The morning call., 1890-11-07
Annual Report Of the Com
mander Of the Army.
Requirements for a Peaceful Settlement 0
the Indian Problem.
4 Proper Protection Of Important Seabeard
Cities Recommended Some Per-
tinent Suggestions.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

WASHINGTON. Nov. O. Major-General
Schofield, commanding the United States
Army, in his annual report says, in part:
Z" 1t may be asserted that all that Is now
requisite for final and peaceful settlement
of the great Indian problem is the wise, just
their reservations, in the presence Of such
military force as will deter the young
and restless among them from at
tempting to initiate the deeds OF
their ancestors. The time has now come
when the future or probable military neces-
sites of the country should dictate military
policy The army should be so stationed
that it may be prepared at the shortest notice
to respond to any call which may be made
upon its services aud at the same time to
assist in all practical ways in preparing the
militia OF the several States. or the National
Guards, for active service in time of need.
ut is believed to be so manifest to all who
will consider the subject that demonstra-
tion is unnecessary that the important sea-
board cities of the United States be so forti-
fed, armed and manned as to be capable of
self-defense against the attack of any foreign
fleet; and each of the sea coasts of the
United States should be provided with an
adequate fleet of sea-g0ing battle-ships,
capable of attacking upon the broad ocean
any hostile feat which might attempt to
blockade the harbors or destroy our COM
merce. If our important seaports are ade-
quately fortified and armed, one such fleet,
it is presumed, will be sufficient for each of
the great oceans. The military policy of the
United States will never require such de-
fense on the northern frontier as was pro-
posed by the Fertilization Board of 1885,
and carefully selected garrisons as neuci
for the concentration of force in enler-
gency are suggested instead. Satisfactory
progress has been made at Watervliet in the
fabrication of experimsntalg guns and mortars
Of the highest type"
General Schofeld describes at length the
straits to which the department has been
put by past legislation reducing the number
of prlyates in the army. He wants the limit
raised to at least 10000, and says without
this number peace organization cannot be
made thoroughly effective, and cannet be
relied upon for service which may imme-
diately be required OF the regular troops in
an emergency and before the ranks can be
filed by recruits or volunteers called into
the field. In this connection the General
suggests that whenever such increase is
made provision should be made for 'rs-- or
ganizati0n Of large battalion of young men
between the ages of 16 AMI 20 years, selected
with respect to their intelligence and good
character, with view to their education for
service as non-commissioned officers and
officers of either the regular force or the
militia, privilege being given to such young
men TO enlist for regular period of service
or to receive honorable dis harges at their
own option at expiration of the course of in
struction. Such a school would be of very
great value to the military service of the
country. 1t is suggested that steps be taken
without delay to organize in all the seabOard
States due proportion of heavy artillery
militia batteries for service Of Notifications
in those States, and that these batteries be
reported to the War Department, in order
that places Of instruction be assigned to
them. where shey can spend n annual en-
campment in company with regular troops
and under the Immediate instruction of ac-
complished artillery officers. Regimental or
| carnations for such artillery batteries are
| not necessary. In the interest of economy,
| probably biennial instead of annual instruc-
| ton of infantry troops for field exercise on
| large scale will be found sufficient.
In conclusion, General Schoiield says that
| several measures enacted by the present
| Congress will prove of great and lasting
| benefit to the military service, and the zeal
| and fidelity with which the duties of the
| army have been performed merit cOmmen-
| QatiOn,