With the increase of the numerical force of the Army should, I think, be combined certain measures of reform in its organic arrangement and administration.  The present organization is the result of partial legislation often directed to special objects and interests; and the laws regulating rank and command, having been adopted many years ago from the British code, are not always applicable to our service.  It is not surprising, therefore, that the system should be deficient in the symmetry and simplicity essential to the harmonious working of its several parts, and require a careful revision.

The present organization, by maintaining large staff corps or departments, separates many officers from that close connection with troops and those active duties in the field which are deemed requisite to qualify them for the varied responsibilities of high command.  Were the duties of the Army staff mainly discharged by officers detached from their regiments, it is believed that the special service would be equally well performed and the discipline and instruction of the Army be improved.  While due regard to the security of the rights of officers and to the nice sense of honor which should be cultivated among them would seem to exact compliance with the established rule of promotion in ordinary cases, still it can hardly be doubted that the range of promotion by selection, which is now practically confined to the grade of general officers, might be somewhat extended with benefit to the public service.  Observance of the rule of seniority sometimes leads, especially in time of peace, to the promotion of officers who, after meritorious and even distinguished service, may have been rendered by age or infirmity incapable of performing active duty, and whose advancement, therefore, would tend to impair the efficiency of the Army.  Suitable provision for this class of officers, by the creation of a retired list, would remedy the evil without wounding the just pride of men who by past services have established a claim to high consideration.  In again commending this measure to the favorable consideration of Congress I would suggest that the power of placing officers on the retired list be limited to one year.  The practical operation of the measure would thus be tested, and if after the lapse of years there should be occasion to renew the provision it can be reproduced with any improvements which experience may indicate.  The present organization of the artillery into regiments is liable to obvious objections.  The service of artillery is that of batteries, and an organization of batteries into a corps of artillery would be more consistent with the nature of their duties.  A large part of the troops now called artillery are, and have been, on duty as infantry, the distinction between the two arms being merely nominal.  This nominal artillery in our service is disproportionate to the whole force and greater than the wants of the country demand.  I therefore commend the discontinuance of a distinction which has no foundation in either the arms used or the character of the service expected to be performed.