The Grange advance., 1874-12-08
the WAR DEPARTMENT.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 3.--The Secretary
of War states that his report will show
that the actual expenditure Of
the war department for the year
ending June 30th, 1873, including river
and harbor improvements, were $780,
1926, ,308.2l, and that the same for the
last fiscal year, ending June 3Oth, 1874,
were $4H,326, ,3l4.7l; showing reduc-
tion cA. 1905, ,993.50.
The report will also contain the fol.
lowing recommendations:
Monthly additions to be allowed to
the pay off officers acting as Assistant
Quartermasters.
Renewal Of recommendations for the
purchase of sites of the posts in Texas
in accordance with report previously
made to Congress.
The syste::::: of mileage and payment
of officers and employees travelling on
duty to be restored, in lieu of actual
expenses, as now allowed under the
law of last year.
That private soldiers be permitted to
compete for the position of commissary
sergeants, as we'll as non-commissioned
officers.
The exemption of subsistence stores
from the operation of laws requiring
the proceeds of sale Of public property
to be covered into the treasury as mis-
cellaneous, at the expiration of each
fiscal year, the law to be SO changed
that appropriations for subsistence
stores can be made available prior to
the commencement Of the fiscal year
for which they are appropriated.
That provision be made for the pub
ication Of 5000 additional copies Of the
medical and surgical history of the
war.
Attention is called to a recommen-
dation of the Chief of Engineers that an
additional appropriation for ammuni-
tion for target firing.
Much laager appropriations than
have heretofore been made should be
made annually for the manufacture Of
arms.
An increased appropriation is desired
for arming and eQuipping militia.
Steps should be taken to relieve the
various States from Indebtedness for
arms charged to them during the rebel
lion.
The sales of various arsenals,
such as those of Allegheny,
Columbus, Detroit. Pikesville,
Watertown and Washington, are re-
commended. The Springfield armory,
Frankfort arsenal and q few others
are recommended to be retained.
The proceeds of those sold are to be
applied to the erection of one grand
arsenal for manufacturing purposes, to
be established near New York. The
proceeds of sales Of those named would
be amply sufficient for that purpose and
there as no necessity for their retention.
A powder depot and experimental
grounds for testing heavy ordinance is
estimated for.
The revised statutes enacted into
law at the last session Of Congress in
cluded much obsolete legislation, which
has been inconsidcrately included. At.
tention is called thereto.
Desertion to be considered solely
cegnizable by courts Of criminal juris-
diction. Offenders to be arrested by
marshals and deputies, like other
criminals, but jurisdiction to be con-
current with that Of military courts.
Jurisdiction is recommended to be
conferred on military tribunals over
military persons charged with murder
land other felonies.
Reduction of the army is discouraged
st present. A reduction Of the number
If men, without reduction Of officers
and posts is not economical.
A larger appropriation for publica-
tion of the official records of the war Of
the rebellion, both Of the union and
confederate armies, is desirable. This
should become Immediately available.
The President to be authorized to
drop fiem the rolls o. officers of the
army those who intentionally and Grim.
inally duplicate their pay accounts
in other words present accounts for
some months more than once and OBJ.
tain payment thereon.
- The provisions of the act of May,
1874, as to extension of time during
leave of absence in which full pay can
oe drawn, to apply to all officers sta
TONED in the department Of Texas.
Calling attention 10 the names Of
those officers who have been sent in for
orevet appointment. for service in the
ield in action with the Indians. Con-
irmation Of those brevet appointments
recommended.
The pay of sergeants to be increas:
"a. .v-',l; g.
An appropriation for permanent
military prison recommended.
Payment of soldiers by checks dis
outraged and attention asked to the
generals application for ap-
continent of additional paymasters.
Approbations for wallis and lodges