The sun., 1894-10-21
NEWS OF THE NAVY.
The Muddle Over the Assignment OF an
Omcer TO the Naval Academy.

The AHd0Ie over the Assignment OF
Omeer 20 the Naval Academy.
wAsHISaroN, Oct 2O.-The curious muddle
over the assignment of some officer to relieve
Capt. Phythian superintendent of the Naval
Academy, whose term expired several months
ago, is now saidsto be due to the activity of Mr..
Benedict, the Presidents close friend, who is
warmly advocating the application OF Capt.
John w. Philip, late commander of the cruiser
New York. Tho President, 1t is said, has di-
rected Secretary Herbert to take no steps look
ing to the assignment of q new SUPERINTENDENT
until his return from Gray Gables, when
he will consider the request of Mr.. Bene-
dict. Capt Philip, while . most excel
lent commanding officer, Is said to be
unfit for the duties of the Academy, and II
the command is not given to Admiral Walker
there will be general disappointment through
out the service. Walker Is said to be keeping n
sharp eye on events, and II he Is beaten out of
his orders there will most probably be some
lively music ahead, as he is not disposed to per-
NIT junior to step in and take the wind out of
his sails, and in a measure strike blow at his
reputation for having pretty much what he
wants in the way of naval commands. Walker
is now said to be perfectly willing 70 accept the
retary must hold up the assignment Of any Off
ger % Annapolis until MIR. Cleveland reaches
1t is said that there is no intention on the part
OF the Administration to assign war ship to
am. outlined in his letter, to allow Affairs
there to take care of themselves, will be ad-
hered to. which means that the tripartite agree
ment of Germany. Great Britain, and this coun-
try. TO maintain a war ship there to preserve
order, Ia 10 be entirely ignored. During the
early spring and summer 1t was repeatedly
stated that the reason for not ordering a ship
to Apia was due 10 lack o available vessels on
the Pacific coast, by reason Of the draft made
by the Behring Sea feet and the necessity of
Strengthening the Asiatc station: This excuse
can no longer be presented, for there arc
now more ships at Mare Island wait
ing assignment than we have had there
for years. Nearly every one is peculiarly adapt
ed for service in Samoan waters and one, at
least. could be detailed without the strength of
the station suffering. The return Of the Behr-
ing Sea feet In excellent condition makes
available the wooden cruisers Adams, Alert,
Ranger and Mohicsn. all of which are ready for
service. Two OF these ships have seen service
previously In Samoa. and any one Is well
equipped for n long stay there Since the return
OF the Philadelphia. no American war ship has
been at Honolulu. which fact is exciting some
comment. in view of the number lying idle at
Cant. Rush X. Wallace, having passed the ex-
animation for promotion to the grade OF Com
modOre, and Lieutenant Commander Franklin
Hanford the examination for Commander, Sec
retary Herbert to-day certified these officers to
the President for appointment to their advanced
grades Capt. Wallace was appointed 10 the
service from Kentucky in 1853, and Com
msnder Hanford entered the service in 1856"
from Ohio