Evening Star Newspaper, December 5, 1870, Page 2

rare are _EVENING STAR._ DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. RT OF THE SECRETARY OF — WHE NAY vessels ulated to carry 1,309gans. Oc ¢, 52 are of the iron-clad oF monitor class Of the remaind sai power, and the balance steamers ot with auxiliary steam power. ¢ including store and hosp’ gyms, are attached to the nd four others, mounting? guns, m for special service. These, ving ships at the various station: sailing vesse »u. ‘Ten others, mounting 1 for sea, and will jon the nm as they receive their comple- country sbali have discharged their crews. Ot t are oF are under repair at the va- ' 3 and the balance are Inid up in erlimary, or as unfit for service or repa' ‘The United States = at peace with al and the duties of the navy have been Ose of active hostility. But the a’ this branch of the public service m is be in some degree warlike, since it the ‘military power of the displaying everrwhere the try, 18 expected to protect the Tights whi at represents from the attacks of barbari rance andthe encroachments of ctvilized power. Almost every foreign mail during the past Sear has brought, through the appropriate channels, to the Navy Department, from our citizens and representatives in every quarter Of the globe, requests, which are sometimes ap- peals, for that assurance of safety and protec- tion abroad which is only afforded by the pres- €nce of an armed vessel of the government. On our own continent, war in the West Indies and complications on the fishing-banks, have called simultaneously for the presence of our cruisers at both extremities of the North Atlan- tie Station. From the isolated groups of the Pacitic and from every struggling government | Of the south, we are called upon to protect the | Shame ou Ce anne Coe kg aT | inteahed on & somal a diseipline for an exact where on the shores ol civilized Europe, from the Baltic to the Bosphorous, the security of American interests and the rights ot Americ citizenship demand at this juncture the pri ence of our flag; and injthe balf civilized East, our commerce is constantiy startled by oa:- breaks which defy the power of even friendly | | governments. At our last advices Christian missionar frightened from their chapels and schiool- | houses, were being returned on board aman-of- war; and on any day we may hear that some representative of our government, more than ten thousand miles from our capital, bas foand | his only safety under cover of our naval guns. to the daties which these circum. 1, the Navy is at this tume prose- cuting, under the anthority of Congress. two surveys across the isthmus which connects the northern and southern portions of our conti- nent, and making, under like authority, sound- ings and surveys for lines of telegraph, and tor ing and improvement of harbors of refuge Tesort, on our coasts and in midocean; we are also about to contribute, under special legis lative direction, a vessel and its appliancés ty a scientific expedition toward the North Pole. To answer. as far as possible, the require- ments imposed by these conditions is the appro- t of Priate duty of our Navy, but the faltillment ibis duty must. ot course, depend upon the pro- portion which the means at tts command bear to the char: T and frequency of the circum. stances calling for attention, and the vast dis- tances whic! be traversed to apply them Ss Of the globe. W000 spam: purpose of our naval op-ra_ tinct cruising stations, to each d such of our na ch may require and the nd of the Department per- shave not been c THE MIDWAY riation of S$ e to the barbor of the Midway islands, in the Pacitie Ocean, has been expend. ed and the we uspended. The estimated i k 14,000. EROCEANIC CANA bTee routes surveyed for a ship across the Isthmus of Darien hax beea tained to be imoracticable. Caledonian Say route an elevation of arsardi route of 23 feet, aud ia of 1 t be over. tunnets varying in length from six to ten miles. and mvolving am expense too mon. strous for any hope of protit or advantage. The advent of the rainy season rendered the farth« r survey of other routes impossible, and the ex- pedition returned to report results and await further orders. The report of Commander Selfridge seoms to furnish abundant proot that the expedition was md skill; yet been dis- covered, the field of tuture exploration has been he im nce of this verestimated, and it is the department to prosecute the ation and complete the surrey bt season in such a manner as to settle definitely the question of a ship canal by any of the Darien routes ‘Phe expedition organized under the provisions { Congress, for the survey of the Tebaan- tepec route ior aship canal, consisting of the Kansas and Mayflower, (tug,) sailed from Hampton Roads, uadcr command of Captain K. W. Shuteldt, on the Hth of October, ar- riving at Key West on the 2éth of that month When last beard trom they had lett Key West, in good condition, for th ¢ of their rendez vous. It isexre hat the survey will be com i leted during the present season, and a favor- able result for. THE CONDITION OF THE Nay With ali the Department has been able to do ing the last year, it has not been possible tu increase materia! our cruising force on foreign purpose of plan of ex; curing the p elation: great efficiency th in addition which can = be past year in the char, ow: ter and the conda the service, and orders to their comfor wards and prot lisbed. ‘This has al effect for good, and it auderlarged to ma the best sailors t charge of th s only to be pursued he Navy attractive to country. The of tunite in recommending how must urgent, the allow- tc vg to each sailor, on enlistment, after the miuuer of ihe allowances similar character mare in the Army, and Department urs in this recommensa- » and a means ot re- nty of entering erpment, andre- moving this inducement to discontent and de- tiov. The Secretary repeats the recommen- ation made in his last report, upon the sabject of improving the charactcr of our seamen, and of their training, registry, and organization as & part of the available force of the country, NAVY YARDS. The condition of our navy yards in various Parts of the country demands attention little has been done toward their improvement at any time since the commencement of the war, and last year nothing was appropriated