Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-05


BATALLIoNs OF BOYS.
Major Gen o. o. Howard commanding the
division of the Atlantic, in his annual report
calls attention to the subject of seac cast de-
fen.e. He says that, considering the arma-
ment necessary for the extent of seacoast in
the division. the liberal appropriations Of one
year should not lead to overconfidence but
since his last annual report decided step has
been taken both in providing for the construc-
ton OF seacoast cannon and rifed mortars,
the preparation of Notifications for them and
the construction of fixed torpedoes, with CALLER
les, operating classmates and other belongings.
Our principal harbors have been properly
plated and the artillery on duty near them
at present engaged in earnest practice with
such weapons as the ports now have, will be
fully prepared to undertake the management
OF the new guns and appliances az soon as they
begin to arrive. The artillery regiments have
been necessarily increased in size at the ex-
pense Of the rest Of the line, and still
TWO MORE REGIMENTS ARE NEEDED.
1t is hoped that Congress may be induced to
augment the enlisted strength of the army
sufficiently to allow this increase without per-
manently diminishing the cavalry and infantry
1t is recommends that material and guns for
artillery practice be supplied to all artillery
stations
The post school system has not yet attained
proper status, although distinct advance has
been made and some method Of obtaining
more satisfactory teachers needs to be discov-
cred. Until last September the mortality Of
THE INDIAN PRISONERS
was excessive, but it now appears to have
been checked. A new village should be con-
structed for them in place of the present tenn
porary shelters. The idea Of making these
Indians self-supporting had to be given up, and
pay (35 cents q day) has been allowed those
who work for the post, with the res ult Of
ameliorating their discomfort.
Gen. Howard commends the operation Of the
new laws aimed to decrease assertions and says
that in time few, but men who commit other
crimes at the time OF their desertion will
desert. He renews his Recommendation for
graduated code of punishment by courts-mar-
tial and with view to simplicity suggests the
establishment of field officers or post co NJ
manders' courts.
ARMY ORGANIZATION.
Gen. Howard earnestly hopes that efforts will
be continued to organize the three branches of
the army into regiments Of twelve troops. bat
teries or companies, and Offered by the num-
Der and grade of officers now authorized for
cavalry regiments Tits strongly recommended
that the privates Of artillery be classified with
q difference in pay as In the case of the engi-
neers. An increase Of pay for non-commis-
| stoned officers in each line arm to cor
! respond to the staff is desirable. From
| various reasons the present maximum
Of $4,000 enlisted men results in
a severe restriction, and to keep our organize
| ton up to rs, 900 trained men constantly on
| foot, the maximum allowed including re-
! cruits-should not be less than 81, 600.
1 THE RETIRED LIST.
Gen. Howard says that the effect Of having
| organized the army in 1866 with officers of
nearly same age, and who had already suffered
much hardships in the rebellion. is now work
| ing serious injury to the service. The
| number of disabled officers far exceeds the
limit Of the retired list, the captains
are too old for marching duty and therefore
such officers as are above sixty-four years OF
| age should by legislation be transferred from
the limited to the unlimited retired list. In
| the of enlisted men thirty years service is
too long before retirement and twenty-five
years is suggested as proper period Of SER
| vice.
In conclusion Gen. Howard recommends tina.
some system Of school battalions OF boys from
| seventeen to twenty-one years of age be organ
| lied as a source of supply OF material for non-
| commissioned officers for the army and militia,
and Fort Porter, NY, is mentioned 40 Q con.
| venIent point for its establishment
Centennial and Board Of Trade Meetings.
The annual meeting Of the Washington
Board Of Trade for the election Of ten direc.
tors will be held at the dining room Of the
Arlington Hotel ON Monday, November 10, ut
pm. At the same time the program for the
coming centenary Of the national capital will
be submitted for consideration.
Tuesday night, November II, at 8 o'clock,
the gentlemen interested in the coming cen.
tenary OF American inventors will meet at the
] board OF trade rooms to perfect their plains.