The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-01-09

from the Buffalo Express, Dec. 70
think we speak adv'sedy when we say that no mea
since its organization ~ republic has been raught
with much wrong and insult to lis people, have
defence through the called tRetired List within
the past The meas is not only wrong In prfn
cple but palpably dshonorable to the country in its
reducing the active force of naval officers but made
mere machine of avortism, by which men are placed
ability the claim which long faithful serv in
terpeses. Such under observation, has been its
WORKINGS thus far, and hence we hope that Congress
will at early provide for its amendment TOTAL
Two instances of fragrant wrong have fallen under our
observation The Is that OF Commander D. Bullus,
who was years commander of the United States
steamer Michigan, the Lakes gallant capable and
faithful officer whose services to his country have been
eminent in character and the other that of Commander
Nicholas in command of the vessel at the
been wroDged in the action of the government nnder the
Retired List The public interest has also suffered
deeply BY this misguided policy These considerations
demand from the government prompt reperation. We
think that when all the facts connected with the action
of the Naval Commission under the late law shall be laid
before Congress- that body will become at satisfied
of the entire misinterpreaton OF its spirit latent by
those who have administered it. We have no idea
that the law regarding that matter ever contemplated
that an officer who knew his duty and hac always
tesed disposition to do it, would be removed from the
'active list' and placed in the humiiatng position OF
pensioner We cannot think that Congress would inten
fonsy be party the gevous wrong OF throwing
Dir and gallant officers out of service and the line Of pro-
motion thus crushing all their future hopes and ambi
ton Of higher rank to give place to far their inr
ors in every point of vew And yet such has been the
efectof this law The beat talent and most sterling bra
very have been sent into retracy implied disgrace
visited good and true men, while juniors in the
vice have been retained and promoted TO the capancy
while they suffering from physical disabilities
which totally disqualify them for service the ships
deck In the night air or during inclement weather.
Others have been dropped and uroughed agains whom
no charges could be brought and maintained In this
good ano true men in sense of the word have been
cast out of the service and their families consigned to
penury and want by that act of oppressive injustice.
These things cannot exist without rejecting disgrace
upon national honor. These men, who have defended
flag with much bravery during long lives of naval
service cannot be thrust into implied disgrace, and
the nation which inficts the wrong stand before the
ri such of manifest I'M usce. There feature
in the operation of this naval law which is peculiarly
vexaous and Notifying to the veterans Of the service
who have been placed upon the retired list" As Is
stated in of the petitions to Congress tor redress nex
to cashieIng the promotion of junior officer his
head officer of honorable feelings and principles,
the most marks of disgrace punishment that
be inflicted upon him." The force OF this
mark be fully appreciated when II Is under
yond the pale OF promotion still subject the orders
VI the Navy Department at all times and therefore, In
the event Of retired officer being ordered into service at
Shore including martial and of inquiry,
he ia liable to under the orders Of q who
prior to the reorganization, his junior. He would
probably find this junior in the enjoyment of o
higher than his and in the receipt more pay. This
ratons OF this law and which calls loudly upon Congress
for action that shall to the officers Of the
navy exemption from positions of humiliation, If Of
absolute disgrace.