Evening Star Newspaper, December 1, 1873, Page 2

Report of the Secretary of War. WA DaraatMent, Nov. 24, 1873. Me. Paxsrpes:: I deem it proper in the commencement of this report to make a state- ment of the estimates of appropriations for the Department for the next fiscal year, comparing them with the approp tations for the current year, and giving the reasons for the change. ‘The estimates for military purposes for the year ending June 30, 1874, were €35,39 7 ‘The estimates for the same purpose for the ye: ending June 30 are $34,410 722.80; the ex- cess of the next year over the current one being $554,344.11. The appropriation for military purposes for the year ending June 30, 1874, were 32,91 has been the custom of Congress trom time to time to reduce the estimates of the Depart ment. I have endeavored, aided by the officers of the Department and of the Army, to keep the expenditures within the limit prescribed by but experience has shown that the reviously asked for, based on data carefully prepared by the chiefs of bureaus, after ample cons deration, were necessary for the management o1 the Department in adittion to the usual estimates already named, the following are submitted for such action as Congress may deem proper to take: Armament of f aneeees L449 550 Botimares for engineer par poses B85, 396 It will be observed that among the estimates for the War Department for the next as well as the preceding years. wany appropriations are asked for which sbeuk! not be classed under those for the suppert of the Army proper. For mstance, those tur the observation and report of storms; the Freedmen’s Hospital; the settle- ment of claims for horses lost in the military service; the collection and payment of bounty to colored soldiers, military telegraph lines in different parts of the country; refunding to States expenses incurred lu raising volunteers; stations at ligh -houses; arming and the m: itia; and numerous other snb- of like charecter. demand expenditures b cannot legitinat arged as bein, for the cu:rent uses the military establish- ment. A critical examination of these expenditures, some of them authorized by Congress without any rec on ow the partof this De- ow that the total expenditures in excess of the amount absolutely or the actual requirements of the partment, specially to this subject in order that it may be understood that a great part of the One appropriated for this Department by er res similar to those ed. and should not be considered as re- quired for the support of the Army, but arises from the trusts impo upon the military branch of the Government in the execution of works of internal improvements, for the benefit of the people. The act of March 3, 1873, for the establish- ment of a military prison, made ne appropria- ton to meet any of the expenses necessary to carry itintoeffcet. in order, however, that no time might be lost, a preliminary board, com- posed only of Army officers, was constituted to collect information and material for commenc- ing more definite labor upon the pian as soon as Congress should appropriate the means. ‘This board, in its investigations, bas sueceedd in doing even more than was anticipated, and, fortunately, two lemen from civil life,who have devoted much time and zealous st¥dy to the subject of reformatory prison disctpline, have heen found willing to give a share of their time gratuitously, notil the appropriation shall be made. to the work of preparing a plan and regulations for the military prison. Time has enabled me to carry out the provisions of the second section of the act, by appointing the board therein prescribed. Their report will form the subject of a future special communi- cation to Congress. It is very difficult, under existing laws, to supply the Army with tield-musicians, two of which are allowed to each company. As this ia an essential part of the military establishment better facilities for obtaining musicians should be afforded, by the passage of an act to authorize the enlistment of boys not under twelve years of age, always with the consent of parents or guardians. This provision did exist uatil, prob- ably through inadvertence, the law of 1361, against enlistment of minors, put an end to it. It is unnecessary to allude to notorious cases of efficient service by music boys, even on the field of battle, to illustrate their perfect compe- tency tor ali the duties required of mastcians. While they make the best musicians, they gen- erally, at more advanced age, have become most valuable non-commissioned officers as the fruit of their early training. This pian has, too, the merit of being a most useful charity, for it would provide for many sors of old soldiers, living and dead. who now are without aim or object in lite, and in danger of becoming worth- tess men. but who. if enlisted, would have the benefit not only of tuition in music, but also in the useful common branches of education taught at the depot school. The subject of the discharge of minors who have enlisted in the Army bas ever been a per- | one he e. The most stringent prohibi ave been laid upon recruiting officers, and whenever a minor has passed from the rendez- vous to the depot, examining board, he is sure to be at once ¢ ~charged. In spite of every precaution a lar, T of youn; law, but actually cally their do pass themselves as ot full the oath to that effect, tract of enlistment, and are transported, at con. siderable expense, to regiments. Here, on the feast dissatisfaction, or after the commission of some crime involving punishment, they forth- with write to the parents, who have hitherto. perhaps, bestoweé but little care upon the: and a moving ap} is made to the Dep: ment for their discharge. Since the passage of the act of May 15, 1 the Department jadged that it bad no discretion left, and when the proof of minority is clear, and the consent of parent or guard has not been obtained, discharge is invariably given. Since the pas. of the act referred to, and up to June 30, 18:3, 2% applications for discharge from this cause have been received. Great expense to the Government, as well as frequent evasion of punisbment, and consequent di nizations ered or ont military line, caused, nor is the ostensible object of the pas ents to recover the child effected, latter is disch: the hundreds of miles from u to return, which is has not the pecuniary means. ‘The recruiting officers are charged with the ex- penses of enlistment of minors when clearly pout of want of due care; but it is exceed ™g- 'y dificult in many instances to ascertain the true age of 4 man, even with such critical ex- amination as recruits are subjected to. Thus, while the Government is imposed upon, ander an oath, by the recruit, while