The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-17
THE NAVY TO BE REFORMED
THE NAVAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEES
RECOMMENDATIO
The Navy Yards st League Island and Now
London to be Ccdsd, md those at Charles
town and Washington City to be Sold.

WV" "no washington Ctty 10 DO Sold
WASHINGTON, May 16.-At the meeting
OF the House Naval Committee to-day, reports
were made from tho several subcommittee to
which were referred important subjects relating
to reforms in the arrangement Of the navy. Mr..
willis's committee was charged with the con-
sderation Of navy yards in general-whether
any could be abolished. as to the m nagement OF
the yards, and whether the cost Of running them
could be reduced-what frauds and abuses
exist, and what was ecessary to correct the evils
The report as agreed to provides for the run
Ming OF the Brooklyn, Mare Island, and Norfolk
yards. 1t recommends the re-ceding OF tho
League Island and New London yards, the selling
OF those at Cbarlestown and Washing gton, and the
retaining OF the Kittery and Pensacola yards for
war or other exleencies, on the ground that they
could not be sold for a reasonable amount. II
also recommends the abollshment OF the bureau
system In the navy yards, making the commando
ant solely responsible for the management, and
subjectng him to court martial or other trial for
violation OF bis trusts. and vestDR In him the
power Of appointment without Interference
from the Secretary or any OF the bureau officers;
making II criminal offence to solicit contribu-
lions from men employed In the yards, and for
employees or officers to receive pre sents or other
consideration for nny service rendered or favors
shown; forbidding private work to be done 10
the yards, Rratuitously or otherwise abolishing
the office OF civil engineer; forbidding work or
material done or furnished to one bureau being
charged to another, aud assimiating the prices
OF labor and hours Of labor to the regulations
prevailing In private establishments In the sew
eral cities where the yards are situated. These
are the main features Of the report. In regard
to the kittery and Cnarlestown yards, the COM
mittee as whole excepted to the report. but IL
Is the intention OF MIR. Willis to fight against
their retention, when the question is discussed
In the House. As to League Island, IL is consid-
cred unsuitable for the site OF a navy yard, aud
TO complete the plans would cost f60,0OO00O.
Mr.. Lewis, from the sub com mittee on the
marine corps, reported bill reorganizing that
corps, abolishinR tho marine band, providing for
the sale Of the headquarters in Washington,
aoolishinR all staff officers, reducing tho rank
and file to 3OO. and cutting down Of twenty per
cent. OF the officers. The bill was recommitted
to the sub committee, so that the salaries of the
officers should he reduced to correspond with
the amount provided to be paid to relative
grades In the army and navy. Another amend
ment VIII be urged requiring the marines sta
toned at the yards to do watchmen's duty,
which will save half a million dollars annually.
Mr.. Wells, from the subcommittee on the pay
OF the navy, reported a bill making the paw Of
officers correspond with the pay OF army officers
as reported in Gen. Danning's bill-the Admiral
receiving $1,000; Vice Admiral. 5000: Rear
Admiral, 5000; Commodores, $500, land SO on.
down to the lrade OF ensign, corresponding to
that Of second lieutenant In tho army.