The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-11-21

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] Az. V$Nk$SXNSN,. towns and rural
| Observation-Disclosures. and
| E&NSANSN &the recruits are held
| WSSSSSa SSSSNon probation and
SECRETARY PROCTOR. their antecedents
carefully inquired into. The ration has
been increased by the addition of one
of vegetables daily. Soldiers are now en-
titled to a discharge ut the end of three
years Of faithful service, and are permitted
to purchase their discharge at any time
after one year. Summary courts have been
established for the speedy trial OF petty
offenses. If the men desire it. competent
officers are assigned to defend them before
courts martial. These, together with ths
specific measures undertaken for that pur-
pose. have reduced the percentage of de-
sertions to q lower point than ever before
! in the history Of the army. and in the last
year have reduced the number of inmates
in our military prisons over 20 per cent.
In pursuance of policy OF concentrating
the troops in larger posts, about one-fourth
of the number of posts occupied in 1859
have been abandoned, and the reservations
turned over to the interior department.
The licenses of most post traders have b6en
revoked. The enlistment of Indians has
been successfully undertaken.
The problem of adequate coast defense
has practically been settled. Fortunately
it has not been question of party politics.
There has been much discussion and some
differences of individual opinion in respect
to the rapidity with which the work should
be executed and AZ regards details. II has
been generally recognized, however, in con-
gress and by the public press as a national
concern--a thoroughly American policy.
In 1885 congress provided that board com-
posed of army and navy officers and civil
ians. of which the secretary Of war should
be a member and president, should examine
and report at what ports Notifications or
other defenses were most urgently required.
and the character and kind of defenses
best adapted for each with reference to ar
mament and the utilization of torpedoes,
mines or other defensive appliances. This
board submitted systematic and elaborate
plan for IL . defense of the sea-coast at the
twenty-six principal ports, and. with less
DETAIL provisions for the defense Of the
lake frontier. Two appropriations of $780,
coo each for the purchase OF sites for forti-
fcation and sea-coast defenses were made
by the last congress. Allotments
have been made under these appro-
psiations for sites for gun and
mortar batteries at Glover Cliff in Boston
Harbor; Point Comfort, Fort Wadsworth,
Plumb Island. and Sand Point in New York
harbor; Laguna Merced in San Francisco
harbor. and Sheridan Point on the Puto-
mac. Proceedings of condemnation have
been commenced to obtain other sites near
Fort Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton in New
York harbor; Willoughby Spit in Hamp-
ton Roads, and Point Lobos in San Fran
cisco harbor. Two batteries, each for six
teen twelve-inch mortars. and emplace-
ments for two twelve-inch, two ten inch,
and four eight-inch guns are now in pro-
cess of construction for the defense of
New York; also one battery for sixteen
twelve-inch mortars, and EN- placements for
ration at Boston; and emplacements for
two ten inch guns with one ten-inch and
three twelve-inch in preparation at San
Francisco; for two ten-inch guns at HaMp.
ton Roads, and for two ten-inch gun, at
Washington. Progress has also been made
in providing suitable supply OF submarine
mines. A. considerable number are on
hand or under contract for the defense
of New York San Francisco, Boston,
Roads Philadelphia, Washing
tOA NIlu Su&ElSbuOu.
Dssertions from the army for the year
ending September 80 have been less than in
any other year in the history OF the army.
Previous to 1920 there are no reliable re-
cords, but from that time till the beginnin
of the war of the rebellion the average an
nual rate of desertion was l4.S per cent of
the enlisted strength, and since the war it
has been nearly the same. From January
l. 1867, to June, 80 1891, twenty-four and
one-half years, the number of desel tions
from the army was 49, 476. 1t has cost the
government a very large sum for pay. cloth
ing, subsistence, and transportation Of re-
cruits to replace those men.
For the year ending June 80, 1889, the
rate was Ills per cent; for the year ending
June 30, 1880, nine per cent; for the year
ending June 30, 1891, 6. per cent. During the
twelve months ending September 30, 1891.
the rate was only 5.S per cent. The dimin.
ution is still going on. and the percentage
is being reduced month by month. Great
as the reduction has been. however, there ia
no good reason why de ert ons should not
This much will have to be charged to the
ofhuman nature and the inorad-
cab BILE restlessucss of the American people,
In March last general order was issued
the enlistment OF one company
Of Indians for each OF the twenty-six regi-
ng west of the Mississippi river. This
action was taken after careful inquiry into
The conduct in the past of Indian scouts
md police employed in u military or quasi
military capacity. 1t was hoped that the
habits Of obe aience, cleanliness and punct-
iality. AZ we'll as of steady labor in the
of both military and industrial
work inculcated by service in the army.
would have u good effect on those who
night enlist, and also furnish All object
esson OF some value and exert healthy
influence upon others of their tribes. seven
ompanies, three Of cavalry and four of in-
antry, have been recruited to their full
and seven others partially
nd tho reports indicate that the organiza-
ion of these will be completed at an early
ay. have had an opportunity to per-
onally inspect some of these Indian cav
howing the condition of others. In good
onduot, drill and military bearing atten-
ion to duty, observance OF courtesies. and