it, in a faith, on ee, — : toa - ment, = m pays him, it is by present legislation le! Without protection or remedy against the fraud. ‘The recruit obtains all the benefit, sometimes is transported to a region where he wishes to % discharge with per. fect impunity for his fraud. It is suggested that some action be taken to- ward the passage of a positive law to pravide for Se poskheene of recruits who have de- ceived the recruiting officers by falsely swear- ing to their or physical condition. In my es he should be immediately turned over tothe per tribunal, andthe United States law officer in whose district the recruit may have committed the offense should be required te prosecute him for the false oath he has taken and for the great expense he has given the Government. i The practice, which prevailed to a consider- | able extent, of Army officers visiting the seat et Government during the session of Congress, attempting to influence legislation by Inter- viewing members of Congress, and cosenting business which should only be brought to their attention through the head of the Executire | Department, became su serious evil that on Mareh 15, 1873, Leansed ancrder to be issued directing that ‘no officer. either active or re- Ured, shall, directly or indirectly, without be- ing called upon by proper authority, salicit, suggest. or recommend action by members of ess for or against military affairs. The | Necessity for thisorder was re it. Mem- bers of Congress bave frequently brought the subject to my attention, and have le com- plaint, very justly, of th | io with ther @ persisent efforts lation. The order, as it itself | says, is not intended to preclude officers from illustrating or expounding a measure before | Congress which may have received the favor or sanction of the President, Secretary of War, or | the General of the Army. The experience of | officers when so used is and will be viewed as | valuable, bat it was and isintended to restrain | ofticers from urging their views in an improper | Manner upon mem! of Co! , andin con- | suming the time of those intrusted with the becessary legislation of the Government. That order will be enforced so far as {e Hes within my remote from the com ‘forts matter : & + accounts, and of paying for supplies and sere asthe lal the war, under executive orders, purchased from this Department railroad material to the appraised value of over $7,500,000, thirty of | post are recommended to Congress, d the them have paid their debts in full. The remain. | recommendation for one chief musician and Lig Hope em = tS our debt to the amount | two principal musicians for the battalion ap- of 1658, PAT. ie from these sales, with interest enable the Department to collect from the eral of these definquent of the roads given at the time of purchase Under the provisions of the appropriation act | The operations to thisend cot the removal approved March 3, 1873, advertisement was | of obstructions of various kitts, such as rock in made for bids to provide head. for the | place and bowlders, bars of clay, sometime | graves of deceased soldiers in the national cem- | indurated; of gravel nd, and other alluvial eteries. Eighty bids were received and opened | matter; of rafts, often extending from the sur- in public by the Quartermaster Generalon the | face of the river nearly to the bottom, formed head stones p-rmcnen/ when once erected. m personally to influence their | $7 money allowances then received etn at tre Army. If the former constraction is to be ven it, it then really :l'*-ontmues the allow- ¢ of servants all 5 former JAWS Bod recuiauous aave encouraged, aat World often unfit an off r for effvetive servic. b, depriving bim of transp rtation for auchor- ized horses and baggage that often coald not di-tribution of the first |e! the Medical and Surgseal History of the War, viz : Seut to O joual committees as specimenr_ rene ae’ erfoct epi To be issued by Sargvon General's b> purchaged or obtained at bis new station. ‘Total pumber of copies printed... =r) All these have been furnished by the Govern- | The second part of the work is now going ment from its foundation, and for its own | through the press as rapidly as possible. ‘Interests, primart'y, the benefit to che officer | The recommendation made in former years is be ng but ‘n idental, and while It is presumed | renewed, that the catalogue and tablets of the hat the clause referred to intend-d to embrac ary all that had been ineluded in a'lowances, in providing for the compensation of officers of the Army, a distinct enunciation of its meaning by Congress is desirable. I deemed it necessary, on the 25th day of Fob- ruary, 1873, to issue the following order in con- anatomical section of the Army Medical Ma- seum be published in a style to Morton's Crania Americans. A Dill for this synod passed one house of Congress during the last | session, but failed to become a law. | 1 am compelied to repeat the statement made | in previous reports that very serious and in- nection with this subject, which will continue | creasi injury bas resulted to the service from as the rule unless further legislation is had the continued prohibition of appointments and ‘The payment of rent, or any allowance fur fael or | promotions in the Medical Corps. Thoroughly quarters of offieers’ servanta, is hereby proh bited | educated medical men, in selecting the Army until more specific legislation shall sanction it. as apn occupation, are actuated by reasona- During the past year the five Inspectors-gen- eral of the Army have been exclusively subject to the orders of the Secretary of War and the General of the Army, and have made carefal and thorough inspections of the South, the De- partments of Texas, of the Missouri, of the Gulf, of Arizona, of Dakota, and of the Colum- bia, excepting Alaska, In the Departments of Arizona, Texes, Dakota, and the Columbia, thorough examination was made into the con- dition of the personnel and material of the Army atall the remote and widely-dispersed posts, stations, and depots within the limits of these departments, (with the exception of Alas. ka,) embracing one hundred and seventeen mil- itary posts, garrisoned by eighteen regiments of infantry, seventeen companies of artillery, and eight regiments of cavalry. Besides this, other minor inspections and investigations ‘have, from time to time, been made by the officers of this corps, involving voluminous reports, which have been made without any expenditure tor clerical assist ance. Scratinizing examinations have been made by the Inspector--general of the accounts of al! officers who have made im- portant disbursements of public money during the year. The funds received and expended by them, with the balances