The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-06-12
DITrs1oNs AND DEPARTMENTS.
More Changes In Command Proposed for
Our Mnior-fsenernls md BrlRndlers.


More Changes In Command Proposed for
Our Mnjor-Genernis and BriEadiers.
WASHINGTON. June 11.-Ever since the mill
tary divisions were abolished and the two
junior Major G GENERALS reduced to more de-
partmont commands, there has been doubt
whether the change would DO made permn-
nent. 1t Is now believed that the back track
will BIO taken. tho division commands restored.
and such changes made In tho departments rs
may be demanded by the new order OF things
Some opponents OF the former change sug-
gested that 1t was due to an Unsuitable desire
on the part OF Secretary Proctor for innovation
and experiment. Others traced II primarily
to Gen. Schoneld, as wishing to get the control
OF tho routine administration more directly
into his own hands by abolshng tho divisions
and having every general officer report d.
rectly to him and take orders from him. But,
In opposition to this. IL Is now said that Gen.
Schoheld Is moving to restore the divisions.
and that this latter is his suggestion rathor
than Secretary Lamonts. and that he was al
ways opposed to the former change.
That this latter view IL tho more probable
may seem to he shown by little considera-
ton. The surmisc that Gen. Scho1eld wished
to magnify his own oflice at the expense OF his
two juniors OF tho same grade seems to be gra-
tuitous Tho only motive over suggested for
such policy was that Of obtaining tho revival
1.-THE grade OF Lieutenant G General for his bon
eht. by showing tho great difference between
his duties with every department commander
reporting directly to him. and tho duties OF a
simple department commander. But we mny
believe that Gen. Schofeld is far too astute a
man rot to see that the argument might be
turned Just the other way. and that tho addi-
tionai prominence given to him and the addi-
tional direct control OF the army might be con-
81 nraH Itptt nNt1
In rank. Unless. therefore, Mr.. Proctors au-
thority can be citod for the assertion that the
change was Of Gen. Schotield's suggestion. we
may fairly assume that the latter did not like
It, and that II he did lot actively oppose Il, the
reason may DO found in his desire to carry out
me plans OF the Secretary OF War. when once
The, real Vdiflculty in the matter was pre-
military H VII. only s'ss
senior @ bein9 neeasd s for the the
long period Of about twenty Years when with
sherman and sheridan We had General or
both. there was no such difficulty. The Lieu
tenant General himself commandeda division
ar and a.sr shsro we're
sf thT B for the three dy
tSs the had to Be- put
It would now accordingly seem clear that
the best mode Of restoring the old arrangement
division Of the East and a division OF the
&s The HS t. isSs nss Sss
may BE- commanded by 2 BrleadleS: General.
There were y any anomalies in che old ar
VIZ
only department. styled. the Department OF
the East. were geographically IDENTICAL the
SANE Sans of bc Gen; Howard commanding both:
standing satire upon the. whole system Of d. |
Snd u, and departments Again Gen. Glib
California and the Columbia There Were roth other
course which orders ' and reports 6sa to tsfs
through diyisi9n headauarteIs on their way
s ns tse o
aboltshine the divisions was that OF cutting |
needless red tape and occurring greater sim
now attribute Cd to Cen schofed. that R he ands
tho Major; Generals in division commands,
Of WorE upon srms a
Washington. Indeed. for ordinary peace times
wGud be that BrE
should report to the Major-Generals In com
mand OF divisions and they to army head
quarters |
The remaining objection. that Of the incon-
yruous geographical system. is therefore tho
only ono that needs consideration. As to TINT,
IN most other countries the first step would
probably he to, give the commander Of the
han that of Mnior-GeneraL But years Of eX-
oerience have developed very clear reluc-
The grouni is that our small regular army was
or generations unde the command OF a senior
Major General. and can be so still. Accepting
hat to be settled. 1t seems best that there
hould be two divisions only. with new depart
tan officers. clerks. and allowances for OK
'enses should be made to tho two division
ommanders and especially to the senior |
dajor-General as army commander.