The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1890-11-17

posts were generally upon the extreme
frontier, some such system as that OF post
trader was necessary. Since then towns
and cities have generally grown up in the
close vicinity of posts, and which have
merchants who can now furnish to the
gsrrison such stores as q post-trader has
usually kept. II is believed 10 be wise
policy 10 discontinue as rapidly as possi-
BILE a privileged class and permit the
trade Of military posts outside OF regular
governmental supplies to take its regular
channels.
Secretary Proctor eulogiEes the National
Guard: ANY money which the national
government expends for our citizen sol
diery goes 10 help those who help them
selves, and il bound 10 give proportion
atey large returns. Under the present
law there Is annually appropriated for the
benefit OF the militia slO0,OO, while the
individual states appropriate in the ag-
gregate, so far as known, over s2,0I0.OO0,
and in many states the militia also re-
ceive a considerable support from local
and private sources. lfthe appropriation
OF the general government should be In
creased, and ! wish IL might be, believe
that IL would be generously met by a
corresponding increase by the states
themselves. heartily commend every
intelligent effort to Increase the efficiency
Of the National Guard, and TO bring them
into closer relations with the war depart
ment, and hope that measures 10 that
end may receive favorable consideration
Of congress. One Of the most useful di-
rections which can be given 10 the drill
and training OF the militia OF the sea-
board states is in connection with coast
defenses, where its services are most
likely 10 be needed, II at all. In that
particular training the general govern
ment must do more than cooperate; IL
must take the initiative"
The area Of Alaska is estimated at
nearly 6O0,oO square miles. ltis therefore
about one-tifth the size Of the United
States, or nearly equal 10 the combined
areas Of the New England, Middle and
Southern States, east Of the Mississippi
River. OF the interior of this vast area
we are practically ignorant. Three or
four circumstances have been made by
officers OF the army through portions OF
the territory, and the courses o. several Of
its great navigable rivers have thus been
determined. These expeditions, however
were inadequately prepared for the work
Of exploration, the journeys were neces-
sarily made in very great haste, and were
confined 20 the rivers. No systematic ex-
ploration OF the interior has ever been AT
tempted by the Government, and the top
ography, resources and capabilities OF
Alaska are practically unknown. In
order TO obtain exact and trustworthy in
formation concerning this territory
have approved proposi'
ton 10 organize thoroughly
equipped expedition TO make systematic
exploration and survey OF Alaska. The
duty will be arduous and trying at the
best but il will be cheerfully undertaken
both by competent officers and by the
men and with, in my opinion, Q fair pros
pect Of important results. ! recommend
that sufficient appropriation be made by
congress for carrying the plan into effect,
The expenditures OF appropriations un'
der the direction Of the secretary OF war
for the fiscal year ended June 10. 1880
amounted TO 81 ,357,7 ,75s.42. The sppro
priations for the present fiscal year, end
ing June 20, 1891, amount 10 So, Ts9, ,6o5.t5
The estimates OF this department for
the next fiscal year ending June 10, 1892
are as follows:
salaries and contingent expenses. Q 2O7t, ,fso0
Military establishment, support Of
the Army and Military academy. @i60, ,ooi Il
Public works. 10 70D 2SS q
| Miscellaneous oblectS.............. $50, ,y1o.vi
Total. ....................... ,7io, ,so6.T !,