New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-11-22

left by a sudden failure of appropriations some years
since In all stages OF iucomrietion aud are now BENG
rapidly destroy ell BY tue clements.
THE roRPEDo SERVICE.
The engineer school OF application at Wnetts Pom
NewYork has been engaged in the theory and practic'
OF system OF oraedoes. which is not inferior II Is be
ievcd to that OF any nation. BY recent order the
utility OF this school will be increased by the detail u
begin in January next of euenants of artillery Tor In
requires that our torpedo system should DC
fostered and generously appropriated for
Not only the t0rpedoes but the electrlcaI
apparatus must provided and in store in our forts
and The sub,crranean galleries must nc nu heioie the
approach OF war; The favorable attention of Congress
is called the wants of torpedo system and the I'M
portance Of increasing the baia on OF eng GERS to 2
legal organization successive reductions OF the
Army hav.n dwaried the number 10 200 men.
The works OF river and harbor Improvements were
carried on during the fiscal year with satsfsciorv pro
gress Tie amount available therefor July l. 1879. was
Sl0.772.176; the amount expended TO June 30. 1880
SO17i22l leaving an available balance of 81 597 955
TO he expended during the present fiscal when
1or act OF June 4. 1850, amounting 10 S. 95i 800
The act OF June Ia 1850. makes provision cor 3i3
works OF Improvement Ia sums vary1ng from $500 TO
S300OOO and for SURVEYS and examinations with a
view 10 Improvement OF LA localities.
mates had been previously approved was at once pro-
c.eded VITA II is expected tnat reports OF The resu,
OF ire examinations and surveys provided for In the
above act viii be received Ia time for tue transmission
to Congress III the early part OF the ensuing session
Referring 10 the report OF the Che OF OrdDauce Secre
tay Ramsey that Congress at It's last pro-
vded Tor tue manufacture of fouI mrrOved brcecho
pccted to be completed aud delivered sixteen mouths
and Che about two years acr pas OF the
preparation act In The manufacture of these guns the
plant very costly and manufacturers do not feel jus.
uded in running the risk OF making prep ration OF
king plant for the increased size Of modern ordnance
unless they be assured to tnc certainty OF animal
appropriations for their anufac ure and the Chief OF
Orduancs strongly that Congress be recommended
10 increase the appropriation OF last year ana ipake u
permanent one. The simple statement Of the time re-
CURED to complete these snond, II conceived,
Impress upon Congress Inc absolute necessity for max
ing provision tor expediting work Of ths character
He cas Tor guns for the OF cavary, and
the constant Improvement by inventors in these
induces the Recommendation that appropriation he
ade Tor tie purpose OF further study and actual tal
EST IN the field OF the best magazine systems. re-
serve supply OF small arms during each year
may be prepared Tor emergencies and an
appropriation of 100000 is thought to I've reason
able one.
RFFERENCEs TO WEST POINT.
Referring TO the recommendation of the Board of
Visitors 10 the Military Academy at West Point, that
present STANDARD of admission be materially raised
Secretary Ramsey says " 1t is suggested that the
adoption of This view In practice would TO re-
strct the benefits Academy to youths who hsv.
enjoyed the privileges OF instruction as grauiOusy
provided IN the and larger towns and those hose
parents an ahord 10 specially prepare thtn' ana lli
an extension OF the present term l" nYe years the ~
year to be devot 10 thorough elemental instruction,
You will with me In tho OPINION that IN this great
national school open to the soDs OF every cuzen OF the
be afforded VIII enable the humbest-those whom
cduca ionic pariake of It's benefits"
Ia relation 20 the Whitaker case ne says:
have reiraIued from commenting upon the unfor-
innate agitation winch flowed from alleged assault
upon q colorcd c.Get al the Academy IN April last Tor
the reason ha IN some OF IT'S legal aspects 1t still
under cOusldera
Secretary Ramsey concludes his report as follows:
The varied character of the questions constantly
ar sing the administration of this ID parmcni, tue
large number O. employees engaged III It's aDOrs, and
the de-irauiity Of having officer with The
retary could take counsel aud whom could he conded
power his place when should be absent
the seat O Government, impei me 10 recommend that
provision he made Dv law for the appointment OF au
Assistant Secretary Of War