reported due the United States, have been carefally verified by official statements received from the Treasury Department and depositories, and under this system itis hardly possible that a defalcation or trand on the part of disbursing officers of this Bae’ pagar can escape timely detection. he assistant inspectors-general have been attached to the headquarters of the various military divisions, they, as well as several officers who have been temporarily assigned to duty in some of the remote departments as act- ing assistant inspectors- general, have been a: tively and usefully engaged in the duties per- taining to their positions. Since the close of the war, in the Quarter- master’s Department, much time and labor have been bestowed upon the examination and settlement of the accounts of officers for dis- borsements made during the rebellion and since close. Most of these accounts have been usted, and te accounts of disbursing offi- cers of that Department are now examined promptly as received. Within the past two years I have cansed the forms and methods of business in this Department to be simplified, to the advantage of the service and the relief of officers. Much difficulty is experienced in keeping the ble prospect of promotion, but to render it im- owe for them ever to advance in rank is to jeter many desirable men from becoming can- didates. I call attention most earnestly to the statement of the Surgeon-General as to the Se for such legislation as will secure to our officers and soldiers the efficient attendance in wounds and sickness which the Government should provide, and which will make ® position in the Medical Corps of the Army now, as formerly, an object of ambition to the best educated and best qualfied young men in the profession. @here are now 64 va- cancies inthat corps, viz: 2 assistant medical purveyors, 5 surgeons, 56 assistant surgeons, | and I medical store-keeper. in my judgment | it is absolutely necessary for tne welfare of the service that the corps be opened to appoint- ment and promotion. The Paymaster-General strongly urges the necessity of providing by legislation for an in- creose of the present force of paymasters, now much reduccd by the operation of the act ot March 4, prohibiting new appointments and promotions in certain staff | corps and departments. The number of paymasters authorized by the Army or- anization act of July 28, 1866, was sixty. There are now bit forty-four in service. The Paymaster-General recommends that the num- ber be fixed by law at fifty-twi nd that the sixth section of the act of March 3, 1869, be re- ealed, and promotions and new appointments Bo allowed. Experience bas shown that it is just that a gréater period than thirty days be allowed toan Officer on leave of absence without reduction of pay. Thirty days barely suffices to enable an officer to travel from anu to his remote station in the West, It is apparent that, the act approved May 15, 1872, concerning thé pay of enlisted men and establishing a system of deposits, has proved of much benefit to the soldier. The number of desertions has not been reduced to as great an extent as had been hoped, but still that number was five hundred less than in the year ending Jane 30, 1871. It would be difficult to devise legislation better calculated to encourage re- enlistment, reward faithful service, and dimin- ish desertion, and it is believed its ultimate effect will be to heighten the tone of the whole enlisted force of the Army. It appears trom the report of the Paymaster General that the average amount of deposits per company made by enlisted men during the expenses of the Quartermaster’s Department | past fiscal year was 8418226. The largest within the amounts appropriated by Congress, | amounts of deposits per company were made in and so apparent was it during the past fiscal | the Departments of Arizona and Columbia. In | year that the appropriation for barracks and quarters would not admit of any expenditure from that appropriation beyond the payment of rent of offices and hire of quarters for troops, that it was found necessary early in the sprin, to entirely arrest any work upon the repair p= | construction of barracks and quarters. Not- withstanding this necessary and sharp measure, which involved much inconvenience to the —— crowded into buildings much in need of repair, or cantoned in tents and huts too much exposed to the inclemency of the weather, the liabilities have to a small amount exceeded the som appropriated. Itis necessary that I snowld ask the atten- tion of Congress to the difficulties of keeping these departments there was the greatest amount of field operations. It may be safely | interred, then, that more deposits will be made by the enlisted men in tme of war than in time pod igre and this leads to the conclusion that had a wise system of deposits been in operation in our volunteer Army during the rebellion, the Government would have had the handling of peg bu morgane dollars for several years. Dar- ing the last years of the war there were about 14,000 companies of troops employed, which would give, at the rate of $1,500 deposited by each company, $21,000,000 per annum. The Corps of Engineers has been actively engaged upon the defensive works of our coasts; upon river and harbor improvements, and the survey for them, and for the protection of the navigable waters of the United States against deterioration, whether from bridges or other | causes; upon’ the geodetic and hydrographic survey of the lakes; upon surveys for the de- | fenses of the coasts; upon military surveys and reconnoissances in the interior; upon geograph- vices, which arises under the operation of the act approved July 12, 1870. The act in its ope- ration requires every disbursing officer to keep a separate and distinct set of accounts under every head of appropriation, and to keep a bal- ance of money on hand to meet the demands under each head, thereby compelling officers to | ical and geological explorations; upon public Kopp to their credit at depositories much larger | buildings and grounds in the District of Colum. | alances thi heretofore. A remedy for this is to make the appropriation for the Quartermas- ter’s Department under one head asa single appropriation, requiring, as now, that the esti- mates upon which the appropriation is based shailbe submitted in detail. No benefit can arise in practice from the system of keeping separate heads of appropriation in this depart bia; upon the construction of light-houses, and upon the demarkation of the boundary between the United States and Great Britain. The works projected and approved fog the modification and strengthening of our sea-coast defenses and fortifications have been advanced