The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

PHILADELPHIA, January 10.

The report of the Secretary of War, made to the President of the United States, the 24th December, and by the latter communicated to Congress, is one of the best state papers we ever recollect to have read. The present situation of the United States is plainly pourtrayed, and the necessity of their being constantly prepared to repel aggressions is enforced with all the energy of truth and patriotism. "Paying due respect to the state of things; regarding the overthrow of a large portion of Europe as not entirely chimerical, and standing as it were in the midst of falling empires," the Secretary thinks "it will be our prudence to cultivate a spirit of self-dependence, and endeavour, by unremitting vigilance and exertion, under the blessings of Providence, to hold the scales of our destiny in our own hands." Such is the wise maxim of the Secretary at War--and he recommends some amendments in the organization of the army, which are presented, in a concise view, in the subsequent recapitulation:--

1st. A new modification of the military, so as to admit of an increase of numbers to the companies and regiments, in case of war; an alteration in the denomination of certain grades; and a perfect uniformity of arrangements in corps of the same species of troops.

2d. Regulations to preserve to the companies and regiments their competent number of officers, in cases where any are taken from the line to act as aids-de-camp, inspectors, pay-masters, quarter-masters, &c.

3d. To designate the grades, from which aids-de-camp and officers of inspection may be taken, in order to prevent the multiplication of the higher grades.

4th. To add to the existing establishment two companies of horse, to be denominated and act as hussars; and a surgeon and mates to the regiment of cavalry.

5th. To include in the arrangement for the war establishment, a proportion of riflemen, estimated at one twentieth of the whole number of infantry.

6th. An alteration in the provision for a quarter-master-general, to insure the procurement of a fit character to execute the duties of this important office.

7th. A provision for an hospital department for the army.

8th. A power to procure from abroad one distinguished engineer, and also an officer of artillery, and suitable appointments for the same.

9th. To provide for the appointment of an inspector of fortifications.

10th. That the choice of an inspector of artillery be left at large.

11th. A provision for altering and fitting the clothing issued to the soldiers.

12th. An alteration in the rations to be issued to the troops.

13th. A provision for the reasonable expenses of officers and soldiers, in returning to their homes, when disbanded, incapacitated by age or sickness for further service.

14th. A revival and extension of the power to raise a provisional army.

15th. A specific provision for the appointment of appropriate officers for the volunteer companies, that are or may be accepted, when formed into regiments, brigades or divisions; and for pay and rations to such volunteers, for those days in every year it may be necessary to assemble them in bodies, for the purpose of discipline and training.

16th. A further provision for the extra services and expenses of the inspector-general, and to allow him, besides his aids, one secretary.

17th. The employment of a purveyor of public supplies, exclusively for the war department.