New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-10-30
GENERAL xILESs ANNUAL REPORT:
SUGGESTING REFORMS IN THE MILITARY SYSTEM
THE ARIZONA 1NDIAxs-coAsr DEFEScEs.

SUGGESTING REFORMS IN THE MILITARY SYSTEM
THE ARIZONA 1YDIAxs-coAsr DEFEScEs.
Washington. Oct eo.-Ma,orGencraf Nelson A.
Miles, commanding the Division Of tho Pacfhe has SUD-
mtted to tho AdjutantGencr his animal report con-
corning military Affairs within the Division OF the
Pacific. He says that the character Of the service
excellent. Yet he continues, there are many emoar
easements In the United States military system Any
system Is defective which leaves with LITTLE advance
ment and slight hope Of recognition class Of citizens
who devote themselves entirely to the military service
cheerfully jeopardzing sacrificing, II necessary
their lives for the honor and welfare OF their country
This Is particularly true In the ranks OF the army ana
In the lower grades Legislative enactment should
provide some system Of more reasonable professional
advancement. The artillery branch should be In
creased BY at least two regiments, and the same or
ganizaton Be given the infantry that exists In the
best armies Of the world-namely, threebattalon or
ganiIation. When officers have served without pro
motion fifteen years they should be advanced one
grade as Is done In certain of the lower stan gradcs
General Miles says that the various methods esorfed
10 for diminishing deserti0n have not to any con-
siderable extent been effective. He believes. however
that the measures recently adopted q step In the
right direction. He says that the army has hailed with
delight the adoption Of his suggestions touching the
length OF enlisted service and the improvement OF the
Army ration. lie believes that great benefit would
result from the adoption Of other suggestions hereto
fore made BY him.
As several Of the military posts and reservations in
the Department Of Arizona have been abandoned tho
General recommends that they be at occupied by
Indians or converted into industrial schools. and that
the Mojsve, Tonic and Yuma Ind be removed there
at once from the unhealthy ella Valley. The san
Carlos Indians, along the Carlos River and the
White Mountains, should be located sufficient part
Of the reservation and the remainder Of the reserve
thrown open to such can be made % II by ctl
The tribes would be more easily controlled when
separated especially In such Q region Is they are now
compelled to occupy.
General Miles that the subject Of coast dcfenrcs
Is the most important military question now before
the people lie speaks of the mistaken belief that In
case OF Threatened hoetlties ample time will AWAY,
be given TO prepare for war. Only In exceptional
cases has declaration Of preceded hostiliiies Al
the present rate Of progress 1t would require from
fifteen to twenty years to put the coasts OF this country
In proper condition for defence. Land batteries Gen
eral Mile1 thinks far more economical than armord
ships as q means OF defence. In cOnclus.on General
Miles recommends that sites for coast d.f"nces be
secured without DELAY that . gun foundry be e.tab
shed on the Pacific Coast and that one fourth ~ the
appropriation reQnrd for coast defence b. MADE every
yrarfo for next fur