The Helena Independent

REPORT OF GEN. MILES.

He Commends the Troops as Efficient-Some Recommendations.

San Francisco, Aug. 29.-The annual report of Major General Nelson A. Miles, as commander of the division of the Pacific, to the adjutant general of the army at Washington, commends the troops as efficient and says: "The tone and character of the service is most excellent. I do not think there has ever been a time when those in the military service were more attentive to duty than at present." The report recommends change in the term of enlistment and says that "soldiers who have served three years and received honorable discharges should be allowed to re-enlist for one year in the department where they may be." Gen. Miles believes that after five years of honorable service, three of which as a non-commissioned officer, the soldier ought to be allowed to undergo an examination for promotion to the grade of second lieutenant, and that if vacancies do not exist the surplus candidates be commissioned and honorably discharged. The general also renews his recommendation of last year that the pay of first sergeants be made $50 a month, and that the pay of noncommissioned officers of regiments be increased 50 per cent. He says the subject of coast defenses is the most important military question of the day and vigorously renews his former recommendation that prompt action in these matters be taken before it is too late.