Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-01
WASHINGTON.

Washington, 20. The annual report OF the
Secretary of War, shows that the estimates
for this Department for the year ending June,
1874, were 1913, 500 ,378, while the appropria-
ton was 322,9l7,97l. Experience shows the
estimates were necessary. lie says that a
larger list Of expenses are included in the
appropriation which should not be classed as
military, such as freedmen's hospital, signal
stations at light houses, &c. lie recommeds
the enlistment Of boys as fixed musicians
He suggests the passage of law to punish
minors who enlist and then claim discharges
under the baby act. The order prohibiting
any officers visiting Washington during the
sessions of Congress will continue to be
rigidly enforced. He compliments the ell
cheney of the troops in Texas. Further leg
islation is necessary to properly define the
scope of law relative TO the pay of officers
covering communication of forage, fuel, etc
All departments occupied by the army
Throughout the country have been thoroughly
inspected during the year, and the disburse
ments have been made without a defacaton.
Most of the quartermaster's accounts involy-
ing much time and labor in settlement since
the rebellion have been adjusted. This bust
ness is much simplifed. Of the fifty rail-
roads which at the close of the war purchas ed
materials of the War Department to the
amount of seven and one-half millions, thirty
roads have paid their debts in full, the other
twenty over four and one half millions. The
contract tor headstones for soldiers graves
aggregate S770.045. He recommends to-
bacco as part of the army rations and an
increase in number Of paymasters. The
most of coast and harbor defence have
been well advanced under the engineers corps
and much valuable information was collected
in Europe relative to the torpedo system OF
Haf.n tbn
ments and surveys have been continued, and
those on the lakes forwarded. The report OF
the board to examine the system of breech
loading arms, recommending Springfield
breech- leaders, has been adopted, and here
alter Springfield breech-loaGlng muskets and
carbines will be used in the army. He asks
appropriation of half million dollars for the
manufacture during the year of these arms
He recommends an increased appropriation
of a million and a half dollars for great guns
and sea coast defences. The heavy rlfled
guns ordered in 1872 will be finished this
winter.
The Secretary recommends the appropria-
ton of $4,000 for the trial of II inch cast
iron guns and their manufacture, and $780,
900 for powder depots distant from salt at
mosphere, He again recommends the sale
OF small arsenals and the erection of large
one on the Atlantic coast, and also recon-
mends the legislature TO protect the officers
of the ordnance bureau from prosecutions by
private parties claiming patents on breech-
leaders. Military, signal and telegraph con-
tinues to be instructed, and recruiting for
signal service has been successful. There
are ninety-two signal stations, seventy eight
in the United States, IL in Canada, 8 in the
West Indies, and others will soon be estab-
lished. Steps are being taken to perfect the
system with other nations. He refers to the
good discipline and studiousness Of the West
Point Cadets and recommends law author
zng the chief clerk of the War Department
to act as assistant secretary. He closes By
Recommending the revival of the law authoriz-
ing the appointment of a historian Of the re-
belion.
Washington, 20. The Attorney General
will appeal the Credit Mobiier suit from the
decision of the Circuit court to the Supreme
court Of the United States. The subject OF
the action of the Circuit court will form a
portion of the report of the Attorney Gen
eral, which will be ready on Monday.