for that except @ small amount for the Mare |. Each year that they ar poned, the necessity for iaiprovements grows more im perstive, and the cost of making them larger. while the want of them is each year more and more severely felt the increased cost to the government 0: the work which we are obliged to do, entailed by the want of the ordinary ap- pliances for rapid and economical labor. Secretary also reports the saggestions made last year in regard to the importance of removing our large working yards from their present bot gery es midst of populous and @ , acd calls attention again to the ecemities ifs —_ or bg pattie aay Saae igation<of vernment in re; to the League Is!and 10! of the Philadelphia station: Sod tr One D. THE SUBMARINE TORPEDO. ‘The importance of the submarine torpedo as & weaponot naval warfare is every day more ap- parent. As our experiments and improvements Progress, the terrible power of this engine and the certainty and ease with which it may be ap- plied are more clearly demonstrated, and it [mone to - the mos Bey ene as well asthe je: expensive, means fense attack known to the service. Recent events in Eu have shown its value as an important partof the commercial marine, are pu: from abroad; and, event of a rupture of our reiations ‘with Gevet necessary buildings. been erected, and‘ in full operation watstn aap vessels on duty at the bs, make the naval force } These. however, cannot be en- | ed till the shipe which are returning to this neler whose names are borne on the stocks in various stages ® tor deepening | u appropriations ap which have pass. ing that period, o1 #2 ture of the corresponding tive months of the 4 stant jocat increase of expenditure in the erection of bar racks and qua of new posts unavoldable. and the movement of Very | ; ‘There was appropri- A reduction below the expendi- Britain, our supply would be, in a great mea- | sure, cutof, MAGAZINE AT NORFOLK. The unsafe condition of the m: ine at Nor- folk, Virginia, requires that a sufficient appro- riation be made for So porenaes of a new site ‘h & safer position, and for the erection ot the A smelting furnace has feet of the present site of the zine build- ings, some of which are of wood, and the town is fast extending to direct contact with their walls. NITER DEroT. The subject of a niter depot, for the Storage of niter @® some iniand point near railroad or canal communieation | the seacoast, also pre linportant, and it is hoped that Congress will see the propriety of acting in the matter. ORDNANCE. In ordnancé there is no reason to believe we are yet behind other nations, !)ut large sums are now being expended by them in experiments with cannon and guns of all calibers; and as the inventive genius of our country is mach engaged in the improvement of arms, and new sugges- tons, some of much apparent merit, are con- stantly offered. it is hoped that a suitable sam may be allowed for testing them, particularly as most of the inventors are with@ut the means tor doing this themselves. IRON SHIP BUILDING. Among the many enterprises on foot for re- storing cur commerce and affording greater fa- cities to the navy in time of war, which ask for governmental assistance, those which pre- sent themselves most favorably to the depart- ment are such a8 to erect building yards for ir@m ships,and of large capacity ,sattici- ent for the building of the largest class of ste: ers for mercantile and war purposes, anil offer to the government preference for their work in time of peace, and absolate control in time of war. We have not at this time the requisite ks, tools and machinery for the construction ef these great iron vessels, and the establish- ment aud control of such works as these would of course be of great advantage to the govern- ment. THE NAVAL ACADEMY. at Annapolis continues to be a subject of great rest and satisfaction to all who are inter- sted in the service. The mental and physical levelopment produced under the system there pursued is of value, and its benefits are felt in every department of the service. The Board of Visitors, have made recommendations, in which the Department concurs, in regard to the increase of age at the time of admission; the purshase of a strip of land lying contignons to the Academy, and between two portions of the jovernment property, and the establishment of aswimming school. It should not be forgotten by those interested in this institation that it is aud diffienit service, as well asef mental instrac- tion and improvement. In this view, the en- toreement of regulations, which to the unin- formed may seem strict, becomes necessary to maintain the standard of the school, and comptish the ends for which it was established. THE DEATH OF ADMIRAL PARRAGUT. Secretary Robeson pays a feeling tribute to the m: moty of the great naval hero, Admiral David G. Farragut, who was alike distinguished for bis service to his country, for his moral worth, and for the simplicity of his personal character. Sinee his death the very distin- uished officer who had occupied the position of Fics Aduiest bas succeeded to his place as Admiral, and Rear Admiral Rowan, who has received the thanks of Congress for gallant services to the country, hasbeen Sppointed Vice Admiral. THE LOSS OF THE ONEIDA. In reciting the partieulars of the loss of the Oneida, the Secretary says he has no reason to change his belief that the disaster was caused by the recklessness and bad navigation of the persons in charge of the Bombay, and be rec- ommends that the Department be authorized to take such means as may be available to ob- tain redress trom her owners for our pectiniary loss. The lives of those who perished cannot be restored, nor their loss repaid to their fami- lies or their country. NAVAL PENSION FUND. The pension ro “1, was as follows: on the ist of November, 1 1 wlids, annually receiving. ...