The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1894-12-05
SECRETARY LAMONT PRESENTS HIS
ANNUAL REPORT.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Nov. 30.-The an
nual report of Secretary Lamont shows
saving of half a million of dollars in sal
aries and contingent expenses in the ad-
ministration of the war department at
Washington, besides economies in the re-
cruiting service, rents etc. Expenditures
for 'the last fiscal year were $50, O39O99, APP
propria tons for the current year are So2,-
429, 112 estimates for the next year are
$52,318, 629. 1t was found necessary at times
during the period from March to July in
various places to employ a considerable
part of the army to execute the orders
of the United States courts, otherwise sue
cessfully defed and resisted, to protect the
despatch of the United States mails and to
guard the property of the government. The
movement of troops thus necessit2ted was
the largest which has taken place since the
close of the civil war. The extraordinary
tasks imposed upon officers and men were
discharged promptly, firmly and judiciously,
owing to the thorough efficiency of every
branch of the service.
On Oct. 1 the army numbered: Officers,
@ 1856; enlisted men, 25. 772-of the latter for
various causes only 20 ia were effective.
Sec rotary Lamont earnestly recommends
legislation to establish the battalion forma-
ton adopted by the armies OF every
other civilized nation. TO effect that change
he recommends a return to the law OIL lo'V
fixing at 10000 the limit of the army. by
the changes proposed the army Will be IN
creased 20 per cent in efficiency, 1872 in
numbers and only per cent in cost OF
maintenance. The actual compallVe
strength will thus become about 25,ooo, tho
number now contemplated by law, pus
which is reduced by detachments and other
wise to about 00C0. 1t is proposed to ada
| two companies to each of the % infantry
| regiments and two batteries to each OF the
| five artillery regiments. No increase in cav
airy is proposed. The cost OF the increased
| number Of enlisted men would be $1,200, 900
annually, but retrenchment has reduced ad-
ministrative expenses of the war depart
ment at Washington 100000, and by apply
ing these economies to the benefit of the
| army >-
and greater strength would be obtained at
! an increase of only 100000. 1t is proposed
to meet the necessary increase in line Of
| ficers nv reductions in the staff, and to
| This end a consolidation of the quartermas
| ter's, pay and subsistence departments III
| one bureau is recommended.
The three recruiting depots have beer
abolished, adding 1900 men to the effective
| strength and reducing expenditures abou
| s25O ON Post and regimental recruiting
! which involves little or no expense ant
| brings recruits Immediately Into the com
| mands with which they are to serve VII
be extended. The character OF recruits i
| improved; last year only 1871 out Oh z''ao
| applicants were accepted. All recruits
| must now write the English language ant
| must be citizens of the United states, o
| have declared their intentions. VI 2,n
men discharged by expiration or service
2,079 re-enlisted. Desertions show larg
decrease. The repeal of the law requiring
! a percentage of the pay of enlisted men t.
be retained until honorably discharged i
| recommended.
Seven regiments have been armed wit
the new magazine rifle and by May tn
infantry will be completely equipped wit
the new arm. The manufacturer of tina
arm will continue to equip the militia. TIL
| manufacture of modern field and sieg
| artillery has been continued.
Seacoast defenses may now be prose