The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1894-12-07

,tron OF these depots, n Is predicted, will
furthermore effect annual reduction an
proxmating S25OOOO In the direct expendl-
lures besides promoting generally the
health morals and discinline of the troops
IncreaSe It's Strength.
While the maximum legal strength Of the
army is $4,000 men, the effective stength,
for various causes, is but little over 10000
men. The purpose of congress does not
therefore seem TO be fully attained by the
existing condition. While no considerable
increase in the army Is In my judgment
demanded by recent events, the policy OF
sea coast fortification, in the prosecution OF
which we have been steadily engaged for
gest that the effective strength Of the army
be now made at least equal to the lega!
strength. Measures taken by the depart
ment during the year as Indicated have nj
ready considerably augmented the effective
force and the secretary Of war presents
plan which ! recommend to the consideration
of congress to attain the desired end Econ
omics effected in the department in other
lines Of its work will offset to great extent
the expenditure involved in the proposition
submitted. Among other things this con
templates the adoption Of the three bat
talion formation OF regiments which for
several years has been indorsed by the sec
retaries Of war and the generals commanding
the army. Compact in itself. it provides a
skeleton organization ready to be filed out
In the event of war which is peculiarly
adapted to our strength and requirements;
exception, has adopted this formation to
meet the condition of modern warfare should
alone secure for the recommendation an
cay The recent strike.
IT Is hardly necessary to recall the fact
that in obedience to the commands Of the
constitution and the laws and for the pur-
pose Of protecting the property of the
United States, aiding the process of federal
courts and removing lawless distractions to
the performance by the government Of it's
legitimate functions 1t became necessary in
various localities during the year TO en-
ploy considerable portion OF the regular
troops. The duty was discharged promptly.
courageously and with marked discretion by
the officers and men and the most crafty
Ing proof was thus afforded that the army
deserves that complete confidence in its
efficiency and discipline which the country
has at all times manifested.
Ihe year has been free from Disturbances
by Indians, and the chances of further dep
relations on their part are constantly be-
coming more remote and Improbable
The total expenditures for the war de-
paitment for the year ended June 30, 1894
amounted to 5000, ,00934. OF this sum
-. OoO.bt+4 was for salaries and cOntin-
gent expenses; So 60, loo lG for the sup
port Of the military establishment; S5,oo1,-
6S2.23 for miscellaneous objects and So
31l ,5.hI!6 for public works. This latter
sum includes SO. .494 031 40 for river and
harbor improvements and S3,a47 SG3. 56 for
fortihcations and other works of defense.
The appropriations for the current year ag-
gfegate So. 80, ll2.7s and the estimates
submitted hy the secretary OF for the
next fiscal year call for appropriations
amounting 10 s12.3lS,6 ,62a. -.
The Citizen Soldiers.
The total enrolment Of the militia Of the
several states is Ill ,5;}3 officers and enlist
ed men. an Increase Of o,3i6 over the mum
b"r reported at the close of the previous
year.
lnr report of elections by regular army
officers show marked increase III interest
AMI efficiency among the state organizations
the policy of alfording very practical en-
eouragement possible to this important aux
iiiaFN III our military establishment.
HE condition at HE Apache Indians held
rs prisoners by tile government for eight
years 1T cost of half million dollars,
has been changed during The year from cap
tisity II one which gives them an opportu-
nifty to 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 AlasA.-la,
to any suitable reservation. The depart
ment selected as their future home the
military lands near Fort Sill, Indian Terri
tory, where. under military surveillance. the
former prisoners have been established N
agricultural pursuits under conditions fa-
yorable to their advancement.
In recognition Of the long and distinguish
ed military services and faithful discharge
Of delicate and responsible civil duties by
Maj Gen. John NJ. Schoted. now the gen
eral commanding the army, it Is suggested
to congress that the temporary revival OF
the grade of lieutenant general in his behalf
would he just and generous act, ana
would permit his retirement, now near at
hand, with rank betting his merits.