with a rapidity consistent with economy and efficiency, and the works for our principal har- + While its existence gives many occasions | bors now contain quite a number of platforms forerror and mistakes, and is a burden upon | ready for their arioaments of guns of the largest the officer who ts required to disburse the pab- | calibers. Heavy guns mounted in covered po- Ke money, aswell as upon the Treasury. The | sitions, along the shores of the inlets to our har- evils of the present system are fully set forth in | bors, must ways be the basis ot any succeas- the report of the Committee on Expenditares in | {ul defense, and the works projected and in the War Department, made to Congress at i last session. = zs As many lieutenants of the line are often re- quired to assume the labors and responsibilities of acting assistant quartermasters, it is recom- mended that an allowance of $19 per month be made by law to officers so detailed, asa mode- rate compensation to them for the risk as well r in disbursing public money keeping and distributing stores, oe Of the fifty railroads which, at the close of course of construction should be prosecuted to completion, and be suitably armed. The Battalion of Engincers numbers 398 en- Usted men, and is stationed at the Military Academy for instruction of cadets, and at W. let's Point, New Yerx Harbor, where it forms the school of torpedo detense of the channels of our harbors, and the guards and workmen for the care and distribution of engineer equip- ments. During the past summer a number of detachments havegerved with advantage in the geographical and geodetic explorations. The appropriations asked for the engineer total amount collected and expenses, has of a law which will Post of sev- ‘he bonds roved. ke With the small appropriations granted for trials with torpedoes, the investigations upon this subject have been continued, to the bene- fit of our system of submarine mines. This ac- cessory for the defence of our harbors in recent years developed into one of great import- ance among the maritime powers, and to inves- the recent electrical methods and systems thus far been $5 116,605.53. I recommend the Office Department the al ear: railroads. pledge them to use these earnings in liquida- Ugate tion of their debts, but retuse or raist- torpedoes, as well as te procure certain ma. = negiect to give to the master General | terials,two officers of engineers were sent duri: e ay formal orders to turn over thi funds to this Department. - Ten thousand dollars was appropriated dar- the summer to Europe. The results of thei mi are the collection of valuable inform: tion on this subject, and a saving of expenditur: ing the last year for the prosecution of the work | to the government. on the artesian weil at Fort D. A. Kussell. The river and harbor improvements men- | Since then considerable progress has been made | tioned in my last annual ‘t have been con- in that work. It has now reached a depth of | tinued, and the works surveys connected 1,005 feet. The work has now for some hun- dreds of feet been carried through a stratum of clay, and there is reason to hope that when the clay is pierced the water will be therewith have been carried on during the past year with vigor. Detailed information in re- gard to each specific improvement, and the re- sults of surveys directed to be made by the | | } reached, and a strong flowing well develo; river and appropriation acts, may be From the importance to the people of the Ter- | found in Foci the Chief of Eng neers. | ritories of Colorado, Wyoming, Montano, and| The vement of our rivers and harbors | Dakota, which a series Of flo ng wells would have upon the development of their material interests, I recommend that an appropriation be made to continue =e experiment. consists, chiefly, in giving increased width and depth to existing chanvel-ways and basins, and protecting them, or in creating new channels and basins and giving them protective works. sth of September: Theadvertisement called for bids for farnish- ing head-stones of gray granite and white mar- ble of a specified quality, as these materials, in my judgment, best fulfilled the requirements of the law in respect to “decency, durability, and cheapness.” A careful examination of the bids resulted in an award of contract for granite head-stones for the National Cemetery at Fredericksburgh, Va. For all the other national cemeteries con- tracts have been awarded to the four lowest bidders for white marble head-stones. The re- by masses of drifting trees, or the accumulation of slabs, edgings, and sawdust; of timber and other constructions placed in channel-ways to obstruct or close them: the construction of dikes, dams, wing-dams, and revetments, and the building of canals, break-waters, and piera, all tending to — the geveral interests of commerce and navigation, by furnishing in- creased facilities of communication and giving greater security to trade. The condition of the public works and grounds of Washington, and the p ess made in their feempphen ro repair, and improvement, are le sponsibility of the bondsmen of these contractors | very credit the officerin charge. The is required to be certified to by the United | improvements it good taste, with much States district judge, or by the collector of in- | economy of expenditure. Many vacant and ternal revenue of the district in which they re- | unimproved reservations have become attract- | side. ive places of public resort, at little expense. A small stab, four inches thick, has been pre- In accor with the proviso attached to seribed for the known, and a block six inches | the appro} nm for the improvement of the | square for the pown dead. The former will | channel the Delaware river at or near th a 2 board of nk: — about 145,000, and the latter about 165,000. Particular care has been taken to have these entire cost of the siabs and blecks, under the contracts as awarded, should they be entered | upon the prey plan until after the method | into by the successful bidders, will amount to | adopted e loca! authorities is fully tested. 