The sun., 1893-07-23
GRIEVANCE AND BY-PLAYIN THE NAVY
You May Not Get European Squadron As
sipnments, but Other Thtngs Are Soft.

You May Not Get European Squadron As
siRnmcnts, but Other ThsnEs Are SOFT.
Next to q pleasant billet or a prom otion the
naval officer values grievance. Only per-
son who has lived In the ward room atmos-
phere can understand fully the value OF a
grievance. and It requires long acquaintance
with the navy to estimate accurately the rela-
tive significance OF grievances. and to pick out
at sight the thing that may properly be es-
teemed the ground OF a grievance. All these
things are mysteries hidden from the eye
OF the landsman. When an officer applied
for assignment to a ship about to sail for
Europe and coupled his application with the
fact that his last service had been in Bchrng
Sea. his cynical superior replied. Officers who
go to Europe have not had their last service in
Behrng Sea-"
1t is the belief 1.-THE ward room that the rule
by which assignments are made is the famous
one. ITO him that hath shall be given" and
the rest OF it. 1t Is also widespread belief In
the navy that II you don't see what you want
you should ask for it. Nevertheless there are
vtrtuous officers who take pride In saying that
they have never protested against any assign
ment and never asked any favors Officers
who have dwelt near the seat Of power
say that those who act upon this
principle are regarded with contempt by the
dispensers OF naval sugar plums 1t is Gym
icnl maxim OF the navy that Washington is
long. long voyage for the humble subaltern
without influential friends. The voyage seems
longer than usual to such subnlt-rn return:
ing homo from diet OF beans In tropics and
whe Inc seaees the New
Navy Yard than he seemed beneath the humid
failed to obtain the desirable assignment he
mas applied Tor accents the suave suDerior's
fSp % q touthng
the tn place is reserved for some other fellow
from these facts would probably reach wrong
Sat fSnfnsS IN Ss nas !. m h the wGd m %RS
keeps himself in evidence ia the man who is
remembered when the time t9r serving out
Captain with wea lth and social influence
has those pleasant commands in the Medi;,
be thankful to be spared the social expenses
continGent unon such command. 1t is true
ia Sea il he holds his tongue on this subieet
Nevertheless it is also true that the faithful
comes and asks no fayors. is IN tiIne sure Of
getting something like HIS deserts. Besides. In
Want What eGT seT who aofs S
have the good will OF everybody; and the re-
sfpect & those whose respect Is lest worth hav-
iHe., iiu"i''. ~. a. uoS' tuh thoEe hi0
no pleasure like that Of having no little game
of On"'s own. and from such position OF inde-
pendence watching the fortunes Of those who
have little games.
80 1t happens that the ships OF the United
sorted cargo Of grievances. and II is from such
grievances that pleasure and interest are to
be derived when all other resources fail. 1t is
out OF the executive officer at the close of a
dull day by casual reference to the, good for
n nfn
bigger ship bound upon a pleasanter cruise
1t Is agreeable to know that the paymaster,
who is aware to q dot of your financial din
obtain an agreeable billet ashore. and II you
are a cynical dog with no little game 1t Is
worth q months pay to watch the compli-
Gated little serio. comedy played daily before
your eyes by your several shipmates with
their several little games.