The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1886-12-09
ARMY AND NAVY.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT,

The report OF the secretary Of war gives q de-
tailed account of the administration of his de-
partnent, and contains suudry recommended
tions for the improvement OF the service which
l fully approve. The army consisted, 1t the
date Of tho last consolidated return. OF 2,lO3
officers and "a, GAG enlisted men. The expenses
Of the department for the last fiscal year were
$50 $50 9O3 %. including So, 294, 3O5.43 for
public works and river and harbor improve
ments. especially direct the attention OF the
required to submit to an examination as a pre-
!1m1nary to their promotion. see no OBJ
lection but many advantages in adopting
this feature. which has operated go bcnef-
CALL! In our navy department., as we'll
as in some branches of the army.
The subject OF coast defenses aud Notifications
on Notifications, whose report was submitted at
the last session OF congress, but no constructed
work of the kind recommended by the board has
been possible during the past year from the lack
OF appropriations for such purpose. The defense
less condition of our sea coast and lake frontier
is perfectly palpable. The examination made
named In the report of the board, should be
fortified, and that work on the most Important
OF these fortifications should be commenced at
once: The work has been thoroughly considered
and laid out the secretary OF war reports but
All is de,aved in default of congressional action
The absolute necessity. judged by all standards
of prudence and foresight, OF preparation for
an effectual resistance against the armOred ships
and steel guns and mortars OF modern con-
structlon, which may threaten the cities on our
coasts, Il so apparent that hope effective steps
will be taken i'll that direction immediately The
valuable and suggestive treatment of the ques-
ton oy the secretary of war is earnestly COM
mendeo TO the consideration of the congress.
THE APACHE WAR;
In September and October last the hostile
Apaches. who, under the leadership Of Geron-
imo, had for eighteen months been on the war
path. and during that time had committed many
murders and been the cause Of constant terrors
70 the settlers of Arizona, surrendered to Gen.
Gen. Crook in the management and direction Of
their pursuit. Under the terms Of their sur
render, as then reported, and In view of the un-
derstanding which these murderous savages en-
tertain Of the assurances gived them. it wa< con.
s1dered best to tmprison them In such manner
as to prevent their ever engaging in such out
RACES again. instead OF trying them for murder
Fort Pickens having been selected as safe place
of confinement, all the adult males were sent
thfthcr and Will be closely guarded IS prisoners.
though still remaining upon the reservation.
were regarded az unsafe and suspected Of fur.
n1shlng aid to those on the warpath. had been
children OF the hostiles were also taken there.
and arrangements have been made for putting
the children OF proper age in Indian schools.
TEE NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT
The report Of the secretary of the navy con-
tatns detailed report Of the condition Of bis de-
past'mseot. with such statement of the action
the earnest attention OF congress- The present
navy Of the United States. aside from the ships
IN course OF construction. consists Of: First.
fourteen sinRle-turreted monitors none of which
are in commission. nor at the present time
servtceable. The batteries of these ships are
abso!ete. and they can only be relied upon Ms
auxiliary ships in harbor defense, and then af.er
SUCH an expenditure upon them Is might not be
deemed justifable. Second. FIVE fourth-rate
vessels OF small tonnage. only one Of which was
cruising ships, three of which ara built OF iron
q small tonnage. and twenty-1Dur Of wood. Of
chief constructor of the navy, only three win he
ser!tceable beyond . period Of six years. NJ
which time 1t may b said that Of the present