The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-08

Chief to the ecicncy and character OF that branch OF
the public service and "that retired list reduced
pay for the faithful who have become infrm; the dis
charge OF the inefficient who have claim the
bounty OF their government for services rendered ;
promotion regulated by capacity, merit and not by
seniority Of commission, and pay to some extent
troled by service reforms not only demanded by
the condition Of the service BY considerations Of justice
but absolutely necessary to the preservation of efficiency
and useuness. Efforts made during the last
sion to accomplish many Of the desired reforms. No
final action Was taken Subsequent reflection and ex
OF nearly two years connection with the navy
an extended acquaintance with the officers and at
tentve observation Of the practical working Of the
present systen have uot only confirmed me the
cctnes OF those views but constran at the hazard
o the charge Of pcrtinacity to most earnestly
my previous Recommendations, and to urge their con
siderston and adoption with deep socitnde So far
have the authority at present these views shall guide
my action cannot recommend for promotion TO higher
nix apd lag ger pay officers who do not merit it. from
incspacity eahcr moral or physical. do not appre
ciaie the justice policy of promoting to q
higher grade officer who cannot perform its duties
unless in exceptionabe cases. as complimentary
reward for services rendered II is neither
less than waiting the Incompetent and then ordering
The unprom0.cd competent to do their work Ia there
alarm Of fastening upon the government odious
ieusicn system None cherish greater repugnance
to that than myself; but none can be more fully
WINGED that IL be well surrounded with safeguards
restrictions and limitations as TO retain its virtues and
reject its faults.
I. the particular plan Of having the aid of board Of
,cers in asceraining the incompetent and unworthy
objected to sm not welded TO that or any other
scheme provided the main object can be attained.
should be content 10 have the secretary from time TO
officially report to the Presden such AZ no
wishes should be retire. dropped that the President
should he thinks proper their names 70 the
Senate. with accommodation suited to each case.
Thus the President and the Senate the appointing power
viii be the removing power, and the apprehension Of
Star Chamber persecution and being victimixed BY
secret nquisition, now felt by worthy officers
would be quoted But forbesr to fatigue with details
The magic touch Of reform is needed and IL sklfuly
applied will inpsrt TO the now dropping body Of our
navy re bust health and life believe that sound
policy stern justice demand IT. that true economy
not opposed to it, shan BE- happy to cooperate with
Congress in e0ectiugi it.
l have hesitstion in saying that there are many
officers In the navy whose names do not adorn the
register There those incapable Of perfor duty
frurn age or affection. There also many good on
gning from time TO time, because the path Of
promotion in blocked up BY the Incompetent and the
future 20 them 80 unpromsng. But IL ia my
pleasure well my duty TO say that tie corps is st
tu Of chvsirous and gallant officers, who not only
resdy for the post OF danger but would sustain the
proud reputstios cf our navy which has many
ures for ooentry, AID by it~ brilliant victories
cbeertd The heart Of many . dcs pending patriot.
vii so<, he ssvs< enlarge hia rcpsrt By repeAtiar
tie views rssialng ~ vssisus AnAnaosaN ADD aeii
6ca'sons a. exisAsG lAvs sSHgssWd n y lASt ANNUAL
r~for. but csatsaS oyssf VII svseviaS shs rscs~-
ucnsSitSn