The daily morning journal and courier., 1894-10-19
AT THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.

"isaionor Lochfhn hepOfts on tho Artny
 of Pensioners, Which shows . Million
 on tho Pension Roiis-Postmastors shorn
 or Their Powers.
 Washington, Oct. ls.-During the dull season pending the converting of congress the various government off, cials have been busy getting ready their annual reports, and among the most interesting ones just published are those of Major General Schofield, commanding the army. and Commis- sioner of Pensions Lochran. Major General schofeld's report discusses the use of military force In maintain ing Federal laws against domestic re- sistance, and also the necessity of coast Notifications. General Schofleld says that but for the judicious distribution of troops already existing, under the command of general officers of educa- tion, experience, tried fidelity to the national interests and the most pro- found respect for the laws of the land, the quelling of the recent strikes in the west would have been an impossi- bility. The people of the United States should be proud of such an army, whose prompt and vigorous action Is worthy of the most highest commenda- tion. The report then goes on to set forth the necessity of making provi- sion not only against outside aggres- sion, but also against domestic vio- lence, and that to properly do this and cover the vast territory of the United States an increase in the army is an absolute necessity. General Schofeld urges the addition of two regiments of artillery for the necessary sea coast defense, two additional regiments of cavalry to patrol the long lines of rally road under government protection, and the present twenty-five regiments of infantry converted into three battal- ion organizations. This he holds could be done at small additional expense, as the number of commissioned officers are sufficient and the expense of troops would not be great. By doing this a permanent increase in the enlisted strength of the army could be made, and the president should have full pow CT to further increase the army when an emergency demanded.
 General Scholield in taking up the matter of sea coast defense says: Ar mics, no matter how we'll disciplined and perfectly armed, cannot defend the sea coast against modern ships of war. Suitable Notifications, with effective high, power armament are the only possible means of such defense, and consequently no time should be lost in preparing such defenses until all the great sea ports in the country are placed in satisfactory condition against any possible attack. No matter how large the appropriations in this line, in the end 1t will be the wisest economy. General Schofleld speaks at length of the constantly increasing interest man. ifested in military education, and the demand for military officers at the va rious colleges and schools throughout the country, and of the great benefit such teaching would be in case of emer- gency, when the moulding of a volun- teer force into reliable army would be the work of a very short time. Gen. eral Schofield ends his report with the highest praise of the men as soldiers and their readiness to obey orders in times most trying.
 But to turn from the army of the present and look to the army of the past, the members of which or their families are now drawing pensions to the number of nearly one million, while nearly six hundred and twenty thou- sand claims are still pending in the pension office. The report of the com missioner of pensions shows that the number of pensioners on the rolls June 30, 1893, was 966,O12, and that during the year up to June 30, 1894, 39,085 new pensioners were added and 2,39S previously dropped were restored, while 37,951 have been dropped for death and other causes, so that the number now on the rolls is 969,544 This year, to show the enormous work
 
 cases of all now on the rolls, but of those dropped and added, besides the vast number of claims annually re- jected of which there were last year 132,S73. At present the office is consid- ering some 619,oOO claims of all classes, the bulk of which are for increase, or for widows and dependents.
 The greatest trouble of the office is what is known as congressional claims, where the information in the case is sent to the congressman. These are most cases where the evidence is de- fective or lacking and require careful consideration and repeated exanina- tions. Of this class of claims some 95,000 were examined during the year, and the status of the case forwarded to the congressman.
 Of the fraud in pension matters the commissioners report shows that but 194 convictions were made in the Uni ted States during the past year, which considering the number of claims, is very small e..
 The amount paid for pensions during the year was 139,S04, 461. .05, leaving a balance in the treasury of $25, ,205,7 ,712.
 For several years, theoretically, the power of making all appointments and removals of letter carriers and other officials has always been in the post office department, but practically the postmasters have been accustomed to exercise the power of appointment and removal without previously consulting