The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1894-12-08


the consequent release to regimental
duty of a large force of men hitherto
serving at the recruiting depots. The
abolition of these depots, it is predict
ed, will furthermore effect an annual
reduction approximating $250,000 in the
direct expenditures, besides promoting
generally the health, morals and disci-
pline of the troops.
CENTRALIZE THE TROOPS.
The execution of the policy of con-
centrating the army at important cen
tres OF population and transportation,
foreshadowed in the last annual report
of the secretary has resulted in the
abandonment of is of the smaller posts,
which was effected under plan which
assembled the organizations of the
same regiments hitherto widely sepa-
rated. This renders our small force
more readily effective for any service
which they may be called upon to per-
form; increases the extent of territory
under protection without diminishing
the security heretofore afforded to any
locality; improves the discipline, train
ing and esprit de corps of the army,
besides considerably decreasing the
cost of its maintenance.
Though the forces of the Department
of the East have been somewhat in
creased more than three-fourths of the
army is still stationed west of the
Mississippi. This carefully matured
policy, which secures the best and the
greatest service in the interest of the
general welfare from the small force
comprising our regular army, should
not be thoughtlessly embarrassed by
the creation of new and unnecessary
posts through the acts of congress to
crafty the ambitions or interests of
| localities
SEACOAST FORTIFICATION.
While the maximum legal strength
through various causes is but little over
2O,0 600 men, the purpose of congress
does not therefore seem to be fully at
tanned by the existing conditions. While
no considerable increase in the army is
in my judgment demanded by recent
events, the policy of the sea coast for
tifications, in the prosecution of which
we have been speedily engaged for
some years, has so far developed as to
suggest that the effective strength of
the army be now made at least equal to
the legal strength. Measures by the
department during the year as indi-
Gated have already considerably aug
mented the effective force, and the sec
rotary of war presents a plan which /
recommend to the consideration of con
| gress to attain the desired end. Econ
omies effected in the department in
other lines of work will offset to a great
extent the expenditure involved in the
4
things this contemplated the adoption
of the battalion formation of regi-
ments, which for several years has been
Endorsed by the secretaries of war and
the generals commanding the army.
| Compact in itself, it provides a skeleton
organization, ready to be filled out in
the event Of war, which is peculiarly
adapted to our strength and require
ments, and the fact that every other
nation with a single exception, has
adopted this formation to meet the con-
ditions Of modern warfare, should alone
secure for the recommendation an
early consideration.
INTERNAL TROUBLES.
1t is hardly necessary to recall the
fact that in obedience to the commands
of the constitution and the laws and
for the purpose of protecting the prop
erty of the United States, aiding the
process of federal courts and removing
lawless instructions to the perform
ance by the government of it's necessary
mate functions, it became necessary
in various localities during the year
to employ a considerable portion of
the regular troops. Their duty was dis
/ r. nj a nd
with marked discretion by the officers
and men, and the most gratifying proof
was thus afforded that the army de-
serves that complete confidence in it's
efficiency and discipline which the
country has at all times manifested.
The year has been free from disturb
ances of Indians and the chances OF
further depredations on their part are
becoming more remote and improbable
EXPENDITURES.
The total expenditures of the war de-
partment for the year ending June 30
1894, amounted to $56,O39 ,009. OF this
sum, s., 900, 614.99 was for salaries and
contingent expenses; 1923, 665, 1876 foi
the support of the military establish
ments; $5,001, 1929 for miscellaneous
objects, and $25, 81, 1880 for public
works. This latter sum includes $19,
494, OBJ. 40 for river and harbor improve
ment and 1894, S6356 for fortificationS
and other work of defense. The appro
priations for the current year aggregat
ed $50 ,429, 11273 and the estimates sub
mitted by the secretary of war for the
next fiscal year call for appropriation
amounting to 52,31S 629.55.