The Portland daily press., 1879-12-01
though very valuable In themselves, have been rem
dered useless for military PURPOSES by the advance

though very valuable In themselves have been rem
dered useless for military purposes by the advance
of civilization and settlement.
Ne mites with quartermaster general in recon-
mending that appropri tion be made for the con-
strucion of cheap and perfectly fire-proof build
ing for safe storage of vast amount of money ac-
counts vouchers claims and other valuable records
now in quartermaster generals office, and exposed
to great risk of total destruction by ire He also
recommends in conformity with views of Judge Ad-
vocate General decaratory legislation III ret-
erence to military statute OF limitations as apphed
to the crime of desertion. In these several recon-
mendations concur. The Secretary of War fur
Their reports that the work for improvement OF the
south pass of the Mississippi River under contract
with Mr.. james b. Eads, made in pursuance OF an
act of Congress been prosecuted during the past
year with greater measure of success in attain
ment of results than during any previous year
The channel through the South pass which at the
beginning of operations in June, 1875, had depth
of only seven and one-haf feet OF water had on the
9Th of July 1879, minimum depth Of twenty-six
feet, and central depth of thirty feet. Payments
have been made in accordance with the statute as
the work progressed. amounting in the aggregate to
to S4, 250,0 900, and further payments will become
due as provided by the statute i'll event OF success i'll
maintaining the channel now secured.
The reports of the General of the Army and his
subordinates present full and detailed account of
the military operations for the suppression HOSTILE
ties among the Indians of the lutte and Apache
tribes and praise is justly awarded to the officers
and troops engaged for promptness, skill and cour-
age displayed.
peace and quiet on the Mexican frontier, and there
is to believe that the efforts of this govern
ment and of Mexico to maintain order in that re-
gion will prove permanently successful. This de,
partnent enabled during the past year to ma
temporary though crowded accommodations and a
safe depository for portion of its records IN tne
completed east wing of the building designed for
the State, War and Navy Departments; Inc CON
struction of the north wing OF the building, tne
mart of the structure intended for the of the war
department. is being carried forward with all posi-
Die despatch, and the work should receive from
Congress such liberal appropriations as Will secreu
its speedy completion.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.
The report of the Secretary OF the Navy shows
continued improvement in that branch OF the ser
vice during the last fiscal year. Extensive repairs
have been made upon vessels, and two new shlps
completed and ready for sea- The total eXpendl-
lures of the wear ended June 3Oth, including spe-
cific appropriations not estimated for by depart
ment were S13, 555. 71O.09 expenses chargeabie
to year, after deducting amount for these specinc
appropriations were Sl3, 34o, ~: But TINS
is subject to reduction of S2SS, 90 that amount
having been drawn upon warrants but not paid out
during the year. Amount of appropriations apple
able to last fiscal year WAS Sl453S, GAO -:
There was, therefore, a balance OF Sl,4L9,oe4:SI
remaining unexpended and to the credit OF the
year ending june 80, 1881, are s14S64, l47.o5,
fiscal year BY 1851 ,s57 The reason for this lis
preparations available for the present fiscal year are
S14, SOP, 25O.67 which will in the opinion of the
Amount drawn from the treasury from July lst to
y When ds52 gas have beer
period S4-674, 363.79. II the expenditures
of the remaining two-thirds of the year do not ex-
coed the proportion for these four months, there
viii remain unexpended at the end of the year
SAT-, 5000 of current appropriations.
Report OF the secretary shows the gratifying fact
that among all dsbursng officers of the pay corps OF
the navy there is not who is defaulter to the
extent Of single dollar. unite with him recon-
mending the removal of the observatory to a more
heaIthful location. That institution reflects credit
upon the nation and has obtained the appreciation
of scientific in all parts of the world. Its re-
moyal from its present location would not only be
conducive to the health of its officers and professors
but would greatly increase its usefulness.
1.-THE above is all of the message received up to
the time Of going to press.]