The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1894-12-06

OF new and unnecessary posts through acts
OF congress to crafty the ambitions or in
terests of localities
While the maximum legal strength of
the army is 25,000 men, the effective
strength, through various causes, is lit
tie more than 10000 men, The purDose
| OF congress does not therefore seem to be
fully attained by the existing conditions.
While considerable increase in the army
is, IN my judgment, demanded by recent
events. the policy of seacoast fortifica-
tons. in prosecution of which we have
peen steadily engaged for some years,
has SO far developed as to suggest that
the effective strength of the army be
now made at leas equal to the legal
/ strength.
Measures taken by the department
during the year, as indicated, have al
ready considerably augmented the eff
fective force, and the secretary of war
presents a plan, which l recommend to
| the consideration of congress, to attain
the desired end. Economies effected in
the department in other lines of its work
VIII offset to great extent the expendi-
ed. Among other things this contem-
plates the adoption of the three battal-
lion formation of regiments which for
several years has been endorsed by the
secretary of war and the generals COM
manding the army. Compact in itself
it provides a skeleton organization ready
| to be filled out in event of war. which is
peculiarly adapted to our strength and
requirements and the fact that every
other nation, with n single exception,
has adopted this formation to meet the
condition of modern warfare, should
alone secure for the recommendation an
early consideration.
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 fed
eral courts and removing lawless obstruc-
tons to the performance by the govern
ments of legitimate functions, it became
necessary in various localities during the
year to employ considerable portion of
the regular troops. The duty was dis
charged very promptly, courageously and
with marked discretion by the officers and
men, and the most gratifying proof was
thus afforded that the army deserves that
complete confidence in its efficiency and
discipline which the country has at ali
times manifested.
The year has been free from disturb
ances by Indians, and the chances of fur
ther disturbances on their part are con-
stantly growing more remote and improb-
able.
The total expenditures for the war de-
partment for the year ending June 80.
|
this sum $2,000,61499 was for salaries
and contingent expenses; $23 ,665, 1876
for the support of the military establish
ment S5,001 ,6S223 for miscellaneous OBJ
jects and $25,371 ,555.96 for public works.
This latter sum includes $40 ,494, 40
for river and harbor Improvement, and
$3,947, ,S63.56 for Notifications and other
works Of defense.
The appropriations for the current year
aggregate So, 400, ,112.7S and the esti-
mates submitted by the secretary of war
for the net fiscal year call for appropria-
tions amounting to $52,31S, ,629.56.
The skill and industry of our ordnance
officers and inventors have, 1t is believed,
overcome the mechanical obstacles which
have heretofore delayed the armament of
our coasts, and this great national under
taking which we have entered into may
now proceed as rapidly as congress deter
mines.
With the supply. of finished guns Of
large calibre already on hand, to which
additions should now rapidly follow, the
wisdom of providing carriages and inn
placement for their mount cannot be too
strongly urged. The total enrolment Of
the militia of the several states is III ,533
officers and enlisted men, an increase or
5343 over the number reported at the
close of the previous year.
The reports of militia inspections by
Irregular army officers show marked in
crease In interest and efficiency among
the state organizations, and strongly
recommend continuance OF the policy
of affording every practical encourage
ment possible to this important auxiliary
of our military establishment.
The condition of the Apache Indians,
held rs prisoners by the United States
government for eight years, at a cost
of half million dollars, has been chang
ed during the year from captivity to one
which gives them an opportunity to dem
onstrate their capacity for self support
and at least partial civilization. Legislar
ton enacted at last session of congress
gave the war department authority to
transfer the Indians numbering 346,
from Mount Vernon barracks In Ala
bama, to a suitable reser-
walton. The department selected as their
future home the military lands near Fort
. Sill, Indian Territory, where, under mill
have been established in agriculture un-
der conditions favorable to their ad-
vancement.
In recognition of the long and distin-
, guished military services and faithful
discharge of duties and responsible civil
duties by Major General John w. Scho-
. field, now the general commanding the
army, 1t is suggested to congress that tine
. temporary revival of the grade Of lieu
tenant general in his behalf would be
Just and gracious act and would permit
his retirement, now near at hand, with
rank befitting his merits.
REPORT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
The report of the attorney general
noted for the gratifying progress made
BY the supreme court in overcoming the
arrears of its business and reaching q
condition in which ii will be able to dis
. pose of cases as they arise without any
unreasonable delay. This result ID Of
course very largely due to the successful
, working of the plan inaugurating the cir
cult courts of appeals. In respect to
these tribunals the suggestion ID made In
, quarters entitled to the highest consider
, alton that an additional circuit judge
for each circuit would greatly strengthen
: these courts and the confidence reposed
, in their adjudication, that such addition
would not create greater force of judges
, than the increasing business Of such
courts require. i commend the suggestion
to the careful consideration of the con-
/ gress.
Other important topics are adverted to
, in the report, accompanied by recommend,
atoms, many of which have been treated
, at large in previous messages, and at this
> time therefore nee only be
1 fo ha h