Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-18
WHEN JACKS AT SEA
Hereafter Our Sailors VIII Receive Their
Pay Monthly.
Navy Department. Takes Action on the
Salary neutrality-suspicious.
One Months Wages.

Action has been taken at the Navy De-
partment within the last few days that
practically renders unnecessary any such
legislation by Congress as is proposed in
the special interest of the enlisted men in
the navy. 1t is said that Representative
Cummings of New York intends to intro
duce a bill to provide that such enlisted
men shall be paid at the end of each month.
His action in this respect is based upon the
erroneous theory that seamen are not al
lowed money due them until the completion
of cruise, no matter how long it may
have been. 1t has been represented that
jackies had been given leave Of absence at
New York and other ports and were not al
lowed the salaries due them for months
previous, the result of this being that they
were compelled to borrow money at ex-
orbitant rates of interest simply because
they could not get their own from the
government. 1t was on these representa-
lions, IT is said, that Representative Cum
mings promised to introduce a bill provid-
Ing for monthly payments to enlisted men
in the navy.
Inquiry at the Navy Department shows
that there is no apparent necessity for any
such legislation, inasmuch as orders have
already been issued by the department
which will have the effect of accomplish
ing just what Is proposed in Mr.. Cummings
bill. The orders referred to provide that
every enlisted person in the navy. other
than an apprentice. shall, during his en-
listment, be required to keep to his credit
on the rolls of the pay officer at least one
months pay of the rating in which he Is
serving and no more Each apprentice
shall in like manner be required to keep to
his credit at least two months pay of his
rating. 1t is also provided that every Ter
son In the navy, serving on board sea-
going ship, except apprentices on cruising
hiTs hall Nhn nyval Of
his commanding officer, be allowed to allot
such portion Of his pay for the support Of
his family or other relatives, or for his
own savings, as he may desire, provided
of pay to their credit on the rolls Of the
pay officer shall not be less than as indi-
Gated above.
According to this order enlisted persons
In the navy will be allowed to draw money
monthly In accordance with their conduct
classes. as follows:
First-class conduct men.-The amount due
In excess Of the amount to be retained on
the rolls.
Second-class conduct men.-One-half of
one months pay or SO much thereof as
may be due in excess Of the amount to be
retained on the rolls.
Third-class conduct men.-One-th third Of
one months pay, or SO much thereof as
may be due In excess Of the amount to be
retained on the rolls.
Fourth-class conduct men.-One-fourth of
one months pay. or SO much thereof as
may be due In excess, Of the amount to be
retained on the rolls q,
These orders were issued in the interests
OF the enlisted men,. with the additional
purpose Of protecting the interests Of the
government. Their issue in circular form
became necessary to secure a more uni
form system on board naval vessels than
has obtained In the past; The withholding
OF Jacks pay during a cruise has varied
according to the Judgment Of the officer in
command Of the ship on which he happened
to be serving. Some commanders retained
one months pay. others two months pay.
and others still more. The new rule Ct the
department will secure complete uniformity
In this matter. 1t is explained that the re-
tention Of at least one months pay is alb
solutely necessary to secure the govern
ment from possible loss in its dealings with
the men. AS an Illustration. it is said.
that allotments have been made to the
wives or families of sailors away on a
cruise, when for some reason or other the
sailor had lost his right to pay. either by
desertion. discharge or death. informal ion
that could not possibly reach the home pay
office until some time after its occurrence.