The New York herald., 1869-08-28
An OFFICER OF the ARMY foa the HEAD or the MARINE
C0aPS.

To THE EDITOR OF THE hERALD:-
The vacancy In the position Of Commandant Of
the Marine corps occurring by the retiring General
Zeilin has caused scramble for the ripe pippin
ready to fall into the hands of any recipient fortu
nate enough to possess sufficient influence enabling
him to grasp the golden prize. Changes many have
taken place In the official personnel OF the corps,
which causes reflection whether the filling the position
by any member now In the marines would benefit thas
ought TO be efficient arm OF the naval service As ia
well known to those conversant with the interior
discipline and arrangement OF the Marine corps,
those very important elements are wanting 10 give
that splendid condition OF almost perfection, which
1t possessed IN the bygone days OF Colonies Gamble,
notej Edson OF Qua Battoo celebrity: Reynolds,
Garland and others. now, alas, gone possibly never
compare With Miller and Edson for bravery,
with Henderson for suavlty OF manner
ana ana ees ar ana Se os
unequalled. All these WORTHLESS OF brilliant memory
dlng the historic page with their achievements are
gone, and we mourn The vacancies Some few Of
the younger officers, excepting In experience, might
be selected Captains Pagan, Triton and Colum, Tor
example, but years must mature tner capacity.
The Marine corps requires firm hand on the roins
OF discipline, quick eye for the many corruptions
and defects existing and an experienced military
knowledge then, and then only. viii the corps re-
gain its former proud standing 80 terribly shaken.
pable lack OF. to say the least soderly tactics, and
so forth, OF the commanding marine officer engaged
therein. The appointment OF any Of the present
WIN not tend to secure the efficiency so much TO be
desired In the corps No, the c0mnlandant, as the
appointment Is original or by selection should ba
made from the army, the officers of which have
undergone that severe mental ana corporeal training
IN our splendid military school at West Point
hitting them so admirably for che very im-
portant po5ton-head OF the United States Ma.
rine corps. The proposal was mooted and almost
carried ~ is favor, by the selection and appoint
ment OF that brave veteran soldier, General James
Shields Immediately succeeding the close OF the
war with Mexico. strong political influence alone
defeated the project. Not only would the corps be
benefted but what more nttng reward for q gal
liant army officer deserving wen OF his country,
SCARED with wounds and aurelled with battles
gained, than o position 30 exalted, pecuniaTily
rewarded, and 80 much TO be desired.
The asplrants OF the corps so anxious to be pro-
NOTED had no active campaigning service during
the late war. Slack and Nicholson ut home on star
duty 10y the way former Attorney General decided
staf officers intolligble for conlnandant) Kintzing
aud Field on northern shore stations No, to end
any disputes among the marine officers We say let
an army onicer be selected, one Of experience Dy
actual campaigning and handling large commando
O man OF nrmness In purpose, the gentleman as well
as olcer and 1t VIII never be regretted even by the
Marine corps, excepting by those who care more for
rank than for duty.