The Arizona sentinel., 1877-06-09
An Arizona viewI of the Army

the ermy, it indicated that we do not longer consider [ the regular army necessary. We are at peace with the world, and intend to remain so. The Revo- lution, the war of 1912, that with Mexico, and the Rebellion, have all shown that our citizens volun- teer readily to defend their cOun- try and the honor of their flag. The Indians all over the country are so thoroughly whipped that no general Indian war is again possible. Experience has shown, in the subjugation of the Apaches and of the Sioux, that hostile h. dians are most easily whipped by Indian allies; that for such desul- tory warfare these allies make the most effective troops. Settlement of the frontier demands that all the Indian tribes should be moved to the Indian Territory. There they can be kept in submission by the employment of Indian sol. diers to police their boundaries, to drive back fugitives, and 10 punish offenders. Discharge of this service and guarding the Mexican frontier would provide grateful employment fer lot of now idle, vagabond savages: the restraints of discipline and the sense of usefulness would go far towards civilizing them. Instead Of being a burden upon the pub. lie treasury, they would thus be put in a way of becoming self. supporting. The white men, now tn the army, would then do good service in our fields and shops; we have no better use for them. It is revolting to American repub- licanism that a band of foreign mercenaries (few Americans are regular seldiers) should be hired to influence elections, and be at the disposal of prominent politi. clans. In this there is danger. For guarding Indians, and for watching the Mexican boundary, let Indians be employed; the country owes them chance to make a living, and here it is. The science of war is like all others in that it's acquisition requires years of study and careful education. That we may have masters of it in time of war, it is necessary fo1 us to endure such schools as West Point in time of peace. But in- stead of being turned loose from there to put on airs and to perfect themselves in all the vices of the frontier army. the young cadets should be formed into companie. and compelled to do the service HOW required only of common soldiers. Doing guard duty keeping themselves clean ol scrubbing cannon at Alcatraz would train them, as it were, il the rudiments of their profession Being snubbed and kicked abou 8 little would take off the Wir, edge of their conceit, and bette fit them for controlling men Tripoii powder and pipecIa, should be made to keep their lit tie hands too busy for cards O dice boxes. The lads have if them the material of good mel and gallant officers, but thei present training is at fault. In stead of being a nursery for abl soldiers, West Point has beer suffered to become an asylum fo the young relatives of politicians friends and wives. The cadet have splendid opportunities fo education and the certainty of living-make them earn it. Whel a military career is made to in volve some physical labor, ant some of the actual hardships, b. which alone boys are made int men, we shall have a much high CT average of merit among off cers-good volunteer soldiers VI always have. To use a seafarin! phrase, our officers will have com,