045.48. and itis found thatthe means used by them | bay feet be —— to — an open chan- durin, F mont pection S of the river and harbor act of March 70,045. ‘Should, however, anyof the awards bave been made fail be ted unless the whole work can be con. | 3, 1573, directed that a mm the tracted for ‘within the apprapeienld Of $1,000. pet bility of bridging the channel hetween, 000, the limit Huron and Lake }, without material aaa injury to the interests of = ae ape rection thst chameeke ‘The sul has been com mite = ted to a board of experienced en neer oficera, templated been = panel C nN ‘ve received upon the | part session Lieutenant-General “*Thd removal of tho wreck in the channel-way | sponeidle officers, off Sandy Hook, required by the act sppreved | as January 9, 193, was March 6, leav- mone; ings depth x feet at mean low cally, be provided for by Fented or leased bul Under the anthorit praneea by the act ap. | beused tas peecntien of tee ee eae for » light- posts draught snag-boat for use on the Mississippi, need peek Atkenses Rivers, ao6 i is éx- | a ected thiat the boat will be ly for service the seventeen The Lake Ontario Shore Railroad Com po rphicny or pe gg noe noe a submitted = project for a bridge across the "it in recommended that an act be pamed | Genewse,jizer, and in accordance with the pro- sothertsing the temo of sahaoes Soennes mee tate Se eomeeenatinn eppeeres: Mareh 3, 1873, fatlon, as Neat as may be im amount t0 that | Sod of these the president of the com> autberized to be sold to them. pany has been notified. Under the act approved March 3, 1873, to pro- In carrying out Soe of recent acts vide for the better care and protection of sub- | of Congress sistence there have been appointed | bridges, 1 geauts, who have bea assigned to military | that in the performance of thett dation © sum- authority cot een ores te department the | ties cla'm = being in charge of Class of aslo Pitbe Surgeon General reports the following | ton | portance whether new arms of the accepted c t the Dilit; x] . Somer sent ona Departuient, an e im 4 My annual inspection of the Military Acad- tance of the subject has often been bi to emy and Corps of Cadets, in June last, dis- the attention 5 closed a very creditable state of discipline, and $1,449,552 papa tei g by rad Ped of ee study very in the A fe nex! ir are Suna at 'smnate -bore guns and for Oartlagen 5 One of the effects of the act of Congress ap- which sum will provide for one-sixth, only, of wed February 2, 1872,{ ae coares. the guns and carriages that will be required for | ional representation of the several States, was | fortifications which will be ready by e 30th of | to increase the Corps of from 293 to 342. | June, 1874. This amount 1s not em! in | This isof marked advant to Academy, the regular estimates of appropriations for the pce redag ogre face jure of many of the Army, as heretofore ‘alluded to, but it isasub- | candidates for admission to pass the necessary mitted. The heavy rifled guns selected for fabrication | Exami: are held twice and test under the Sct approved June 6, 1872, | yearly, in May or June and. in September, and _ are now in of manufacture, and will be | Ww! possessing the requisite | com luring the vinter, Vateabie — nalifications fails to pass, asa large of 6 view of the provisions of the more recent actsof that « law be authori: the Secretary Congress requiring the Secre‘ary of War to, of War to tele of any of the smaller ars | maintain a sq) ision over location and | nals at such time as would be most advantageous | to the Government, and to apply the proceeds as suggested. The sale of Kennebec arsenal, Detroit arse- nal, Pikesville arsenal, and the smail lot or tract at Sag Harbor, Long Isiand, now no longer — public purposes, is recommended. act "ass to t such generat i legis- lation as may be deemed necessary for the pre- servation of the great natural channels of com- B. of Congress approved June 10, merce. i, the Secretary of War was directed to seli In this connection I have respectfully to rec- the Mount Vernon arsenal, Alabama, pursuant commend that the act authorizing the constrac- tion of a bi across the Arkansas River at Little Rock, Arkansas, approved May 31, 1872, be repealed, for the reason that a bridge con- structed in compliance with ite terms would materially obstruct and impair the navigation of the river. A previous act of Congress (that | of July 1, Fong | contains all the provisions for | bridging this to a recommendation made for its disposal as a part of the public domain. Su uent to such recommendation the exigencies of the service required that the property should be used by the Quartermaster’ ‘tment for military pu and the when such necessity sb cease to exist is very indefinite. Under these circumstances the repeal of so much of the act of June 10, 1572, as relates to the sale of this property is recommended. That ion of the same act which directs the sale of the Apalachicola arsenal should, in my opinion, be repealed, for the reason that the property was granted to the Stete of Florida in 1570, by the act approved December 15 of that year, under the name of the Chattahoochee arsenal. ‘The Department feels much embarrassment arising from contlicting claims founded on al leged infringements of patent-rights in the co1 struction of breech-loading guns at the national fester Officers of the Ordnance Corps, in the execution of their official duties, are seriously annoyed by private actions for damages, insti- tuted by persons claiming to hold valid patents which have been infringed in the productions | of the Government armory, and some legisia- tion seems to be required ib order to enable the | Department to dispose of the claims. j The fitth section of the act of July 12, 1870, | which provides ‘That all balances of appropri- ations contained in the annual appropriation Vills and made specitically for the service of | any fiscal year, and remaining unexpended at | the expiration of such fiscal year, shall only b applied to the payment of expenses properly i curred during that year, or to the fulfillment of contracts properly made within that year, and such balances not needed for the said’ purposes sball be carried to the surplus fund: Provided, That this section shall not applyto appropriation known as permanent or indeiluite appropri tions,” is ixjurious to the interests of the gov- | ernment where permanent buildings are to be erected, and appropriations fer this purpose should be allowed to run for three years instead of one, 4s now limited by that act. Itis recom- mended that the act be mocditied accordingly. Systematic and continuous instruction of the Army in military signaling and telegraphy has continued during the past year at the school of instruction and practice at Fort Whipple, Va., and in the Department of the Missoari, and the special attention of some of the most pow- erful foreign governments has been directed to these branches of military science, and they have taken pains to procure the minute details of our equipment and apparatus. | Recruiting for the signal service has been successfully conducted, the standard of acquire | ment being maintained by special examination of those enlisted. After sciection and enlist- | ment, the men are at once placed der a course of drill and instruction, and after a sec- | ond examination those especially