#123,014 50 1 ‘es? widows And children, annually ENSES AND RSTIMATES. EX s ‘The whole actual expenditure of the depart- ment and the service, chargeable to the navy appropriations since the date of ghe last report ap Lae Ist of December, is the sum of WS. The actual expend of the year ending December 1, 1569, was 420,081,235." This shows | a deerease in the expenditure of the last year from that of the previous year of $1,094,1! Lhe sppropriations for the carrent tisca! year ending on the th day of -'une next, amount in the aggregate to $19,467.17, ‘The expenditure since the commencement of fiscal year is within that proportion of the ‘able to the five months ad shows a decrease S85.) from the expen last year. , The estimates tor the general expenses of the fervice for the tiscal nding June 39, Isrz. amount to $2 , and to these is added the suim Of $250,100 a= necessary for permanent improvements at the several navy yards and stations. These estimates are made closely, however, for the mere maintenance of the nav as it now is, and they include but little in the way of permanent improvement. This seems to be the policy indicated by the recent legisla. tou on the subject, and though the Secretary is n that it is neither the wisest nor the uomical policy, yet it is the plain duty of the department to accommodate the service, as far as may be, to the views of the representa- tives of the peoyle. The Secretary renews his recommendations 0% last year for the improvement of the Navy, and says Ps, dock-yards, nor ordnance can be legislated into existence at the moment when needed, but are the products of Laney Parone industry and skill. In concluding ‘Rol son expresses renewed ob: and officers ofthe several Bureaus for,their skill and attention, and to the accomplished chief ischarged in this con: ction, that neither shi, is report gations to the chiefs clerk of the Department, who has di nis onerous duties with great industry and ability. —— ss0e- oo REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF Wak. ‘The latest returna, submitted in the report of the Cengral of the Army, show the regular Apmy to be composed of 2.488 officers, and 4S enlisted men, 31,17 of whom compose the ten regiments of cavalry, the five regiments of artillery, and the twenty | fantry. the remaining 3,692 being engineer five regiments of in- ore, recruiting detachments, and others not enomerated among troops of the line. These ote stationed iu forty-two States and Terri- ttwo hundred and three organized mili- posts. retary Belknap gays that, «cattered as our LOsts are over so large an extent ot territory— al! of them rendered necessary, and many of them in comparatively remote regions—the ex- penditures for transportation must coutinue reat. although the redueti the ms Of so many of them made an riers and the other requirements PS trom point to point, especially in the thern States, bas added’ largely to the dis- bursements for transportation, stili an exami- nation of the figures below given will exhibit the fact that, notwithstanding the causes men- tioned as tending against economy, the expenses are rapidly being curtatled toa limit txed by the demands of a reduced peace establisnment. ‘There was appropriated for the military service for the fiscal year ending June 3870...22..6 + «837 533,852 08 ated for same purpose for the year ending June 20,15 1 $39,289,148 97 Thedeticiency wil! be 1,853 200 00 ——_—_ 32,.02,348 97 tures for the year 1409-70 of. 4,636, One million four hundred thousad doling, HH the deticfency above indicated is occasioned the fact that ir the estimate made by this De partment for the year ending June 39, 1x71, no amounts were included for certain purposes, be- cause of balances of old appropriat believed to be applicable to the payment of expenses for the current — which balances were rendered unavailable by the act of July 12, 1870. for the ending for the year a Benim 9 the vious year appropriation of 365,130.91. for the next year the sum of §1,062,7: ectimatect military years, when in cases of emer; the appropriated were insuficieut for ita . still these estimates have been reduced on close calculation to the lowest sor improv He bulldi and grounds, Wasbingtes Aguetuc by the Secretary, but they are sub: | consideration ot’ Congress and for such action be deemed advisable. @m army scattered over so large extent of country, stationed im localities remote from @ dense population, needing quartere whose erection is retarded by the facilities offered in the more thick! ‘tions of the country, and actually expenditures for trai incidents of the service, enforce a reduction. Since the last report it has been Secretary m to return from the loose customs wad expenditures which crept into the service encies of our late war, tothe and thrifty system of former Since the commencement of the present fiscal year there has been realized from sales of sur- plus arms and ordnance to citizens of the United States the sum of $5,600,000. More than 1,540,000 stands of arms of obsolete pattern, and untit for issue, have Deen sold since the close of the war, and it is the intention to coutinge the sales and the other during the emer, more economical for every arm of the service has on throughout the year. the rendezvous were closed in owing to the nearly exhausted state of the re- cruiting fund. Congress, however, having made propriation of £50,000 to defray ex- the end of the fiscal ing was resumed under instru 3 By the ist of July, 1571 rought down to the leg: 000 enlisted men, the nuntber et of duly 15, 1870, and in reeruiting will be continued only on a scale cessary by casualties. On July f. 1869, the number of officers in ser- vice was 2,746, increased during the year of 6. post chaplain raduates of West Point, making in ‘he number of officers in service on November 16, 1870, was 2,481, @ reduction of 329. On No- vember 30, the number of supernumerary offi- cess of the standard pre- ‘ebruary, 1570, cers, OF of those in ex: seribed by law, was By the act of July 15, 1870, providi reduction of the Army, the extent of the retired ‘authority was given tothe arge at his discretion, with one year’s pay, officers who might apply thare- for, and to transfer officers of of supernumeraries; the Secretary of War was directed to constitute a board for the examina- tion of the cases of officers reported by depart- ment commanders as unfit for the charge of their duties; and it was that all supernumer list was increased, President to disch: ¢ line to the list ry officers remaining after the Ist of January, 1571, should be honorably mustered out of the service, and allowances. Preparati the provisions of that rapidly as possible. with one year's pay ions for carrying out act are being mado as It will be the endeavor of the Department to exercise discretion