The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1874-12-10
The Secretary OF War.
WASHINGTON. Dec

WASHINGTON Dec. 3.
The Secretary of War states that the actual
expenditures of the War De partment for the
year ending June 80, 1913, including river
and harbor improvements, were SIC 1925, ,30S.-
81, and the same for the last fiscal year, end
ing June 80, 1874, were 81, ,:S26, ,:}l4 II, show
ing a reduction of 81 9lS, 1880 The report
will also contain the following recommenda-
tions:
Monthly additions to be allowed to the pay
of officers acting as Assistant Quartermas-
tiers; renewal of recommendations for the
purchase of sites of posts i'll Texas, in
accordance with the report previously
made to Congress; system of mile
age, and the payment of officers and
employees travelling on duty to be restored, in
lieu OF the actual expenses, as now allowed
under the law of last year; that private sol
dicrs he permitted to compete for the posi-
tion Of CommiSsary Sergeant as well as nom
commissioned officers; the exemption of sub
sistence stores from the operation of the law
requiring the proceeds Of sales of public prop
erty to be covered into the Treasury as mis-
cellaucOus at the expiration of each fiscal
year; the law To be so changed that appropria-
tiOns for subsistence stores can be made avail
able prior To the commencement of the fiscal
year for which they are appropriated; that
provision be made for the publication of 900
additional copies of the Medical and Surgical
History of the War. Attention is called to
the recommendation of the Chief of Engi-
neerS for an additional appropriation for am
munIilon Tor targethrlug, which is recon-
mendcd. Much larger appropriations than
have heretofore been made should be made
annually for the manufacture of arms. An
increased appropriation is desired for arming
and cquipping the militia. Steps should be
taken 10 relieve the various States from the in
dcbtcdneSS for arms charged TO them during
the rebellion. Sales of various arsenals, such
a. those 1t Allegheny Columbus. Detroit,
PIkesyiile, Watertown and Washington, are
recommended. The Springfield Armorv, the
Frankfort Arsenal and a few others are
recommended to be retained. The proceeds
OF those sold should he applied to the erection
OF one grand arsenal for manufacturing pur-
poses, to be established near New York The
proceeds OF the sales of those named would
be amply sufficient for that purpose and there
is no necessity for their retention.
powder depot and experimental grounds,
for rtesting heavy ordnance, are estimated for.
The revised statutes which were enacted
into law at the last session of Congress in
cluded much absolute legislation, which has
been inconsiderately included, and attention
is called thereto. De>ertion should be con
sdered felony, cognizs ole by courts of Grim
inal Jurisdiction; the offenders should be ar
rested by Narshals and deputies like other
criminals, but the jurisdiction should be con
cdrrcnt with that Of the military courts. Ju-
ri>diction Is recommended 10 be conferred on
military persons charged with murder and
other felones.
The reduction of the army Is discouraged
al present \ reduction of the number of
men without a reduction Of officers and posts
i not economical
\ larger appropriation for the publication
OF official records of the war of the rebellion,
both Of the Union and Confederate armies, is
desirable. This should become Immediately
available The President should be author
lied to drop from the rolls of the officers of
the army those who Intentionally and Grim
lnally duplicate their -accounts-in other
words, present accounts for the same month
more than once and obtain payment thereon
The provisions of the act Of May, 1874. as TO
the extension of time during leave of absence
IN which fun pay can be drawn should apply
! to all officers stationed in the Department OF