Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-25
GEN. RANDALL'S REPORT.
Reviews Conditions Of the Stations in
Alaska

Brig. Gen. George NJ Randall. in his an
nual report upon military affairs in the de-
partment of the Columbia, says that the
absence of commander at headquarters
for several years and frequently changing
garrisons have resulted in neglect of build
ings and grounds, with consequent deteri-
Grafton and loss to the government. AT
Vancouver the department headquarters,
he says, additional officers are needed. The
post at Vancouver will be greatly crowded
with the troops ordered there, and he urges
that more barracks be Immediately con-
structed. He says it will be well to have a
board of officers to prepare a general plan
for the construction and enlargement of the
post.
General Randall recommends legislation
enabling officers on the active list to make
deposits from their pay with the paymas-
ter in a manner similar to that now au-
thorzed for enlisted men.
The following remarks of the inspector
general of the department bearing upon
this subject quoted as Offering strong
argument in favor of such legislation:
TT is bad thing for officer to be en-
gagged in or identified with investments or
business in the localities where he serves,
and further than that he is employed by the
government to devote his whole time and
abilities to the government service. and at
retirement is provided for for the rest or his
life. But at the same tine, he should nave
an opportunity and inducements to save
his money to provide for his family, and
such a system Of deposits would, l think,
obviate many Of the cases of restitution In
the families of officers who die in the serv-
ice"
1t appears that there was a considerable
increase over the preceding year in the
ratio of trials by court martial to the aver
age of enlisted strength. This Is believed
by General Randall to be due in part to the
la nf
to the abolition Of the sale of beer at post
exchanges. The number of assertions has
also been large, and the largest from posts
whose locations would seem to lead to con-
tentment.
The smallest percentages were from the
posts in Alaska. AS remedies, increased
care in making enlistments, more diligence
in the pursuit of deserters and severer pun
ishmentS suggested. Gen. Randall rec
ommends that the reward for capturing a
deserter be increased to so. He says that
facilities for amusement and recreation
should be Increased and improved, and
every encouragement given to the men to
make deposits with the paymaster.
Gen Randall says the post at Camp Skag-
way, Alaska, Is an important one, and he
recommends the construction of permanent
quarters and barracks He reviews the
condition of the ports and stations in
Alaska, and shows the progress that has
been made on the Alaskan military road.
The conditions at Nome and vicinity have
renamed normal. Inc caDle between 81
Michael and Nome has failed to work since
last November, and a contract has been
made for a wireless system.
The inspector general of the department
is quoted as saying: THAT the work Of the
army in Alaska has been harder than ever
will be realized, and that troops have some
times been at work when the thermometer
has been at 60 degrees below zero
General Randall recommends the estab-
lishment of a depot of supplies at Seattle
and that that city be made the home port
Of transports plying between Seattle and
Alaska,