and judgment in the recommen: as to the discharge of supernumeraties, and, b the exercise of due regard for the ‘mili record and personal fitness of those recom ded for transfer or rete: and by afaire: dationsit may make nition, to avoid injustice, mination of each case, to aid in a just and impartial enforcement of the law. cers who will, of necessity, be mustered out by operation of law, have done faithful service in the tield—some of them in the war of the rebellion, and some in the war with Mexico—it is submitted whether it would not bi 8 wise as well as generous actin Oon legislation early in the coming session, until July 1, 18/1, the time in which dent may, at his discretion, discharge, with one officers who may apply therefor, and, also, to direct that vacan- cies occurring prior to that date in the regiments of cavalry, artillery, and infantry might be filled by such supernumerary officers, with due regard to rank and fitness, those remainin supernumerary after July 1, 1871, to be mustere. out with one year’s pay. retary recommends the adoption of far toward preventing 80 difficult to avoid, and will to @ great extent dispense with the neces- sity for forcing from the service, ingratitude, many gallant men. daring the past vear 58 cadets of have.een graduated and appointed ants in the Army; 17 have been charged tor marked deticiency in conduct or » have resigned, 1 has deserted, and 4 fe died. New cadets to the number of 65 dmitted, and the corps at present members, divided, for purposes ot study andscientitic instruction, intofour classes, and organized, for military instruction, duty, and discipline, into a battalion oticered from As many of the offi 34 year's pay and the injustice which it with seeming Within the next four years some 200 educated officers can be supplied to the Army, equal professional attainments to the requirements any military organization upon oflicers of their Hopes are entertained that the increasing labors of the Corps of Engineers, in connection with the internal and foreign commerce of the country, and the necessity of employing etvil engineers, will induce a repeal of the law prohibiting apj ointments and promotio: in the corps, and ¢ us restore tothe ca incentive to exeriion of which they have latel. been deprived. A personal visit to West Point, in June last, istactory evidence of the high state nd the comprehensive judgment which characterizes the management of the academy. A thorough inspection disclosed some defects, and exhibited some matters of detail in which changes were desirable, but its well- earned character as a military school is fully sustamed. The act of Congress passed at its last ses-ion, placing the profeasora, in respect to retirement trom active service, on the same footing as ofticers of the army, is regarded as a vision, giving those gentlemen whose ve been spent in the daily performance of ardnous duties an opportunity for reat, with en the efficiency of the corps re-| But little progress has been made by the rail- Way companies in settling the debts contracted them at the close of the war by the purchase the material of the militar: total debt remainin, 30, 1870, was $6.912,106.7; princi from southwestern companies. Th he year amounted to the sum of ut Owing to the amount of interest the entire reduction was only $58,123.04. Action by Congress in their relief some of the roads, while suits have in some cases been instituted agaiust those defaulting. inthe matter of transportation, the Pacific Kailroad has saved the money, but, as before stated, with the opening to settiements of the wilder portions of country, army posts are pushed tarther and ther into the wilderness, and as the stations are extended the expenses o: will remain very great. As the Quartermaster’s Department depended on the balances of old appropriations, no ap- propriation for clothing and ‘The act of Congress 170, destroyed this resource, and there are no means on hand for the purchase of tents and clothing. The stock of some of the essential articles is exhausted, and purchases must be made. As to the purchase cf horses and artillery, the result was the same. The balances supposed to be available were cut off the same law, and hence it is earnestl; that the additional appropriations both these objects for the present fiscal year, as well as those tor the next tixcal year, may be priated without deduction. records of the Department show the burial, in the national and other cemeteries, of In addition to those buried in the 75 national cemeteries, there are very many soldiers interred in private cemeteries, near horpitais in which they died. Measures are in i 1g out the law which be properly erclosed. railroads. The unpaid on June eir payments as been sought by government much ‘ansportation are and <X.000 persons. s the cemeteries ‘The sums appropriated by Con; session for the temporary reiie! and destitute in the District of Columbia were in the purchase of fc clothing. These sup on the recommendation of the Washin, soctation for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor, the National Freedmen’s Relief As- sociation, or the Industrial H h quantities as were necessary to prevent ac- tiering. Etforts were made to mdace those seeking aid to procure labor, and when se- tance they were rationed to their Gestination. In all eases the supplies were pur- chased from the lowest bidder, or at the cheap- T of rations issued was 567,373. at acost of $20,305. Coal, wood, and coke were $1,450.52, and clothi: food, ruel. and lies were distributed me School, in issced amountin; medical gsined in this nt of con- tract ng cemten continue should the exst- uw Samia anes ficial, and if "practicable, will be taken to secure this end. Constructions upon the luring the past fiscal year ee at Willett’s Point, New York, has the torpedo school of permanent defenses have been restricted to the best | sry in harbor ction has been taken as follows in ——_. ith certain acts and resolutions pa: at session of Cs :—In accordance with of February 2, 1870, an officer has been detailed to 5 the survey and exam: ation of the iillemetie river, Ore a wit view to the location pl a bri 2 Portland to the east bank of the river, but no report yee pees received. The question of the jon construction @f = bridge acros= the Niagara river, from Buffalo to