River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1899-12-07
ROOT GIVES HIS IDEAS.
Many suggestions Are Made by the
Secretary Of War In His An
nual Eeport.


Washington. Dec. 2-The annual report
OF Elihu Root. secretary Of war. was made
public Friday. The first half is devoted %
the operation of the army IN the Philip
pines, Cuba and Porto Rico. The report
gives a full history of the military opera
tons In the Philippines from August IL.
1898, up to the present time. An impor-
tant feature of the report is the comprehen-
sive outline of a plan of government for
Porto Rico. 1t is understood that Pres
ident Mckinley Is In entire accord with Sec
rotary Root on this question. and that the
plan outlined by the secretary will be the
Identical plan which the president will rec
ommend to congress In his annua message,
Concerning the plan of government pro-
posed for Porto Rico. Secretary Root cites
the Paris treaty. which provides that con-
gress shall determine the civil rights and
political status of the natives of the terri
tory coded to this government. The scheme
outlined includes a definite declaration by
congress of what American laws are TO be
made applicable to the Porto Ricans, fol-
lowing which it is recommended that a
federal judiciary be established.
The report cites in brief the history OF the
military operations in the Philippines,
Porto Rico and Cuba during the fiscal year
ended June 80, 1899. Relief work In all three
places is dilated upon. The transport serv-
ice, 1t is stated, includes 81 steam trans
ports. with a saving in work done over or
ma ia LaAI1 ~ - EdJA wv A III -
nfoval of the dead from Cuba and similar
work contemplated from the Philippines is
touched upon.
IN increased and ~reorganized regular
army. with many new and novel features
In the system involved, is earnestly recon-
mende. Radical changes. which contem-
plate the b~etterment of the service in
every department, are proposed. The
change in the army organization and tile
increase proposed are In the first instance
- -L4f
no definite statement is made except as
to artillery. The present artillery force is
recommended to be increased five times It's
present strength. The increase in officers
and enlisted men is to be sufficient to man
the equipment in the seacoast fortiica-
lions. besides providing for the other
branches of the service.
The secretary recommends the enlarge
ment of West Point military academy and
an increase In the number of cadets to be
admitted annually. Especial attention Is
to be paid to the artillery branch of the
service In that institution and in the army.
A ranking officer of artillery is recommend
ed, there being no such officer now.
The regular army now numbers 81, 1893 en-
listed men and 2,24S officers, making a total
of GA, 247, and a volunteer force numbering
$1,000 enlisted men and ,524 officers, making
a total of "a, 574. The deaths from all causes,
including casualties In action, for the ID
III a q A9spf ~ CA'~f 80 ~
elusive, were 6,619. The deaths from disease
from all causes were at an annual death
rate of but 2568 per thousand.
Estimates of the cost Of maintenance for
the fiscal year ending June 80, 1900, are as
follows:
Civil establishment ,........... 81, 1867, T06
Support Of the army and military
academy -. ....SfOl5,z Jo
Fortihcations and river and har-
Dor improvements. ..............3 80, 499, SIC
M{ScalIanaou < 1q6 700
A net deficiency appropriation Of $4,000
600 is asked for.
The secretary declares in favor of cable
from the United States to the Philippines,
via Hawaii and Guam.
Among his other recommendations is one
that Gen. Shafter be retired, with the fun
rank of major general.
The continuance of the river and harbor
Improvement work now under contract, it
is announced, will cost SIS, 436, 626.6S.
A monument to Gen. Grant, to be erected
in Washington. is also recommended, as is
a memorial bridge extending from the cap
ital city 10 Arlington, where the national
cemetery is located. 1t is also recommend
ed that $4,000 be appropriated for purchase
of the ground for a battlefield park covered
by the battle-ground Of Fredericksburg,
Salem Church, Charlottesville, The VIII
derness and Spottsylvania Courthouse.