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equals the number lost to the service by purchase, and taking into consideration the great expense attending the convening of general courts-martial and the bringing of this class of offenders to justice, I am of the opinion that it would be in the interest of economy and in no way interfere with justice if such cases could be tried before garrison courts and the culprits discharged upon sentence, after approval by the department commander. An examination of the records shows that a large proportion of the offenses against discipline arise from intemperance.

RECRUITING.

The discontinuance of the large recruiting depots at Davids Island, New York, and Columbus, Ohio, and the plan of sending the recruits to their companies more rapidly than has been done in the past will result in promoting the efficiency of the men. There seems to be no difficulty in obtaining all the men we need, and of a good class. If to the inducements now held out to men to serve with the colors we should add a classification of the men, as suggested by the department inspector, so that upon reaching a standard of proficiency they would receive a reward, I believe there would be an incentive to distinct effort, and a steady improvement in discipline and intelligence. Attention is invited to the remarks of the department inspector on this subject.

POST SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES.

The Fort Monroe School, where an officer is in direct charge, gives excellent results. But generally the post school, as at present conducted, is not a success. As the officers are compelled to study and recite, the same rule might with advantage be extended to the men. The designating of particular men for instruction seems to be offensive to them. Any plan that would place the schools under the direct personal charge of officers, who would be held strictly responsible for the methods of instruction, would, it is believed, improve the schools.

There are few books in the post libraries, which are, as a rule, in poor condition. There is no way at present of replenishing the libraries. A portion of the proceeds from the post exchange might with advantage be devoted to this purpose.

POST EXCHANGES.

The post exchanges seem to be conducted in accordance with orders and regulations. I believe the increase of cases of courts-martial is largely due to these exchanges. I form this opinion from the cases that have come before me, and believe the drinking habit is increased by the encouragement given them. As I, myself, am regarded as extreme, the words of the department inspector are at least certainly suggestive: From the amount of beer consumed in them (the exchanges) it is to be feared that we shall have many rheumatic and gouty soldiers in the course of time, provided the restriction on length of service is taken off. As matters stand in this inspection, the general practice seems to be to turn the net profits of the exchanges into the messes of the men. This is a bad education for men whose profession is supposed to be one of self-sacrifice and denial. On previous occasions I have advocated turning over a part-say 40 per cent of the profits to the post treasurer to be expended in maintaining a post library for the men. It is granted that the men's stomachs must receive careful attention within certain limits, but I think that limit has been passed, and that that member is now being favored at the expense of his head.

The allowing of the men to purchase from the exchange on credit is also open to criticism.

POST LYCEUMS.

From an examination of the abstract of the work accomplished in the post lyceums, hereto annexed, this year's course of lectures has evidently been broad and comprehensive. Some of the post commanders are not in favor of the scope allowed in the selection of subjects. Many are not in favor of requiring field officers to lecture, as this places them on a par with junior officers and opens the way to criticism, which, they allege, is not in the interest of discipline. I believe it would be better to have only voluntary lectures from field officers, and to have the subjects assigned by the regimental commanders. Some means should be found of increasing the supply of standard military works at posts to enable officers to prepare these lectures.

POSTS.

For a list of buildings erected or contracted for at the different posts, I refer to the report of the chief quartermaster of the department, hereto appended.

An appropriation should be made to complete the post of Madison. Barracks, N. Y., according to the new plan. A new guardhouse is much needed there. At Fort Monroe, Va., a modern hospital and a new gymnasium are needed. The sewerage system at this post is still bad, and the water supply insufficient. The commanding officer suggests an artesian well as a remedy for the latter. At Washington Barracks, D. C., the guardhouse is inadequate, and the stench from a neighboring factory is complained of. The question as to the removal of this factory is already before the District Commissioners. At Fort McHenry, Md., a part of the cemetery has been washed away. It is recommended that the bodies be removed to a national cemetery. At Fort Thomas, Ky., an appropriation for the purchase of shade trees is recommended. The question of an electric plant for lighting the post is again brought up by the commanding officer, who states that it will be in the interest of economy. It is surely better for lighting. More quarters for officers are reported as needed at that post. At Fort Columbus, Governors Island, New York, there is urgent need of a suitable set of quarters for the post commander. This officer now

occupies quarters belonging to the department staff. He should have his own quarters, and not be liable to disturbance with each change. A gymnasium and amusement room is urgently needed, and I repeat my recommendation of last year, that one be built.

