The New York herald., 1876-03-14
How Our Sons of Mars Are Housed
in Times of Peace.
THEIR DUTIES As LEADERS IN THE GERMAN
Comparative Inconvenience of the Resi-
dences in Forts and Garrsons.
The Cost Of Indulgence In Elegant Tastes and
Expensive Habits.
FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT.

WASHINGTON. March 13. 1870
The HERALD was the first 10 call attention some
weeks ago TO the and needless exravagances
OF the War Department regard the rent Of extrav
agant and costly buildings in all Of large cities as
quarters and Offices Tor tho many officers of the army
hudded together here and throughout the land
II also pointed out how saving OF about 81, 0oo 700
could annually be made by requesting these military
gentlemen 10 vacaie such expensive lodgings and ro-
move themselves and their Offices some of the
many half occupied lorts which available or could
be rendered So, at points convenient Tor the efficient
discharge OF all necessary duties, to build winch the
government has expended many millions Of dollars.
II was predic,ed ut the tlmo this suggestion in
favor OF economy was made that Il would encounter
determined opposition from almost every officer OF the
army who stationed expects 10 be stationed in the
large and fashionable cities IL Is not claimed that in
transferring the various department aud division
headquarters from the cities the military posts tho
officers affected by tho order will be required
tear themselves away from some of tho enticna al-
iuroments OF lilo ofluxury and fashionable ideness
II Is true Colonel a. might DO deprived of the
pleasure leading The german at Mrs. Soand SOS
Major - might not be able to lend his martial
presence often usual at the charming theatre par
ties given by his friend Mrs. Bonanza There a
dozen ways IN which these OF Mars might be made
to feel that he was without an object unless 10 DO
spent amid the dangers and privaons OF existence
in some large city But that question Is not to bo
considered Docs the country feel willing and able
these times OF studied economy, 10 MAINTAIN
expensive establishments from which little cor
responding benefit is derived? Keeping hundreds OF
the most expensive officers quartercd cities at
extra expense while at the time Uncle Sam Is
taxed millions annually to build and keep in repair
forts which the present diminished strength OF the
army only half 1led, is very much upon the plan
adopted by some OF our wealthicst citizens who whie
keeping up elaborate and costly establishment in
the city also afford spend hundreds OF thousands
upon from half dozen country places the only
difference being that the private citizen who proposes
to indulge in such extrava gances at his individual
pense occupy his several places IN succession
during portion OF the year. While Uncle Sam main
tans both establishments, city and conntry, the lat
ter however is merely for appearance, II would secm,
as would do TO bansh these delightful partners
OF the waltz from New York, ST. Louis and Chicago
and other centres of fashion and require them risk
their lives with horrd soldiers In the iors even
II Unco Sam by doing could clear million OF
dollars annually.
No sooner did tho HERALD suggest this in favor
OF economy the House Military Committee, well
as tho public than the opposition TO the proposed
change which had been iorctod manifested itself
First the Quartermaster General, the who is
be Quarternaser General provided that General Mcgs
can be coaxcd, driven scared TO resign, retire
compromise foreign mission, drawing full pay In
the meanwhile, ala Dan Sickes prepared and to
General Banning Chairman Of the Military Commit
in the House, statement which purports 10 show
just how much money Uncle sam pays out annually
for rent Of buildings throughout the United States for
the use OF the army. Tho following is the statement
as given TO tho public:-
STATEMENT RENTS PAID.
The Quarternastcr General has transmitted a state
ment TO General Banning. Chairman OF tho House
Committee Military Affairs, showing the amounts
of rents paid per annum by the Quartermastors De-
uarlnent OF tho army TOR buildings occupied in the
regular service Tho following Is an abstract Of the
statement.-
DEPARTMENT