Canada, i- eu! T comsideration bya board of engi- neers, and more detailed and extended owe it No plan and drawi: ot bridge the Arkansas river at Bork, with map showing its location, as uired by the act of July 1, 1870, has yet been furnishea by the Citizens’ Bridge Company, and no ac- tion has, therefore, been taken | the Depart- ment in this matter. The Green Bay and Mis- sissippi Canal Company not having filed a eenory agreement fnwriting to grant and convey to the United States the property and franel faentioned in section 2 of the act of July 7, 1#70, of water com- munication’ between the Mississippi river and Lake Michigan Lg the Wisco: and For rivers, the amount appropriated by the act of July 15, 1870, $100,000, for improvement of the Wisconsin river, has not become available. The ofticer in of the improvement has been directed to submit a project for the application of theamount. The sam app ted for wi- ropria dening and deepeni the ship canal in the Patapsco river and esapeake cy 8 is now being syemea to this improvement dredz- ing. The improvement in ea ing the harbor or waters ef the month the Sus- quebanna river, for which a sum of $12,000 was appropriated, is in progress under a contract to dredge the channel, which will prob- ably be completed this season. The board of officers for the examination of all brit now erected or in process of erection across the Vhio river was organized on the 18th of October, and is pow in session at Cincinnati, Ohio. The ques- tion of the location of a pier in the Delaware bay, at or near Lewes, Delaware, and the ex- tent and material, whether stone or iron, to be used in its construction, is under consideration. The survey of the Por Teche, provided by the joint resolution of May 5, 110, was made, and the result submitted to at its Inst —_—, An Fes yg agp of $17,500 gpl sequently m: for mn of this bar ‘Ou,cand a contract entered into for its exec i the work has been delayed by the prev- alence of yellow fever in that region. In the survey of the lakes, operations were chietly carried on in Lake Superior, extendirg to e Michigan and other necessary points, and embracing, toward the close of the season, parts of Lake Champlain. Such of the results of the surveys as are of special value for pur- poses of navigation are made known at once b: the publication of preliminary charts, prepar: tion of more elaborate maps following. The sar of the lakes is a work of great utility, and the estimates for this object commend themselves to attention. The surveys and re- connoirsances required in connection with the permanent sea-coast defenses, for other mili- tary purposes, and for the movement of troops in the territory occupied or frequented by In- dian tribes, have received due attention. The geological survey of the central route of com- munication with the Pacific coast has pro- gressed in the most satisfactory manner. These surveys and reconnoissances are progressing actively in the ficld and office, and are essential to the operations of the government. Provi- ee | be made for them hy annual appro- priation. Inthe Ordnance Department the estimates are far in advance of any submitted since the close of the war, for the reason that no appro- priation for ordnance or ordnance stores was re« quested or made for the present year. The un- expended balances were placed beyond the reach of the Ordnahce Bureau, and mach embarrass- ment was caused in procuring supplies for fill- ing requisitions and in taking care of storeson hand. At Springtield Armory a few thousand ms ure being manufactured tor competitive trial in the feld, under the recommendation of the Chief of Ordnance, in connection with the Teport of the board lately convened at St. Louis ‘The property of the United States at Harper's Ferry was sold in November and December, is¢9, in accordance with the terms prescribed by law. It is recommended that Kome Ar- sena), New York; Champlain Arsenal, Vermont; Mount Vernon Ai , Alabama; Appalachi- cola Arsenal, Florida; and North Carolina A: North Carolina, be sold, and that the captured lands in Burevepsst) Louisiana, and Marshal and Jefferson, Texas, and in Marion and Davis counties, Texas, be also disposed of. There are many other arsenals throughout the country which, in the opinion of the Secretary, should be sold and the (gion used, if neces- sary, for the erection of a principal arsenal tor the Atlantic coast. Not only economy, but many interests connected with the subject, make it advisable to dispose of those which can now be spared with advantage—the proceeds to be used as above indicated. Kock Island Ar- senal, Iilinois, been established as the principal arsenal for the valley of the Missis- sippi. An arsenal of like character in the East could be erected from the proceeds of the sales of useless arsenals, without any appro- priation of funds trom the public treasury. When the new form of breech-loading arm is decided upon and placed in the hands of the troops, there should be called in from ali the States arms of the old style which have hereto- fore been is-ued,and a new issue made to them of those of the improved pattern. It is the part ot wisdom in the public defense to keep the mili- tia—the mainstay of the nation in time of war— acquainted with the use of the best arms the govervment armories can offer. Our security as a nation can, in lieu of a large standing army be maintained by the ability which will thus be given us of putting promptly on a war footing a formidable force. Under various joint resolutions passed at the last session of Congress 225 pieces of condemned ‘dnance were donated to soldiers’ cemeteries, in addition to a large indetinite amount for The duties t posed the War Dx ti € duties im) upon ‘ar Department by the enactment of providing for the observation and report of storms by telegraph and signal have been discharged under the management of the chief signal ofticer.. The result thus far has been very satisfactory, and it is pe rower A believed that the systematic means ‘0 carry out this wise legislation of Congress will result in benefits to commerce which will amply justify an appropriation ade- dquate to it accomplishment. adh ‘he operations e Army during the year have been chiefty contined to the assistance of the civil authorites in carrying out the laws, and in the supression of Indian depredations. ‘The pone iw gar asks consideration tothe matter of inew 8 of Indians from the south side of the Kio Grande, which seems to constitute a systematic business, only to be broken up by co-operation on the part ot the Mexican an- thorities. Pursuit by our troops stops at the border, while our citizens can pass into Mexico = witness the sale of their animals recently stolen. A system of general regulations for the ad- minstration of the affairs of the Army, as pre- scribed by section 20 of the act of July 15. 