The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-12-04

peen indOrsed by the secretaries Of war
and the generals commanding the army.
compact TIA itself, it provides a skeleton
organization ready TO be filled out in the
event OF war; which Is peculiarly adapted
10 our strength and requirements. and the
Iact That every other nation. with. a sim
gle exception, has adopted this formation
20 meet the conditions OF model warfare,
should alone secure for the recommended
ton an early consideration. Ii Is hardly
necessary TO recall the fact that obedi-
enee 10 the commands Of the constitution
ana the laws and for the purpose OF pro-
tecting the property OF the United States
aidlng the process of the federal courts
ana removing lawless distractions TO the
performance by the government Of It's le-
climate functions il became necessary in
various localities during the year TO en-
pioy considerable portion Of the regular
troops. The duty was DISCHARGED
promptly, courageously and with marked
discretion by the officers and men, and the
most gratifying proof was thus Afforded
that the army deserves that complete con-
hdence M It's efficiency and discipline which
the country has at all times manifested
The year has been free from disturb
ances by Indians and the chances OF fur
Their depredations on their part are con-
stantly becoming more remote and i'm
probable.
The total expenditure for the war de-
partment for the year ended June 30 1894,
amounted TO $56.039 0093L OF this sum
&,oOo,6l499 was for salaries and contin-
gent expenses; So. G65. 1856 6 for the sun
port Of the military establishment. Al. 0oi. =
6s2.23 for miscellaneous objects, and S25.-
3Il,5556 for public works This latter
sum includes $40, 49i. 037.49 for river and
harhor improvements and $685.. si356 for
defense. The appropriations for the cur
rent year aggregated So, 429, ll2.7s and the
estimates submitted by the Secretary Of
war Tor the next fiscal year call for an
preparations amounting to s52. S G99 IS.
The skill and industry Of our ordnance
officers and inventions have, IL is be-
heved. overcome the mechanical OBJ
stacles, which have heretofore DELAYED the
armament Of our coasts and this great
national undertaking. upon which we
nave entered, may proceed as rapidly as
congress shall determine. With "a supply
of finished guns OF large caliber. already
on hand, TO which additions should now
rapidly follow, the wisdom Of providing
carriages and emplacements for their
mount cannot be too strongly urged.
The total enrolment Of the militia of
the several states is 1888 officers and
enlisted men, an increase of 5,8i8 over the
number reported at the close OF the
previous year. The reports Of militia in
spections by regular army officers show
marked Increase In interest and eff
cheney among the state organizations.
and / strongly recommend a continuance
Of the policy affordlng every practical en-
couragement possible TO this important
auxiliary OF our military establish
ment.
The condition Of the Apache Indians
held as prisoners by the government
for eight years at a cost Of hair a mill
lion dollars has been changed during the
year from captivity to one which gives
them an opportunity 10 demonstrate their
capacity for self-support, and at least
partial civilization. Legislation enacted
at the late session Of congress gave the
war department authority to transfer
the survivors, numbering 346 from Mount
Vernon barracks, In Alabama, TO any
suitable reservation. The department Sc
lected as their future home the military
lands near Fort Sill, l. r. where, under
military surveillance the former prison.
ers have been established in agriculture
under conditions favorable to their ad-
vancement.
In recognition Of the long and distin-
guished military services and faithful dis
charge Of delicate and responsible civil
duties by Maj. Gen. John M. Schoheld,
now the general commanding the army
1t is suggested to congress that the tenn
porary revival of the grade of lieutenant
general in his behalf would be just and
tirement, now near at hand, with rank
defining his merits.
The report of the attorney general notes
the gratifying progress made by the SUI
preme court in covering the arrears OF its
business and in reaching a condition in
which IT viii be able to dispose of cases
as they arise without any unreasonable
delay. This result is of course very
largely due to the successful working of
the plan inaugurating circuit court Of APP
peals. In regard to these tribunals the
suggestion is made in quarters entitled
to the highest consideration that
an additional circuit judge for
each circuit would greatly
strengthen these courts and the
and that such an addition would not Gre
ate greater force of judges than the
increasing business OF such courts re-
quires. ] commend the suggestion to the
careful consideration Of congress. Other
important topics are adverted to in the
report accompanied by accommodations
which have been treated at large In pre-
vious messages and this time, therefore,
need only be named. l refer to the abo-
lition Of the fee system as a measure of
compensation to federal officers. The en-
largement OF the powers of the United
States commissioners. at least in the ter
ritories; the allowance of writs Of error
IN criminal cases on DehdI OF the united
States and the establishment of degrees
in the crime of murder.
A topic dealt with by the attorney gen.
eral Of much Importance is the condition
of the administration Of Justice in the
Indian Territory. The Prepayment solu-
ton of what is called the Indian problem
is probably not to be expected at once,
but meanwhile such ameliorations Of pres
ent conditions as the existing system will
admit Of ought not to be neglected. / am
satisfied there should be federal court
established for the territory with sufilc-
ent judges and that this court should sit
within the territory and have the same
jurisdiction as to territorial affairs as is
now vested in the federal courts sitting
in Arkansas and Texas.
Another subject of pressing moment re-
ferred to by the attorney general is the re-
organization of the Union Pacific Rail-
way Company on a basis equitable, as re-
CARDS all private interests and as favor
able to the government as existing condi-
tions win permit The operation of a
railroad by a court through a receiver
is an anomalous state of things which
should be terminated on all grounds. pub
lie and private, at the earliest possible
moment. Besides, not to enact the needed
enabling legislation at the present ses-
sion postpones the whole matter until the
81 Of Ina