The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-12-21
DEPARTMENTAL ANIMALS.
The Reports of Secretaries
Noble and Elkins.
The Years Work in the Depart.
ment of the Interior.

operations Of the department. The volume
of work accomplished during the present
Administration is shown to greatly axceed
that of any preceding period. THIS view is
supported by condensed summary preim-
mary to description OF the work OF the
several bureaus under the direction o. the
Secretary for the last fiscal year.
The General Land Office has worked of
the vast accumulation OF former years aud
is now on current business, greatly to the
advantage Of Western settlers; the Indian
Bureau has made great progress In eleyat-
ing the various Indian tribes, in the work
Of allotment of land in severalty to indi.
vidual Indians, the consequent disintegra-
ton Of their tribal relation, and the de.
velopment of schools. Great reform has
been accomplished in the purchase Of In
dian supplies. The Pension Office has dis
posed Of an immense volume Of work and
has exceeded all former records in the num-
Der of final adjudications. both original aud
upon appeals, executing the benehcens laws
for the soldiers of the Union. The Census
Office has finished nearly all of its immense
and highly scientific work, and what re-
mains is rapidly nearing completion. 49,.
The Geological Survey has progressed
greatly in its geographical survey Of the
States and Territories; in locating reser-
voirs for the irrigation Of the arid lands, and
in its other useful divisions. The Railroad
Bureau has kept constant supervision OF the
condition of the road beds and appur-
tenances and given careful consideration
TO the question Of the maturing deots
of the subsidized railroads and the
future conditions which should govern
them. The Patent Office has kept up with
current work, and has introduced several
important reforms. The Bureau Of Educa-
tion has greatly extended its operations in
Europe and our own country, and the dis.
tribution OF the funds for agricultural
colleges, a difficult problem, has been salts
factorily and efficiently handled.
Educational work among the Indians has
been greatly increased and improved in
efficiency. There has been an increase OF
over thirteen per cent. In attendance OF
children in the schools. the total for 1892 be-
ing 19, 1893 scholars.
The reservation system is being rapidly
broken up, and the allotments Of land in
Sufficient quantity to enable each Indian to
have farm, has developed sense OF indi-
vidual Importance and appreciation OF per-
sonal power that is rapidly disintsgrating
the tribal relations.
Wherever it is possible the employment Of
Indians in preference to whites, at the agen-
cies and in schools is being practical, and
many important positions are now filled &C.
ceptably by educated Indians.
The Patent Office in preparing an exhibit
for the Worlds Fair which it is represented
will vii be be very satisfactory one to the Gov
ernmenr. The total number Of applications
for patents during the year was a, 945.
Toe volume OF business handled and dis
posed OF by the Pension Office during the
past wear was enormous. There were on
June 80, 1902, SI6 06S pensioners borne upon
the rolls being l9a9js more than were on
the rolls at the close OF the last fiscal '
year. The total amount expended for pen
sions during the year was Sl39. OBS, ,6l2.6s,
and it is estimated that the appropriation
for 1898 of $144, 95s, 900 will leave deaci-
ency, Some idea OF the magnitu te OF, the
work can be formed from the fact that dur
ing the year 5,375 120 pieces of mail were re-
ceiveJ, and 4,3l6, 6i6 pieces sent QUO.
The Secretary presents bill framed to
give Alaska better government, and Is
very earnest in his accommodation that
the condition of the Territory receiv5 the
attention Of Congress.
The report also contains an account OF tho
work I'D to date on the Nicaraugua Canal.
The Secretary expresses tbs opinion that
this enterprise Is Of the utmost i'm portance
to the welfare Of the country In either peace
or war, and should have the favor able rec
ozuition Of Congress.
Secretary Elkfns's Report.
The annual report OF the Secretary Of
War has been made public. Secretary
Elkins expresses qualification in being
able to say that the Army has main
tanned throughout the year its high
standard of discipline and efficiency. Since
the present organization of our infantry was
adopted many changes have taken place in
the art Of war, resulting, among other
things in q material modification OF the
form Of infantry regiments. Our stationary
condition in this respect has left US with an
obsolete organization, the defects OF which
render immediate action in organizing the
three battalion formations for infantry
regiments. The Secretary recommends the
revival of the rank OF Leutenant-General
as permanent grade.
Enlistments during the year have been OF
an improved class OF men. the standard OF
qualification having been raised. The
Secretary thinks the Army, under favor.
able conditions, should be one OF
the most desirable trades OF youth.
It is recommended that the pay OF all nom
commissioned grades be increased, making
promotion thereto tha object OF legitimate
ambition, thereby inducing the enlistment
Of the very best material TO compete for pro-
motion to those grades.
The announcement is made that our In
dian wars are nearly ended, and the neces.
sty for massing troops no longer exists.
Seventy par cent. is now located west
Of the Mississippi River. New military
posts are recommended in Montana, Arkan-
sas and New Mexico. The presence Of regu.
the people with the Army lead them to
b.tter understand its operations and, 1t is
believed. foster kindlier interest In 1t.
The West Point Academy shows marked
advancement Its capacity Is not overtaxed.
Vacancies in the list Of cadets constantly
exist, which it is important should bs kept
full. It is recommended that ths President
be given authority to appoint ten cadets-at-
large each year.
The artillery, infantry, engineer and
cavalry schools have proved successful e1-
periments. Toe only serious obstacle to the
rapid development Of thu schools to their
full limit OF usefulness arises from want
of funds to conduct the exclusively scholastic
WORK.
The importance of maintaining and i'm
proving the militia OF the several States
ls generally admitted. The National
Guard is the reserve force Of the Army.
Attention is invited to tho necessary
appropriations for arming and equipping
this reserve force. In 1875 the
appropriations for the militia OF the
States was s20l0O). The highly improved
arms and equi oments OF the present day
cost mora than treble what they did eighty
Eour years. An appropriation Of least ons
million dollars for this purpose Is recon-.
nended.
The Indian soldiers are doing excellent
ervice, showing remarkable aptitude for
military duty.
He estimates that the total expenditures
If his department for the fiscal year ending
Tune 80, 1894, will be s43, 354, 6T9 y, against
Sl, l,2ls, 97U.59 in 1892 and $51 532, 922.24 for
he present year.