Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-12-06

WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT ETC.
The annual report OF the Secretary of Wars
that the appropriations for the War department
for 1887 are S46 OF $685., and the estimates for
the next fiscal year amount to $4S, 26S S5S1. The
principal increase for salaries and contingent eX-
penses over the present year for furnishing the
west and center wings OF the State War and Navy
department building, 100000 In the army esti-
mates that for pay, &C., OF the army is increased
$500, OOO The estimates for public works include
for armament OF Notifications, 81 Gas 600; improv
ing harbors and rivers 0,175,s $40, and 10000
for building for the Signal Office.
INDIAN AFFAIRS
The Secretary states that the constant presence
of troops Is necessary to preserve peace in the
Indian Territory and to prevent the seizure OF
land. 1t is earnestly hoped that speedy action
will be taken by Congress In the matter.
He refers at length to the Apache campaign,
and states In relation to the attack on Capt
CrawfOrd'S command on January 18th by MeXi-
leans, that the MeXicans deny all the statements
made by our officers, and say that they were the
attacked and not the attacking party, The MeXi-
can government demands indemnity for depreda-
lions alleged to have been committed by Craw-
fOrdS command. The negotiations are now pend
ing between the Department OF State and the
Mexican government In reference to the killing OF
Capt Crawford, and the return OF the horses and
mules loaned to the Mexican troops or payment Of
their value.
IN RELATION TO THE SURRENDER OF GERONIMO
to Gen. Miles, the Secretary states that from the
first information, the surrender was supposed to
be unconditional but later, Gen. Miles telegraphed
that the Indians surrendered with the understand
ing that they would be sent out OF the country,
and that he had ordered them TO be taken to Fort
Marion in direct opposition to the Presidents
orders. These terms and conditions were such that
Geronimo and those OF his band who had committed
murders and acts OF violence in Arizona and New
Mexico, could not properly be handed over to the
civil authorities for punishment, as was intended
by the President, and they were Sent to Fort
Pickens, Fla.
VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS.
The Secretary recommends that the retired list
be increased and that all officers permanently in
capactated for active service be included upon it.
He recommends that the army be increased by
5000 men, and two companies be added to each OF
the infantry regiments; also that general law
Of army officers ' for promotion similar to those
which govern promotions in the navy. Attention
is called to the condition OF the law with regard
to civilian witnesses before courts martial and 1t
is recommended that statute be enacted whereby
an attachment against such witness for contempt
would issue upon application to United States
court. 1t is also suggested that a statute be en-
acted applying the cOmmOn-law rule TO deSerterS,
authorizing their arrest by private citizens or po-
legislative authority be granted for enlistment
OF one cook for each troop, battery and company,
and each general depot OF recruits, and OF baker
for each garr1Soned post.
IN RELATION TO sEACoAsT DEFENsEs
the Secretary says that immediate action should
be taken to prevent the disastrous and humiiating
results that might follow a declaration OF war
with the most Insignificant of foreign powers pos
seSSfng guns and ships OF modern construction,
and recommends that New York. San Francisco,
Boston and Washington be fortified at once.
wAsHINGTON's WATER SUPPLY AND THE RIVER IN
PRovEMENT.
In regard to the increase of the water supply of
Washington, the report states that the sum pro-
vided in the general deficiency appropriation for
continuing the work on the tunnel Is 1895. OOO
The ultimate cost OF completion, however, will
probably exceed this amount I'm consequence of
the suspension OF the work six months. IL Is be-
lieved that the amount appropriated in the gen.
era deficiency act, viz, $160 O0O will be SUFFICIENT
to complete the reservoir in all its essential fea-
lures.
In relation to the Potomac river improvement,
the Secretary expresses the opinion that large ap-
prOpriatiOnS should be made In the early stages
OF the work. The sum OF 500 600 could be profit
ably expended during the 1lscal year ending June
3Oth, 1883.
THE FERGUSON HOUSE FOR THE SIGNAL SERVICE.
1t is recommended that an appropriation OF
Sos 600 be made for the purchase OF the building
on the corner OF oath and NJ streets northwest,
owned by Mr. Ferguson, for an offce for the signal
service, and also that an appropriation OF $4,000
be made Tor the erection OF StOrehouSeS on the
grounds attached, to accommodate the accumu-
nual appropriation OF %. coo be made to keep the
roads In Soldiers Home grounds in condition;
that the roles and record books OF the War de
partment be printed and attention is called to
the necessity FOR an Assistant Secretary OF War.