Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-12-01

OF the Corps OF Cadets has been prepared, and
" II very shortly 60 into execution.
\ be increase Of the Military Academy band,
the only one now provided for by law, which l.
very small ami the pay Of which is wholly in
sufficient 70 attract to or retain in the service
competent musicians, when they can secure
much larger salaries IN the principal cities OF
tue Union, IL again urgently recon me nded 20
the attention OF Congress. This subject WAS
alluded TO in my last annual report, and a bill
was introduced to increase the number and
compensation OF the musicians which, IL i un-
derstoOd, passed one horse of Congress, but
was not taken up in the other. Its reintroduc-
ton and passage il earnestly recommended
During the last 81 ssion OF Congress the Com
mittee on Expenditures OF the War Department
made an exhaustive report OF the workings of
this portion Of the executive branch Of the Co
vernmeut, and prepared q bill for a fun and
complete reorganization Of the clerical force Of
the War Department
/ would earnestly represent that this Depart
ment has been peculiarly unfortunate as re-
CARDS the rates of compensation paid Its en-
ployes. It is hoped, therefore, that the report
of the Committee on Expenditures OF the War
Department, above referred TO, may receive
careful consideration az the hands Of Congress,
and that action be taken upon the recommends
tons OF the committee As 70 the required organ
tZation OF the clerical force.
When from illness or other cause the Secre-
tary of War IL obliged to be temporarily absent,
there is no person in the Department authorized
by law to sign the money acquisitions upon the
Treasury and other papers necessary for its cur
rent business. In almost all the other Depart
ments Of the Government one or more assistant
secretary Is provided by law, who is authorizes
toperfoTm such duties In the absence Of the head
OF the Department. There is no ass slant secre-
tary for the War Department; and In order that
inconvenience 70 individuals as well as to the
Government may not arise from delay cagssd
by such absence, recommend the passage OF
law which will permit the Secretary Of War 90
authorize the chief clert In case of Illness or
other temporary absence Of the head of the De
partmeDt, to sign acquisitions and other papers
deemed necessary for immediate Signature.
l again refer to the fact that by Joint resoiu-
ton OF Congress the Secretary of War WAS re-
quired 10 appoint a competent person 20 ar
range and prepare for publication the official
documents relating to the rebellion and the on
erations OF the army during the war, and 20 sub
nit plan of said publication and estimates OF
the cost thereof TO Congress at its then next
session. a person was appointed TO assume this
work, who was to receive q compensation of
$3.50 per annum. Although the appointment
was made at that time, no acceptance was filed.
and no action was taken toward the arrange
ment and publication of the records.
AS the appointment, under previous legisla-
ton, cannot now be made, for the reason tn at
the act prescribed that payments should cease
ID two years after its passage, this legislation
should be revived, and the Secretary of War
authorized to make the appointment This is
great national work, of much historical value
and constant daily observation and experience
renders IL evident that early steps shOuld be
taken TO collect and prepare these vast and i'm
portant materials for publication.
WIN. w. BRLKNAP, Secretary of War.