, 1890-11-07
UNCLE SANS SOLDIERS.
Maj General SchOfeld Makes
His Annual Report.
A Training School for Non
Commissioned Officers.
Necessity for Sea Coast De
lenses East and West.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6.-Msior General
Schofeld, commanding the United States
army, in his annual report says, in part:
1T may be asserted that all that is now
requisite for the final peaceful settlement
of the great Indian problem is the wise,
lust and humane treatmen OF Indians
upon 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 wien
the future or probable military necessities
of the country should dictate the 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, and at the
same time to assist in all practicable ways
in preparing the militia Of the several
states, or the national guards for actual
service in time of need.
1t Is believed to be so manifest to all
who will consider the subject that a dem
onstration is unnecessary. that the impor-
tant seaboard cities of the United States
should be so fortified, armed and manned
as to be capable of self defence against
the attack OF any foreign fleet, and each
of the great sea coasts of the United
States should be provided with an ade-
quate feet of seaRoing battle ships, ca
pable OF attacking upon the broad ocean
any hostile fleet which might attempt to
blockade our harbors or destroy our com
merce. If the important seaports are
adequately fortified and armed, one such
- - = --.-1-uaI Ill l.. 90. -.s.-. r..
each of the great oceans. The military
policy OF the United States will never re-
quire such a defense on the northern
frontier as proposed by the fertilization
board of 1885, and carefully selected gar
risons as nuclei for concentration of the
force in emergency are suggested instead.
Satisfactory progress has been made at
Watcrvleit in the fabrication of expert
mental guns and mortars of the highest
type.
Gen. Schofeld describes at length the
straits to which the department has been
put BIZ past legislation reducing the mum
Der of prlvates 10 the army. He wants
the limit raised to at least 10000, and
says without this number a peace organ
ization cannot be made thoroughly-pffec-
tive, and cannot be reliedD1pon for ser
vice which RRFimmediately be required
or tue regular troops in any emergency,
aud before the ranks can be filled by re-
cruits or volunteers called into the field.
la this connection the general suggests
whenever such increase is made a provision
be made fort h organization of a large bat
talon of Young men between the ages of
l6 and 20 years, selected with respect to
their good character and intelligence, with
a view to their education for service as
non-commissioned officers and officers
either of the regular force or the militia,
the privilege being given to such young
men TO enlist for the regular period of
service, or to receive an honorable dis
charge. at their own option, at the expira-
ton Of the course OF instruction.
Such a school would be OF the very
gratest value to the military service of the
country. 1t is suggested that steps be
taken without delay to organize in all of
the seaboard states a due proportion of
heavy artillery militia, batteries for service
in the Notifications in these states, and
that these batteries be reported to the
war department, in order that places of
instruction be assigned to them where
they can spend the annual encampment
in company with the regular troops and
under the immediate instruction of
accomplished artillery officers. Regi-
mental organizations for such artillery
batteries are not necessary. In the
interest OF economy probably the
biennial instead of the annual instruction
OF infantry troops for field exercise on
a large scale will be found sufficient.
In conclusion, Gen. Schofeld says
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 com
mendation.