New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-14
NOTES or THE NAVY.
TIE CASES OF COMMANDERS SMITH AND
CEAuAM-AS UNUSUAL CONTEST AGAINST
LIEUTENANT LLMLY.

CEAuAM-AX UNUSUAL CONTEST AGAINST
LIEUTENANr LLMLY.
Washington. Jueo 10 t,peclall.-Although the Navy
Deuartmcnt has taken no final action In the case OF
Commander smith. who WIS recently found bV "aN"
examining board b. disqualified for promo'ioh' ana
that Of Commander Graham. who was tried bv gen
oIl cont martial and sentenced TO be dismissed from
the Navy IL H. known that both OF these cases nave
received the careful consideration OF the Department
and IL IS believed that that Of Commander smith VIII
be settled within day two. As the conclusion In
these cases affects not only tho promotion OF certain
officers, but ut least two Of the cadets OF the class OF
graduates Of the Naval Academy. who have completed
the prescribed sea service and arc ready for assign
mcnt 10 either the line. the Marine Corps or INC
Engineering Corps the final action Of the Department
In the cases Of Commanders smith aud Graham Is
awaited with much Interest.
The case Of Commander smith Is an unusual one In
the Navy as that officer owing TO certain Allegations
relating 70 his moral untness. has been without duty
for the last twelve years. and tie examination INTO
nj, record and qualifications has been careful aud
prolonged one The report OF the board before which
he appeared has undergone the most thorough scrutiny
Of secretary Tracy. Under the provisions Of law Com
mnnder Smith can be either dropped from the service
with ono years pay, or, not having been RECOMMENDED
for promotion by the board OF officers before which he
appeared BE- placed the retired lit and. in view Of
his services during the and the fact that there T.
no legal bar to such action. II Is believed that the
disposition Of the Department Is 10 exhibit all possible
leniency in lis case and TO recommend to the PIcS
dent that he be placed on the retired list.
Considerable surprise Is expressed In Naval circles
that ono OF the unsuccessful contestants for the place
81 Judge Advocate General % the Navy should appear
in Washington, and by the Of political and social
influence seek 10 induce The President not 10 send to
the senate the name Of Lieutenant Lcmly, acting
Judge Advocate General whom Secretary Tracy has
recommended for promotion but the fact that such an
effort on the part Of Of the unfortunateS Is being
made is beyond question. As it Is not regarded as
probable that an attempt Of this nature will succeed,
In view of the fact that the recommendation Of CAB
met officer In such Is usually conclusive with
the President 1t is pretty safe TO say that Lieutenant
Lcmlys nomination will be sent to the Senate for con-
hrmatiOn
II is customary with officers OF the Navy to submit
their requests for promotion detail to the Secretary
Of the Navy and his conclusion recommendation Is
regarded final, and IL Is matter OF regret among
officers that the present should be an cxcep.
ton and that after fair contest for the place any
officer who has failed 10 receive the Recommendation
OF the Secretary Of the Navy should appeal from his
decision. such efforts conducive to bad disci-
pine and therefore injurious to the morale OF the