New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-02-11
THE NEEDS or THE NAVY.

Now that Senator Cameron has introduced his
resolution providing for an investigation OF the
personnel of the Navy it is to be hoped that
tbc question will be pursued into its remoteSt
ramiGcation. 1t is question OF great impOr-
lance to the American people. We have at last
taken steps to provide ourselves with naval
establishment worthy the name; why should we
not interest ourselves in securing Tor the ma
tera part of that establishment the equipment
of brains and energy and efficiency which alone
can give it force? Ships without armament
amount 70 nothing: but ships, even with the
finest armament are still impotent unless they
are provided with the vital principle of inteIli-
ccnce. enthusiasm and zeal. 1t is not enough
that the committee should reassure the country
as to the structure and the physical perfection
of our ships, or even as to the effectiveness oil
their material equipment. The country wants
IN know that the direction of the feet is in the
ablest and most competent hands; that com
mand has been intrusted 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 coun-
fry. As the result of conscientious and deliberate
examination, that the personnel Of the Navy IS
ON the high road to decentralization. lie has
shown that there are no sufficient means OF
nurping the active list of incapable men. and
he leaves us to draw the inevitable CONCLUSION
that the system now in vogue is fatal to any
hone Of an ideal or even an average Navy II
is clear that there must be radical reform IN
this respect if we are to realize the iull benefit
of the splendid work that is being done III our
docks and navy yards and arsena's. Oi what
uSo is il 70 construct magnificent vessels, strong
and swift. and to arm them with formidable
batteries and advanced appliances, if we are
without the captains fitted properly 70 command
manoeuvre and employ them?
This is the problem that will confront me
committee charged with the execution OF Mr.
Camoron's resolution. How shall we rid our
selves of The inefficient material that clogs the
active list? How shall we secure for the COM
mqnd and the conduct oflour splendid new war
ships. the best the 1Iainicst, the most com
Dc,ent and Jealous officers in the service IN
mos of the European navcs they have sought
This end by providing for rctircmcnts in each
Grade on account of age or other dlSqualillca-
lions. They have endeavorcd to provide means
by which incompetent men can be eliminated
and the paths of promotion left open to merit.
In word, they have strvcn TO consult the in
tercstS of the service, and especially, TO divorce
+, from favortiSm from convention and from
the S,agna,ng influences OF routine. We have
neglected these things. The Secretary Of tE"
Navy says 50 WITH great emphasis. We are
outstrppng other nations in naval architect
ure. in the force and ingenuity Of armament ;
but VIC have as yct no methods Whereby we may
possess ourselves Of a superior personnel. To
supply this defect is the work appointed for the
committee. II can render the country 10 great
cr service than by pointing the way to such a
contamination.