National Republican., 1883-11-13
GEN. sAcKEr rs REPORT.
The Condition OF the Army According TO
tho Inspector Gcneral--ISecomn,cn ndn-
tiOna Made.

The Condition OF the Army According 10
the Inspector Gcneral--Recom omnic ndn-
tions Made.
Con. ID. b. SaclSett, inspector general Of the
army, III his annual report to tho secretary of
war; states that tho inspections of the ac-
counts of all officers of the army who have
disburscd public money show that the public
funds for army purposes have generally been
dsbursed properly. Tho business of the SOW
oral supply departments has been excellontly
administered, tho supplies being ample aud
of good quality. Tho health of tho troops
has been generally good. A steady improve
mcnt is shown in the discipline and military
learning of tho troops and in target practice.
Military instruction continues to be inter
forod with by the employment Of troops at
fatigue and mechanical labor.
The post schools have not been success
generally; few enlisted men attend but the
attendance of children has been fair. Early
in the year many of the schools were closed
for want of money for compensation of
teachers The public buildings are in as
good condition as circumstances will allow.
New buildings are needed, and others in use
are reported unfit for occupation. Tho con-
centration of the troops into larger commands
ut less number of posts will result in econ
omy to and efficiency in the service. The
primo cause OF SO InuCn ueSerblOu III our army
Is tho employment of so many soldiers as Ia
borers and mechanics, in addition to the mil
itary service required of them.
1t Is suggested rs q remedy for desertion
that there should be q provision of law by
which the recruit should be retained at n
depot and carefully instructed in all the
duties of soldier before no joins his COM
mand. for which purpose authority should
exist to enlist about 1000 men in excess of
the legalized active strength of the army {;
that there should be larger commands and
better quarters, with more facilities for social
recrcations and amusements; that the pay of
| privates, corporals, sergeants, and first SER
geants of the line should be increased to SIS.
$50, $25 and $50 respectively; that the prac-
tice of employing soldiers at constant
labor discontinue, and the troops both officers
and men, be restricted to the duties which
moro properly pertain to their profession.
The army should hold that high position Of
honor, trust, and efficiency that it will COM
| mand the respect and support OF the people.
A republic should have intelligent, educated,
and patriotic soldiers. 1t must keep abreast
with tho progress of the age The smaller
the army the moro necessity for increasing
its efficiency. Our country of 50O00,000 of
people. with their vast interests cannot af-
| ford to dispense with an efficient military
organization, If the people would have that
protection of life and property that they ex-
pect and may rightfully claim from the
| government.
The inspector general invites attention to
tho necessity of increasing the number OF
officers in the inspectors department and
recommends that the matter be properly pre-
sented to congress. A strong appeal is made
for the adoption Of some permanent arrange
ment for clerical aid to the inspecting officers,
and it is recommended that some steps be
taken to place the inspector generals depart
ment on an equal footing in this respect with
other staff departments.