The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-12-03
0URDEPARTMENTO OFWAR
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF SECRE-
TARY ENDICOIT.

sertions from the Army Stin Numer-
GUS Among Men in the Service Un-
der Two Years.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-Secretary Endi-
colt has made his report to the President of
the administration of the war department
during the fiscal year ended June 80 last.
The total expenditures were Sal. .t65, 107.
The appropriations for the current fiscal
year amount to S59,679, ,994, and the esti-
mates for the fiscal year ending June 80,
1890, aggregate s44, ,632, 507, as follows:
Salaries and contingent expenses, 81 ,95S, 500;
military establishment, support of the army
and military academy, $25, POS. .S72; public
works, including river and harbor improve
ments. S13, ,7S5, ,234; miscellaneous objects,
$3,575,0l0.
The estimates for river and harbor i'm
provements represent the probable cost of
such improvements, if approved by con-
gress
MOUNT vERNoN's INDIAN PRISONERS.
The secretary gives a brief review of the
troubles with the Chircahua Apache
Indians from the Mexican war to the pres
ent time, and discusses the various plans
suggested for their future treatment. The
Indians are now confined at Mount Vernon
barracks, Alabama, and many appeals
have been made for their release. In re-
gard to their disposition the secretary says:
Various plans have been suggested, the
most promising one by Gen. Armstrong,
to place them on a farm near Fort
Monroe, but there were serious objections
waged from many quarters, and 1t was
deemed impracticable Is is very deSira-
BILE to secure some place where the climate
ig snifahla nd oT,nNrtt1nitU " mi ba had n
instruct and employ them in agriculture.
Meantime, the work, if not Of reformation,
certainly of amelioration and softening of
cir savage qualities, is making progress,
and they are as contented and as happy as
they can be anywhere outside of Arizona,
for it is to be remarked that they cling to
that spot, and would resolutely resist and
would be very unhappy if moved to any
other permanent home.n
The secretary renews the recommenda-
tion contained in his last annual report in
regard to examinations for promotion and
says that the necessity for such examina-
tion grows more and more evident.
DEsEkTIoNs FROM THE ARMY.
Desertions from the army continue in
large numbers as In previous years, but
from Investigations recently made it ap-
pears that so per cent. of the desertions
occur before the expiration Of the second
year of service. In discussing the various
plans suggested to prevent desertions, the
secretary says: "It is worthy of consider
alton whether the officers in command of
troops at military posts or the captains of
companies should not be authorized
to impose punishment for minor
offences. But in granting such
authority it will be necessary
to specify the extent and character of the
punishment for each offense, otherwise
there would be no uniform rule, nor would
it be wise to repose so large discretion
upon a single officer.n
He reviews the report of the board of
visitors to the Military academy. and in
dorses their recommendations for new
buildings, for soldiers quarters, for new
academic building, new gymnasium, etc.
MILITIA OF THE STATES.
The secretary says that all the states and
territories now have an active militia suth-
cient under the regulations TO entitle them to
receive ordinance and quartermaster stores
from the United States, excepting the state
of Arkansas and the territories Of Arizona,
Idaho and Utah. 1t is hoped that very
soon practical instruction in sea coast de-
fences and the handling of heavy artillery
may be given TO the militia, and the officers
of the army may be relied upon to give
Jealous and cordial assistance.
''By generous supply of ammunition for
target practice to colleges where army off
GERS are serving as instructors" the secre-
tary says, ait is possible that competitive
contests in rifle shooting might. in time,
become as popular with some Of these in
land colleges as boat racing now is at the
universities of our sea board"
The secretary says he has directed that in
preparing plans for some Of the new mill
tary posts provided for by congress, pro-
vision should be made for messing the
troops by commands instead of by compa-
MES.
DEFENSELESS COASTS.
The attention of congress is again invited
to the defenseless condition Of the seacoast
and lake frontiers, and liberal and immedi-
ate action is recommended looking to the
effective defense Of our principal seaports,
The secretary SAYS: at would appear now
more important than ever that such action
should be taken at the second session of the
present congress in view Of the fact that
the last session gave appropriations for the
construction of heavy ordnance. Without
heavy platforms, strong armored protection
and other permanent emplacements, these
gun and mortars, when finished, will
be of comparatively little use.
The building of mortar guns and
batteries requires longer periods OF time
than the construction of armament 1t
would appear the part Of wisdom that the
preparation of these two important COM
ponents of well equipped defenses should
proceed simultaneously For the beginning
Of the construction of such defenses an ap-
preparation of 81, SAC, 900 is asked for. Two
hundred thousand dollars is asked for re-
pair and preservation Of existing works.
SUBMARINE WARFARE.
For the purchase Of torpedoes and sub
marine mines, and necessary appliances for
operating them, for experimenting to ascer
tain the best Of the many torpedo inven-
tions, and for the continuance Of tho CON
struction of necessary casemates, cable
galleries, etc, for working the submarine
mine aud torpedo systems, sl,S90,0OO is
recommended.
Discussing the operations Of the ordnance
department, the report states that during
the fiscal year ended Juno 30, 1883, Al 13O
rifles and carbines were manufactured at
the national armory, and that investiga-
tions have been completed 10 deter
mine the charge and proiectilo for
an arm of smaller caliDre than
the present service piece. IL iB tho inten-
tion to use compressed and perforated car
tridges, but as yet the powder makers have
not succeeded in producing satisfactory
powder, the desired velocity being accom-
panied by too great pressure. This matter
of a suitable powder is still under study and
trial.
TENNEssEEs ARSENAL.
Land has been secured ne n sito for an
arsenal at Columbia, Tom, and the title is
now being examined by the department Of
fucftca