, 1898-12-07
THE ARMY BILL
GENERAL MILES DRAFTS A PLAN
FOR AN ARMY OF 100, 900
MEN.
1000 of Population of the United
States and Two Soldiers to 1000
Population of New Colonies-Sea-
Board Artillery for Defense.

to the increase and r%emodeling of the
regular United States army, has been
completed by the commanding general
of the army, and today was handed by
him to Secretary Algar, who will trans
nit it to congress, probably through the
chairman of the house committee ON
military affairs, Representative Hull,
after he has an opportunity to make
amy changes that he may deem advis-
able.
The explanation of the broad gener-
al principles Of the bill Zone feature Of
which provides for the creation OF three
new offices, a general and two lieuten-
ant generals of the army, in accordance
with the practice of modern military
nations) is disclosed in the following
letter:
Headquarters Of the army, Washing
ton, D. C. Dec. 5.-The Hon. Secretary
Of War: Sir-I have the honor to sub
NIT herewith the draft of a bill for the
reorganization of the United States
army, based on a strength of one SOL
dier to 1000 of the population Of the
United States, and two soldiers to 1000
of the population in the dependent COL
onies-approximarely loo, 900 men.
my recommendations are for what l
believe to be the best interests Of the
government, not only at present, but,
as far as we are able to see, for the
future. The recommendations have
been made regardless of any personal
consideration Of any officer or soldier
now connected with the military SER
vice.
THE proportion of artillery, cavalry
and infantry is in accordance with the
immediate necessities of the United
States. We have 1000 miles OF coast,
with twenty-seven. principal harbop,
where are located millions of people
and property OF almost inestimable
value. That they should be properly
defended Is demanded by every con-
sideration of prudence and good admin
istration. In addition to this, we have
the important harbors in Porto Rico,
Cuba and the Philippines to defend, re-
quiring a large force of artillery.
THE organization recommended is
such as to give rank in proportion to
the important duties and great respon-
sibilities required of the different Off
GERS in our service, and is similar to the
organization which has been found
most efficient in the armies Of all other
civilized nations, and also to that which
was found to be most effective In the
confederate army between the years
1861 and 1865. A similar organization
has been recommended by General
Sherman and Lieutenant General Scho-
field.
II earnestly recommend favorable
consideration Of the organization as
presented. Very respectfully,
NELSON A. MILES,
MAJOR General. COMMANDING"
The full text Of tine bill follows:
Be 1t enacted, ETC., that the military
establishment OF the United States shall
hereafter consist of fifteen regiments OF
cavalry, fourteen regiments seacoast
artillery, two regiments Of field artil-
lery, two regiments OF engineers, fifty
regiments OF infantry, the professors
and corps Of cadets OF the United States
military academy and such other force
as shall be provided for by this act, to
be known as the army of the United
States.
Section 2-That the regiments of cav
airy shall be organized as now provid-
ed by law, each to consist Of three
squadrons Of tour troops; each troop to
be organized as shall be provided in
this act.
Provided, That each regiment Of cav
airy shall consist of 1000 enlisted men
Nth the necessary complement of Off
GERS.
Section 3-That the artillery arm OF
the service shall consist OF seacoas and
field artillery. That the eacoa ar
tiIlery shall consist Of fourteen regf-
ments of twelve batteries each, and the
field artillery OF two regiments Of twelve
batteries each. The organization of the
batteries Of seacoast and field artillery
shall be as provided In, this act.
Provided, That each regiment OF sea-
coast artillery shall consist of 1900 en-
listed men, and each regiment of field
artillery Of 1882 enlisted men, with the
necessary complement OF officers.
Provided. furthe4 That the president
may, in his discretidn, convey such field
batteries as may seem to him to be nee
essory from time to time. into siege bat
terses, horse artillery batteries OF
mounted batteries.
Section 4-That the infantry arm o.
the service shall consist Of fifty regi
meots Of three battaAons OF four CON.