The Sun.
London, England, 1845-09-18 00:00:00

CAPTAI

We have within a very short time, as our readers will redbffeet#
pliblighed Mire than one article on the subject of captains in the
navy, whose retiretfiefit hits been proposed or solicited on account of
their advanced age, and in order to Alipply their places by the set,
ice§ df jthmger Men: We have received, however, from a corres-
pondent of great expetiencei camintinication which we think puts
the matter in a more intelligible pdint of view, and certainly suggests
a more beneficial method of retitefnent: We certainly were not
aware that the project apparently adopted by Otrremment was liabla
to the objections which we now perceive to be inherent in it. An
attention to the subject, developed as it is by our correspondent, Opens
fresh views, and convinces us—as we apprehend it will convince the
public—that a different order of retirements will both possess more
equity, and likewise be productive of more utility to the service and
the country. " The Admiralty," says our correspondent, " call
upon the captains in the navy of the age of 55 and upwards to with-
draw from the active list and retire, as being unfit for further service.
That Board has been in the habit of appointing captains to ships be-
cause they stood low on the list, and not because they were young,
active men. When a captain high on the list applies for.." employ-
ment, he is told he is too old a captain—not that he is too old &Juan
—and this statement is borne out by the dates of the following ap-
pointments : Minimum
Years. Names. Ships. Age.
1823 . • .. Rich . • .. • • Formidable • • • •
1827 .... Campbell— Melampus 57
1828 • • Jones ••• • • . Penelope ...
1828 •• .. Richards • • • . Hibernia .. • • •
1828 Sir R. Grant .. Flag Captain to Sir C. 0g1e...
1832 •• • • Wyvill.. • ..... Cleopatra ••••••• • • • • • • • • 50
1833 • • Glasscock ......Tyne ....... .......... 55
1835 • • M'Quhae . • Dmdalus• •
1836 •• • - M'Dougall ••• • • • Vulture .. ••••• • • • • • ..
1837 •• .. Lapidge .• .... • • Cyclops .• •••• • • • • .........• 50
1838 .• .. Stanley •• • • Flag Captain to Adml. Dacres 60
• 1844 •• • • Kelly .. •• • . Conway •• • • . • . • • •
1845 • • • • Pulling (Made in January)
"So that when a captain is appointed to a ship it is stated that he
is a ea-fir/fin of such a year. The public naturally suppose he is a
young, activeArtan but the fact is not so. Men much more active,
but who have had thevaisfortune (as it turns out) to be promoted
early, cannot, therefore, be employed ; and thus ships are commanded
by young captains and old men,--and not unfrequently by such as
have been unemployed for many yews. It is ridiculous, under suoh
circumstances, to expect that the senior captains should retire, as
many' are younger and'more active men filen those whom the Ad-
miralty employ. If that board was in earnest, `it would not promote
men of the age of 50 to be captains, and at 55 call upon them to
retire. If the Admiralty really mean there should be a retirement,
let theta at once call upon every man of 60 to retire, but give all the
14s. 6d. list the Rear-Admiral's pay, as well as the rank Whichthe
offer. At the same time, with respect to all the Admirals who arc
upon that list, and aunt for service either from infirmities or from
not having served at sea, give them the next superior rank and the
half-pay beyond what they now enjoy. If the Admiralty really
mean the retirement to be for the good of the country, let them thus
act, and they will have a most efficient list; but let no favour or
affection be shown : when, the country is to benefit, there should be
no selection made. But then, again, the Admiralty should not have
the power of promoting men of 50 to be captains. The Ist of Oc-
tober is now near at hand, and net above one-half of the 300 recom-
mended to retire have responded to the call. The plan here proposed
would give a really efficient list of Admirals as well as Captains after
a long and arduous war."—Times.