New-York tribune., 1895-10-02
Az ERA OF LITTLE MEN AND THINGS

Il 1
Rear Admiral Kirkland ought to feel like a
good boy pretty soon. He has already been
reprimandcd twice by an infIlrlated Secretary,
and If Mr.. Herbert can keep up his present gait
the Admiral before the month runs ont will have
reprimands TO burn He has been lecured for
congratulating VI. Faure upon his election rs
President Of the French Republic, and now he
Is lectured because he expressed the opinion that
the Armcnians were "a bad lot" In a day or
two. no doubt. sorie one will overhear him say
that it Is a fine day and al once inform the Navy
Department. That will call for remonstrance
No. g. and leave II open 10 the Secretary to jump
on the Admiral once more, about the end Of the
MONTH for living at all.
This would be funny If 1t were not so pltiful
and trumpery. There is something almost hui
initiating in this spectacle Of the Navy Depart
ment Of the United States frittering away its
time in petty nothings and the head Of that de
partmcnt making a speciality of pln-prcks for
his snbor1inates of the moment Mr.. Herbert's
puncto seems II be- the only thing on the sur
face of events just now He looks for the small
beer OF insignificant shortcomlng and passes by
the rich strong liquor Of merit. devotion and
achievement one had better beach n ship or
pocket an insult to the flag than Craze the hedge
that compasses the Sccretarys majesty The
first two offences may be forgiven, or at least
condoned. The last Is the unpardonable sin. 1t
has come 10 pass that the only officers in the
Navy who can count on safety from reproof or
punishment are those who avoid responsibility.
shirk action of every kind, and either have or
fcign an absolute vacancy Of mind. The dlsci-
plinc Of the service is actuated by peevish and
suspicious jealousy magnifylng OF insignificant
tr6es blindness TO matters Of consequence and
moment 1t Is better 10 be- courtier than a
sailor; safer 10 sing praises than to do patriot
duty. All the dignity seems TO have been taken
ont Of The personnel Of the service in Orller that
the Secretarys Office may be sumptuously fur
nished There is nothing left TO consider now
but his splendor and complacency. The naval
officer is no longer completed individual, with
an identity Of his own and independent func-
tions Of spirit and physique. He is a mere note
in the chord Of jubllation that circles. or ought
10 circle. about the throne.
Admiral Kirkland Ia not the only officer of
high rank and long and honorable service who
has found under this Administration that no
amount Of proved devotion and recorded heroism
will count against the smallest pecadillo Of lose
majestic Admiral Meade preceded him in the
experience of reprmand among the officers OF
flag rank, and with these two there are scores
of commodores. captains, etc. clear through the
list. who have been spied upon, investigated
snubbed. reprimanded and rebuked for delin
Quoncics too trivial TO describe. The service Is
honeycombed with unrest. apprehension and dis
content. Under the unwholesome and degrading
regime TO which the Navy IL now subject tale
bearers and backbltcrs have multiplied apace
The service Is returning 10 the methods Of III,
Middle Ages, 10 the machinery OF the lions
mouth and the lettre De cachet Sailors. patriots
and warriors are nj n discount Toades and
courtiers call for the premiums. We live under
n dispensation Of tyranny and titletattle. Bu
Admiral Kirkland can stand II. Secretaries
come and 90. Secretaries like Tracy and Whit