Evening star., 1895-10-25
DISCIPLINE OF THE ARMY
Gen. Breokinridge Makes an Interesting
Biennial Report.
Thousands of Applications for Enlist
ment-Competent and Emcfent
Officers.

The annual report of Gen. Breckenridge.
Inspector general of the army, which has just
been made to the Secretary of War; shows
that the army has attained high standard
of discipline. and that the officers generally
are competent and efficient. There has
been very marked improvement in the
character Of men seeking admission to the
ranks, and the great care with which re-
cruits are selected is evidenced by the fact
that only about one in eight is found to
possess the requisite qualifications. There
have been many applications for enlist
ment. In one city alone over 5000 appli-
cants presented themselves
Instruction.
The system of theoretical instruction has
never been SO nearly perfect as now, and
practical instruction of companies and
troops iii level grounds and parade move
nents are reported as thorough and COM
plete. There Is need, however, of practical
work with forces sufficiently large to simu-
late war conditions, in order that the
younger officers may be given a chance to
learn how best to apply the theoretical
knowledge gained at military schools.
Small arms target practice has continued
at all posts equipped with range. When
the new rifle, with it's increased range,
comes into general use increased facilities
for target practice will be necessary at
some of the pests.
The post exchanges are in successful
operation at nearly all the posts, and have
been source of considerable revenue.
Supply Department.
The quality of supplies of all kinds for
the army has been very satisfactory, and
sufficient in quantity. and close attention
mas been given to army business methods
The small percentage of subsistence stores
IA hoS hno
care in the handling of articles of a perish
axle nature.
During the year the accounts of 459 off,
GERS were inspected, entailing LAS differ
ent Inspections. involving s76 119,2O1
The SOldiers' Home.
During the past year there was an un-
usual pressure for admission to the Ma
tional Home for Disabled Volunteer Sol
diers. and the several branches of the
home were crowded TO their utmost capac-
ity. The average increase Of the popula-
tion of the home. in all its branches, for
the past five years has been 775 per an
mum. But notwithstanding the increase in
the number of inmate the net disburse-
E1ents have steadily decreased from s., $685.
O53SS for 1893 to 2.G97. 81 for 1895. The
transfer of the ''posthumous fund" to the
appropriation for current expenses" under
the provisions of the act of Congress of
August Is. 1894, has effected a saving of
S117,O44.05.
Military Schools.
At the close Of the year there were 1Oi
schools and colleges at which military in
struction was given by officers of the army
to 1855 pupils, an increase of nearly three
thousand over the number at the close of
the previous year. Every year shows a
marked increase in the popularity of the
military feature of instruction. In 1891 the
pupils receiving military instruction aver
aged 134 per college; in 1895 the average
marked aptitude for military instruction
and evince much interest in the various
drills and exercises.