The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1883-11-22
ARMY AND NAVY.
Reports of the Army Quartsrmas-
ter and Commissary
Generals.
Some Points from the Reports OF
Heads of Naval Bureaus.
THE ARMY.
FEEDING THE BOYS IN BLUE.

FEEDING THE BOYS In BLUE.
The report of the Commissary General OF
the army for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1888, shows that the total resources for that
year were 80. 92I, 200, and the total expendi-
lures SO 220, 1908, leaving balance OF S1O6, 9Ol.
The additional per cent. on cost Is still
charged on all sales TO officers and enlisted
men Except sales OF tobacco to the latter, In
accordance with the decision of the Secretary
of War. The clause requiring the extra
charge was omitted from the Appropriation
bill for the year ending June 30, 1884.
During the year rs newspaper advertise
ments and 81 circulars for proposals were re-
ported and 2,2l7 contracts made. The aver
age contract price per pound Tor fresh beer
for the year 1883 was 10.11 cents per pound,
and for 1884 1901 cents.
The losses in the transportation OF subsist-
ence stores, for which no one was found
responsible, during the year amounted 10
6l3,35O. The total losses by storms, nre,
accidents and thefts were S2,222. The sub
sistence stores condemned during the year
involve net loss of Sl4,66l. Attention IL
invite d to the necessity of providing good
cooks and bakers for the army.
TRANSPORTATION, ETC.
The report of the Quartermaster General of
the Army shows that the total resources were
SIS, 05l $3.50, the expenditures Sl3,15G,517. The
construction of ninety new buildings, such as
barracks, quarters, stables, storehouses,
guardhouses, etc, have been authorized at
an estimated cost of SHIFTS. Repairs TO ex-
listing buildings have been authorized at an
estimated cost of Si25,599. An appropriation
of Sl25, 200 is urged to replace the building
used as arecruiting-depot and training-school
for recruits at David's Island, n. Y. The ex-
penses for transportation amounted 10 81
149.05l.
The expenses of military transportation
not paid out of the regular Appropriation
comprised that provided over bonded Pacific
rail- Dads, Ss45,1i4 which is credited on the
debts of these railroads, and that provided
over land grant railroads, TO which 80 per
cent. of tariff rates is paid under act of Con-
gress of June 30, 1882, making special APP
preparation of Sl25, 600 for that purpose. The
unsettled accounts of the Union Pacific, Kan
sas Pacific, Central Pacific, and Sioux City
and Pacific roads amount TO Sl,50S, 165. The
earnings of these railroads on account of
military transportation from their first open
ing TO June 30, 1888, amount TO Sl3,25i, 100.
Special attention is called 10 the
debts Of the Southern railroad companies to
tie United States for purchase of railway
material i'm 1865 and 1865. The report says
that of fifty railroads so indebted the ac-
counts of forty-siX have been closed and
settled. The four railroads still in debt TO
the United States have made no cash pay
ments for several years, and the indications
factory condition of affairs will continue in
definitely until Congress shall interpose. Ii
Is recommended that the Quartermaster
Generals Office be relieved of this entire
business.
ORDNANCE.
The report of the Chief Of Ordnance shows
that 1921 arms were manufactured at the
National armory during the year. Contracts
have been made for converting fifty ten-inch
Rodmans into eight-inch rifles and making
four large breadh-loadng rifles. 1t has been
found that steel hoops for banded guns man
ufactured in this country are fully equal in
quality TO the best hoops of European manu-
facturc. IL is recommended that the CONVEX
son of ten-inch smooth-bores into eight-inch
rifles be continued that over 800 fttcen-inch
smooth-bores be improved so the heaviest
charges may be used, and that Congress en-
courage the formation of volunteer Organza-
tons in every State, district and city by
making liberal appropriations for arming the
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