New Ulm review., 1901-12-04
THE WORK OF TIE ARAY.
Summary of the Annual Report Of
Secretary Of War Root Gives
Interesting Facts.
IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS ARE MADE.


E Washington, Nov. N.--In the first half
of his report Elihu Root, secretary of war,
reviews at length the work of the army
during the last year, and gives particular
attention to conditions in Cuba. He holds
that the island rapidly Is making ready
for home rule
Among the important Recommendations
by the secretary is for an officers school
in which young men in civil life can be
trained in military duties, fitting them for
service In volunteer force In case OF need.
Anti-Canteen Law.
Regarding, the anti-canteen law the re-
port says: When the orders were issued
for the enforcement of this section of the
law the commanding officers of the various
posts and military organizations were di-
rected to report upon its effects. Reports
received Indicate that the effect of the law
is unfortunate. I think. however, that a
sufficient time has not elapsed to give the
law fair trial., and the observation of Its
working will be continued during the en-,
suing year."
Strength of the Army.
The full strength of the army in every
branch is S4.513 officers and men, of whom
43, ,219 are in the Philippines, 4914Yin Cuba
and 1,54l in Porto Rico. Operations in the
Philippines have degenerated into sporadic
brgandage. For the year ending June 80
the Filipinos lost 1854 killed, l. 1873 wounded,
total OF 1858 rifles and nearly 100000
rounds of ammunition. The American losa
was 245 killed, 400 wounded. 118 captured and
20 missing. Congress is asked to make spe-
cial recognition of the services of Maj.
Gems Merritt. Brooke and Otis.
Well-Trained Militia.
well-trained militia organization. ready
to take its place as part of the fighting
force of the nation in any emergency. is
taIl eft ON hfs int he cor
tary says: '.The militia law to-day is prac-
tically obsolete. 1t Is desirable that con-
gress should exercise the power conferred
upon 1t by, the constitution to provide Tor
organizing. arming and disciplining the
militia. The organization and armament
should be made the same as for the regular
and volunteer forces. The relations OF the
national guard organiza tionsse to the ma
tional forces and the obligations and duties
of those organizations in time of war should
be clearly. defined"
The secretary proposes in time OF peace
to prepare for war. He recommends that
national guard officers and other civilians
be invited TO present themselves: fors ex-E
animation, Those who. are found worthy
Of commissions shall be listed. and in the,
event of war shall be Subject to call TO
serve as officers, of volunteers. - ~
Good Progress in Philippines.
Progress in the Philippines is discussed
at length. the secretary saying tnat tne
only opposition to.the army now is a. sort
of guerrilla warfare closely approaching
brigandage. 1t is stated that there arenoW
5O2 military stations in the islands. cover
ing every important town and strategic
point.
Urges Treaty with Cuba.
!, In discussing Cuba Secretary Root says
that the constitution. although not wholly
satisfactory to him. has been treated by
the military government "as an accept
able basis for the formation of the new
government to which the control Of the
island is to :be transferred. and such
transfer may be anticipated before the
close of .thes approaching, session of con-
gress.''. He then urges a treaty of reci-
procity with free Cuba. The Cubans hav-
ing accepted all the conditions imposed by
the United States, shoudr be- treated as
friends and not as enemies. and the secre-
tary holds that commercial reciprocity will
be moneyin pocket for Uncle Sam.