The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1897-11-22


Washington, Nov. 21.-In his report to
the president for the fiscal year, the
secretary OF war says in part:
1t has been the custom OF my prede-
cessors to review the reports of the
commanding generals and the heads of
bureaus, and to submit views and
recommendations upon the various sub
jects coming within the jurisdiction of
the department. Such a review of the
work is necessary, but as only the last
quarter Of the fiscal year, ended on the
S0th OF June last fell within my term,
il has seemed best to depart from the
usual custom by obtaining from the
officers Immediately responsible a
synopsis, in letter form, embracing the
principal and more important matters
contained in their reports, together with
recommendations for such legislation
by congress as, in their judgment, Will
tend to the better administration of
their respective departments.
He then submits the report of General
Miles, commanding the army.
The army. says the general. though
inadequate in point of numbers. was
never in a higher state of efficiency.
along the Atlantic and gulf coasts, es-
pecially in the mounting of modern ar
tillery and the appliances adopted for
the defense Of the coasts. General Miles
Concurs in the recommendations of Ma
Jor General Brooke concerning the ne
cessity for gymnasiums and drill halls,
required especially along the line Of
northern military posts to enable the
commands to be properly instructed
and exercised during inclement wealth
CT or during the winter season.
The progress that has been made on
the Pacific coast in the establishment
of modern batteries of artillery has
made il necessary to occupy new
ground ard TO adopt q new system Of
defense. The very commanding posi-
ton known formerly as Lime Point has
received a portion of its armament and
viii soon become a most formidable
part OF the defense of the harbor of
San Francisco.
A larger garrison is needed at the en-
trance of Columbia river, Ore. Atten-
ton is called to the necessities of the
great territory of Alaska.
ATTRACTING POPULATION.
Alaska is in extent II times the area
of the state Of New York. The recent
discovery os rich gold fields. together
with valuable silver and copper mines,
the timber and fishing interests of that
territory. are attracting ana viii at
tract a very large population to that
region. necesSitating a more stable civil
government, and also the occupation OF
important points by military and naval
forces.
AS far as practicable, it would. in
General Miles opinion, be advisable to
have its waters thoroughly examined
by such Of the naval forces as could be
used for that purpose: and. as military
accommodating and exploring parties il
past years have been sent into thai
country 10 furnish knowledge of its
character. resources, and necessities
this should be continued on larger and
more liberal scale. While there is now
no conflict between the population
COMPOSED Of some 10000 Indians and tn,
white explorers and settlers. as the for
naer ara supplied with modern arms
they NAV become turbulent and trou
blesome Such has been the history o
nearly all the tribes in other terrific
ries. Hence it would be but reasonablt
10 anticiDate the necessities for militar!
forces in that territory by the estab
a lishment of at least three military post
to support the civil authorities, TO Civ
protection to the white settlers. and t
aid in maintaining law and order il
that remote part of our country.
THE INDIANS
During the year there has been con
aict with the authorities and disturb
ance OF the peace by the Indians scat
tered through . portion of the Rock,
mountain region but by judiciou
management and prompt action of tn
civil authorities and military force
serious disturbances of the peace hav
been avoided.
The condition of the Indians is bette
today than il has been for many years
l.. = 1
no serious disturbance of the peace
frhe Indians are making rapid progress
toward permanent settlement and sen
civilization. It was d wise proviso
of congress that authorized the presi
dent to detail experienced officers {
the army TO act as Indian agents. Tn
1,r,naber of Indian children that ar
now receiving the advantages of schoc
education is very large, and it is hay
ing a very excellent effect upon tn
condition Of the tribes, IS well as upo
their progress as a pastoral and a
agricultural people. Their conditio
is being benefited in many weays.
COAST DEFENsEs.
During the last ten years much a.
,enfion has been given by the govern
rnent 70 the subject of coast defense
ond most beneficial results are no
= becoming apparent. approximate
SOC. coo 600 have been appropriated h
The government. which is nearly on,
third Of what is required TO put IL
country in a safe condition of defens
Tl7is has been expended in the COZ
e+ri1ction of modern Notifications an
bieb-power guns Of great force al
naaenitude These weapons for defen.
are entirely different from what w;
known to the world a generation ag
a modern gun, with its carriage, en-
placement and ammunition, costs on g
average 100000. To properly preserv
lraen in working order and man the
in time Of hostility requires a most e.
nar+ and sxiIlful knowledge on the pa
al both officers and soldiers in the a
tiilery service
although the general desire of OF
people is to maintain a condition
peace with all nations. and the pole
of The government is one of good w