New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-07-23
PROMOTIONS IN THE STAFF OF THE ARMY.


To re Editor If The ~ Y TS1sse
Sin: The article ON brevet rank in THE TRIBUsE Of
the 5th inst. is well worthy the consideration Of the
Senate both on account Of the large expense involved
aud as u matter of justioe and equity TO the other
branches OF the service.
BY the Report of the Secretary Of War Il will be
seen that promotion by brevet ignored and full rank
substituted in his recommendation OF increase and
promotion in the general staff of the army. This lie the
work Of the chief Of one of those corps who thereby
modestly recommend himself for promotion to the
rank Of BrigaderG General and in order TO aay jeal.
ousy and opposition in the other branches OF the stat
he carefully includes them in the proposed benefits.
The correspondent of TUE TRIBUNE says with truth
that in European armies breyet rank Is only conferred
for services more than ordinarily distinguished or in
cases where y corresponding command Of troops Is
given TO the recipient Of the honor whereas with
L is often obtained through political or personal n
fuenoe.
TheSe recommendation Of the Secretary twho Is In
no sense military mani originate In the Adjutant-
Generals Office the chief Of whom is recommended for
promotion to the rank Of Brigadier. General Now IL
ID proposed to give the officers OF any of these staff
corps the Of troops, where then the necessity
Of increased rank; neither il pretended that in the
existing war they have performed any distinguished
servee The ostensibe for increafe Of rank
and promotion IN those corpse the necessity for an IN
creake of nuBibesj but 1t Is we'll known that this
can De done as wen Dy adolng 10 inc lnt i eaptShs
for il cannot be assumed that the officers Of that grade
in any particular nerorn talent ability to those
Of higher grade. For example, short time since
the Chief OF the Adjutani- Generals Department was
Major; subsequently he was promoted 70 Lieutenant
Colonel, and very recently TO Colonel the high.
est rank in biz department recognized by hwl and
now he Is recommended for promotion to General VIII
this officer admit tina. he ia competent for his du-
tiee with tho rank Of General than as Colonel even
Captain. II not, why make these the fhvorite and
aristoeraic arms OF The seryicel The truth Is. no
changes are made in the organic ion Of the army
uDless these corps participate largely In the benes
The advantages they possess in social, political and
other points Of view sufficiently evident and oen-
sve 10 the pride aud ambition OF line officers, who in
serving with their regiments cut of from such ~
sCsiations and Influences would secure them equal
rights. In plain terms, this Recommendation Of inc
Secretary Of War only part Of scheme to benent s
exclusive class Of oicers and TO drain barge sums OF
money by way Of inereased pay, from tie treasury,
without any corresponding services rendered or nee
sy to Justify it. The next thing 20 depiee tne ii9
ury will be list of BreSets ia which these
must figure for additional Iapk, aud al An
exnonss 10 the Government. There Is bnt one e,ieu
Tar this paloablo system OF fayoritism Pat stan
and nps officers on exactly tbs sInS i0"'Ds. 1Ia ""'A