New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-01

ana ray corps until the number now fixed by law
Der OF posts-a reduction that must be sim further
dant ny renders unnecessary and redun-
mnn, NUMBER OF Officers in both of these depart
reductions nm, ms prSoposon together with possible
lar toward meeting the increased expense for
strengthenng the efficiency of the line. However
gestons may he, they are in accord with the pro
sressive methods of the present day. and ii is
oeileVed their adoption would work marked benefit
to the service
CONCENTRATIONS Or TROOPS
The policy of concentrating the troops and
abandoning unnecessary posts has been prosecuted
throughout the year. Where practicable small
garrlsons, remote from railroads. whose further
retention has become unnecessary by a change of
conditions have been consolidated with garrisons
at mere important centres. thus reducing the cost
of maintenance and transportation and utilizing
improved facilities for the prompt dispatch OF
troops TO any point where their services may be
required. The changes made have in instance
lessened the protection afforded by the Army to
any region in which garrison Mas heretofore
been sta ,ioncd, but have considerably augmented
the extent Of territory which that protection
hitherto widely scattered have been brought TO-
gether, as far as practicable, in their respective
cheney and espri, De corps Many commands which
have served continuously for long periods at iso
BE ssirnments which their ardnoms Ser SER
vices have justly earned. Resides materially add
ing TO the comfort of enlisted men. concentration
gives officers the opportunity to become familiar
with the manoeuvres OF larger bodies in battalion
, and reeimental formation. Improvement In me
morale. dircipline and education of the Army has
been no incOnsiderable adlh onal benefit.
ON June 90 1888. the Army was distributed among
ninety-fve independent posts. During tho last year
the number of POSTS was reduced TO eighty. with
gate area OF the military reservations abandoned
since the last annual report is upward OF POS zoo
acres. Ten Of the twenty-five rc simcnts of in
fantry have been concentrated at single posts
sixteen garrlsons row exceed in strength fun
regiment OF infantry. and twenty-five others con
sist OF from four to seven companies each. Nine
posts remain garrisOned 10y single companies, ara
fourteen by only two companies each. Except in
FAR determined by acts % Congress for the
creation OF posts. the disposition of the Army has
been made according TO the best judgment OF the
department to obtain the most useful results FOR
country from the force available.
1t is respectfully urged that the establishment
OF military posts by Congress In response to
the appeals OF local interests Is likely to disturb
a distribution OF the Army which aims 10 secure
with the small force under arms the highest efn-
cheney and the fullest protection for the greatest
extent % territory. ard that the ambitions OF To-
calities should rot be favored by legislation at the
expense OF the general welfafr. All the foot ar
tillery is serving the sedcoast fortlncatonS
One-half OF the field artillery. more than two
thirds OF the infantry and nine-tenths OF inc cav
airy are still retained at posts west OF the MIS-
siss'ppi River. while eight regiments OF caNaIr!
are in garrisons within near the great mountain
and pain region lying between the lVoh ana Inc
1l5th meridians 1t is to the sparsely settled Ior-
lions OF this pastoral ard sterile belt mat thc
Indians would resort in the event OF their DREAMING
away from their reservations
small arms and equipments. field and siege guns
seacoast defence gun and mortar carriages ar
senals and armories powders and projectiies
dynamite guns education of the Army the Mihtarv
Academy rivers and harbors, and other subjects.