The sun., 1896-03-01
AFFAIRS OF TIE ARMY.
New and Old Posts-The West Point Chap
lain -Rcstorations OF Omcers.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S.-There is n constant
pressure upon Congress to establish new army
posts in various parts of the country and to pre-
vent the abandonment OF old ones. Several bills
for the former purpose have boen introduced
relating to points extending from Bangor to
Grand Forks and from Grand Forks to Tacoma.
1t need hardly be said that henceforth tho
lection of army posts should be determined by
strategic considerations. the probable uses Of
the army, and facilities for furnishing supplies.
and for conveying troops in any needed diroc-
tion. 1t can no longer be made matter Of local
desire or influence. or governed by the policy Of
n geographical distribution of favors. as in the
River and Herbor bills Tho policy OF tho army
is that OF abandoning small posts, where this Is
possible, and concentrating troops at the newer
and larger forts. Nevertheless, there is always
a local outcry when n post is given up, and. II
possible. n rumor is started Of Indian hostilties
with a view to averting tho results Of that pol
ICY. With the same view Of securing the local
trade and other advantages given by fort, bills
are introduced. without obtaining the recon-
mendation Of the War Department, to author
izo new posts. Congressman ought to under
stand that this is purely military question, and
that military men should be left free to decide
where forts are and arc not needed.
The new law in regard to the appointment OF
q chaplain for West Point has already brought
out. it is said. large number of applications
for the place. including not only civilians who
are relying on the adoption OF Col Ernst's views
rs to how the appointment should be made. bat
also army chaplains who would be glad to have
Il transfer to West Point.
A majority of the House Committee on Mill
tary Affairs have warmly supported tho bill to
place Gen. Alexander 5. Webb on the retired
list Of the army as Lieutenant Colonel. They
have also high opinions to back them. Adj
Gen. Ruggles notes that Gen. Alexander >.
Webb once sought retirement. but 1t was O.
nied i.a and therefore he resigned mCould the the
effects OF the severe wound that he received
there can be no doubt that its verdict would
have been that he was incaracitated for active
report dwells on Gen. Webb's splendid gal
lantry at Gettysburg. where he was wounded.
The minority of the committee. on the other
hand, while concurrng in the view as to Gen.
eeved on retiring fn ta Years extra p. pay but
before he tendered his resignation had been
elected President OF the College Of the City of
rent max ing his salary at least So 900 year. and
has held that office for more than quarter of
tailed in making this precedent puts II out of tho
question. " There were more than 300 officers
advantage of. Each one OF them has the same
right to ask Congress to now place him on the
s large ngoer % or heSe v I,Sfs
dnction Of twenty regiments. The larger part
of them arc poor men and have battled Tor the
bare nccessares of life since leaving the army.
Many of them have applied to Congress year
after, year for restoration and retirement, and
his resignation over 100000 in salary. and II
add allowance In the way Of house rent in
New York city, even this amount will be largely
increased" So. with these opposing considera-
tions. the case now stands.
The Insignia OF the Medical Corps of the army.
AS recommended by the Board which has been
considering the subject, retains the cross but
secures originality in shape, by some departure
from the Geneva Cross.