The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1891-12-12
EFFICIENCY OF The STANDING ARMY.
steps the Past Year to Strengthen the
Military of the Nation

The report of the secretary of war exhibits
the results of an intelligent. progressive, and
business like administration of Il department
which has been TOO much regarded rs one of
mere routine. The separation of Secretary
Proctor from the department by reason OF his
appointment as a senator from the state of Yer
mont is a source of great regret 70 me and to
his colleagues in the ca ablnet. rs l 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
specially good work has been accomplished.
I he efforts of the secretary to reduce the per
centage of desertious by removing the causes
that promoted 1t have been SO successful as TO
enable him TO report for the last year lower
percentage of desertion than has been before
reached in the history of the army. The result
ing money saving is considerable. but the i'm
proyement in the morals of the enlisted men is
the most valuable incident fof the reforms
which have brought about this result.
The work of securing sites for shore batteries
for harbor defense, and the manufacture of
mortars and guns of high power TO equip them
have made good progress during the year. The
preliminary work of tests and plans. which 50
long delayed start is now out OF the way.
Some guns have been completed, and with an
enlarged shop and a more complete equi pment
AT Watervliet, the army will soon be abreast of
the navy i'll gun constr ruction. Whatever una
yoidable causes OF delay may arise, there should
he none from delayed or insufficient appropria-
tions We shall be greatly embarrassed in the
proper distribution and use of naval vessels I'M
til aded uate shore defenses are provided for our
harbors.
tary that the three battalion organization be
adopted for the infantry. The adoption of Il
smokelesS powder and of modern rifle equal
in range precision and rapidity of fire to the
best now in use will, | hope. not be longer de-
layed.
The project of enlisting Indians ana organiz
ing them into separate companies on the same
basis as other soldiers made the subject OF
very careful study by the secretary and re-
Ceived my approval. Seven companies have
been completely organized and seven more are
in process of organization. The results of six
mon: hs' training have more than realized the
highest nnticipations. The men readily
brought under discipline acquire the drill
with facility. and show great pride in the right
discharge of their duties and perfect loyalty to
their officers. who declare that they would take
them into action with confidence. The diSci-
pline, order. and cleanliness of the military
posts will have n wholesome and elevating in
huence upon the men enlisted and through
them upon their tribes, while 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 Maj
Ainsworth, of the medical corps. and the clerks
under him, is entitled to honorable mention.
Taking up the work with nearly A, 900 cases
behind, he closed the last fiscal year without n
single case left over, though the new cases had
increased - per cent in number over the preyi-
Gus year by reason of the pension legislation OF
q la CoDrrpSS.