Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-11-15
GENERAL MILES, REPORT.
1t II Brief md FormaI-High Com
n,endation for the Work of
the Army.

nendation for the Work of
the Army.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1.-THE annual re-
port of Major General Nelson A. Miles,
commanding the army. was made public
at the war department to-day. 1t bears
date October II. lSS9 and is extremely brief
and formal in character. 1t announces the
transmission to the secretary of war OF
the reports of the department and stafl
commanders and makes a brief statement
OF the strength and distribution of the
army, including the muster out of the
volunteer regiments. most of the details
OF which have been already published In
the reports OF the adjutant general.
The report concludes with the following
general statement:
The demand for troops for foreign serv-
Ice has been unusual and has been some
what severe upon them, especially those
Of the regular army. Within the last eigh-
teen months several regiments have been
required to leave their stations in the eX-
treme North. move to the islands of the
West Indies, there engage in campaign in
summer. return to Northern stations in the
autumn and winter. and move again to
tropical islands and engage in campaign
Rarely in a service have troops experienced
such unusual changes in climate as those
above indicated, yet, under all circum-
stances and at all times the utmost loyal.
duty have been manifested on the part of
the troops. In nearly all engagements
where the troops have been brought into
contact with the enemy, they have in
variably acted on the offensive. and in not
a single instance have they suffered defeat
The intelligence, discipline and fidelity of
both officers and men have been most COM
mendable.
owing to the additional and extraor-
dinary expense placed upon officers while
serving in the Philippine islands, Cuba.
Porto Rico and the observation-disclosures, it is
recommended that they be allowed the
same percentage of the increase of pay
that Is now provided by law for the enlisted
men.
ress has been made in the equipment of
the Atlantic. Pacific and Gulf coasts with
modern defenses. and, IL the general plan
is carried out. it is hoped that in a short
time our coasts will be in proper condi-
ton of defense.
Some very important discoveries have
been made in relation to ordnance, projec-
tiles and high explosives, and, after care
ances have been adopted which will great
ly increase the efficiency of our arma-
ment.
1T is also recommended that officers of
the army with q creditable record who
served during the civil war shall be grant,
ed the same consideration concerning rank
and pay as has been accorded officers of
the navy by section IL, act approved March
3, 1899
las far as organization is concerned, the
army is in transition state. 1t is believed
ice required of it up to the time author
lied. viz, July /. 1901. 1t is gratifying to
note that the government has authorized
military force which seems commensur-
ate with its requirements, magnitude and
institutions. l have for years recommend
ed the adoption of a standard in proportion
to the population, viz, not to exceed one
soldier to every Loo OF tine
such standard would be safe and judi
cious in every respect"