The New York herald., 1879-10-25


and connecting intermediate life saving stations.
distance of about sixty-two miles. This connec-
ton has proved successful experiment. and in
cases OF emergency has been very seryiceable
Telegraph lines in Arizona. New Mexico. and upon
the Texan frontier to be used for the protection or
the populations from Indian aud other
are nearly completed. Lines the Northwest
being pushed rapidly forward. A total length Of
4f6I miles OF telegraph lines. including 5i3 miles
the sci coast We're in operation and maintained in
the care of officers and enlisted men of the Signal
Corps. on June 80, 1879.
The Chief Signal Officer recommends that there
be just provision by legislation for the permanent
employment and grades of tho officers OF the corps.
The increase of the enlisted force of the corps s
recommended as a measure of economy.
In concluding his report General Myer says:-
"rhe cooperation OF scientific men. at home and
abroad. has been continued. A worldwide study
has become possible. The popular confidence and
the support of the press have been steady and con.
siderate. There is the assurance of success in
achieving public good to encourage labor"
THE QUARrERMAsrER GENERALS ANNUAL RE-
PoRT-ExpENDIrUREs DURING THE YEAR
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE.
The annual report OF Quartermaster General Meigs
shows that the total expenditures of his department
during the last fiscal year $40. 900. The de-
partnlent mOveu during tHe year oJ,lU PERSONS
4.92i beasts and 120440 tons Of supplies from the
settlements to the military posts, many Of them in
the lar interior and at the end of long lines of
muncation. The cost of this transportation was
SO 215 968 The Pacific railroads earned for govern.
ment transportation S722.0o0.
General Meigs reports that the embarrassment
and expenditure caused by the legislation against
land grant railroads still continue. and he again
recommends tho repeal of this special legislation
as to leave these questions and claims be settled
on the principles of law aud equity decided to bs
applicable by the United States Supreme Court"
The Southern railroad companies who purchased
material from the Quartermasters Department under
the executive orders of October 1865. still owed ths
United States the LIST of July last the sum Of
Sl.s92677. OF this sum the Nashville and North
western Railroad which is insolvent. about
5000 O00 which ount it Is not supposed will
be paid.
The Quartermaster General calls attention to the
inequality Of recent legislation the subject Of
officers horses and the hardshps imposed OFF,
GERS in some districts by abolishing the Of
fuel Officers east of the Mississippi suffer from
the first. those in the far western wilderness from
the second. He reports that. although the law
which required the transfer Of military headquar-
ters to military posts has been conditionally
pealed the attempt to execute it has involved the
War Department in expenditures which aggregate
Ss01 900.
Congress. by the law of March 8, 1879 required
the manufacture Of army supplies. when economi-
cal. to be established at the Fort Leavenworth
Prison. The boots and shoes and chairs for the
army being made there by convict labor.
Measures have been instituted for the manufacture
of harness there and the question of transferring to
the prison the manufacture of wagons. ambulances
and other vehicles is under consideration.
The report also contains recommendation for tho
enlistment of post qaartermasters' sergeants; for
allowance Of $40 per month extra pay to lieuten-
ants detailed acting assistant quartermasters las
compensation for the responsibility and risk Of loss
involved in the of money and supplies. and for
the construction Of freproof building in Washing.
for the storage Of valuable records relating
claims, &C., exposed to risk Of destruction In
various government offices.
THE DUTY ON STEEL BLOOMS.
The Treasury Department has decided to adhere to
the present ruling under which steel blooms ara
charged with duty at fortyve per cent as manufac.
lures of steel,