With tho oxcoptlon of dellcato duties in the
suppression of slight Indian disturbances
along our southwestern boundary, in whloh
tho Moxlcan troops and tho compulsory
but peaceful return, with the consent
of Groat llrltain, of u band of Croo Indians
from Montana to tbo Drltlsh
possesslous, no nctlvo operations have been
required of tho army during tho yoar past.
During tho past year tho work of constructing
pormanont infantry and cavalry posts has
been continued at tho places herotoforo designated.
The secretary of war, ropoats his recommendation,
that appropriations for barracks
nnd qunrtors sbould more strictly conform
to tho noeds of tho servlco ns judged by
tho dcpar.'mont rather than respond to tho
wishes nnd Importunities of localities.
Erection and Armament of Fortification.
Dm ing tho past year rapid progress has
been mado toward tho completion of tho
schemo adopted for tho ereotlon and armament
of fortifications along our sea coast,
whllo equal progress has been mndq In providing
tho matorlal for submarlno defense In
connoction with theso works.
It Is peculiarly gratifying at this time to
nolo tbo great ndvanco that has boon made
In this Important undertaking slnco tho date
of my annual messago to tho fifty-third congress
at tho opening of Its second session, In
Deccmbor, 1893. At that tlmo I informed tho
congress of tho approaching completion of
nino 12 inch, 0 10 Inch and 31 eight Inch high
power steel guns, and 75 IS lnoh rtflod mortars.
Illg Guns.
