The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-14

VINO, wnen ne optained pswer, took an early op-
poeon l. appointed for each division OF the French
army an Olficer whose duty II was to go around
once a month and hear complaints OF soldiers. Il
charges were made against officers they were heard
III secret. In due time their truth or fasity was
established; Y true, the officer was punished II
the present day and works admirably. But when
Napoleon made that regulation he was republi-
can ea ana commanded republican troop. Strange,
Inousn, that through all the changes or govern
ment since Napoleon no Minister OF War or Com
mander.ln-C Chief saw ut to abrogate the system OF
Ius s,i 10 the ENLISTED man naugurated by the
THE PRESENT CADETS EXCELLENT.
.,nt am toid-and nave no doubt whatever OF the
doubt it-that cadets passing into the army in
these days are better instructed than those of for
properly trained as officers and gentlemen, honor.
able and above repr0ach.
not nner or more capable men in any service, are
not to blame for the antagonism that exists be-
tween them and the rank and file
THE FAULT LIES IN THE SYSTEM,
We have no army The organization we call our
army Is only kept in existence by great exertion.
The assertions are so great that the recruiting par
ties are scarcely able to fill up the gaps in the
ranks. Common soldiers, no matter how uncom-
mon their abilities, need not look for promotion.
The only light in the future that inspires the en-
listed man, not confirmed drunkard or a fugitive
vice expires. There are no training schools for
soldiers, libraries for the improvement of their
minds and gymnasiumS for physical exercises,
such as have long been established in "elIcte"
insufficient and the clothing too costly and unat-
tractive. a~s,s<Se,
THE ARMY DIsoRGANIzED.
!. In short the army is in worse condition to-day
than 1t was before 1t fell to pieces In 1851 when the
majority OF its officers deserted their coors. In
similar CONFUSION now the officers might remain !;
but who would answer for the men And If the
rank and file OF the army are not satisfied (see the
AdJutant Generals report Of desertOns) and the
system is rotten, as 1t Is said to be, Messieurs
Board OF Visitors, the matter should be inquired
into and the proper remedies applied, even before
the yearly supply Of West Point officers is doubled
I have touched upon these points because I
think the effectiveness OF the army as whole Is
OF FAR more Importance to the people than the
fortunes OF its lew officers whose corps the young
know that the arrangement of the skeleton report
OF the Board OF visitors, as 1t now stands, will
ignore everything but the advantages OF educating
officers for the army in larger numbers than here
support of an army 1t should have
AN EFFECTIvE ARMY.
1t VIII be said in reply to this that the present
army IS effective and does its work. Ultimately
work allotted to 1t, but 1t is hurtful to our
pride and positively dangerous that the
interests or O1icerS and men under eur flag
should not, at least, be as much allied as the in
tries that they Will have equal cause for rejoicing
in victory, and be ready with regrets In defeat.
The organization OF the army may De all right; the
seemingly unnecessary slaughter OF citizens in
ployment OF heavy artillery In chasing M0dOcs
over precipices the correct arrangement and the
suggestion of forcing the marines to go on scout
against blanket savages eminently judicious; but
the Academy from charging the scope Of their
report.