1570, is being prepared, and will be presented to Con- gress at its Coming session. It is a work which reqnires much labor and studious care, but it is hoped that it may be submitted in time for fall consideration by Congrow. ‘The slow, tedious, and cumbersome system of clerical administration in the various bureaus ot the Department retarded business to such an extent that, for the pu of devising some plan which would expedite its transaction, a board was organized, composed of two officers of the staff corps and a civilian cleric, for an examination of the subje-t. They gave the matter thorough and exhaustive attention, which resulted in the report of 4 plan which bas been approved and which will go into oper- ationon January 1, sii. It is contidently be- H doing away with the necessity for increased clerical force, and giving satisfaction to that large number of persons who have business with the Department, which will be hastened to conclusion by @ change which is radical, and which the interest of all connected with this branch of the public service has so long demand- ed. In connection with this subject, it is here stated that during the month of September many changes were made in reductions and re- movals in the clerical force, which have result- ed in increased efficiency. The different bureaus of the War Depart- ment,now scattered in many localities in Wash- ington, at a distance from each other, should be eoncentrated in one bu - At the last ses- un goay! Fey itt | i i [ a impracticable. It is earnest), . cd erat ext sasion. will re- Ue'War to make the Tels very de E | : f i delay. The reasons suggesting the great value oe. national work ) not be stated, for, without argument. they commend themselves to the consideration of every citizen. REPORT THE COMPTROLLER OF CUBRENCY. Hon. Hiland BR. Baurlburd, Comptroller of the Currency, states that since his last annual re- { ST national banks have been organized, making the total mumber organized up to date 1751. Of &his number Sve were organized by the surrender of circulating notes for that pur. pose by existing national banks, and did not in- crease the aggregate of national bank circula- tion. Thirty-one banks have been organized under the act approved July 12, 1570, providing for the issue of fifty-four millions of additional bank circulation. The aggregate capita! of the banks named is #3,239,000, Ye erage to each bank of about $104,000. There are on file ap- plications for banks in addition to these to the number of 250, and the amount of capital re- uired to supply them all would be $27,000,090. “xperience has shown, however, that a large uumber of applications are placed on file as caveats to Occupy the ground, and to de. ter other parties from moving. Very many are speculative, and, some, intended to be ‘ona fide, fail, because, when brought to the test, the capital is wanting. Probably, it ell these applications should be granted, not more than half of them would be carried through toacomplete organization. The amount of cap- ital in the Western and Southern States, not ,ermanently invested or actively emp’ he available for the purpose of organizin available for the purpose ing wi banks, cannot be very np peo the impres- sion that many millions of cash capital were —— = opportunity of investment in na- tional banking institutions has not been fully sustained. The provision made by the late act ‘s undoubi ample for the supply of those ‘States which have less than their ae, : nits distr’ bution. ‘The pr of providing for the re- moval of eal cenotioes after the expiration passage of the ‘nder the previsions of sections 3, 4, and 5 of the act appreved July 12, 1870, authorizing the establish ment of national banks for the issue of \, Massach usett=, with a capital of $300,000. Information has been received that several other institutions of this character are in process of organization, or in contemplation, two er three of which are in California. It was not anticipated that specie pay ng ahs would be established to any con- siderable extent, at present, in those sections of the country where a paper curren¢y, based upon the legal tender issues of the Government already vails; although it was, and is still, sup) that one or more gold banks might be established and successfully condacted in each of those cities on the Atlantic seaboard where a considerable foreign trade is carried on. a in which a certain amountof business is ne sarily transacted upon aspecie basis. If all the business of this kind that is carried on in the cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore could be concentrated in one of two banking institutions in each of those cities, its extent would undoubtedly warrant the employ- ment of a very respectable amount for tts ex- clusive accommodation. Under the operation of the act of OG: approved July 14, 1870, “te require national banks going into liquidation to retire their cir- culating notes,” twenty banks, which had been nommaily in liquidation for various periods of time, have deposited in the treasury of the United States legal-tender notes for the redemp- tion of their outstanding circulation, and taken the bonds pledged as security therefur. The amount of svch deposits since the date of the last report is $2,101,910, and the amount of bonds, at their par value, thereby released is 2 £00. All banks in liquidation except those in process ot consolidation with other banks have now retired their circulation. Since the organization of this bureau to the let day of October, ultimo, circulating notes more or less worn and mutilated have been re- turned by the banks to be de-troved by burning, to the amount of OF this sum, $17,- 48,119, or more than one-half the total amount were returned daring the last year. The ra- pidity with which the national