designated for | duty at stations are drilled, examined, instruct- | ed, tested by practice, instructed in the higher branches of the service. again examined and tested before being int with the man- | agement of stations of observation. fhe Chief Signal Officer renews his recom | mendation for the establishment by law of a i] | | ver at Little Rock essential to | — of the channel. | ‘The survey of the lakes has been continued | with success during the season. The survey of Lake Michigan has been pushed forward nearly to completion, and that of the Saint Lawrence River bas been extended nearly to Lake Onta- | rio. Other portions of the survey are in satis- factory progress; new surveys of special loc: ties have been made, the longitude of import ints determined eg telegraph; assistance to © geographical and geological survey of adja- cent States rendered; and meteorological and | lake-surface observations continued through the entire lake region. The main field of operations the geological | exploration near the fortieth parallel, between the Sierra Nevada and eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, were completed in Novem- | ber last, and the maps and results are being prepared for publication at an early day. Special examinations, giving important Tesuits, bave been made of noted geological structures, | and of the evidences of giacial action in the Sierras. | ‘The geographical and geologieal surveys and | explorations west of the one-hundredth me- | ridian in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, have been prosecuted with great vigor and success. The field labors terminated in December, after which the work of prepara- tion of the maps and observations for publica- tion was continued in the office in this city. The field operations of the present season, em- bracing, in addition to the usual observations in the various branches of the survey, the erec- tion of a field astronomical observatory at Ogden, Utah, and the determination of an astronomical base, commenced June 1, with an | efficient organization. The officers of the Corps of Engineers on de- tached duty at the headquarters of general officers commanding military divisions and de- partments have rendered yaluable services in preparing such maps and sketches and making such surveys and reconnoissances as were re- quired by their commanding officers. Besides these regular duties, several special reconnois- sances have been made, yielding important information. Among these the reconnoissance of the lava-beds a: surrounding country, the scene of operations against the Modoc Indians; the survey of the Yellowstone River, as far as practic: the reconnoissance of the head- waters of the Rio Grande and Southwestern Colorado; and the reconnoissance to discover an approach to the Yellowstone Lake Basin from the south or southeast, thus opening a new | and shorter route to the National Yellowstone Park and the mining regions of Montana, together with the result of astronomical obser- vations to determine the positions of important pointe, are particularly referred to in the report of the Chief of Engineers. The commission appointed by the President, in accordance with the act approved March 3, 1873, to examine and report on a system of irri- gation in the San Joaquin, Tula nd Sacra- mento Valleys, California, met and organized in San Francisco in May, and proceeded at once toexamine the valleys in question and the streams emptying into them. By the end of June they had taade satisfactory progress. They are still engaged in this labor, and in the col- lection of information to enable them to render a full report upon the subject of investigation. A complete set of the published maps and ro- ports of the Engineer Department, together with setsof photographic views of remarkable natural features of the western country, and models of important engineer work of river and | harbor improvement, and of armament, were prepared and forwarded through the commis sioner appointed by the President to represent | the United States at the Vienna Exhibition, | with authority to present them, at the close of the exhibition, to the engineer department of | the Austrian army. | The estimates of the Chief of Engineers are | | permanent Signal Corps, or for such legislation as will secure a permanency for its details. He insists that the extent of the servic and its now material importance should commend this sub- ject to the attention of Congress. The whole number of stations from which regular meteoric reports are now received is ninety-two, of which seventy-eight are in the United States, eleven in Canada, and three in | the West Indies. The regular telegraphic reports from Hav: na began on August, from Kingston, Jama: on September 1s,and from Santiago de | Cuba on September 29. Three other points in the islands or Porto Kico, Guadeloupe, and Bar- | hades, will be equipped as soon as observers | can be designated. It is a matter of regret | that there is nointernational arrangement with | the authorities of any of these islands, nor is there, at present, any return of weather-tele- gramé provided for or officially requested. Steps are in contemplation by which it is hoped the necessary arrangements will be effected. The display of bulletins and weather-charts at stations, the supply of prompt and gratui- tous-information to the press, and the exhibi- tion of day or night signals at’ times ef proba- ble special danger, for the benefit of shipping and commercial ‘interests, haye been con- tinued. A plan has been adopted whereby synopsis of reports and probabilities have been forwarded to many points in the interior not reached by telegraph, and this plan has given satisfaction | tothe farming and interior popalation reached . | ‘There are nineteen special river stations from which reports of the depths of water in the | principal rivers of the United States are daily | made by telegraph, at particular seasons, du- ring which danger from freshets may be an- ticipated. River reports are also made from twenty of the regular stations. j These data are widely published and distrib- uted along the line of the rivers, and contribute | to the convenience and safety of the river com- | merce, bythe constant and accurate knowledge | submitted separately, as presented by that off - cer, viz.: Fertifica'ions and other works of defense. $3,376,000 Public buildings and greunds and Wash- ipgton aqueduct woeee: - Surveye. B gtneer de) Office expem m Improvement of rivers nd barbore. | peli | Total .... cssescenssns « seennonseos 20 489 656 | No steps have been taken by me to carry out | the Cobley of the act of March 3, 1873, au. | thorizing the survey, plat, and sale of the cem- | etery grounds