The record-union., 1894-10-12

y
Schofield, who has been at the head of the
army since the death of General Sheridan,
announces his retirement next year. The
report is principally devoted to discus
cussion OF the necessity of strengthening
the military arm of the Government to
cope with internal disorders as we'll as
possible dangers from without, particu-
lar reference being made to the Debs
strike.
During the past year," the report
says. "the army has been employed in
the suppression of domestic violence,
which took the form in many instanc es
of forcible resistance to the laws of the
United States, seizure or destruction of
property under the care of United States
officers and open defiance of National
authority. These disorders at first local
In their character, spread at length to
about one-half III number and two-thirds
in area OF all the States and Territories,
excluding Alaska. So widespread and
formidable an insurrectiOn called for Wig
orous action dictated by the President.
I'm the city of Chicago resistance to
law assumed such formidable proper
tions that it was necessary to concentrate
at that place nearly all the army forces
that could be made available from all
parts OF the country, While on the Pacific
Coast the Navy Department placed at the
disposal OF the department commander
the naval and marine forces at the Mare
Island Navy Yard, and these forces rem
dered valuable services. The responsible
duties thus devolved upon the War De-
partment commanders were performed
by them and the troops under their COM
mand in the most satisfactory manner.
The instruction was promptly sup
pressed without any unnecessary loss of
life i'll any case.
The prompt and vigorous action of
the troops in all cases, and the great for
bearance manifested by them when SUBJ
jected to all sorts of insults and indigni-
ties, designed to provoke retaliation,
were worthy the highest commentator.
1t illustrated in most striking manner
the great value to Government of a we'll
disciplined force at all times, subject to
the orders of that Government for the
enforcement of the faithful execution of
the laws.
1T would seem unnecessary to point out
the fact that any force like the militia OF
State or the police of city, acting pri-
marily under another authority, though
highly efficient in their appropriate serv-
ice, cannot be made reliable instrument
for the prompt and effective execution of
the laws of the United States. Mani
testify every Government should have an
adequate force of its own for the execu-
ton of its own laws no less than the ju-
dicial executive officers n ecessary for the
same purpose.
The country is now for the first time
squarely confronted with the necessity of
making adequate provision not only for
defense against any possible foreign ag-
gression, but also for defense against do
mestic violence in the form of forcible re-
sistance to the laws of the United States
A Just estimate of those means of de-
do Of ha
extent OF the United States and the great
amount OF property widely dispersed
throughout this territory, either belong
ing to the United States or in such condi-
ton as to be under the protection of the
National Government.
when these facts are duly considered
it becomes manifest that the present
strength of the army is not adequate to
the performance of the service which NAV
at any time be required. 1t is certainly
manifest that the present condition of the
country, with population of nearly
70,000,O00, under the danger of disorder
now known to exist, cannot be met by
the same force that was deemed adequate
twenty-five years ago, when the popula-
ton of the country was less than half it's
present amount, and domestic violence
was not apprehended. One man to four
teen square miles of territory, or one
man TO 2,S00 of population, is surely
prevent violation OF law, leaving out of
consideration the force necessary to guard
the extended sea coast against sudden at
tack by foreign enemy.
"It is also worthy of remark that more
than once in the last summer an infur-
lated mob in a single city was twice as
formidable in number, and capable of do
ing vastly greater injury to life and prop
erty, as the most formidable com bination
OF Indian warriors that ever confronted
the army in this country. In a few words,
the army has been recently required to
deal with an army far more numerous
and dangerous to the country than any
savage enemy which it has heretofore
been called upon to meet.
1.-The effective strength of the army
should be considerably increased. This
can be done al very small comparative
increase in cost. The present regimental
ORGANIZATIONS need not be largely in
creased. Two additional regiments OF
artillery for the necessary sea coast de-
fenSe; two additional regiments of cav
airy to patrol the long lines of railroad
under Government protection, aud the
twenty-five regiments of infantry con-
verted into three battalion organizations.
would, it is believed, be just, conserva-
tive estimate of what is now actually
needed. For this the existing num-
Der of commissioned officers is nearly
sufficient. But considerable permanent
increase IN the enlisted strength of
the army should be made, ana a still
further increase authorized to be made
by the President, when in his judgment
an emergency requiring it may reason
ably be foreSeen. 1t is not good mill
tary system in which the Executive has
no authority whatever to increase the
effective strength of the army in time of
need, but must await the slow process of
legislation for that matter.
Wise forethought in apparent anticipa-
ton of such conditions as these which
have confronted the Government during
the last year, dictated several years ago.
the establishment under the authority of
Congress. of large military posts near
the great business and railway GEN.
ter5 of the country. Several of these
large posts are now in condition to be oc-
pied by troops, while others are In pro-
cess of construction, and a few others
are still demanded, for which it is pre-
sumed Congress will in due time make
the necessary appropriation.
sin respect TO the military necessities
which may possibly arise out of conflict
with foreign powers, it has for many
years seemed impossible to impress upon
the people of the United States in general
the view entertained by all thoughtful
military students. The condition of the
public mind since 1S6l-65 has been that of
confident invincibility against any pos
sible foreign attack. 1t is, therefore,