bank notes are becoming umtit for circulation, and are being returned for destruction in order that they may be replaced by new notes, is copstantly increas- ing, requiring a constantly increasing force of clerks to attend properly and promptly to the assorting, counting, registration, and final burn- ing of the notes. n the effort to protect the public from the impositions of counterfeiters, which is being made by the proper authorities, it would be well io throw every possible difficuity in the way of the circulation of counterfeit notes. For this purpose it is recommended that every national bank be required through its officers to stamp the word *‘counterfeit”’ upon every false, forged or counterfeit national bank note that may be recognized as sueh on presentation at the coun ter of the bank. When the capital of a bank becomes seriously impaired by lorses or otherwise, it would be de- sirable for the Comptroller of the Currency to be clothed with sufficient power to require the bank to be wound up, or have its capital made good within a reasonable time. As the law stands, he can only prohibit the bank from de- ¢ bg any dividends so long as the capital of the bank remains impaired, but the resources ot a bank may be crippled and its nsefalness destroyed beyond hope of repair, and yet it may continue to live a sickly fence for years. In such cases the bank should be re- quired to make up the losses by an asseasment - = Seatetiems, or to go into liquidation and 2 closed. The operations of the national banks through- out the country during the last year have been characterized by pra 1d exemption from disaster to an unnsual extent. The profits have not been so large as in former years, owing to various causes, among which may be noted the the decline in the premium of gold, a reduction in the amount ofthe transactions in government vonds and consequent falling offin commissions, and the fact that, owing to the general shrink- age in values which has ool , the banks generally have realized their , and have charged off the bulk of their bad debts. The result, however, may be sg amen as, upon the whole, eons a Very —— and rigid investigation has 1b made by led account- ants, Commissioned as examiners, into the mode of doing business, character of the manage. ment, and the value and condition of the assets of the banks during the year, and it has been ascertained that the bills and notes discounted are, to @ remarkable extent, based upon bona are uniformly sate and well secured, The re- serves required by law to be held, tosecure the vayment of circulation and deposi! rule, kept on hand, and the general average of such reserves is ordinarily considerably above the amount required. ‘The limitation of loans to one-tenth of the = m = atal, sire or nlgtame, restriction, is, in a large m: yanks, carefull; observed, and the loans are almost unifor: y well distributed. In very few instances are the darectors allowed to monopolize to any consider- able extent the facilities offered. Complaint is made from time to time, and trom various localities, that borrowers are com pelled to pay more than the legal rate of inter- vst for money,and doubtless the complaint is =. On go a Sone is era tical suggestion or two may be pro’ considered. If the interest on the Bonds ae. Losited to secure circulation, and the use of cir- cnlation and deposits, at alegal rate Of interest, banks to pay taxes, expenses, and dividends equalto at ‘the current value ot money where the bank is doing business, the a pei be transcended, or the bank will wind up. This may take: granted. An attempt to compel the insti- tution to keep within the limits, under such adverse circumstances, will result in forcing it into liquidation. In nine cases out of ten where these complaints are made, the evil complained of is caused by the high ‘rate of taxation im- posed by State Cages fi ‘Taxes enter into the eee EE sGaneata on asa ore a Paneer In the United States the of aie ee rey i fora oo for the tri active ani for development 3 amount of deposits, A nteral wealth of We covsty; Burtt ane t tinually on the increase, and by its a! pational banks are enabled to bring thei: cars i ‘of taxation, established and olmer ved all the Si in which banks o! issa rized. should not be « rid to national banks, Tinie: Song States over the nario ese two important particular iy with the consent of the ger er ernment, it would be a wise precaat.on for Con gress to fix such limitations as would prevent unwise, uniriendly, or otherwise “damaging bens rf 5 tion. Husion has been made in former reports to the custom of paying interest on deposits by national banks. The practice existed long be fore any nations! banks had an existence, aad they only continue to do what their predec*sors did before them, and what bankers everywhere consider themse!ves compelled to do "The use of other people's money in the ~ of deposits, without interest, or at a low rate of interest, has come to be considered a necessity of modern banking. There will ways be those ready to accept its custody, as- sume all the risks. and pay interest for its use, of profit ranging from one to three per cent. It is mot always the strongest or wealthiest bank or banker who is willing to pay the highest rate for this use of other people’s money. Ordinarily, Jadging of banks as of indi- viduals, the one most in of money offers the greatest inducements to depositors. In theory the custom is dan, mas; in practice it is not always sate but, nevertheless, it is so thoroughly entrenched in ite position by long obser vance, that any sweeping enactment pro- hibiting the — of interest on deposits by national benks would be evaded in some way, or the banks would lose their deposits. There are scores of banks ard bankers, not subject to the control of Congress, who wonld rejoice over such a probibition as over the discomfture of an enemy; yet there is one point that should be warded. ‘The reserves of the whole country are fold to a large extent in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and other large cities. These reserves should be |. They should bo ced under such restrictions as would obviate all necessity for their use by the depository bank. If the institutions owing these reserves cannot afford to allow them to remain unem ployed, so that they may be in reality