upon Fort Gratiot military reser- vation in Michigan, as the formal preliminary action of the city authoritiesof Port Huron has | not yet been completed. | -The report of the Chief of Ordnance calls at- | tention tothe many potent arguments so often | presented in favor of the repeal of the law pro- bibiting promotions in the corps which be rep- | 1,118 056 resents. He refers to the hardship and humili- | given of the depth of water in the channels. ation to which officers of merit and long service | The benefits resulting from these reports, have been subjected since the @ of that | Now in the second year of their issue, have been law, vy. being deprived ot theirdeserved promo- | fully acknowledged by the various interests | tion, the only reward held out in their profes- have advanced. the 3 Sa fein — [oct e Their | sathe — Fost tae ee claims ‘omotion appeal strongly to the at- | as m twenty- Ouse wo tention of Congress. PP” nad hundred and ten. Eight thousand nine hundred A board of experienced officers, of which | and eighty-two printed copies of the weather Gen. A. H. Terry was president, was convened | ae re daily. in September, 1572, for the selection of a breech. teps have been taken to carry out the legis- loading system for the musket and carbines of | !ation of the last Con, authorizing the es- the military service. After an exhaustive trial | tablishment of signal stations at light-houses, of all the systems presented the board selected | @nd such of the life-saving stations on the lake the Springtield breech loading system as the | OT sea coasts as may be suitably located for that one, of all those brought before it, which is best | Purpose, and to connect the same with such calculated to meet the demands of our military | points as may be necessary for the proper dis. service, charge of the duties of the nal service, by The report of the board was approved, and | means of @ suitable telegra; Hine, in cases the Springfield system of breech-loader will | where no linesare in operation. The in| henceforth be used forthe muskets and car- | contemplation —— the lishment of bines of the Army. At the same time tbe cali- | signal stations at life-saving stations and light- ber of all small-arms for the service—rifies, | houses along the ocean-coast of New Jersey, carbines, and revolvers—has been fixed at .45 | from Sandy Hook to Cape May, a distance of of an inch. It is now a question of grave im- twenty-five miles from each other. A line con- | necting the stations at life-saving stations and | light-houses along the coast from Norfolk, Va., | to Cape Hatteras, N. C., distance of one hun- dred and thirty-seven miles, and on one of the system shall not be made at once in sufficient | quantities for a reserve supply in case of war, and to this efd an appropr: ‘tion of $500,000 has been asked for the next year for the man- | most dangerous coasts of the United States, is ufacture, together with the materials now on | being constructed. It is expected that the hand, of about 35,000 arms. above-mentioned lines will be completed dur- The annual ee en of $200,000 for arm- ing and equipp ing the militia, an amount fixed by Congress uring the early tury, is now found inadequate, ing the present year. The ascertained comparative accuracy of the deductions from reporte styled probabilities” has been more clearly presented in this than in rt of the cen- y reason of the at increase of population, to supply the | preceding years. The percentage of verifica- Santa of the whole tod of the militia, ans it ig | tions has been mathematically computed for therefore recommended that the appropriation | each of the seprpbical districts mentioned in the reports. ch a more rigid and scrutiniz- mode of calculation than was before lopted, the percentage of verification has im- proved. The analysis of the year’s work indi- cates clearly, at once, the wisdom of judiciously increasing the number of stations. The Department acknowledges, as in pre- vious years, the generai support of the popular opinion of scientific men, and of the press, in tor that purpose be increased in a manne? pro- portioned | to the increase of the population since the passage of the act of 180%, providing for the distribution of arms to the militia of the country. I feel great hesitation in recommending in- creased appropriations at this time, but | deem it my duty to say that the armament of our sea- eons! hemor | which involves the question of ing the defense of our principal sea-board cities | itsefforts to successfuliy carry on this work. from attack, iu case of war with a naval power, | Errors have occurred, but it has been general- is a subject demanding the earnest attention of | ly recognized as inevitable that some musi oc- Cony » The principal cities on our coast car in the present condition of science. The are ina very defenseless state, and the tedious great utility of the work is no longer doubted. | and costly work of preparation cannot be com- | !t bas achieved results, the epome gy which, a | few years ago, could hard, hoped for. po EEE a ee ee) hope of Lory pre an ‘The work must be done in time of peace, with- out waiting for an uncertain period in ‘search perfection in gun constructions. The im- portance of thissubject increases with the earn- est and continued efforts on the part of all na- tions to supply their forts with the most im- proved armament, and should war find this country withont a proper defense against tron- Ject of great itm tance, and the question of these “appro tted. ms 18 respecttully sub- | i the induces a recommend: gt Eimer izinch Tiaed conten teat the t capabilities of the metal for rifle constructions ice i eas ie a ‘be conclusively assured or Utthe powder in the hands Of the Department an 6 te ot the Of Cadets bas been prepared, and AMUSEMENTS. wiv erent — ‘The inc the BM TIOSAL THEATER, 8.3.6 Sava 0 Lease and D. rector tent mausicians, when they can se h larger salaries in the princt the Union, is again urgertiy recommen the attention of Congress. This subject was alluded to tn my last annual report, and a bill was introduced to increase the number and compensation of the musicians, which, it is an- | derstood, passed one hot&e of Congress, bat was not taken up in the other. Its reintroduc- | tion and @ is earnestiy recommended | During the last session of Congress, the Com- mittee on Expenditures of the War Department made an exhaustive report of the workings of this portion of the executive branch of the «o- vernment, and prepared a bill for a full and complete reorganization of the clerical force of yon mer 4. 