Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-26
GEN. CHAFFEE'S REPORT
REMEDY PROPOSED FOR THE EVIL
OF DISCRETION.
Would Take Away the Elective Fran
chise From Culprits-Favors Re-
storing the Canteen.

Lieutenant General Chaffee chief of staff
| Of the United States army, in his annual
report says in his opinion little new gem
eral legislation is needed at this time. He
says sufficient time has not elapsed since
the reorganization Of the army to deter
mine wisely what legislation is necessary
He suggests the enactment of state laws
DISTINGUISHING deserters from the army
adding:
IF all states and territories should by
law withhold from deserters exercise Of
the right to vote at national, state and mu-
nicipal elections, unless the act of deser-
ton be atoned for by lawful discharge
subsequently earned by service, it seems
probable that the most healthful remedy
practicable would be applied to the evil,
and that the result would be surprisingly
turn to the colors at their own expense and
serve out their unexpired enlistment con-
tracts in order to receive lawful dis
charge, which would re-establish their
civil status"
The general says that inquiry Of men in
guard houses on his tour of inspection
ELECTED no special reason for desertion, the
general reply being that army life was not
what had been anticipated. General Chat
fee believes the adoption of his suggestion
would relieve military prisons of two
thirds of their occupants.
The General Staff Corps.
Relative to the general staff corps he
says:
Abundant proof of the wisdom Of Con-
gress in establishing the new corps and
prescribing it's duties is found in the rec
ord of it's first years work. which warrants
the confident expectation that in due time
the highly important objects of the law
will be fully accomplished"
The signal corps is highly commended
for the installation of the Alaskan tele-
graph system.
The report urges the re-establishment of
recruiting depots at Fort Slocum, Column
bus barracks and Jefferson barracks.
At present there are something over 100
general prisoners at army posts, and the
post guard houses are simply crowded to
an insanitary limit Additional prison
facilities on the Indianapolis military res
ervation are specifically recommended.
In Favor of the Canteen.
A number of extracts from the reports
Of general officers favoring the restoration
of the canteen are given.
General Chaffee says that the number of
men and officers in the Artillery Corps is
insufficient and the plan of organization is
not of the best. The pay allowed is said
to be inadequate to obtain the men desired
for the artillery arm. The report adds
that the chief of artillery says that in the
absence of approved range and position
finding equipment and other accessories
the coast-defense guns are deprived of
two-thirds their value by day and all or
nearly all of their value by night. All the
deficiencies cited, it is stated, can be re-
moved only after legislative action by Con-
gress. 1t is added, however, that condi-
lions do not seem to be so critical as to
warrant hasty action.
To Enlarge Reservations.
General Chaffee says the recommends
lions for the enlargement of the following
reservations the SfrOppQSt
reasons for the Secretary's consideration.
the sums stated being the estimated cost
of additional land:
Fort Greble, r. l., $4,000; Fort Baker and
Point Bonita, Cal, SIPS 600; Vancouver bar
racks, $4,000: Yokeka Point, Washington.
$500; Fort Bayard N M, $4,000. 1t is
stated that it seems necessary to secure
control of the source of the water which
supplies the valley adjoining Fort Bayard,
or else abandon the pulmonary hospital
there.
Among other recommendations for the
purchase of additional lands adjoining res
ervations, which the report states are on
file in the department. and the estimated
Taylor Florida, s125.OOO; Fort Wadsworth.
n. Y, 100000; Fort Levett. Me-. 100000.
The Army War College.
Relating to the Army War College the re-
mort recites: 1.-The progress made upon the
construction of the War College building at
the present time indicates that it will not
ba ready for occupancy before the fall of
1904 In the absence of this building 1t is
imnossible to convene at the temporary War
College a class of the desired size. For the
current year class Of nine officers has been
assembled, all that could be provided for,
and 1t is unlikely that larger class can be
convened for next year..
Continuing the report says: ssThe War
College has operated during the past year