New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-07
NOTES OF ARMY AND NAVY
MEASURES BEFORE CONGRESS AFFECT
ING THOSE SERVICES.
THE ARTILLERY-INFANTRY REORGANIZATION
BILIl-LINE AND STAFF CONTROVERSY
PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE NUM-
Der OF TORPEDO BOATS.
fpY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUsg.i
Der OF TORPEDO BOATS.

| Washington May 6-Offlcers OF the Army, Navy
and Marine Corps are awaiting with no little an1-
| ety the action Of Congress certain measure.
affecting their interests The regular appropriation
| bills and other propositions which relate more es-
pecially 10 NE material usual matters Of egis-
aton are thought important. but It is in regard to
| personal legislation that interest Is the keenest.
The Cultivate bill, to reorganze and increase the
efficiency of the artillery and infantry and the
Curtis BILL regulate enstments the great
est attention in Army circles. The Henderson bin
removes legal restrictions to the number of re-
tired officers OF the Army who may be- detailed as
| instructors at educational Institutions
The present status Of the Artillery Infantry Re-
organ cation bill is favorable its early passage
The bill a whole has received much adverse
criticism from War Department officials. Several
Of its features have also brought out serious objec-
| tons According to Assistant Secretary Doe. Gen
eral Schofeld and Adjutan General Ruggles the bill
would practically abolish the cavalry. If passed for
the reason that 1t materially increases the artillery
force without providing for corresponding additions
| to the total strength Of the Army Mr. Cultivate
Is now considering this and the other objections 10
his proposition He said to-day that he sincere
| ~ interested in devsing measure which would
improve the status of the artillery and infantry and
that he welded any particular plan by
which the object In view could be attained. If.
has been declared by the military authorities. the
proposed scheme is not satisfactory. Mr. Cultivate
says he will change It's features TO accord with the
views of experts in every instance where suggested
notifications found to be wise and just. Per
sonally the chairman OF the House Committee on
Military Affairs stands ready vote for increase
in the total strength of the Army so that the force
may be 300 men. instead OF y. 900 men at pres
ent If such increase Is found advisable to carry out
needed legislation to benefit the status OF officers ana
men. 1t likely that the bill In amended
form will be rentroduced In the House this month.
The Curtis bill may be called up in the House
IL Ioc hoo oil nv ha
Committee on Military Affairs General Curtis said
to-day that he awaiting favorable opportun-
ity TO ask for vote the bill lie entertains
little doubt of its final passage The bill has been
called up on three occasions in the Senate but as
many times Il has gone over without prejudice. ow-
ing the absence OF several Senators who desire
to be heard the proposition. Senator Bate thin 5
the bill Will be passed by the Senate at the present
session
The Henderson bill involves increase in the
public expenditures. and. owing to the fact that
under its provisions the growing demand FOR Army
officers as instructors schools and colleges can
be met without taking officers from their regimen
tai duties. It is practically certain Of passage at
an early date.
The attention OF officers OF the Navy and Marine
Corps is directed more particularly to the recon-
mendations OF the Joint committee on the Naval
Personnel The committee has finished It's hearings.
ss some 90 be ' Submitted r to- IN" senate and ouss
Will begin. 1t is likely that the bills will be com
There is much doubt as 10 whether the BILLS VIII
provide relief for all corps Of the Navy. and for
The committee Itself is undecided in the matter.
II is thought that II the proposed legislation con-
ously oppose It's passage and thus delay, II not
actually defeat tn adoption OF any rcm,qal acts
is for actual. instead OF relative rank There Is a
saGb satdn IN tie Is housG TO w S' sas stan
officers and delay any opposition 70 bill to In
II is decided to limit legislation 10 measures affect
Ing only the line II l. probable that the proposl-
91 su6 DrafSs Oy T~sdfye M in addition to the
active and retired lists. will be adopted tn" estab,
RTeay in Sr the retired list and at the
time a material and steady flow Of promotion would
marine officers are not involved IN The Inc .,, ~!
increase in the number 81 officers OF me uppHT
grades. a provision for future promotions based
to augment the enlisted force by too
The adoption by the Scnat" Committee OF tho
proposed amendment u the hguse Naval Hppro,,
praton biz. 10 increase - twelve the number of
torpc-lo-boats 70 De authorized THIS year ls The
result OF conpromi." brought about n, me sug-
gestion Of Senator Mcpherson; and Win the az,
prova Of Secretary Herbert Mt Mcrners2n . an!
other members Of the senate committee thou%ht
IT unadvsabe 20 60 on with the construction Of
baiteships or heavily armored cruisers until more
practical experience at sea Win those bult On now
building should have been had. Il is ~ interest
10 note here that Mr. Mcpherson has not IN the
past favored the construction 81 sea going battle
ships His programme has been 20 build and 'Guip
heavily arrorcd coastdefcnce vessels Of the monitor
type Getting Twelve torp~do,boats al TINS ume.
I'm Wow OF the economical tendencies In the senate
wing The Navy has only two such vessels and "a
greater number II needed. While not as valuable
impor.ant acquisitions TO the fleet and AFFORD
commands FOR a number Of young officers. probably
lieutonants The only fear is that when the Naval
Appropriation bin goes to conference. "l"mI,f II
Of the House will Insist upon the proposed nuinber
~ r ne senate PROPOSITION as do al, the members
OF the minority Of the House Committee