New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-27
ARMY AND NAPY NOTES
ADJUTANTGENERAL wILLiAMS'S RETIREMENT
NEW ARMOH sPFC1FIC>T ATOMS

ADJUTANTGENERAL WILLiAMSS RETIREMENT
NEW ARMOE SPECIFICATIONS.
Washington. Jan. 90 (SpecIalL-Adjuant Genera,
Williams OF the Army does retire on account az
age until November 5. by law. his place must be
filled by promotion OF officer In the Adjutan Gen.
erals corps. the selection OF such officer being left
TO the President. Within II few DAYS 1t has been
learned that at least two OF the assistant adnan,.
generals will enter the contest for promotion. Gen.
erals Ruggles and Vincent. The former is attached
10 General Wams's Office and the latter + on duty
In the office of the commanding general OF the Army.
General Ruggles. II Is reported. is favored by his
chief while General Vincent has the supper, Major.
General Schofeld. Mr. Cleveland will be confronted
with an unusual military condition. General Vincent
who rctireS November 1G 1896, j. Junior In rank
but senior In age TO General RuggeS. Shouh the
latter be promoted the former never become the
head OF his corps but. General Rugglcs retires
about sixteen months after his competitor, his sub
segment advancement Is possible. III former similar
the junior officer IN rank has been selected. in
order that both might In due reap the benefits
of long and faithful service and become heads of their
departments.
The Military Academy Appropriation bin for
1893 81 contains provision authorizing the appoint
ment Of an officer of the Medical Corps OF the Army
professor Of military hygiene at West Point. There
three surgeons duty al the Naval Academy, and
lectures practical subjects from part Of the
academic In addition. the gymnastc exercises
of the Naval cadets are supervised by medical Of
fcer and all athletics are conducted in accordance
with scientific principles. On the ground that the
course at West Point Is already crowded, no little
opposition TO the Introduction OF study was
offered by the academic board. But In the cons'rnc
tlOn and care OF quarters location and management
of garrisons. and In other military duties. some
knowledge Of sanitary and hygenic principles was
necessary. In the opinion Of the committee. and the
objections Of the board were therefore waived Only
occasional lectures will be delivered
The Navy Department has been engaged in the prep
araton OF specifications for armor requirements
under supervision of Lieutenant Niles. who was Naval
inspector of steel at the Bethlehem works for about five
years and who Is regarded OF the abest experts
I'm this line I'm the country. Upon their approval BY
Secretary Tracy the requirements will be sent to
the steel manufacturers of the country While II Is
not known what notifications Of existing armor spec-
catiOns have been determined upon 1t Is auhor'aVeN
stated that as a result OF experience and Increased
knowledge the ballstic chief tests will b. modified
The old idea has been TO obtain armor plates which
would lot crack upon impact, whereas The present de-
sire is'to prevent perforaon BY projeclile' During
the consideration OF armor specifications representatives
of the Bethlehem Co., Carnegie. Phipps d Co ana Inc
Midvae Steel Works visited the department anu SUD-
mtcd suggestions and requests relative to certain
business methods to be observed; II Is EXPECTED me
three firms mentioned and probably me o,i' ''eeI
COMPANY Of Cleveland, and others will compete for
the new 81 900 900 armor contracts
Interest In the OF Captain Meeler OF the Marine
Corps has revived by the recent sta cnehls OF
Consul General Hanna upon his arrival from La Guayra
According to Mr.. Hanna, Captain Mecker exhibited que
Judgment and zeal In the disposition ana management
OF the marines landed at Ia Guayra by Admiral walker
10 project the Consulate during the last DAYS OF 'e
Venezuelan reyoution Mr.. Hanna reiterated his cX-
presslos Of regret at Captain Meekers rlal ana con-
victon by a court martial on charges OF neglect OF
duty on shore and such statements are ln accord WIN
Ills testimony before the Meeker court. captain
Meeker's case was received by the Department carry
In Envemher b, so far no conclusive action has been
taken upon IT, II Is known. however. thai the .uo9
Advocated General is preparing bri.f OF he CIR
cnmSiancrs and evidence connected VIII lhe cd>''
and n is believed that decision will be reached soOn