173 YORK yoRa pagers at drama, a, XBR 8. NEw ool pprar in Dion Boutoavit's « A STRUGGLE FOR UIP: the War Department. Boney penny. plaved by him over &®) nights.) Mr I would earnestly represent that this Depart- 4 eddart end the wow emt onal ment bas been peculiarly unfortunate as re- wep; mapas’ Penne bene bith gards the rates of compensation paid its em- Ployes. It is hoped, therefore, that the report of the Committee on Expenditures of the War Department, above reterred to, may receive careful consideration at the hands of Congress, And that action be taken upon the recommenda- tions of the committee as to the required organ- ization of the clerical force. of soctet as, 0) BROKEN VoWs, and th TOUCH OF NATORE _Monday next, MR JRF ASHINGTON TH Lith Street, bel ANOTHER STAR PLING, s ENSATION ‘When from illness or other cause the Secre- December is ONE WE: ND 2 MATINEES a The Beaut itn! Kyuss tary of War is obliged to be temporarily absent, Miss KAT: there is no person inthe Department authorized | woo will appear rm tie by law to sign the money re: Treasury and other papers necessary for its cur- rent business. In alraost all the other Depart ments of the Governmest one or mor: t secretary is provided by | to perform such duties in the absen of the Department. There is no assistant s tary for the War Department, and in order t inconvenience to individuals’ as well as to Government may not arise from delay c by such absence, I recomme uisitions upon from MA Ox, THE WILD Introducing all tts mm Be : K SAM DE VER | law which will permit the Secretary pa ee ae authorize the chief cler’ in case 0! The great melo arametic Actor, M other temporary a the nead : eatene partment. to sign deemed necessary for trimediate sg I again refer to the fact that by tion of Congress the Secretary of quired to appoint a competent p. Tange and prepare for publication th documents relating to the rebel erations of the army «luring the mit a plan of said publication and the cost thereof to Congress at its then next session. A person was appointed to assume t work, who was to receive & compensation ” tren every WED buted im VV ASHINGTON § ENGERBUND, MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1575, GRAND BALL, £2,500 per annum. Although the appolutment | 2 Ree eee. was made at that time, no acceptance was fic . pA SEL NS GRE Sister hatin are RON ~~ and no action was taken toward the arrange. | _?0°2>2t__ pee SS OURMITTED. ment and publication of the records. N ATIONAL THEATER As the appointment, under previous legisia- tion, cannot now be made, for the reason that Mr. J.@. 8, ® Sore Lessee any Dame the Act prescribed that payments should cease | acine tees to aroun. the compict in two years after its passage, this legislation a eee agg Meme personel aeale porbieniow fed the Secretar; of War | the New and Magnificent Theaier, erection express jy for him by w authorized to make the appointment. “This is a great national work, of much historical value and constant daily observation and experience . BAPLEY, © and thet the Becalar Season will bow! MONDAY EVENING, Deceswrn 2, 1873 renders it evident that early steps should be | The Luangural Buter'stiment © ili present the taken to collect and prepare these vast and im. Mice Te “Mirene LL, portant materials tor publication. Sahacovepgtnear Maree . « Wa. W. BELKNAP, Secretary of War. ANCE oN, Supported by a Sup | the pumber WE George Metkit. Oy Mims Lacy Keeler, = TTe An 0; ing Addr INTO THIS MATTER. j one L Bre . : Z Fy SH ERIDAR, F DON'T BEL. | seats will commence on Saturday morsing, THIS ADVERTISEMENT Me —— BU COME 4D SEE FOR YOURSELF | IF WE DO NOT SELL Marrict Beecher Stowe. IE: ee FOR $43 | = DO NOT BUY | ae | IF WE DO NOT SELL | | SELECT 35 OVERCOATS «FOB 925 | . . | x ns 875) LINCOLN HALL, | y xm We 2) Or PAL MONDAY AND TURS- Viineattmgstote cai 929 SUITS oa FOR 918 | : siveetit at BUY ELSEWHERE j Dax Evemines, | IF WE DO NOT SELL December let and 24. Lnciuding Selections from 226 OVERUOATS....... x FOR sis | | her famous Work, DON’T PATBONISE US 3 AID OF THe 1¥ WE DO NOT SELL | 215 SUITS........ wesc van OR G12 | National Soldiers’ DO NOT PURCHASE | “— UNCLE TOM’s | IF WE DO NOT SELL | | 818 OVEROOATE..-oevevnnemnene-FOR 812 | getters Orphan | . , DON’T PURCHASE CABIN. 1F WE DO NOT SELL ae @15 OVERCOATS. DON'T INVEST. REMEMBER, WE INVITE YOU TO COME ADMISSION, 50°, RESERVED SEATS, £1 nov25-7t For ssle at Elis & Go. {BEE MUSICAL CONCERTS Hoar we WERT DAY AND EVENING, oar aevibcent AND SEE, ge 008 ‘ORCHESTRION, BUT DO NOT ASK You Performing the latest Operatic ana Nat!+aai Masic, . SCHWARZEND! . To Buy, 465 Pastime ee net Between Oe Streets. x ‘oman SPIE ‘This instrument represeut immense Orchestra, IF NOT PERFECTLY SATISFIED. wih asastreneent roprconnts sa tiemente Or Come. BF Fresh'cold LAGER always on draught. «28-So Ory No.) Om Exhibition and Sale) New No HABLE BROTHERS, 456 a 439 7H ®t) MARKRITER’S, = Merchant Tailors and Fine Clothiers, | 5, 430 Teh sires, Detwocn Daud Ristreots, otgnt nov2s-tr Corner 7th and O Streets. Choice oii Paintings, ng _ OLUTION | | Stee heehee bee ares GREAT REVOL 50. IN PRICES IS NOW GOING ON AT THE GREAT CARPET AND DRY GOODS HOUSE KNOWN a8 THE ARCADE. KINDS OF OAST-OFF WEABIN = ta BEL cnn be note te ‘she very Destedventens THE INDUCEMENTS NOW OPEN aT} 5 THIS ESTABLISHMENT TO CONSUMERS, | BOTH IN CARPETS AND DRY GOODs, IS MORE THAN WONDERFUL. | THE EXTENT AND ATTRACTION OF | GOODS AT THIS HOUSE SURPASSES ANY- | THING LN WASHINGTON. THE CHANCES WERE NEVER BETTER | TO PROCURE REALLY HANDSOME CAR- Shawls, Flanne! | #7 BARC A AN & Wy OGAN & WY 7th OGAN & WYLIE. \ Bovad-ur REDUCTION EXTRAORDINARY ! RINTS, 6°; cents. EST PRINTS, 10 cents. E B OaMBEIC PETS SO CHEAV AS BEFORE THE WAR, | BERG ERAT DAMBBIC, Sorte | COPTONS and DRESS GOODS cquaily | | . equally low. wnt OT RODNEAD & CO” nov3é tr 1205 F strest, bet Lach cus AND EXAMINE FOR YOURSELVES. and 13th. WOLFORD &SHILBERG, 427 SEVENTH STREET, nov2g-tr Between D and E, southwest. REMOVAL. | Alpacas and other Dress Goods at popular prices, Blankets, Comforts, Flanneis, Sheetiags avd Liacus at greatly reduced figures, Dry Goods of all kinds at right prices, Bargains in Gent's and Ladies’ Linen Bandker- chieis. EMORY BAXTER, 1920 Pennsyivauia avenue. EDUCATIONAL. M2834, 2ECRS SELECT SCHOOL FOR Corner 1h and K streets, SiN commence its second juarter NOVEMBER 24re. ove Mz. VEBNON INSIITUTE— offe: fachity REMOVAL. oct3e tr DEVLIN&CoO., Boarding i Little rie— the attainment of @ liberal 5 PAIR, Princip». HAVE REMOVED Medemoisetio PRUD'WOMME, Benlbeut Tencher “lbovid be" 1530 I street, Washington. ‘aE BissnopeposeE’s. Young Ladies’ Board TO THE ter ico fo, 13, “Tuoroagh training OF a sor ; ‘teachers. Dest advantages ia Geran ane Fropeh ” Dové-lm" EX4MINE THE GOLD SPECTACLE, ONLY 96. SALOON PARLOR AT rer 1106 F street. NOTICE TO TAX-PAYERS. ir i ee NEW GooDs FOR THE HOLIDAYS