The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1873-03-07
EXPENSES OF THE WAR.

From preliminary report TO Gov
ernor Grover, upon the expenses in
CURED by the Oregon Mounted Militia
in the Mo9oc war, submitted by Ma
jor Quincy A. Brooks. Assistant
Quartermaster General Oregon Mill
tia we gather the following informa-
ton:
The total expense viii not exceed
$4,000. The total number of days
service performed by officers and pri-
Yates is set down at 1910. This
gives about s7.37 as the cost per man
and horse for each days service rem
dered. The cost OF the Indian war
of 1866, was at the rate of s11.21
for each days military service per
formed; and the previous Indian wars
in Oregon of 1853 and 81 were main
tanned at about similar expense
Besides, all the troops in the war of
1866 were not mounted, a consider
able portion being infantry. The
cost OF the Modoc war is therefore at
least 81 per cent. less than that OF
any previous Indian war in Oregon
Had the late war been conducted up
on the expensesbasis of the previous
wars. it would have cost the State at
least ss5,l9 THIS, therefore, shows
a saving, over the management of pre-
vions Indian wars, of at least S29, 100.
1t should be remembered also that the
operations of the Militia were in the
winter season. during all of which
time the road from this place over the
Cascade mountains TO the seat of war.
was exccedingl, bad, and that it was
at times actually impossible for teams
carrying half loads. Had the service
occurred during the summer months
at least IS per cent. would have been
saved in the items OF transportation
and forage.
Two dollars per day is allowed 10
each private for the time he was in
the service. and two dollars per day
for the services of the animals on
which the troops were mounted
These allowances are, however. mere
ly recommendatory, and are subject
TO snch modification by the Legisia-
ture as may be deemed just. We
think, however, that in view of the
inclemency of the season during
which the troops were in service, and
the exposure and privations which
they endured. that these allowances
should be increased rather than d.
minished.
The allowances for pay of officers
are in strict conformity to the provis-
ions of the Act of Congress Of July
Is. 1870, prescribing the present pay
of the Regular Army.
No animals of any kind were pur-
chased, but the services of such as
were indispensably necessary were
hired at reasonable rates. All ami
mails, however, on entering the SER
vice, have been appraised by board
of appraisers, and to the owners OF
such animals as were killed or lost in
the service, scrip is issued in the
amount of the appraisement.
The report contains price list OF
articles purchased. These prices cor.
respond in many instances to the cash
rates OF the country, whilst in others
the prices allowed are probably Is
per cent. above those rates. The re-
port also pays a handsome compli-
ment to our friend, Major Owen, for
his promptness and activity as Quar-
termaster to the 1st Brigade. It also
contains much other interesting infor-
nation, which our limited space will
not permit us at present to publish.
Undoubtedly the war expenses have
been managed with care, economy
sand ability. We consider the above
showing an exceedingly favorable one,
rejecting credit upon all concerned,
and believe it will be so regarded by
the people of the State. Let the
next Legislature take prompt steps to
liquidate the expenses of the Modoc
war. II is not probable that the State
will be able to meet the total indebt-
edness at once by an appropriation
from the State Treasury. 1t might
not be good policy to do SO, even il
the required amount of cash was on
hand. We suggest that it would be
better that bonds be issued in pay
| ment of the debt. Then let the claim
of this State for indemnity be prompt
ly laid before Congress.-.Jackso'a-
Uille Times.