The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-11-09

flock on board to see the show and all go
away impressed with the idea that we are
pref AIRED to defy the world with our new
w. Search lights are used to illuminate
h. rbors, salutes are fired to make noise,
few dIess-parade Knights Templar-like
evolutions are performed by the ships 10
amuse the multitude and make pretty
show, after which the political boss again
excIts his potent little pull and tows the
ships back to the navy-yards for repairs
Just before election--repalrS 10 fences.
PLENTY OF SHIPS FOR FANCY DUTY.
Three Rear-Admirals and twelve ships
are found to take part in the Ericsson cere-
munies-a Just and proper tribute, 10 De sure
but when the attempt IS maze TO get as
MANY ships together to play some praetlcal,
common-sense game Oh war ana 10 teaeii Oh
ficers and men something about their pro-
f. ssion it is found TO be Impossible. There
are no votes in il. Personal JealouSleS and
personal pleasures forbid.
And so it is that search lights, machinery,
range finders, etc, are simply ornamental
playthings to be kept bright and pretty.
Guns are used very much as the small hoy
uses his little toy pistol-t0 fire away pow
der for fun and function. When 1t comes to
target practice once IN three or SIX months
it Is to get through with it as soon as posi-
Bile and have each man make haste to fire
away his allowance. To attempt to inspire
the men and officers with any real ambition
or pride in the skilful use of weapons Is a
matter of secondary Importance in navy
that seems TO be maintained as political
right bower, or for the personal pleasure OF
individuals, a la PinafOre.
TRADITION TOO STRONG.
In the routine of the United States Navy,
both as regards ships and squadrons, the
traditions of dead past are still insisted
upon with stern determination, a solemn
dignity of demeanOr, an awe-inSpirlng eX-
preston OF cOuntenance that is only to be
compared, as regards its deadening effect
upon the personnel of the service. TO a long
drawn-out funeral, or perhaps more properly
to a wake" because instead Of burying
defuhct system all care and energy is given
TO the care and preservation of its corpse.
How much time is being devoted by ships
ana squadronS to the consideration and ap-
plication of modern methods of naval organ
lzation and strategy? An officer who would
like to occupy his time in such manner has
few opportunities to do so. He is kept busy
with parades, patchwork, personal attend
ance upon some body, or in filling up blank
forms and sending IN returns that are not
worth the paper upon which they are writ
ten, as lar as they influence the practical
part OF the naval profession. II he attends
carefully to such matters he will keep out of
trouble and avoid criticism. Whether he
knows or cares anything about the real
practical parts Of his profession may never
be discovered or inquired into He is SIM
ply expected TO carry out the antique ''rou-
line'-the naval wake"
LITTLE THAT Is NEW PROVIDED.
In the ordinary cruising, sea duties and
daily routine OF the navy there is little more
that illustrates the ops ratiOns of war or the
tactics Of battle than lie summer cruises Of
the New York yacht squadron or the amory
drills of the militia.
How long the navy is to be run on this
plan is matter for conjecture. There are
officers who can command ships and squad
rons in such manner as to iufuSe some life
into the service and awaken interest and
p;ide in officers and men by sub. shutting for
a WORKOUT organization and routine a sys-
tenn in keeping with the times and train
Ing that slIall produce some practical re-
suits These men are we'll known to the
service Tie only question is whether they
Will ever be permitted TO carry cut the
modern plans and reforms Sc badly needed,
or whether the reinS are stu to be held by
those conservative warriors who view mod
en naval organization with the same feel
Ing of dSddln ana dense Indifference with
which a Chiuaman regards modern ciyilzI-
ton.
There can certainly be little hope of
change 50 long as the reports and recon-
mendati0nS of boards on naval maneuVerS,
the cayerLOus and bo;tOmleSS depths Of the
Navy Department pigeon holes, tuOSe yawn-
ing vaults of the circumlocution office,
where all naval intelligence, all evidences of
energy and enlightenment are buried in a
panic lest some modern idea may get adrift
10 disturb the peaceful reign Of cd fogy ism.