NATIONAL GUARD.

The troops of this command have maintained their pleasant relations with the National Guard during the year. The reports published regarding the marches and encampments of the combined forces are most favorable and flattering to the officers and men of our Army.

During the year First Lieut. Adam Slaker, First Artillery, was selected by his post commander to deliver a series of lectures on the new infantry drill regulations before the members of the National Guard of New Jersey. This selection was made at the solicitation of the adjutant of the Fourth New Jersey Regiment. The skill and care shown in the preparation of these lectures and the high praise Lieuten

ant Slaker received would seem to point out a field in which the acquirements and experience of our officers might with advantage be made useful.

By special invitation I was present at a review and drill by one brigade of the National Guard of New Jersey, in presence of its division commander. All arms of the service were participants. A company of the Seventh New Jersey National Guard gave an excellent exhibition in the presence of all the troops of a variety of exercises in extended order. The entire performance at Sea Girt, N. J., gave great credit to the diligence and proficiency of the officers and men of the National Guard. So much progress with so little time allotted is remarkable.

It would be of great advantage to have the National Guardsmen near forts, have more instruction in the seacoast defenses wherever possible. This can be done with little or no expense to the Govern

ment.

STAFF DEPARTMENTS.

QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT.

The work of this branch of the service has been economically and efficiently conducted throughout the department.

SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT.

There has been such general satisfaction, both to officers and men, in all that has come from this department that little need be said. The watchful care of the officers on duty and the instructions given to enable the cooks and bakers to properly prepare the food for the men according to the latest methods have resulted in improvement. The modernizing of the bake ovens is in the same direction.

MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL CORPS.

The medical director gives full statistics as to the health of the command in his report hereto appended. He speaks in high terms of the efficiency of the Hospital Corps, but suggests increased instruction in certain classes of duties, as follows:

At the few posts visited by me during the year this drill has been thorough. The instruction, however (the most important part of which is on other subjects than drill), to members of the Hospital Corps and litter bearers, has not been in all cases such as is desirable, and in one instance proved to have been much neglected.

I invite attention to his remarks about the water supply of Fort Adams, R. I., Governors Island, New York, Fort Hamilton, N. Y., and Forts Monroe and Myer, Va. The necessity for speedily perfecting the water supply can not be too much emphasized.

The supply of ice for the Southern posts, especially enough for the preservation of meats and perishable articles of food, ought to be abun dantly provided for.

PAY DEPARTMENT.

The work of the pay department has been entirely satisfactory dur ing the year.

SIGNAL SERVICE.

Instruction seems to have been given systematically in this branch, and the Acting Chief Signal Officer reports that at a majority of the posts there are officers and men who can send and receive at least fifteen words per minute.

CONCLUSION.

With one or two exceptions, I have visited the several posts within the limits of the department, and in every instance had a favorable impression of the efficiency and good conduct of both officers and enlisted men. Post commanders have uniformly exhibited diligence and completeness in the performance of their duties.

There have been but few changes in the staff at headquarters.

In a few days Col. and Bvt. Brig. Gen. Charles H. Tompkins, assistant quartermaster-general, will go upon the retired list. His long and faithful service, which has extended through the war of the rebellion and many Indian campaigns, is already on record. His unremitting diligence and well-matured advice during the last six years in which we have served together is gratefully recalled.

Again, as last year, I record my unqualified approbation of each officer of the general and personal staff.

Before the time for another report I shall close the period of my active service. My connection with the Army from 1850, when I became a cadet, till the present time, when I have reached the age of compulsory retirement, affords me pleasure in the retrospect. No service, however, has been more agreeable to me, personally, than that of the last six years in connection with this department. And the satisfaction arises. in the main from the uniform loyalty, energy, and efficiency shown by the personnel of my command, by those immediately around me, and not less by those at remoter posts and garrisons. As I wrote in closing my report last year, so I urge again upon all the motive of efficiency and attainment rather than the hope of high rank, which, in our small Army, is seldom achieved.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

OLIVER O. HOWARD,

Major-General, Commanding Department of the East.

