Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-23
Mr.. NcAdoo's Ideas,

WASHINGTON, II. C.. August22.-As-
sistant Secretary McAdoo OF the Navy
Department has made an interesting
contribution TO the North American Re-
Wow upnn the terroTs OF the Victoria dis
aster. and several OF the points he makes
may naturally be held to forecast the pol
lev Of the Navy Department. one OF
these points is that the building Of
first-class battle ships will not be ahan-
doned or even modified on account OF that
accident.
McAdoo insists that the loss Of the Vic
toria does not show modern naval con-
struction to be Mt fault, and ought not TO
led 10 any radical change in the make
no Of battle ship. Although IL IL pos
sible to sink the battle ship, yet IL remains
the highest embodiment of naval power.
The ram Is a tremendous weapon ana so
IS the torpedo: but the battle ship combines
ram. torpedo. armor and the fire OF pro
iicious guns. The gun is stu ''the
.first and greatest weapon" In warfare.
M-.McAdoo does not underate the ram.and
the fact that II Is a part Of the modern
battle ship shows that II Is appreciated cv-
cry where but he points out that the bat
tie ship may have skill In maneuVer and
the fire Of its guns and torpedoes to OPP
pose 10 the ram, as well as its own arm
ored prow. These views lead 20 the be-
lief that the present administration will
adhere 10 the existing program Of con-
struotion, which includes eight first
class battle ships In addition 10 the four
now built or building.
Another interesting suggestion made by
Mr. McAdoo Is that the United States
New needs squadron drills and the prac-
teal manoeuyering OF fleets. II is true
that Admiral Tryon, whose fatal order
caused the Victoria disaster. had been
famous for his skill I'm such drills, and
that this very calamity occurred during
the nanoeuvering OF his feet. But what
the Assistant Secretary urges Is that
only through practice and experience can
OF GERS know how 20 manage their vessels
with safety and skill when brought to-
gsfnCr In large number for actual pat
tie. The lack Of these drills thus tar IN
our service has been due TO the small
number Of vessels and the need OF scat
tering them among many stations.
MFR. NcAdoo gives assurance that "un-
doubtedly this will be changed in the near
future. as new ships are put In commits
sion. At any rate il is TO be hoped that
orr officers and men in the future will
have more frequent opportunity for heet
drill. as IL IS the only practical way 10
acquire great skill and ability 70 handle
ehips IN time of action. and Is, moreover
the gnfeSt iuttDOl VI dN'iull nus ii'Ni@'S''
I'm that most important Of things In the
uavy-the nrt OF signaling"
Still another need. which Mr.. mcAdoo
regards as OF special importance. is the
IMPROVEMENT Of the personnel THINK Tor
n moment" he says, "of what depends
upon the ability and courage OF the man
who I'm battle stands in n small armored
tower into which the light penetrates
from q mere slit between the rim and the
roof. through which he must see every
movement Of his ship. on his Intelligence
learning. experience skill, courage and
nerve rest the safety of the ship and the
life Of the crew and the final outcome OF
the conflict" The moral which he draws
IS that officers should reach the com
mand Of ships while they are still COM
naratively young Most OF the com
handing officers Of our civil war; he
saws. were men urder thirty. the age
has been gradually increased, until now
officers arriving at command rank are
forty-seven, forty-eight or forty-nine
years of age"
These utterances OF a high official Of
tine navy indicate that the department
will exert its influence I'm favor OF the
protect OF more rapid promotion In the
navy. which, IN one form or another has
been under consideration by Congress
for several wears.