The National tribune., 1903-05-14
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, O. THURSDAY
year ending Jpe 80, 1866, being s1.s6o,-

yea year ending Tyne 80. 1865, being $780,
1t may be said that not far from 1,000,-
000,0O0 telegraNs were transmitted during
Thousands 2f messages were very
lengthy. some Embracing detailed reports
Fofimp ant0ffratiops-all generally COW
cred urgent ami important subjects.
The corporations were under the charge of
Chief of Military TelegraphS-1unds for
support being furnished by the Quarter
masters Department. $685..
SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT.
The amount disbursed during the fiscal
years of the war was as follows:
From July 1, 1861, to June
From July l, 1862, to June
80, 1868 ..,............ G9,o3i ,oS2. rs
From July /, 1868, to June
80, 1851 ............... 9S,6G6,9lS.oU
From July 1, 1864, to June ao.o +,
80. 1860 L Il, IS2,969.41
From July /, 1865, to June
%, lSoh ............. i,olS,oi-.oi
Total ....S 3G9, 30J ,S64 81
The figures Indicate the magnitude OF
the responsibility involved in furnishing
"A constant, timely, and adequate supply
occupying widely different fields of opera
tons. as also for the troops at all the
separate positions occupied throughout the
entire country"
Good and wholesome rationS were uni
formly supplied, and no campaign, cXncdl-
ton. or movement failed on account of the
inability of the Department to meet al!
proper requirements.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
Ample provision for the sick and wound
ed existed from the first. maximum of
2Qi general hospitals, with Il capacity of
136,S94 beds, was reached. Field hospi-
tails, hospital transports and ears, ambu-
lance corps, and purveying depots were
kept in full condition for all requirements.
Aside from the vast accommodations else
where. Sherman's army found at Sayan-
nah four frst-class sea-going steamers
complete in all respects as hospital trans
ports. with extra supplies for 5000 beds,
had it been necessary to establish large
hospitals on his line of operations.
The personnel embraced appointments
of 54I Surgeons and Assistants of voiun-
tcers: 1891 Regimental Surgeons and As
sistants: Is Acting Staff Surgeons: and
1892 Acting Assistant Surgeons: an az
gregate from first to last of II, 14J medical
officers.
PAY DEPARTMENT.
From early June 10 Oct. 81, 1865, the
large amount of S210,000,000 was paid tn
more than 100000 disbanded officers and
men OF the volunteer armies. To Oct. 20,
1866. the numbers were increased to $3.50,
coo, 900. and 100000 officers and men.
The labor involved in the payments was
stnpcnGous Particularly as to the pay
ments. chiefly within the three months OF
June, July, and August, 1865, the immen-
sity of the undertaking. both as to funds
and men, has not place in the history
of armies.
The Government had an abundance Of
money wherewiih to meet its sacred obi
cations. and the Pay Department kept its
pledge ''to make prompt payment in the
shortest practicable time"
Brevet Mas$Gen. Brice. Paymaster-
General, in sBeakins of the results has
said: az
81 am enabled to reteratc the unprc'
cedentcd result. that since July. 1861. in
the expenditure of S1.O83.Oa0.OCO dis
bursed by this Department in minute
sums, and surrounded by difficulties and
hazards, the total cost to the Government
in expenses and losses of every character
can not in the-worst possible event exceed
three-fourths Of one per cent.
Surely thislrisa cost most wonderfully
cheap for the execution of duties 50 I'M
portant and responsible.
1T is much questioned If there is an
other instance on record Of public disburse-
ment so cheapjy performed
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.
The resources of the country for the
production of arms and munitions of war
had not more than begun their develop
ment in June, 1863. Then. however. they
were extensive, as indicated by the fol-
lowing: