The report of the Secretary of War contains information of interest and importance respecting the several bureaus of the War Department and the operations of the Army.  The strength of our military force on the 30th of September last was 48,000 men, and it is computed that by the 1st of January next this number will be decreased to 43,000.  It is the opinion of the Secretary of War that within the next year a considerable diminution of the infantry force may be made without detriment to the interests of the country; and in view of the great expense attending the military peace establishment and the absolute necessity of retrenchment wherever it can be applied, it is hoped that Congress will sanction the reduction which his report recommends.  While in 1860 sixteen thousand three hundred men cost the nation $16,472,000, the sum of $65,682,000 is estimated as necessary for the support of the Army during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1870.  The estimates of the War Department for the last two fiscal years were, for 1867, $33,814,461, and for 1868 $25,205,669.  The actual expenditures during the same periods were, respectively, $95,224,415 and $123,246,648.  The estimate submitted in December last for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1869, was $77,124,707; the expenditures for the first quarter, ending the 30th of September last, were $27,219,117, and the Secretary of the Treasury gives $66,000,000 as the amount which will probably be required during the remaining three quarters, if there should be no reduction of the Army—­making its aggregate cost for the year considerably in excess of ninety-three millions.  The difference between the estimates and expenditures for the three fiscal years which have been named is thus shown to be $175,545,343 for this single branch of the public service.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy exhibits the operations of that Department and of the Navy during the year.  A considerable reduction of the force has been effected.  There are 42 vessels, carrying 411 guns, in the six squadrons which are established in different parts of the world.  Three of these vessels are returning to the United States and 4 are used as storeslips, leaving the actual cruising force 35 vessels, carrying 356 guns.  The total number of vessels in the Navy is 206, mounting 1,743 guns.  Eighty-one vessels of every description are in use, armed with 696 guns.  The number of enlisted men in the service, including apprentices, has been reduced to 8,500.  An increase of navy-yard facilities is recommended as a measure which will in the event of war be promotive of economy and security.  A more thorough and systematic survey of the North Pacific Ocean is advised in view of our recent acquisitions, our expanding commerce, and the increasing intercourse between the Pacific States and Asia.  The naval pension fund, which consists of a moiety of the avails of prizes captured during the war, amounts to $14,000,000.  Exception is taken to the act of 23d July last, which reduces the interest on the fund loaned to the Government by the Secretary, as trustee, to 3 per cent instead of 6 per cent, which was originally stipulated when the investment was made.  An amendment of the pension laws is suggested to remedy omissions and defects in existing enactments.  The expenditures of the Department during the last fiscal year were $20,120,394, and the estimates for the coming year amount to $20,993,414.