The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-12-10
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
Low Percentage of observation-disclosures
ment in Morale and Equipment.

The report OF the secretary of war exhibits the
results of an intelligent, progressive and bust
ness-like administration OF a department which
has been too much regarded as one of mere rou-
tine. The separation of Secretary Proctor from
the department by reason of his appointment as
a senator from the state of Vermont is a source
of great regret to me and his colleagues, and
am sure it will be to all those who have had
business with the department while under his
charge.
In the administration Of army affairs some
especially good work has been accomplished.
The efforts of the secretary to reduce
the percentage OF desertions by renoy-
ing the causes that promoted 1t have
been so successful as to enable him to report
for the last year a lower percentage of deser
tons than has been ever reached in the history
OF the army. The resulting money saving is
considerable, but the Improvement IN the morale
OF the enlisted men Is the most va liable inca
dent of the reforms which have brought about
this result. The work OF securing sites for
shore batteries for harbor defenses aud the man.
uiaeture OF guns, etc, OF high power TO equip
them has made good progress during the year.
: ne preliminary work OF tests and plans which
50 long delayed a start is now out OF the way
Some guns have been completed, and with an
enlarged SHOP ana more complete equipment
at WateTvliet, the army VIII soon be abreast OF
the navy in construction.
Whatever unavoidable causes of delay arise,
there should he none from delayed INSULT
eient appropriations. We shall be greatly EN-.
barrass d If there is no proper distribution and
use OF naval vessels until adequate shore de-
lenses are provided for our haIbors. l concur
in the Recommendation of the secretary that the
three battalion organizations be adopted Tor the
infantry. The adoption of Il smokeless powder
and OF a modern rifle equal in range. precision
and TapiGity IRE 10 tie best known in use
will i hope rot he long DELAYED.
The project OF enistIng Indians and organ
izing them INTO separate companies upon the
same bass as other soldiers was made the suu-
ject of very careful study By the secretary
and received my approval. seven companies
have teen completely organized and seven more
are IL process OF organization. The results OF
months training have more than real ICED the
highest anticipation. Tie men are fairly
brought under discipline, acquire the drill with
facility aud show great pride IA the right dis
charge If their dut Is and perfect loyalty to
their officers, who declared that they would
take them into acti0g with confidence. The
discipline. order and cleanliness OF the military
rOSts viii have wholesome ana eieyAtIHg in
huence upon the men enlisted and through
them upon their tribes, while the more friendly
feeling for the whites and greater respect for
the government will certainly be promoted.
The great work done in the record and pen
sion division OF the war department BY Major
AinoworIn. ths me 4ical corps and the clerks
under him. is eitisled 10 honorable mention
Takiug up the work with nearly leo cases
behind, he closes the last fiscal year without a
single csse left over, though the new cases in
creased y per cent. IN number over the previous
year by reason OF the pension legislation OF tue
last E0unrPSs