The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-26

Under the pretence of economy meddle-
some politicians desire to further reduce the
army. Not that there is any real intention OF
saving the people from taxation. But there
exists class of men in all free countries who
seek to obtain little cheap notorety by 'cut-
ting down the army" If any doubt existed as
to the motives which underlie the present
attack on the army it would be set at rest by
reading the proposed bill The aim is not to
correct any abuses that may have crept into
the army administration, not to lessen the
number OF parasites that cling to arsenals and
the civil posts, where the friends of Congress
men find pleasant sinecures but it is levelled
at the efficiency, at the very life of that gal
LIANT army which is ever ready to defend the
interests Of the country against the enemies of
internal order as well as against the savage
enemy which lines our extensive frontiers
Recent events have called attention to the
inadequacy Of the present small army to
properly cover the immense territory ex-
posed to the raids of the Indian tribes
and were the force that holds them
in check to be perceptibly weakened
the savages would unquestionably become un-
manageable. When we glance at the cost of
the Modoc war and consider the many millions
which were spent to subdue even small band
of desperate warriors we are encouraged to pro-
test against any pretended system Of economy
which might deprive the frontiers Of protec-
ton and expose us to the expense and annoy
ance Of Indian wars. The attempt to effect a
~f <Ja fafx 49,
Western settlers is unworthy Of any one hav-
ing any claims to intelligent craftsmanship.
The proposition to send q number Of
these gentlemen away with one years pay as
compensation for having devoted the most
valuable years of their life to the public SER
thorough want Of appreciation of the relations
which exist between an army officer and the
public. In the present state of warfare it is
absolutely necessary that army officers should
be highly educated, not alone in all the
subjects with which well educated civilians
edge which has little value and no appica-
ton outside the ranks Of the army. In order
to induce gentlemen to follow these studies
and devote themselves to profession which
| is beset with inconvenience and dangers it
is necessary that full security shall be felt by
will faithfully perform its duty to the well de-
serving The officer devotes his life to the
| public service on the understanding that so
long as he fulfls his duties to the State he
shall continue to enjoy the rank he may &C
quire and just promotion. In exchange he de-
votes his talents and life to the service of his
country It is Of the greatest Importance to all
we'll regulated States that the soldiers to whom
the safety of the nation is intrusted in the
hour Of trial and danger should be men of the
| highest attainments and the strictest honor.
Wherever high civilization exists the officer
is treated with the greatest consideration, and
the mere wearing Of a shoulder knot is social
guarantee which unlocks all doors. But in
States where insecurity exists in the military
profession and the army is made the play
thing of politicians disorder and insecurity
threaten not alone the public well being, but
even the national life. Mexico and Spain fur
nish examples Of States deprived Of national
armies, and the value of a self-con@ined and
thoroughly reliable force has very lately been
shown in the Arkansas conflict. But if there
we're no other reason than the insuficiency OF
the present military force to protect the border
from the incursions of savages and marauders,
we should be opposed to any reduction of the
army. There is no need for such measure
The proposed reduction would scarcely be per-
ceptible on the budget, and might cause the
loss Of more millions in one year than could
be saved in twenty.