The evening times., 1895-11-06

| The refusal Of President Cleveland TO
| approve the findings Of the examining
board in the case OF Commander Ludlow
is one of the most important cases con-
eerning the naval personnel he has taken
UP since his Inauguration.
For century 1t has been a doctrine that
! the duties OF the Executive in such cases
was merely perfunctory. 1t was known
that he took particular interest in the selec-
lion OF the general officers of the army
and the bureau chiefs OF the navy. His
! interest in the personnel was supposed
| 10 end with such officers. except when
| pow erful influences were exerted In the
case OF special individuals.
His refusal, therefore, to consider the
action of the examining board IN Comman-
der Ludlow e case a. conclusive has created
I, great interest in naval circles and Will
undoubtedly have an important effect
upon the discipline or the service.
PERSONAL REsENTNEN
When Commander Ludlow was called
upon ten years ago 10 give his opinion OF
subordinate lie spoke in excellent terms
of the officer. Eight years afterwa ard,
with the same knowledge upon which 10
base conclusions, lie declared the same
subordinate untitled for promotion.
Both of these statements We're made under
oath, and the form OF each showed that
Commander Ludlow prepared his answers
very deliberately. The subordinate has sat
isfied the President, at least, that on ma king
his second statement Commander Ludlow
has permitted his personal resentment to in
fluence his official actions.
Particularly in the Navy is the matter of
record Of great Importance In determining
the fitness of an officer for promotion.
The authorities in Washington must give
great weight TO tn declar comma nd
ing officers, and if this great trust is to be
violated and to be used as a lever for wreak-
ing vengeance upon Interiors, the efficiency
of the service will be paralyzed.
The Navy Department has gone TO great
trouble in getting up form OF report for
determining the fitness OF officers for impor-
tant work and services. Those who have
been entrusted with the prerogative of max
ing these reports have been compelled to do
so under the solemnty of an oath. They
are only made at periodical intervals, and
safeguards are thrown around Tor the pro-
lection of the Individual.
PRESIDENTS DELIBERATE ACTION.
1t has been the intention OF the Depart
ment to compel superior officers to make
definite charges. The individual thus ac-
cused of specific offenses has remedy
and protection in the reply which is per-
mitted him.
In reviewing the proceedings and from
the long consideration which this case
has received it is shown that the Presi-
dent has acted with much deliDeration.
In so doing Mr.. Cleveland has served NO.
uce upon the high officials OF the Arny
and Navy tbat the characters of subordi-
mates cannot be blackened by vague and
reveDgeful statements made years after
the facts took place upon which such un-
just conclusions were made.
For some years there have been COM
plants that the great trust which has been
placed by the President, through the Navy
regulations, in the hands OF our flag and
comma Dding officer has been greatly
abused.
If the charge was true 1t was inevitable
that some one would sooner or later come
TO grief through the abuse Of this trust.
II has been Commander Ludiow's mis-
fortune to be charged by NO less au author
ity than the President with this offense,
for I'D disapproving the action OF the board
recommending his promotion the Presi-
dent substantiates this accusation.
Tie promotion of many younger officers
has been delayed during the past year by
reason OF the unfavorable reports OF com
nlanding officers. and the question is now
being asked to what extent has injustice
been done them?
The success that Commander Sperry has
met with may give encouragement to others
who have been wronged to seek the pro-
lection of the President in securing justice.
OTHERS NAY SEEK PROTECTION.
The only way-in which punishment can be
meted out to commanders who abuse their
trust will be in the manner in which Com
nlander Ludlow has been treated. Should
such an offender be brought to court
martial, he can plead no intended malice
by declaring that he was sought for an ex-
preston of opinion, and that it was not a
voluntary declaration.
When his own promotion is at stake,
however, his official acts OF the past are
matters of investigation, and that is the
only time when the wronged individual can
receive due consideration.
The Navy Department would undoubt-
edly aid any junior in bringing TO punish
ment any commander who had abused a
trust, but it is almost an impossibility for
an inferior to collect evidence aboard
warship against his commander.
Just how a new examining board can help
Commander Ludlow seems n mystery. The
same evidence will probably be presented
and it must eventually go TO the President
as the final reviewing authority.