The National tribune., 1885-12-10


which at any time may, through disgust or
despair, threaten the Generalization of q regi-
ment otherwise possessed of material able and
willing to sustain its reputation"
In speaking of the troops it is said that, hav-
ing made rapid progress in target practice,
skirmish firing has been introduced. and figures
of men so arranged as to represent hostile
line of skirmishers have been substituted for
the target Gratifying results are anticipated
when the system is fully inaugurated.
Desertions in the army during the past year
have greatly diminished, but it is difficult to
adjudge an adequate punishment where man
has deserted several times In a case occurring
recently the recruit had previously deserted
six times. The matter ought to be brought to
the attention of Congress, in order that proper
punishment may be provided
OF the Military Academy at West Point, it
is stated that S315. $3.50 was appropriated for
this institution for the fiscal year 1885, and
Sept. 1, 1885, 3l3 Cadets, and the tone and dis
ciplne of the corps leaves little or nothing to
be desired. The total number of officers for
duty at the post including eight Professors and
two Surgeons, is 5S. The class which graduates
in June next numbers 7S, and in case vacan-
cies in the army are not sufficient to pro-
vide for all the graduates, it is recommended
that legislation be taken authorizing the re-
tention Of those electing to serve as additional
Second LieutenantS.
AN EFFICIENT OFFICER.
Gen. Charles NJ. Shelley, Fourth Auditor of
the Treasury, is one of the officers of the new
Administration making brilliant record,
though the fact would not have been made
public had not the information upon which it
is based been obtained from other than strictly
official sources; the only distinction the
General has been at all desirous of obtaining is
that the work of his office should be observed
and appreciated by the Secretary of the Treas
ury.
In his annual report. recently made to the
Secretary of tho Treasury, the Auditor says:
There arc indications that the loss to the Govern
ment through the misappiicatlon OF pubic prop
erty equals that resulting from the improper dis
bursement of money. To correct this, so far the
Navy Department is concerned, the law should
provide for system of naval property account
ability similar to that now provided for the Quar-
termasters and Commissary Departments of the
Army. The adjustment of the accounts should
be imposed upon the accounting officers of the
Treasury on the same considerations of independ-
ence and uniformity which gave them the super
vision of the money accounts Of the Navy Depart
find in the expenditures under the appropria-
ton for the expenses of the Board of Visitors to
the Naval Academy that apparently unnecessary
expenses are incurred / respectfully recommend
that the allowance be fixed as in the case of the
act approved June III. 1873 (Stas. at Large VOL 20.
page ll0l viz, mileage at eight cents per mile and
ice at the Academy: thus securing uniformity of
compensation.
The last recommendation is most excellent
one, as the editor is aware from personal
knowledge that the large sum of 50, 800 annu-
ally appropriated by Congress to pay the ex-
penses of the Board of Visitors" composed of
not more than six persons, who are engaged
for less than that number Of days, if not spent
IN aiotous lring by the Board" IS expended an q
suficeacy of articles-LIoUIDs AND soLIDs-tO
give the entire academy "a big spree"
Gen. Shelley, who is a citizen of Selma, Ala,
was born in Sullivan County, Tenn, Dec. %,
1888; removed to Alabama with his father in
1886; was brought up to the trade of an archi-
tect and builder, and has since followed that
business; he entered the Confederate service
in February, 1861, as Lieutenant, and was sta
toned at Fort Morgan, and was afterward at
tached to the 5th Ala; after further service he
was commissioned Brigadier General, and
served under Gems Joseph E. Johnston aud
Hood; after the war he returned to his occupa-
tion and has since been q leader in great and
good works for the advancement Of the interests
of his adopted State. He was & Member Of the
45th and doth Congresses, and received a certih-
cate of reelection to the 47th Congress He
was unseated July 90, 1882, and the seat having
been declared vacant he was rechosen to it as a
Democrat Nov. z, 1882.
Those who have business with his Office are
shown every courtesy, and it is the Generals
intention that all citizens, or sailors, from the
Jack o the dust" to the Admiral, who have
money due them to be obtained through his
office shall reap the benefit thereof with as little
delay and trouble as possible.
As we have before said, we shall always and
at all times be ready to commend the officers
of the present Administration who conduct
their offices in the interest of the general pub
lie, but more especially those who were soldiers
themselves and are alive to the interests of
the soldiers and sailors of the late war;"
Gen. Shelley is ably assisted in his efforts by
his new Chiefs of Division, Mr.. James NJ
Wright and Mr. Erwin, who were both Confed-
crate soldiers. Mr.. Erwin was badly wounded
and wears crutch.
CALLERS AT THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE OFFICE.
Jas. w. JONES' Sth ILL.,, Kent Iowa; A. B.
Frisbie, Co. K, 14th Wis, Cresco Iowa.