New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-10-25
COMMANDER LUDLOW,S CASE.
1T is UNPRECEDENTED IN THE HISTORY
OF THE NAVY.

ne WAS RECOMMENDED FOR PROMOTION BUT
THE PRESIDENT pIsAppRovEp THE FIND
lNGs OF THE BOARD. BECAUSE HE
HAD ACCUSED BROTHER OFF,
GER OF IMMORTALITY.
ley TELEGRAPH TO rRrBuNEl
washington, Oct 24-Naval circles are earnestly
discussing an unprecedented which has just
arisen. and which possesses many novel as well as
unfortunate features. The Is that Of Com
mander Ludlow. recently examined for promotion
to the rank of captain President Cleveland. in
acting on the report OF the examining board, has
taken action which places Commander Ludlow In a
peculiar position and brings about unusual con-
dillon of affairs The case Is noteworthy for many
reasons. The facts follows
Commander Ludlow was examined weeks
ago by d board OF naval officers In session here.
In considering his the board took into account
circumstances which occurred some time ago. IN
which Commander Sperry. now on duty at the New
York Navy Yard, figured prominently. When a
lieutenant-commander. Commander Sperry was the
executive officer OF the Quinnebaug. then attached
to the European Squadron. Commander Ludlow
In command OF the vessel. Under regulations
then in force. the commander Of ship. on the de-
tachment Of any OF the officers serving under him,
was required to send to the Navy Department Il
letter relative the character and efficiency OF MS
subordinate. In the case OF Commander sperry,
Commander Ludlow wrote that In his judgment that
officer efficient and otherwise well Quaieu ~
perform the duties Of the next higher grade The
letter was placed on file at the Navy Department.
When Commander Sperry came up for promotion
II appears that questions we're sent to Commander
Ludlow his qualifications Commander Luo-
low then reported that he did not regard his former
executive officer morally satisfactory. Commander
Sperry convinced his board that the last report OF
Commander Ludlow inconsistent with his ear
lier official statements. and that 1t was unjust Inc
board finally recommended the promotion OF COM
mander Sperry.
About the time this action was taken ana the
report was approved by the President, Commander
Sperry forwarded to the Secretary or the Navy
letter calling attention the course of Commander
Ludlow. and urging that what he said be consid-
cred. He pointed out the seriousness OF any state
ment by officer rejecting on the moral cnar-
acter OF another. He attached Importance TO TINS
point saying in effect that 1t a subject when
should not be lightly dealt with. He also said that
on investigation the examining board In his case
had decided that Commander Ludlow's accusa-
lions were not founded fact and were therefore
unjust
Shortly afterward Commander Ludlow himself
came up for examination, and the board before
which ne appeared received a, copy OF Commence
Navy. Commander Ludlow was found physicaIy
and gnaeda Ior ba wbe he might
have been indiscreet in charging that COMMANDER
Vas not Of suficient consequence to warrant
recommendation that the candidate be not pro-
mander Ludlow receive his captaincy WIN This ms
favorable recommendation the case was transmit
ted 10 the President for approval
MR. CLEvELAND'S ACTION
1t is Mr. Cleveland's habit personally to examine
the records of all officers coming for advance
ment In such matter he is more pains taking
than any Of his recent predecessors. In reading
the evidence in the he found the letter OF
Commando spsrry rejecting on the conduct of
Commander Ludlow. II received particular atten<<
ton, and Notwithstanding the RECOMMENDATION Oh
the examining board the President placed an un,
favorable Endorsement the record, in which he
pointed cut In somewhat emphatic language me
seriousness Of the offence Of erroneousy accusing using
that careiessly assaiing an oihcers character was
nation ton Therefore he would not attach his signature
to the record Of an oer Ey OF IG an
move the hands n Of the the ay
and the promotion Of Commander Ludlow will be
peculiar eond,ion Of affairs exists: and n ah
the the Anal result viii be. The embarrassment OF
officer can be advanced to a higher grade unless he
is found mentally morally and professionally quail
into his illness In Commander Ludlow's case the
Board made favorable recommendation but under
ago the President has the power TO review the pro.
on officers coming up for promotion and before any
offcer. be advanced the finding OF the Board
has acted favorably. the President has disap-
proved the finding, and Commander Ludlow cannot
favorable report of board in his case is APP
proved by the President he must remain at the
head of the commanders list His juniors coming
up for examination and found qualified VII be ad-
vanced him. The law preScribes that the
President may order the reorganization of officers
under certain conditions. and TINS may be done
overcome the present situation II the Board re-
ported favoraby and the President sun held his
present views. Therefore as long as MI Cleve-
land is President, it will be in his power 10 make
Commander Ludlow mark time as the service
expression goes. and permit his juniors TO get their
promotions.
WILL A COURT-MARTiAL BE ORDERED?
The misfortune of Commander Ludlow will not
operate a bar TO promotion. There is no law
under which he could be retired. and he could not
be dismissed except conviction and sentence by
a court-Inartal. Naval officers wondering II
a court will be convened. They say that IL Is with
in the power of the President to dlrect the trial
from the act OF Commander Ludlow as the Pres-
dent views the matter. They seem TO think that ii
would be an act Of justice TO the Commander to
permit him to appear before "A court stu the
President would have the right to review the case.
and II the finding was inconsistent with his views
he would be likely 10 disapprove the courts de
be the same now Altogether the case is unique
one and much Interest attaches TO II.
Commander Ludlow bears an excellent reputation
as an officer. Two years ago he commanded the
Rehrtng Sea fleet aad acquitted himself creditably
Previously he commanded the Quinnebaug in Eu-
ropean waters and rendered jealous services. par
River in transacting diplomatic business. He
tered the Navy midshipman in 1853. being APP
the latter part Of the war, and became com
mander in 1851. He has brother. Colonel Lud-
low in the Engineer Corps of the Army. The
Presidents action in the case Will result; In the
been examined ana recommended for advancement.
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