The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-17
MATTERS MILITANT.

While the annual report OF the secre-
hand, will be read with greatest gusto
by military men, it contains fund of
information that is certainly not devoid
Of interest to the general public. The
army, it would seem, has received an
important share OF the attention Of the
present congress, and the results are
here outlined. Arrangements have been
made providing for lineal promotion and
professional examinations therefor.
Acts have been passed for the preven-
ton OF desertion and for the limitation
Of punishments under the articles of
war. Appropriations have been voted
for additional machinery for the manu-
facture OF large guns and for the begin
ming of system Of coast defense.
By the act Of October l, 1890, the old
system Of regimental promotion is re-
voked. Hereafter promotions below the
rank OF general officer-with the ex-
ception Of temporary postponement in
the case OF present first lieutenants-
are to be made lineally throughout each
branch of the service. Some possible
advantages in the way OF esprit do corps
may be sacrificed slightly by the change,
but the principle Of justice to officers is
more than sufficient TO override other
considerations. The same act provides
for a system of examinations for all Off
GERS below the rank Of major. Hitherto
promotion has gone on in regular rou-
tine, without regard to competency or
incompetence, efficiency or lnefficiency.
The change is, undoubtedly, wise one.
The new law makes no change in the
rule Of promotion by seniority, but
every officer must show his fitness for
the promotion to which the law entities
him or go without.
Little fear Of invasion by a foreign foe
is Entertained by the secretary. A small
army, as he puts 1t, could not hope for
success, and there is little probability OF
a large one running the risk. But he is
most careful to emphasize the absolute
necessity to this country Of a complete
system of coast defense We are pecu-
liarly exposed to dangerous and costly
attacks from the sea, and we have de-
terminedly been shutting our eyes to
the danger. But the secretary is able
to congratulate himself that the period
Of carelessness is past. New York, Boston
and San Francisco are all to profit by
the fertilization act OF the last session.
With an annual appropriation OF eight or
ten millions-a little more than that OF
the present year-ten years would see our
shore-line amply prepared to resist any
and every attack from hostile fleet.
The waterway on the Great Lakes and
British construction Of canals on the
Canadian side afford the secretary of
war no uneasiness. Land forces prop
erly disposed in permanent garrisons
would meet all the needs of the situa-
ton. But on the subjects of assertions
he has much to say that is Of interest to
the general public. Recent congress
sional action has materially reduced
their number, but the secretary gets al
the marrow OF the whole business wher
he declares that the service must bt
made worth seeking, and worth keeping
A second lieutenant, fresh from IVES
Point, receives SIG per month. frs
sergeant, who may be Il veteran, is re
warded with $50. In country with 81
many possibilities as Tins, pay such a
that can neither retain nor attract tn
services of good men. Some radica
change is undoubtedly necessary.
In addition to good deal of purel,
technical information, notice is taken o
the transfer next July of the weathe
bureau service from the charge of tn
signal corps to that of the department
of agriculture, Of the concentration Q
troops in larger posts and the abandon
ment OF others, and of the gradual dis
appearance of the post traders as priv
LEGGED class. The report may be com
mended for its wise suggestions an
clear perception Of the needs of our mil
tary establishment.