The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-12-20
CONGRESS AND THE ARMY.
Various Billie P~nding-Ordnnnce Matters
Promotions from tho Rnnks.

w~AsHINGToN, Doc. let begins 10 look
doubtful again whether much legislation for
the army outside of the routine supply bills
can be effected during the coming winter. Tho
measures for the increase of the artillery and
infantry are felt to be most desirable. but there
10 a struggle for time at the short session. There
is one section Of the pending reorganization
bill, also, which excites some opposition on
account of its provisions In regard to promotion.
although this is not essential to the bill.
For the militia 1t seems probable that the
bill relating to supplying the Springfield rife
to all that desire It. can be passed. as 1t comes
strongly recommended, is in the interest OF uni
formity. and requires no approprist ton, being
the use OF existing arms which have been sup
planted In the regular service by The 3o-calibre
magazine arm.
Some other bills pending in Congress have
already been mentioned. ..and to the list may be
added those for establishing a military park at
vicksburR. for duplicating the machinery at
the Springfield armory. fer fixing the pay, Ill
lowances. tenure of office. and rank of veterin-
airy surgeons. and for lending ordnance stores
to.hieh schools.
Among the contracts for the erection OF new
batteries awarded OF late. under the apprOpria-
tons of Congress. are tn ose for Sandy Hook,
Dutch Island. at Newport; Sulllvan,s Island.
on he Potomac, opposite Fort Washington.
This last site will-have at least three heavy
guns. while opposite. at Fort Washington. are
TO be three 1O-inch guns. of which two are now
being mounted.
The unusual number OF twcnty-four enlisted
men who passed the final examinations at
Fort Leayenworth may seem to make II I'M
missions. unless Congress should adopt a reor-
remained but three West Point graduates
in the ~infantry, to be absorbed, there is a good
receive commissions. Meanwhile all have
gone back. to their posts. In the cavalry and
ortIlisfy there ar, I'M many ny more nc eh additiSn ,ahi,ss Sec C.
Among the noteworthy points in Gen. Mer-
ritt's current report is one relating to the value
bines instead OF bell bars. He also praises
the instruction at Fort Riley in horsemapship.
the. tendency in ridiug-hall exercises gener-
ally is too MUCH in th~ direction of circus per-
formances." 1t further appears that Capt.
Scott. in charge Of the Apache prisoners. has
had great success in improving them
current report is that. gagged by the number Of
court-martial trials. the conduct of the en-
during the past year than during, any one Of
Ii adds that I'm the matter Of unexceptionablet
%sertion. the palm must be awarded to the
Ninta Cavalry. a colored regiment"
The same officer. among other suggestions.
holds that as much miscellaneous labor as
possible should be dispensed with in the ser
y ysraen as. f9 ae ex Won|d bs ,9s f faiirns Gnt Of P pss.
formed. when practicable. by ntire organiza.
tons rather than BY mixed details. and guard
duty on an analogous system. An extra duty
corps. made up largely Of ex-soldiers, would
with officers is said to be In favor Of a rear
sight for the army rifle, so that allowance can
be made for drift and wind. As to the
post Exchange Gen. Coppinger holds that.
I'm view of the well-known tendency OF
company commanders to so operate the
institution that It will Yield a large profit.
It would he well TO organize the council with
the officer Of the line next In rank to the post
commander. n company commander. and the
exchange officer ms members" AT posts
where there are several field officers one of
them would thus be utilized for this service.
II is noted that the new cavalry drill rcgula-
tions. which have been recently distributed.
are expressed to be FOR the INFORMATION and
ance of the militia of the United States" There
have been many changes of various degrees OF
Importance under Gen. Ruger's revision. and
the new infantry. REGULATIONS will no doubt
ahoW their share nf I'm nrnyan,apfa I'm turn