Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-11-06

results in part from the recommendation Of an
increase in the pay of the assistant professors,
who are charged with important duties. de-
manding high order of technical and scientific
knowledge. who receive only u. 500 yearly, the
salary OF fourth-class clerk. The services Of
several distinguished meteorologists have been
aiready lost, and the continued service of suit
sole scientists only 20 be assured by salaries
propornonate to the work. The professor has
q salary of $4,000 and his assistants should re-
ceiEe from $1,000 to 5000. according 20 length
anu einclency of service The increase also in
ciuaes an addition Of 5000 TO the signal SER
vice appropriation. which has been asked in
oruer mat not only may the current require
nen's lot signaling in the army be suitably
met put that the bureau NAV be enabled 90
comply with the most reasonable REQUESTS OF
the major general commanding. for telephones,
Geographic and other material for the proper
equipment of artillery practice grounds, es-
pecially those connected with the coast avs
TEN of Notifications approved NV Congress
These estimates are s245. l50. IS less than those
for lSSs at which time the present chief signal
officer assumed charge of the bureau Tins is
also reduction OF ssl. 209 6S as COMPARED with
the amount appropriated for the nscai year
ending June 30. 1855
UNIFORMS.
The attention Of the Secretary Of War ID
called to the fact that Congress for a number
OF years has failed to make provisions for the
uniform of the enlisted men Of the signal corps,
and an estimate for this purpose is again sub
mitted. The uniform adopted is quiet and IN
opruslve, so that Its wearer Is not prominent
through gaudy and snowy trappings. IL is
obvious that government officials. when serv-
ing on such duty as brings them in direct and
daily contact with the general public, should
have some distinguishing dress for the benefit
OF persons seeking official information.
TENURE OF OFFICE.
1t has been the unpleasant duty OF the chief
signal officer 10 invite the attention of his
superiors to officers OF this corps who are
physically and mentally untitled 70 perform
the duties In connection with the work of the
service. But regards mental unfitness it
was decided that there was no legal method OF
retiring such officers. Ii is certainly an anom-
alous and extraordinary condition of affairs
when a temporary copyist at $500 cannot be
appointed without rigid mental examination.
while IL ls held that mental deficiencies are no
bar TO the life tenure of superior officers
charged with important public duties. Incom-
pefent and inefficient officers. able only 70 per-
form simple routine duty. are w0rse than use
less. They are a tax on the country, draw
back TO the corps and they demoralize the
unfortunate enlisted men who serve under or
with them.
THE REoRGASIzkTIoN AND REpUcrIoN OF THE
SIGNAL CORPS
Is urged on the grounds of justice. efficiency
and economy. Instead of the 20 officers now
authorized by law the duties could be per-
formed by Is. provided they were competent
The signal corps, besides its chief, should have
majors, captains and first lieutenants. The
grade OF second lieutenant should expire and
the first heutenants be recruited, by COM
petitive examination, from the line of the army
from officers OF four years service. Promotion
should be made only after examination; a rule
indispensable TO the success of any bureau
charged with technical duties. and which has
contributed so much TO the great efficiency and
high professional standing of the corps of
engineers, ordnance and medical departments
The force of enlisted men, which by existing
law is fixed at 40, although appropriations are
made for only 3l5, should be reduced 10 200,
consisting of 30 first sergeants, with the pay OF
hospital stewards SO sergeants, 80 corporals
and so privates. with their present pay. The
duties now performed by tine remaining ll5
men could economically deyolye on civilian
assistants