Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1890-11-22

War Departn emit
Recommendation with Reference to
Coast Defense How to Prevent
Deserttons.
In his annual report the Secretary Of War
says "Under the fertilization act of last ses-
sion positions for forty-eight mortars in three
groups of sixteen each, and for three of the
new long-range guns will be prepared in New
York harbor; for one group of mortars and
one gun in Boston harbor; and for one group
of mortars and two guns in San Francisco.
As this is matter of which makeshifts from
year to year are both expensive and destruc-
tive of the object to be attained, trust thata
fixed policy may be adopted in the line of
reasonable yearly appropriation for the COM
pleton of the work on which the nation is
but just entering. With such policy manu-
fucturers could safely put in the necessary
plants and be able to furnish material at q
cheaper rate With an annual appropriation
of eight to ten millions-only a little more
than that of the present year-the construc.
ton and emplaeemeut of guns and mortars
works of torpedo defense, for the whole coast
can be carried on, ana in ten years our priuci-
pal harbors and cities rendered reasonably
secure.
TO PREVENT DEsERTIoNs.
Although desertions arc already greatly re-
duced, so long as they continue in any con-
siderable numbers they must have a bad eff.
feet upon the morale of the army, and entail
a large and needless expense The practical
solution Of this somewhat vexed question
assumes three phases; First, how 10 make the
service more desirable; second, how to remove
the artificial restraints which, by binding a
man inaexibly to q long service which has
become distasteful to him. naturally drive him
TO desperate means; third, how TO make the
punishment for the crime Of desertion so GER
tain, that if more worthy motives fail, men
may be warned by it's fear As TO the second
md third there is now legislation enough, at
least with our present experience. With re-
speet to the first, there is, think, need of
more.
Ny experience so far confirms an observa-
ton which | made one year ago that 'the pith
Of the whole question is TO make the service
worth seeking, and then enough good men
will seek it. and be glad to stay in it." SO far
as this is question of thoughtful and con-
siderate treatment of the men, it has thus far,
and will continue to engage my earnest atten-
ton, and in it | have had the hearty and in
ielligent cooperation of the officers of the
army. But there is fundamental difficulty.
The pay of second lieutenant is S1l697 per
month, that of the first sergeant only S22 and
unfortunately this difference in pay largely
regulates the actual distance between their
relative positions. That distance is too great.
The individual elements of the army are
separated by too large gap for the best inter
ests of either. The pay of q non-commissioned
officer is but little more than a private, and
the chance to rise above that position very
slight There is little inducement for bright
and energetic man, in country Of so great
n n NJ n
to remain in the military service.
PROMOTIONS FROM THE RANKS.
With view to TIE same end | would rec
ommend change in the law relative to the
selection of enlisted men for appointment to
the grade of second lieutenant The a t of
June IS, 1878, providing for the promotion of
meritorious non-commissioned officers makes
a favorable recommendation from company
commander an essential qualification for ex-
animation. This requirement to a great ex-
tent defeats the purpose the statute by
making the privilege depend absolutely upon
the discretion OF the officer for the time being
in command of the company. For example,
man in the opinion of one company COM
mander entitled to advancement might be re-
garded by another as below mediocrity Men
serving with captains who hold high stand
ards may be infinitely superior to comrades
recommended for promotions from other or
CARNATIONS. The result being that the ad.
vantages of the law may be withheld from
men entitled to m consideration than many
of the successful competitors.
Practically, il is now possible for company
commanders to give these valuable appoint.
ments to young men who have enlisted for
that sole purpose, and who have not rendered
any meritorious service, except to quality for
the examination thus excluding bona fide
soldiers who have been induced to enlist in
the hope of obtaining hard earned and legit-
innate promotion. The present system gives
q great opportunity for favoritism. Doubt.
less there have been cases of it, and there is
danger that the abuse may become very
serious one.
In order to insure exact justice to all. and
give full effect to the bcneicent purpose Of
Congress, the initiatory step should be with
the men themselves. Any enlisted man of
two years service, who is citizen of the
United States, should, under cei tain fixed
rules, be permitted to compete for commits
sion. By this means the operation of the law
would be made absolutely impersonal, aud
every man entering the army would be i'm.
pressed with the fact that he had an exact and
even cnanee for acommission. This iniorma-
ton extensively disseminated would, IL is
hoped, further recommend the army to de
srable men.
With your approval, bill embodying the
suggestions to the department, with respect to
this matter, will be submitted to Cos,gross o.
an early date