The times., 1899-11-02

commander of the American expedition, and
at both places the British officers did much
TO add TO the pleasure of the occasions.
The present canteen system is given con-
siderable attention, and the report states
that it is satisfactory. On the matter Cen
eral Corbin says:
THE military operations of last year, to-
gether with the delay in the receipt of re-
ports occasioned by the scattering of the
regular regiments, many OF whom were on
foreign station, rendered 1t impracticable
to embrace a report of the operations Of
post exchanges during that year. The op-
erations of two years are therefore includ-
ed in this report The work of these eX-
changes so far as the regular regiments are
concerned has been fulfilled in a satisfac
tory manner. Some considerable criticism
has grown out Of the operations of certain
regimental exchanges in the volunteer reg
iments due to a variety of causes mainly
in disregard of the regulations governing
their establishment and maintenance. 1t
Is very probable that a great majority of
the exchanges in the volunteer regiments
from the several States were limited to
the canteen feature and to the sale of beer.
which is directly contrary to the principle
of the exchange system. The mastering
out Of these regiments, together with the
recent act of Congress which prohibits the
employment in the canteen section of the
exchange of any officer or enlisted man,
as well as the prohibition of the sale Of
beer on any military premises by persons
not connected with the Army, has relieved
the War Department from an embarrass-
ing situation and at the same time has
placed the post exchange on more salts
factory basis.
During the year ending June 30, 1898,
the aggregate receipts of the exchanges in
operation in the Army amounted to S1,621,-
81, and there was received as money on
deposit $189, ,258.81 making the total
amount of money received $1,S10, ,657.4S.
There was expended for merchandise puT-
chased, rent, fixtures, and repairs. and ex-
penses of operation. 81 ,297 737.16 which,
less deposit, gives a profit of 1923, ,66l.51.
From this amount there was donated to
the funds of the several regimental bands
S9,l54.51; 10 the maintenance of post gar
dens, S1,559.17; to post Libraries, S640.06;
to gymnasiums, $2,913.75; as prizes for the
encouragement of athletic sports. 81, 1888 Al
and after setting aside the sum of $50 81 So
as q reserve fund to meet anticipated ex-
penses for at least one month, there was
returned TO the members in the form of
dividends the sum Of 1884 89093
During the year ending June go 1889
the aggregate receipts of the SO post OK
changes and the "a regimental exchanges
in the Army. so far as reports have heen
-
exp nditures SS79 012.26 which, less DEPOSIT
gives a net profit of 1898. .5S8.27 From this
amount there was donated to the funds Of
the several regimental bands S. 563 90 TO
the maintenance Of post gardens 81. .0S9-74,
TO post libraries $1,I2I55, to gymna-
Sums sl,52707, TO athletic sports
/ sl.3l21S, and after setting aside the sum
/ of SlO400S.03 asc reserve fund there
was returned to the members IN the form
OF dividends the sum of $275, ,58074
The condition Of the artillery service.
/ especially of the seacoast. is not altogether
/ satisfactory. 1t has been a question for
many years as to whether or not a cahnge
/ in the artillery organization is not de
manded to meet the new conditions.
Many millions have been expended in the
/ preparation of our extensive seacoast for
/ defence. a magnificent armament Cf mod
+ ern guns and mortars has been installed
/ from Maine TO Puget Sound II is not prob
/ able. nor perhaps necessary, that a suff-
cient number Of troops TO garrison all the
artillery posts, and man all the guns be
/ authorized by law, but a sufficient number
! should be always with the coiors 10 insure
4 the armament being kept in working order
so that in the event of war the guns could
/ be operated. 1t is believed that the time
I has arrived when the artillery branch OF
the service should be reorganixed and the
| field artillery separated from that ENGAGED
/ in the coast defence. The consensus oi
/ opinion Of artillery officers is that the reg.
mental organization does not fluff The
requirements of the service It is recon-.
mended that the regimental organization
of the artillery be abolished auJA hat
corps of field artillery and OF a CAST ar.
tillery be provided for, separate and dis.
tinct from each other.