The Miscellaneous Documents of the Senate of the United States for the First Session of the Forty-Sixth Congress. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 Excerpt: ...in any way the organization or duties of the corps, so far as relates to enlisted men. In Hie matter of provision for the ollicers of the Signal Corps, the following is submitted: Existing laws provide for the constant detail of eighteen officers, and for the maintaining of their especial duties as they exist. The laws further provide for the appointment, in each year, of two sergeants to be second lieutenants. As the first step of promotion is thus ottered, and as an inducement to honorable and good service, it would seem but right to provide other grades. There is no body of ollicers more hardly worked than the officerstissistaut to the Chief Signal-Officer. In this opinion the Chief Signal-Officer thinks he will be sustained by any, of either civil or military life, who know anything about their duties. The office of the Chief Signal-Officer is the only office of the War Department that is never closed, and in which the duties go on throughout the night as well us day. There are none whoso positions ought to be more permanent than those of these officers, in order that the officers entering upon them may look forward to a life in which position and distinction are to be won by laborious attention to this especial service. The skill of the officer increases, of course, with his experience; the studies and duties which added facilities are day after day laying more clearly before the officer are of high importance to the nation.' The officers are not permitted to lose their military practice. Regular armed drills of all the force, constantly practiced, maintain it. The assistants to the Chief Signal-Officer are subjected to many and greater expenses than ore customary with other officers. The lowest grade provided in other corps for officers, who are expec...