Year: 1878

The Engineer Department has published series of
Typographical maps from actual surveys OF the vari
Gus battle fields. upon which are marked the posi-
tions of the two armies These are by themselves
history of the of ordinary value and interest
Coupled with the battle reports now ready for publi-
cation they would present all that could be obtained
or asked This would Immediately satisfy the ardent
desire of the public for which it has been mpatenty
waiting for years. The correspondence, kilograms,
&c. could follow with little delay


m REPORT OF THE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER


The CHIEF Signal Officer reports that the established
course OF drill and instruction in military signalling
and teegraphy. meteorology and the signal service
duties at stations of observation and report together
with the drills of the Signal Corps with arms has
tinned at the school of instruction and practice at
post Of Fort u wsippie sfs as befors being pas PUT
officers Of the army intended to be instructed act
ing signal officers. to be temporarily instructors
duties of signal service be here instructed before
being put upon detached duty There have been in
structed during the year ninety-six men assistant
observers and eighteen for promotion to the grade Of
sergeant. The wise legislation of the act approved
July 20. 1878. permanently organizing the enlisted
men of the signal corps. providing $50 sergeants 30
corporals and 270 privates, has been and will
be productive OF good results. 1t has done
evitable without it. 1t has fixed the service
honorable footing. and opened career, of which
they proud. to the best class of young American
citizens. The Office files crowded with applica-
tions for enlistment. The severe examinations are
successfully undergone. The clause providing "that
two sergeantS may in each year be appointed to be
second heutenants gives that stimulus of permanent
service and promised reward so long and earnestly
sought for. Until the results of this organization up
to this time satisfactory, have been more fully
tested it is not advisable that changes be attempted
In pursuance Of the act of Congress authorizing
the construction and operation of tclegraphic lines
in the interior and upon the frontier for connecting
military posts and stations and for the protection OF
the populations from Indian and other depredatons.
officers and enlisted men of the signal service have
been continued upon these duties. The lines in
Arizona New Mexico and upon the Texas frontier
nearly completed The lines in the Northwest. for
which provision is made are pushed rapidly forward
The work of construction has been in large part done
by working parties furnished by the active co-opera
tion of department commanders. total length OF
$500 miles Of line is operated and maintained in
the care Of officers and enlisted Of the signal
service.


The cooperation of scientific men at home and
abroad has been continued. 1t has made y world
wide study possible. The popular support and the
support OF the have been steady and consider
ate There il the assurance OF success in achieving
public good to follow earnest labor


THE MILITARY ACADEMY.


The Secretary refers to the annual reports Of the
major general commanding the Military Academy at
West Point. and Of the Board OF Visitors. which
sembled at the examination in June last, and says:


concur with the commanding general in his COM
mendation of the system of competitive examinations
now largely used to determine the selection of
candidates for appointment from Congressional dis
tricts, which is Indirectly but powerfully working
to improve the school system of the State.
also concur in proposed partial revision OF the
academic system. But am not at this time in favor
of advancing the qualifications for admission the
grade of theoretical studies at the Academy. Hwould
serve to exclude many young men Of sufficient capa-
city for the ordinary military duties without adding


necessary element of usefulness in their perform
would rather drop out certain subjects, to
give time TOR the study OF others more practically
useful


The question Of admissions at the September term
is within the discretion OF this department and will
be duly considered.


Especially commend for favorable action the
mendation for sufficient appropriations to
adequate supply Of water at the post, in connection
with the all important subject of sewerage and also
to complete the hospital. From personal examine
ton last summer am persuaded that their import
to the health of the officers and cadets is not
overstated.


The gratifying opinion is expressed by the Board
Of Visitors, general result of investigation,
that there is at least public institution in the
United States Of which it be truly affirmed that
the it is investigated the bet ter it appears and
for the direct administration and control OF which
person believed to have been selected any other
than fitness to discharge the trust conrded to
him." This is the keynote the candid and liberal
view exhibited throughout the report. which should
commend it TO the careful notice Of Congress. while
1t should also inspire in the country at large the
fdence in our Military Academy which it has fairly
and fully deserves.


GEORGE w. McCRARY Secretary of War