The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1872-12-21

From March LIST, 1870, to March
ISL, 1911. Observation-Disclosures. III, 6l9 $50. 25
From March LIST. 1871, to March
1st, 1872. . "a. 1886 34s. "a
From March Let, 1872, to No
vember LIST, 1872, s months, Ga, 047, 237. "a
Total ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1868 COG, 500 81
With the great reduction of taxation by the
acts OF Congress at its last session, the ex-
pendlture OF the government in collecting the
revenue will be much reduced for the next fis-
cal year. 1t is very doubtful, however
whether any further reduction of so
vexatious burden upon any people
will be practicable for the present.
At all events, as measure of justice to the
holders OF the nations certificates of indebt-
edness, l would recommend that no more
leglsla ion be had upon this subject, unless it
be to correct errors of omission or commission
In the present laws, until sufficient time has
elapsed To prove that 1t can be done and still
leave sufficient revenue to meet the current
expenses + the Government, pay the interest
on the public debt, and provide for the sinking
fund established by law. The preservation of
our national credit is of great Importance.
Next III importance TO this comes solemn
duty to provide national currency of fixed
unvarylnS value as compared with gold and
as soon as practical, having due regard for the
interests of the debtor class and the vicssi-
tudes OF trade and commerce, and convertible
into gold at par
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Secretary of War shows
the expenditures of the War Department, for
the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1871, to be
S35, 1893, 991.82 and for the fiscal year ending
June Both, 1872, to be $35, 372, 1920, showing
a reduction IN favor OF the last fiscal year OF
$427, S34.62. Estimates for military appropria
tons for the next fiscal year ending June 80,
1878, are $50, 8n1 ,37S79. The estimates of the
chief of ongireers are submitted separately,
for Notifications and river and harbor improve
ments, and for public buildings and grounds,
and the Washington acqueduct. The afflirs OF
the freedmen bureau, have all been trans
ferred to the War Department., and regula-
tons have been put into execution for the
speedy payment of bounty pay, DC. due
10 colored soldiers properly coming
under that bureau. All war accounts for
money and property prior to 1871 have been
examined and transmitted to the Treasury for
final settlement. During the fiscal year there
has been paid for transportation on railroads
$3.50, 900, (which $50, S57 was over the Pacific
railroads. For transportation by water, So
263, 752, and by stage. 81, 1877 ,5S4, and for the
purchase OF transportation animals, wagons,
hire of teamsters, &c, $40, 465, 064. About
$4,000 have been collected from Southern
railroads during the year, leaving about 81 =
600 600 still due.
The QuartCrmaSter has examined and trans
mtted to the accounting Office for settleme Mt
$50. III. 292 Of claims by loyal citizens for
Quartermaster's stores, taken during the war.
Stbsistng supplies to the amount of SO 904,
S2 have been issued to Indians. The annual
average mean strength Of the army was 24.21O
white and 2,44 Colored soldiers. The total
Deaths for the year reported we're 367 white
and 81 colored The distribution Of the medi-
ca and surgical history of the War is yet to be
oriered by Congress.
There exists an absolute necessity for a
medical corfs of the full number established
by the act Of Congress of July 2Sth, S66,
there being now fifty-nine vacancies, and the
number Of successful candidates rarely eX-
ceads eight or ten in one year.
RIVER AND Hal Dor IMPROVEMENTS.
The river ana harbor improvements have
been carried on with energy and economy.
Though many are only partially completed
the results have saved to commerce many
times the amount expended. The increase OF
commerce with greater depth of channels,
greater security in navigation and the saving
of time adds much to the wealth of the coun-
try, and increases the resources of the govern
ment.
The bridge across the Mississippi River at
Rock Island has been completed, and the
proper site has been determi Cd upon for the
bridge at La Crosse.
commission appointed to investigate the Sutrc
Tunnel has been transmitted to Congress.
THE SIGNAL OFFICE.
The observations and reports Of the Sigma
Office have been continued. Stations have
been maintained at each OF the principal lake
seaport and river cities. Ten additional sta
tions have been established in the United
States, and arrangements made for exchange
Of +, ports with Canada and similar exchange
o. II Ell wit tl,a
Intlir to.aTft:n.
REFORM IN THE MILITARY SERVICE.
The favorable attention of Congress is in.
yited to the following recommendations of the
Secretary Of War: dscOntinuance of the APP
pomtment CT extra LeutenaDts to serve as
adiuta Is and quartcrmasterS: the adoption OF
a code providing specific penalties for well de-
fined offanses; 50 that the inequality OF SEN
fences adjudGed by Court Martials be adjust
ed; the consolidation of accounts under which
expenditures are made, as measure of econo-
my a reaNpTopnatlon Of the money for the
construction of a depot at San Antonio the
title to the site being now perfected special
act placing the cemetery at the city of Mexico
on the same basis as other national Gene
tories ant lollly to purchase sites for military
posts III Texas the appointment OF commits
sary sergeants rom n0n-cOmmlsslOncd officers
as a measure for securing the better care and
protection OF supplies appropriation for
of the army me1ical museum a re-appropria-
ton of the amount for the manufacturing OF
breech-loading arms should the selection BE- sc
delayed by the board of officers as to leave the
former appropriations unexpended at
the close of tina fiscal year; the
sale of such arsenals east of the Missssip-
pi as can be spared, and the proceeds applied
to the establishment of one large arsenal OF
construction and repair upon the Atlantic
coast, and the purchase of suitable site for
proving and experimental ground for heavy
ordnance; the abrogation OF laws which
deprive inventors in the United States
service from deriving any benefit from
their invention the repeal of the law
prohibiting promotions in staff corps; con-
hnuance of work on the coast defenses the
repeal Of the seventh section the act OF July
18th, 1865, taking from engineer soldiers the
per diem granted to other troops a limitation
of time for the presentation of subsistence
supplies under the act OF July 4th, 1851 and
a modification in the mode of the selection OF
cadets for the military academy, in order to
enhance the usefulness OF the acade-
my which Is impaired by reason
Of the large amount OF time necessarily eX-
pended III giving new cadets thorough
knowledge of the more elementary branches
of learning which, they should acquire before
entering the academy also an appropriation
for philosophical apparatus and an increase IN
the number and the pay OF the military acad'
envy band.
CHEAP TRANSPORTATION.
The attention of Congress will be called du-
RUG lis present session to various enterprises
for the more certain and cheaper trausporta-
ton of the constantly increasing surplus OF
western and southern products to the Atlantic
seaboard. The subject is one that will force
itself upon the Legislative branch Of the gov
crnmeno sooner or later, and L suggest, there
fore. that lm.asllate stems De taken to gam all
available information, to insure equitable and
just legislation.
WATER CONNECTION.