The ADJUTANT-GENERAL UNITED STATES ARMY,

Washington, D. C.

REPORT OF MAJ. GEN. NELSON A. MILES.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI.

Chicago, Ill., September 4, 1894.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of affairs in my department since my last, dated August 25, 1893:

There have been no changes of troops in the department during the year.

As in previous years, the troops in the Indian and Oklahoma Territories have been occupied during much of their time in removing trespassers from the public lands, in preserving order in the newly-settled region, and in keeping the peace between hostile factions of the semi civilized Indian tribes. In addition to removing and expelling intruders in the Choctaw Nation, and from the Osage and Kaw Indian reservations, the troops stationed at Forts Reno, Sill, and Supply were called on for the purpose of protecting the United States mails, guarding railroad bridges, and supporting the United States marshal in making arrests. All of these difficult duties have been performed in a manner which shows good judgment and discretion on the part of the officers, and a

good state of discipline and faithful service on the part of the troops, and it is believed that but for their prompt intervention much bloodshed would have resulted. The troops having quickly and efficiently accomplished the arduous duties assigned to them, have been withdrawn from the field and returned to their respective stations.

The following troops were concentrated in Chicago, Ill., by the orders of the President of the United States, to execute the orders and processes of the United States court to prevent the obstruction of the United States mails, and generally to enforce the faithful execution of the laws of the United States.

From Fort Brady, Mich., Companies B and F Nineteenth Infantry, left that post July 5, and arrived in Chicago the following day.

From Fort Leavenworth, Kans., Companies A, Fifth; H, Seventh; F, Tenth; E, Twelfth; and F, Thirteenth Infantry, left that post July 5, and arrived in Chicago the following day.

From Fort Riley, Kans., Maj. L. T. Morris with Troops C, E, F, and G, Third Cavalry; Maj. W. F. Randolph with Light Batteries A and F, Second, and F, Fourth Artillery; Lieutenant Maxfield with detachment of signal corps, and Assistant Surgeon Quinton with detachment of hospital corps. These troops left Fort Riley on July 8, and arrived in Chicago on the 10th.

From Fort Sheridan, Ill., the Fifteenth Infantry, Troops B and K, Seventh Cavalry, and Light Battery E, First Artillery, with Surgeon Girard and detachment of hospital corps. This command arrived in Chicago at 11 p. m., July 3, 1894.

From Madison Barracks, N. Y., the Ninth Infantry, which arrived in Chicago July 9, 1894.

From Fort Niobrara, Nebr., Col. D. S. Gordon, with Troops A, E, G, and H, Sixth Cavalry, arrived in Chicago July 10, 1894.

The conduct of the troops in restoring order and confidence where mob violence and a reign of terror existed in and near the city of Chicago was marked by great forbearance, fortitude, and excellent discipline, and their presence and action here very greatly contributed to the maintenance of civil law, and, in my opinion, saved this country from a serious rebellion when one had been publicly declared to exist by one most responsible for its existence.

The troops remained in the city fifteen days, and having accomplished the object for which they were brought together, and carried out to the full extent the orders of the President and the Major-General Commanding the Army, they were, with the exception of the Ninth Infantry, which returned to the Department of the East, withdrawn to Fort Sheridan, and during the month of August moved to camps Abraham Lincoln and Orrington Lunt, Evanston, and during that time engaged in field maneuvers, which were both interesting and highly beneficial to the service.

In the maneuvers simulating the action of troops in battle embracing the three arms of the service, as well as the Signal and Medical corps, all exhibited marked efficiency and good knowledge of their profession; their deportment and skill were highly creditable to the service, and entirely satisfactory to the department commander.

The troops have all been returned to their proper stations except Troops C, E, F, and G, Third, and Troops A, E, G, and H, Sixth Cavalry, which have taken station, for the present, at Fort Sheridan. The inspection reports show that good administration is preserved at the different posts in the department, and that the garrisons are efficient and well disciplined.

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