The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1896-12-12
ARMY is IN EXCELLENT SHAPE.
RecommendntionsT Those Submitted

Recommendation Those Submitted
by the Secretary of War.
The limit or military force fixed by
law is constantly and readily maintained. The
present discipline and morals of our army
excellent and marked progress and efficiency
apparent throughout its entire organization.
With the exception of delicate duties in the
suppression of slight Indian disturbances along
our southwestern boundary, in which the Mex
lean troops co-oper9ted and the compulsory
but peaceful return with the consent of Great
Britain OF a band of Cree Indians from Mon
tana to the British possessions, no active opera
tions have been required of the army during the
year past
Economy Apparent.
Changes in methUa or administration, the
abandonment OF unnecessary posts and conse-
quent concentration of troops and the exercise
of and vigilance by the various officers
charged with the responsibility, in the expendi-
ture OF the appropriations, have resulted in
reducing to minimum the cost OF maintenance
OF our military establishment During the past
year the work OF constructing permanent in
fantry and cavalry posts has been continued
at places heretofore designated.
The secretary OF war repeats his recommenda-
ton that appropriations for barracks and quar-
tiers should more strictly conform to the need
OF the service as judged by the department
rather than respond to the wishes and impor-
tunities OF localities. IL is imperative that much
OF the money provided for such construction
should be allotted to the erection OF neces-
sary quarters for the garrlsons assigned to the
coast defenses. where many men will he paed-
ed to properly for and operate modern
guns 1t is essential too, that early provision
De maze TO supply the necessary force OF artil-
lery 70 meet the demands OF this service
Equipment OF Militia.
The entire army has now been equipped with
the new magazine and policy demands
that all available public and private resources
should be so employed to provide within
reasonable time a sufficient number to SUNNY
the state militia with these weapons and pro-
vide an ample reserve for any emergency The
organized militia number 112,379 men. The an
preparations for its support by the several
states approximate 49, 500. 900 annually and s4Oo :
900 is contributed by the general government
Investigation shows these troops to be usually
well drilled and inspired with much militarv
interest, but in many instances they are so
deficient in proper arms and equipment that a
sudden call TO active duty would find them in
adequately prepared for field service
I therefore recommend that PROMPT measure,
be taken TO remedy this condition and that
every announcement be given to this deserv
ing body Of unpaid and voluntary citizen SOL
diers upon whose assistance we must lar0al,,
rely In time OF trouble.
Coast FortIfications.
During the past year rapid progress b.s
been made toward the completion OF the scheme
adopted for the protection and armament ~
Notifications along our sea coast, while eope1
progress has been made In providing the ne
teral for submarine defense in Connection ,.,ish
these works. 1t Is peculiarly gratifying AZ tht.
time TO note the great advance that has hean