what they are in name, relief should be afforded in some etber way. It is of vital importance to the country that no portion of the percentage, which the law requires banks to hold asa reserve on circulation and deposits, should be loaned out, subject to the vicissitudes and fiunctuations of men and property. There may be prosperous and easy times for years; but there may come a day when upon the Poop dead ips go) bank in ‘ork city to y the its of its country bank correspon nts—their reserves—will depend the safety of the whole country. The banks of New Vork city have paid as interest on deposits, during the year ending with the 30th of Septem! the sum of $2,546,139.10; the Boston banks. $588,272.58; the Philadelphia banks, $119, while the aggregate sum paid by that allow interest on deposits is $5, 156,172.06 These large sums indicate the wide prevalence of the practice under consideration, and the difficulty that would be experienced in any attempt to effect its entire abrogation. If by any means, however, the moneys neld in the large cities, constituting the reserves of the country banks, can be exempt from the ope: tion of this custom, the main point, and the one in which, above all others, the entire public is interested, will be gained. The further consideration of this subject i+ submitted to the wisdom of Congress. The necessity tor some arrangement by which the notes of national banks may be assorted and returned to the several banks of issue for re- demption is becoming more and more apparent, as the dificulty of dealing with the worn and mutilated notes now in circulation ts expe- rienced. The auguments contained in former reports in favor of a general redeeming agen-v in the city of New York, will not be repeated or extended on the sent occasion. The con viction fs expressed, however. that if the bank~ were authorized to establish an institation ot their own for that purjose, owned, controlied. and managed in their interest, they would find it greatly to their profit to do so. uch an institution would also serve as the custodian of the reserves kept in New York thereby exempting them from the risks inci- dent to funds deposited in the ordinary way and drawing interest, aud would perhaps obviate the necessity of specific legislation upon the sul-- ject of the payment of interest on deposits while the benetit to the whole couutry, arising from a fiscal agency so t national in its character, regulating the currency, the exchanges, aud the banking interests of the country, beyond the control of any ring or clique—because manage. by all for the benefit of all—would be o! the most substantial and enduring kind. —_—_—_—_—_—_—— Y¥ WM. L WALL & CO, Anctionsors, New Marble Building, and 902 8 W.cor. Pa. ave. and 9th st Mos, LARGE AND ARG! PARLOR OIL CLO OANE AN ROCKERS. Piana, 5 Walnat Chamber Suits, in oil. 6 Walnut Porlor Suits. in reps and terry, lvery a see 5 ym <4 Case. ay be import ‘Trench ©. + Walnut aa plain Beisteade ant : de5 W. L. WALL & 00. BX cares WILLIAMS, Auctioncers, Southeast corner 7th and D streets. IX FINE WORK HORSES, Hogs. Fan sy CAGRIAGE. HOT RED Sasi. AND GaRDdE! PLEMENTS, Bix ‘work Horses and Harness, Lot of Begs, one Form Wagon. ‘Two Market Wagons. one Carriage, Gne Horse, Cart and Harnes, Hot Bed Bash, Borming and Garden Implements, BO Hh aded Cabbage. 160 buah-!s Karly Rose Potatees, Une Excellent Cutting Box. And many other articles too numerous to mention Termsc sch AL, At about 11 o'clock a.m we shall offer 33 Acr’ Land,more or less, with good Dwelling Hoa c..and making one of the best mar fhe country Pees ay of sale @ WILLIAMS, Aucts ¥ THOS E.WAGGAMAN, Keai Estate Broker and Auctioneer. 649 7th street, opposite Post Offire. CHANCERY SALE OF VALUABLE PBOPEB a TU CAPITOL BILL. By virtue of seed by the Supreme ourt of the District of Uolumbia, on the 21s! November, 1870, in a certain caid Curt depending in which L @. Sch muplainent: oad AW: Scharf otal. are deterdents DAY. the her, all of lot 4 im equare 755, a described om the pl af the city of Wash: id rty jis situated on the north side of Seth A streoes between 4 and Ath steects acts bay of 47 feet airost, Baie hcreplous itrelx and twalve susaton, > : ineix and twelve mou OF il Cast at ‘option of purchaser.” The def-pred parch: a! be liens on the ite@ wold ‘on= ates ‘and stamps vat the cost of purchas-r. @250 tbe wi Eo dectawsw THOS T= CELEBRATED APPLEBY. Trust+s. WAGGAMAN. Auc. MURRAY & LANMAN’S FLORIDA WATER. ‘THE MOST LASTING, AGEBEABLE ana gp. FRESHING OF ALL PERFUMES, for ase on the Handkerebief, at the Tollet,and im the Beth. gor sale by all Draggisteand Perfumers. sc0-m.w.f.ly _——_———— REPUBLICAN ax ae oe No 2. F A. aw EVENING st t ie; Looper 8 (Monds B w oc lok p.m. st Uolambis Law Ky DUTP. -se of wettli WASBINGTON LITRES NW hove ‘ between 4 SPAT AFTER LS will bh TUESDAY RV OLUMBIA RAILWAY. AGAIN OPEN CAPITAL STOCK COLUMBIA STBEBT RAILWAY —For the cons. 4 o'clock P.M. the 2 THUSSDAY OFFICE OF THE GREAT Fal uss 4 Meeting of the » } be bel at their off a the EVENING of TUBSDAY, 6th inst.. at Ts for the onsping your wii! ving misled by «= given by Dam be © corperated by act of connection whatever with W WORKELE & r ‘Worthy Chancellor. Scribe i “hancetlor and Chatr amon Lodge, No. 18, am on, Board of Trusters, + 19th and I streets mor 8. at T o'clk y ted to w ill be presenti U. HURST, Secretary ROTICE. —The ane of the MASON: election of Directors .w TERIAN OHURCA. N SKN 9TH. AND tori ¥ NIGHT comme < NOTIOK ~All UNREDEXMED PL 8. GOLDSTEIN and 209 4, street West. near aylvaninevenme, NATIONAL SAVINGS BANK ET ANY v Yoru N DEPOSITS. tied to settie tl ed to me are no he fires day of eary, 17], or ndance a 8. W. BOGAN. M.D NOTICE TO PERSONS DESIKING TO GERMAN —A special course of in- ion in German will be com INGTON BUSINESS EB 3. 1870, by DL. EL Term: for the course Will be received at ES, 15 conte s _— AND BOYS CLOTHING NOAIL WALKER & Co., 611 PENN-YLVYANIA AVENUB, Betwoen Sixth and Seventh strests. Visiting Cards! FROM THiS DATE WE WILL PRinT VISITING CARDS. AT 76 CENTS PER PACK. Bemg entirely prectical as ENGBAVERS AND PRINTER. th cards, PRINTED If THE BEST STIS of the art, at the above price. THE Kt ee es et AND 6Ta- Bo. 909 PENNSYLVANIA AVERUB. ENGRAVING LITHOGBAPHING HOUSE, No. 1230 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUB, LANGBAN, OGILVIE @ 00.,