New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-01
WASHINGTON GOSSIP.
,,rv AND AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL
CAPITAL.

Of THE DETAILS OF HIS DEPARTMENT.
OFFICERS ANXIOUS TO CO 10 THE IN
DIAN CoUNTRY-MR SMITH AND
HIS ART MUSEUM s0HENE-A
PIvCKY YOUNG WOMAN.
Washington, Dec. ~ .-Scc rotary Proctor is one
a, the most thoroughly trained business men In
tbe Cabinet lie is sl5o ono of the most reserved
Whom he went into the War Department he found
chat the business WAS for all practical purposes
in the hands Of intelligent and active chiefs OF
bprpaus II has been natural for Secretaries Sc
looted from civil life TO defer too much TO the
military men in charge Of special branches IL
has been the easiest way get through with their
duties But Secretary Proctor, who for years
had been at the head OF great private business
found that he could conduct the Departments
business only in way and that was thoroughly
- understand it's details and then to LOOK after
everything as he would his own affairs. This he
has done with true NCw-England thoroushness
lie is to-day as thorough aud complete master
If his own Department as StaIi0n during the
War No detail escapes him md no action of
Importance 10 the Department is taken except
through him.
In conversation with tAe Secretary the other
evening ! learned some comrcndable things con-
ccrninC the officers Of the Regular Army VINO
have been detailed from time 10 time on sPecia'
secure special service al the Capital or in interior
cities where they have easy duties. Yet when the
Indian trouble broke out there was not single
one Of the officers on special duty attached 70 the
regiments under General Miles who Old not ask
Z, IN, ordered 10 the front 10 join their commands
The hest illustration Of this courage w@s SHOWN pS
two young officers detailed 70 duty at tor' MeNcI'
near Washington These officers had seen rough
services in the West and were fully entitled TO tS
pleasant special duty 1t Is probable 'ha' VIC S'-
vice there would have been for two ~ thF'e years
Washington is most agreeable posi- 'of army
officers. The gayeties of Its social life have
special charm for pen who have been 'or long
tlmc isolated at the stations of the West Ihese
Two Young officers had oply been three weeks on
dutv al their new post when the news came OF
tbc Indian trouble and that their regiment had
hcrn ordered into action. These men nd not
hesitate for moment bur came at once 10 the
War Department and asked 10 I've sent oacK 10
their post Of duty. l am certain that they VIII
have 10 difficulty liz Oeta!mnc special diSps'ls"-
ton Of favor if they come oNt OF The pfcSeu'
campaign unframed. Al Fargo there was young
o-icer inst married, who had been assigned to
military school as an instructor. His place was
one he so enjoyed that lie had asked to have his
leave there extended for year or two. Inns per-
mission was about 10 bc accorded TO him when
10 learned that his regiment had been ordered
INTO the Indian country. lie at once teegrapheo
90 the War. Department asking for canceLn''oI
Of his previous request aud 20 Ne at once ordeleu
on duty back 10 his regiment
II is pleasant thing 10 know that the west
Point School has never yet developed any coWarus.
The unselfshness which the officers on sPecia4
detail throughout the country have shown III
asking the Secretary for detail to the lnolah
country is admirable. Throughout the service
there i restless feeling among the oIhcers' M"
especially the younger one, 10 see something linz
real action. 10 incur some positive DANGER II
); nrobable tina, Congress will authorize the eN-
nloration Of Alaska. Sue explorations are always
attended with great danger and hardships Yet
tho moment that such an exploration has been
nrooosod The Secretary has been overrun WIN aP-
r,irat.ons for detail on il. There are at least
t,vci.tv applicant, for every position IN cohhec'io"
with II. A. present the promotions III me AiDIH
GO, .Io,y and this may explain the active am
litlon Of every young man IN the service " Wv
something which will enable him TO promote ms
,r,.,rcs II the retired list OF the Army could
70 modified 10 permit the transfer HUN 'n'
l-;f,1 list ~ the unlimited list there would ie
d, letter chance for the promotion of deserving
,.eic,rs The limited lis; consists of AGO members
naic..rs can he placed upon this for physical
l,. b,li+v AZ any age Bat when once the Hs'
i. tiled there can he no Tcllrcnohls uhoeI INC
.-, of sixty-four. There are IL present olA'H
officer, who are phYsically IncApacua'ed an" "i'
s,u.i.auts for retirement. But they are unuel
~, retirement age for the unlimited llsl anu van
cui,. Ice retired as vacancies occur III 'HlN i9'
- So. lou. could be : changed that persons Oh
.t. limited list could be transferred 10 'he uh
,r.i,cJ list after reaching lie age Of slXty-ioui
-. W. Denartmcnt would hc able soon to take
no ~ tLn officers who are physically lncapapIe
-. d.t,., .cr,.icc but must he kept on the acuNc
H.. - vino dctriment Of officers who are dolng
-. actual work Of tie service. There IS always
e, Great objection in Congress TO any ch"hee ."
rc way Of increasing the retired list "","
r,,,,sI-lous are always met WIN aIE"nVN'
f..r,, increasing the pension ISL ana opi"'oA
,,G,so,abe - the Army officers as l"No''N
c..s Yet there is no class OF Government en-
Move, Who are called upon 10 us" 'heIt ",''
~, ,..r health as the officers in the Regular
ARM
Franklin W Smith hos received NUMBER oi
,e,..f, from prominent people IN the country en-
l.,...o. INN in IN, project fol the National AT
N...lra ,Aurlcs Giu>0p, Of 81 LOUIS one VI
,b, mos, prominent Of The wealthy citizens oil tha'
c,. ,.l.. ..,, been in Washington for "a few days
g.. ,t,,,l.tly charmed with tie plan and has
,..,4.~.. bis support There should I've one cor
r... un made Iu connection with the lct'er sem
tv ne upYn r.Is subject 20 The Tribune. ms
I...,.> 10 re original drawing prepared bl James
E.,a..k Of Ncy-Nork. This beautiful design
e.., $500. instead Of $1,000, AID was presented
b., VI. Hc9wlck % M. Smith as his contribution
:, f.-
W. TO- y,4us woman cen 90 sometimes is well
il..trtcI hy the career Of one who has I'VE" mere
fla,.u.Is~ of ycar,. Size has had independent
r,,..S pud ha, Iycd under tie care Of rclntives
a.t friends. having no >mihediat" family. She
vs. Well known in Washington society, and 10