33
officers and enlisted men, an increase of 5,343 over the number reported
at the close of the previous year. The reports of militia inspections by
Regular Army officers show a marked increase in interest and efficiency
among the State organizations, and I strongly recommend a continuance of
the policy of affording every practical encouragement possible to this
important auxiliary of our military establishment.

The condition of the Apache Indians held as prisoners by the Government
for eight years at a cost of half a million dollars has been changed
during the year from captivity to one which gives them an opportunity
to demonstrate their capacity for self-support and at least partial
civilization. Legislation enacted at the late session of Congress gave
the War Department authority to transfer the survivors, numbering 346,
from Mount Vernon Barracks, in Alabama, to any suitable reservation. The
Department selected as their future home the military lands near Fort
Sill, Ind. T., where, under military surveillance, the former prisoners
have been established in agriculture under conditions favorable to their
advancement.

In recognition of the long and distinguished military services and
faithful discharge of delicate and responsible civil duties by
Major-General John M. Schofield, now the General Commanding the Army,
it is suggested to Congress that the temporary revival of the grade of
lieutenant-general in his behalf would be a just and gracious act and
would permit his retirement, now near at hand, with rank befitting his
merits.

The report of the Attorney-General notes the gratifying progress made
by the Supreme Court in overcoming the arrears of its business and in
reaching a condition in which it will be able to dispose of cases as
they arise without any unreasonable delay. This result is of course very
largely due to the successful working of the plan inaugurating circuit
courts of appeals. In respect to these tribunals the suggestion is made
in quarters entitled to the highest consideration that an additional
circuit judge for each circuit would greatly strengthen these courts and
the confidence reposed in their adjudications, and that such an addition
would not create a greater force of judges than the increasing business
of such courts requires. I commend the suggestion to the careful
consideration of the Congress. Other important topics are adverted to
in the report, accompanied by recommendations, many