The critic. (Washington, D.C.) 1890-1891, 1891-02-11
The Needs of the Navy.
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Now that Senator Cameron has intro
duced his resolution providing for an in
vestigation of the personnel of the Navy, 1t
is to be hoped that the question will be
pursued into its remOtest ramitication. II
Is question Of great importance to the
American people. We have at last taken
steps to provide ourselves with naval es-
tablishment worthy the name why
should we not interest ourselves in secur-
ing for the material part of that establish
ment the equipment of brains and energy
force? Ships without armament amount
to nothing; but ships, even with the finest
armament, are still impotent unless they
are provided with the vital principle Of
intelligence, enthusiasm and zeal.
II is not enough that the committee
should reassure the country as to the
structure and the physical perfection of
of their material equipment. The coun-
try wants to know that the direction Of
the fleet is in the ablest and most compe-
tent hands; that command has been in
trusted TO men of intellect, of experience
and Of patriotic enthusiasm. 1t is to this
aspect Of the question that the committee
should especially address itself.
The Secretary Of the Navy has told the
country, as the result of conscientious
personnel of the Navy is on the high road
TO decentralization. He has shown that
there are no sufficient means of purging
the active list of incapable men, and he
leaves us to draw the inevitable conclu-
sion that the system now in vogueis fatal
to any hope of an ideal, or even an aver
age Navy. 1t is clear that there must be
q radical reform in this respect if we are
to realize the full benefit Of the splendid
work that is being done In our docks and
navy-yards and arsenals. OF what use Is
it TO construct magnificent vessels, strong
and swift, and to arm them with fOrmi-
dable batteries and advanced appliances,
If we are without the captains fitted prop
erly to command, maneuvre and employ
| them?
This is the problem that will confront
| the committed charged with the execution
| of Mr.. Cameron's resolution. How shall
werid ourselves of the inefficient material
that clogs the active list? How shall we
| secure for the command and the conduct
of our splendid new war ships the best,
the brainiest, the most competent and
jealous officers in the service? In most of
the European navies they have sought
each grade on account of age or other dis
| qualifications They have endeavored to
| provide means by which incompetent men
can be eliminated and the paths of pro
motion left open to merit. In word
they have striven to consult the interests
Of the service, and especially to divorce II
from favoritism, from convention, and
from the stagnating influences of routine
We have neglected these things. Ths
Secretary Of the Navy says so with grea
emphasis. We are outstripping othe
nations in naval architecture, In the force
and ingenuity of armament; but we hay,
as yet no methods whereby we may pos
sess ourselves of superior personnel. II
supply this defect is the work appointes
for the committee. II can render til,
country no greater service than by point
ing the way to such consummation.