The record-union., 1894-12-01
Special to the REcoRp-UNIoN.

report of Secretary Lamont shows saw
ing of half million dollars in salaries
and contingent expenses in the admins
tration of the War Department at Wash
ington, besides economies in the recruit
ing service, rents, etc. The expenditures
for the last fiscal year were $50 039, 009.
The appropriations for the current year
are So, 429, ,212, and the estimates for the
next year are So, ,3lS,629
The report says it was found necessary
at times during the period from March to
July in various places to employ con-
siderable part of the army to execute the
orders of the United States courts, other
wise successfully defed and resisted, to
protect the dispatch of the United States
mails and to guard the property of the
Government. The movement of troops
thus necessitated was the largest which
has taken place since the close of the civi
war. The extraordinary tasks imposed
upon officers and men were discharged
promptly, firmly and judiciously, attest
ing to the thorough efficiency of every
branch of the service.
On October Ist the army numbered ::
Officers, 2,l34; enlisted men, %. 772. OF
the latter, for various causes, only 20, III
were effective.
Secretary : Lamont earnestly recon-
mends legislation to establish the battal-
ion formation now adopted by the armies
of every other civilized nation. To
effect that change, he recommends re-
turn to the law of 1870, fixing 10000 as the
limit of the army. By the changes pro-
posed the army will be increased 20 per
cent. in efficiency and 164 in umbers,
and only per cent. in cost of mainte-
nance. The actual combative strength
Will thus become about $4,000, the num-
ber now contemplated by law, but which
is reduced by deJachments and otherwise
to about 10000. 1t is proposed to add two
companies to each Of the sixty-tive in
fantry regiments. and two batteries to
each of the five artillery regiments. No
increase in cavalry is reported
The cost of the increased number of
men would be 81 100000 annually, but re-
trenchment has reduced administration
expenses of the War Department at
Washington S500,000, and by applying
these economies to the benefit OF the
army, efficient organization ana greater
strength can be obtained at an increase
OF only $1,000
. 1t is proposed to make the necessary in
crease in line officers by reductions in
the staff, and to this end consolidation
of the Quartermasters, Pay and Subsist-
ence Departments in one bureau of sup
ply is recommended.
The three recruiting depots have been
abolished, adding 1000 men to the effect
i've strength, and reducing expenditures
about S25O, 900. Post and regimental re-
cruiting, which involves little or no ex-
pense and brings recruits Immediately
into the commands with which they are
to serve, will be extended.
The character of recruits is improved.
and last year only ,S17 out of q, ,53l appli-
cants were accepted. All recruits must
now write the English language, and
must be citizens of the United States, or
have declared their intentions. OF 2.7lO
men discharged by expiration of service,
2,079 re-enllsted. Desertions show a large
decrease.
The repeal of the law requiring a per-
centage of the pay of the enlisted men to
be retained until honorably discharged is
recommended.
Seven regiments have been armed with
the new magazine rifles, and by May lst
the infantry will be completely equipped
with the new arm.' The manufacture of
that arm Will continue TO equip the mill
TIA. The manufacture of modern field
and siege artillery has been continued
Sea coast defense may now be prosecuted
as rapidly as Congress makes apprOpria-
tlons for the purpose, and if these are sut-
hclent the project of the EndicotU board
can be carried out IN twelve and one-half
years.
The total cost Of finishing the arma-
ment of our twenty-eight chief seaports
Is estimated at SO, ,639, ,9S7 for guns, Sc, SOL
120 for mortars, Sl2, 500, 900 for gun carri-
ages and 50, 232, 900 for mortar carriages.
Total. including contract work, $50, ,227,-
24S.
Secretary Lamont observes that a statue
of General Grant has been erected in the
Capitol and the Congressional Libr airy.