The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1894-12-06
THE ARMY.
Some Changes Are Considered Very
DesirabIe.

Some Changes Are Considered Very
Desirable.
From the report OF the secretary of war
1t appears that the strength Of the army
3D. enlisted men. Although this is APP
parently very slight decrease compared
with the previous year the actual effective
force has been increased to the equivalent
of nearly two regiments through the re-
organization of the system of recruiting
and the consequent release to regimental
duty Of the large force of men hitherto
ition of these depots, 1t Is predicted, will
furthermore effect an annual reduction an
proximating. $250,00O In the direct expendi-
lures, besides promoting generally the
health, morals and discipline of the trooDs
Increase It's Strength.
While the maximum legal strength of the
army Is $4,000 men, the effective stength,
men. The purpose of congress does not
therefore seem to be fully attained ny the
existing condition. While no considerable
increase in the army is in my Judgment
demanded by recent events, the policy of
sea coast fortifcati0n, in the prosecution of
which we have been steadily engaged for
some years. has so far developed as to sug-
gest that the effective strength of the army
be now made at least equal to the legal
strength Measures taken by the depart
ment during the yedP as Indicated have al
ready considerably augmented the effective
force, and the secretary of war presents q
plan which recommend to the consideration
of congress to attain the desired end. Econ
omies erected 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 con-
templates the adoption of the three bat
tallion formation of regiments which for
several years has been Endorsed by the Sec
retaries of war and the generals commanding
the army. Compact in itself. 1t provides
skeleton organization ready to be filled out
In the event of war which is peculiarly
adapted to our strength and requirements;
e.. ct,
exception has adopted this formation to
meet the condition of modern warfare should
alone secure for the Recommendation an
- : The Recent Strike.
1t 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 its
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
Ing proof was thus afforded that the army
deserves that complete confidence in its
efficiency AMI discipline which the country
has at all times man Tested.
The 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-
partment for the year ended June 30, 1894,
amounted to $56,039, 009.34 OF this sum
$4,000, 66499 was for salaries and contin-
gent expenses; $23, $50, 1876 16 for the sup
port of the military establishment; Sc, COL
6S2.23 for miscellaneous objects and $685.
81, $500 for public works. This latter
sum includes SO, 494 ,037. 40 for river and
harbor improvements and $3,947 1868. 90 for
Notifications and other works of defense
The appropriations for the current year ag-
gregate So, 429, 112.7S and the estimates
submitted by the secretary of war for the
next fiscal year call for appropriations
amounting to Sa231S, 629.55.
The Citizen Soldiers.
The total enrolment Of the militia Of the
several states Is III, 533 officers and enlist
ed men, an increase of 5,346 over the num-
Der reported at the close Of the previous
year.
The report of elections by regular army
officers show marked increase in interest
and efficiency among the state organizations
and strongly recommend q continuance Of
the policy of affording very practical en-
couragement possible to this important aux
Hilary of our military establishment.
The condition of the Apache Indians, held
as prisoners by the government for eight
years at a cost of half a million dollars
has been changed during the year from cap
tivity to one which gives theE an opportu-
nifty to demonstrate their capacity for self
support and at least partial civilization.
Legislation enacted at the late session of
conSress gave Tue war department authority
to transfer the survivors, numbering 346
from Mount Vernon barracks, in Alabama,
to any suitable reservation. The deIyrt-
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 In
agricultural pursuits under conditions ia
yorable to their advancement.
In reco gnition Of the long and distinguish
ed military services and faithful discharge
Of delicate and responsible civil duties by
Maj. Gen. John II. Schofeld, now the gem
eral commanding the army, 1t Is suggested
to congress that the temporary revival Of
the grade of lieutenant general in his behalf
would be just and generous act, and
would permit his retirement, now near at
hand, with rank BETTING his merits.