The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1894-12-06
WAR DEPARTMENT.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
From the report of the secretary of war
1t appears that the strength of the army
25, 765 enlisted men.
Although this is apparently very slight
decrease compared with the previous year,
the actual effective force has been in
creased to the equivalent of nearly two
regiments through the reorganization of
the system of recruiting, and the conse-
quent release to regimental duty of the
large force of men hitherto serving at the
recruiting depots. The abolition of these
depots, it is predicted, will furthermore
effect an annual reduction approximating
S25O,OOO in direct expenditures, besides
promoting generally the health, morals
and discipline of the troops.
Small Ports Abandoned.
The execution Of the policy Of concen-
trating the army at important centers Of
population and transportation, foreshad-
owed in the last annual report of the sec
rotary, has resulted in the abandonment
OF Is Of the smaller posts, which was eff
fected under plan which assemblies or
ganiLatiol of the same regiments hitherto
widely separated. This renders our small
forces more readily effective for any serv-
ice which they be called upon to perform,
increases the extent OF the territory under
protection without diminishing the secur-
ity heretofore afforded to any locality, inn
proves the discipline, training 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 increased,
more than three-fourths of the army is
still stationed west of the Mississippi.
While the maximum legal strength of
the army is $4,000 men, the effective
strength, for various causes, is but little
over 10000 men, The purpose of congress
does not, therefore, seem to be fully at
tanned by the existing condition. While
no considerable increase in the army is, in
my judgment, demanded by recent events,
the policy of sea coast fertilization, in the
prosecution of which we have steadily en-
gagged for some years, has SO fur devel-
oped as to suggest that the effective
strength of the army be now made at
least equal to the legal strength. Measures
taken by the department during the year,
as indicated, have already considerably
secretary of war presents plan which I
gress to attain the desired end.
Three Battalion Formation.
Economies effected in the department in
other lines of it's work will offset to a
great extent the expenditure involved in
the proposition submitted. Among other
things this contemplates the adoption of
the three battalion formation of regiments
which for several years has been indorsed
by the secretaries of war and the generals
commanding the army.
An Allusion to Interior Disturbances.
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 property OF the
United States, aiding the process Of the
federal courts, and removing laWless OBJ
structions to the performance by the gov
eminent Of it's legitimate functions, 1t be-
came necessary in various localities dur
ing the present year to employ consider
able portion of the regular troops. The
duty was discharged promptly, courage
ously, and 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 its eff
cheney and discipline which the country
has at all times manifested.
The year has been free from disturb
ances by Indians and ,Do chances OF fur
Their depredauons on their pare are con-
stantlv becoming more remote and I'M
probable
Coast armament.
The skill and industry Of our ordnance
officers and inventors nave, 1t IS believed,
overcome tho mechanical obstacles " hIch
have heretofore delayed the armament OF
our coasts, and this groas national under
taking upon which we have entered may
now proceed as rapidly as congress soall
determine With a supply OF finished
guns Of large calibre already on hand, 10
which addition should now rapidly folio"
the wisdom of providing carriages anc
enrplactmcats for 1leir mount can not ot
too strongly urged