New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-03
THE NEEDS OF THE ARMY.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR
WHAT Is TO BE DONE WITH THE oAfIOhID
APAcHEs FLOORING FOR SUITABLE


POWDER
Washington. Dec o-secretary Endicott has made
report to the President of the administration Vi INC
War Department during the fiscal year ended juno
On last The total expenditures wero $41 .16o.lo''
the appropriations for tho current fiscal year amount
70 S50,679 .93i and the estimates for the nsca year
ending juno 80 $500, aggregate s4A 'oS-oo' as loi
lows Salaries and contingent expenses Sl'''o'o'o
military establishment: support OF the Army anu
Military Academy, s25,293,31s; pnonc "oIAs' ii-
Guiding river and harbOr improvements Slo''oo'-of'
miscellaneous objects, S3,5Io,ooo
The estimates for river and harbor improvements
represent the probable Of such Improvements II
approved ty Congress.
The Secretary gives brief review OF the troubles
with the Chiroahua Apache Indians from the Mexican
war ~ the nresent tine, and discusses the various
plans suggested for their future treatment The In
dams are now confined at Mount Vernon BarrackS'
Alabama and many appeals have been made for their
release In regard their disposition, the Secretary
says:
Various mans have been suggested the most prom
,snc one by General Armstrong place them on farm
near Fort Monroe. but there were serious oD9eeuohs
urged from many QuaSers. and 1t was deemed lmprac
,cahe IL is very desirable some place where
climate is suitable and opportunity may be had 10 IN
e,ruot and employ them in agriculture. Meantime he
work II not OF reformation certainly OF ameofauoh dn.
softening OF their savage qualities is making progress anu
they are as eon,en,ed and happy as they can DC any
where outside Of Arizonsfor it is TO be remarked '
h.v ding TO that spot and would esoutely resist ana
pauf
would be very unhappy moved to any other permanent
home. .,.a
The Secretary renews the recommendation contained
IN his last annual report in regard to EXAMINATIONS
for promotion, and says that the necessity io '"N'
examination grows more and more evident
Desertions from the Army continue In large num-
eers as in previous years, but from Investigations
recently made It appears that so per cent OF the &c
sertons before the expiration OF inc eo0oHu
year of service. In discussing the various plans sus
tf.pc fHa -
T. is worthy OF consideration whether the officers In
command OF troops at military posts or the captains
OF companies should not be authorized 10 impose pun
ishment for Odences But IN gfah'ihs Su'
authority it will be necessary specify the extent anu
character Of the punishment for each offence otherwise
there could be no uniform rule nor would 1t De WISE
10 repose so large discretion upon single ohCer'
He reviews the report Of the Board of Visitors 10
the Military Academy and indorses their recon-
mendations for new buildings
Tho Secretary says that all the States ana Ter
,ttories now have an active militia sufficient under
the regulations to ente them TO receive ordnance
and quarcymasters' stores fom the United states en-
ccpfng the state of Arkansas and the Territories VI
Arizona Idaho and Utah. 1t Is hoped hat sou"
,ractical instruction IN seacoast defcnces and me
Handling OF heavy artillery may be gwen ~ 'i'o
militia and the officers of The Army may be iehtu upon
a. CIV. a Jealous ana cordial assistance. lN a
rcnerous SIMPLY of ammunition for target practice 10
colleges where Amy 0hccrs atc 30 M a. 81 -.
etrctorsr the secretary says, II Is fUssiDo thd'
Competitive contests N riae shooting might IN time
become Is popular with some OF these hshd coIies.s
as boat racing now is at the universities ol our Sod
board" ,--.t... g. tho
The attention Of Congress Is again hyl'c1 10 olo
Automobiles condition OF The coast and lake IRON
tirrs and LIBERAL and immediate action Is recon-
mcnded looking 10 the effective defence oI inc plhoF
Pal seapOrs. o,-.. ,,o.or.
Discussing the operations of the Ordnance Depart
n,ent tho report states that duling the hscal year
ended June so 1855 Al 1870 rifles and carDlncs were
manufactured at the National Armory ana tha' n
yr,1j-ailni, nave been completed 10 determine the
charge and ploecte for an arm OF smaller cdlDic
than the present service piece 1t Is the intention 10
u,t compressed aud perforated cartridges Dul as YET
tlc powder makers have succeeded III producing
satisfactory powder, the desired velocity belhe ac,
COMMANDED BIZ too great pressure. Iils matter OF
a suitable powder Is SIN under study and trial Inc
results obts ned in France with tie Lebe lihe seem 10
point 10 a radical change in the manufacture of powder
for small arms 49,, , 49,,
The secretary commends the suggestion OF the
Insrcctor-G General that some of the work now done
by paid inmates OF The soldiers Home be done Dy
daily details OF inmates who are competent Tor IL as
better for their health and for economy's sake.