduc
tions and removals in the clerical fore
which have resulted in increased eff
cheney.
The different bureaus of the War De
partmenJ. now scattered III many local.
ties In Washington, at distance from
each other, should be concentrated in
one building. At the last session of Con
gress measures looking to this end were
presented and discussed, but failed Of
enactment. Records # incalculable val
Ne to the government, exposed 10 fire in
buildings easily destroyed, ARE III constant
danger,and cannoi be stored away on &C
count of the necessity for their daily use
i'll the current business of the department
The loss of the records of any of these
bureaus from this cause would be a great
calamity, and their preservation thus far
may be considered providential By this
distance which separates these buildings
from each other great delay is caused to
public business, and great Inconvenience
to those interests which require prompt
attention. The present system of hiring
separate offices is an expensive one, as
yearly rental of over $4,000 is paid for
those used, that are known as the War De.
partment, or Northwest Executive Build
ing, accommodating but one bureau Of the
partment besides the immediate offices
of the Secretary and the General of the
Army. Name of the bureaus are located