New-York tribune., 1896-12-24
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL
MR.. BoUTELLE FOR THE NAVY.
HIS EXPERIENCE WOULD FIT HIM PERFECTLY
pnRTEOIIO


HIS EXPERIENCE WOULD FIT HIM PERFECTLY
FOR THAT PORTFOLIO
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: / am not OF the statesmen who has ad-
vised with President-elect Mckinley to whom no
should select for his official family on March next
nor l Of those to whom he has intruSted
the secret Of his Cabinet. But am one OK many
officers OF the Navy who feel graned that there Is
a probability OF Congressman Charles \. BouteNe
receiving the Navy portfolio l am also one or many
who feel that Mr.. Boutelles place as chairman OF
the House Committee on Naval Affairs cannot nc
easily filed. But permit me to Ignore that side OF
the question and think OF only the Secretaryshp or
the Navy.
1t VII not be denied that the Navy needs an execu-
tive head OF the best material ard 1t cannot be dis
puted that Mr.. Boutele is Of just tina. sort OF ma
cr!al. 1t needs no broader amplhcatlon 10 prove
this than a statement of bare facts.
Who Is Mr.. Boueile? Early In 1862 Mr.. Boutelle
who had been officer In the Revenue Marine Ser
vice. received commission in the Volunteer Navy.
Even while IN the Revenue Marine, commanding the
ooas-surveyIns steamer Vixen. he did much valuable
and brave service. and he was generally the p.Onecr
in the reconnotring expeditions IN the shallow
whose knowied OF tne nydrography ot the
country gave much valuable assis ance to the naval
forces. He served in the Navy until 1866 when ne
honor ably muster OF the service. ard could
have had a commission in the Regular Navy mad ne
sought for it. Admiral Porter often refers TO MS
valuable service In h.s naval history 49,.
During the many sesslons of Congress that he mas
been member ne has been earnest, faithful and
energetic worker for the Navy and It's development.
both its personal and material Mr. Boutele has been
chairman OF the Committee on Naval Affairs IN se'-
eral Congresses. and ne mas seen the passing away
OF the old and the coming in OF the new; ana II -
probable that the successful administration or tne
Naval Secretaries Of the past decade has been Largely
due ~ the knowledge and assistance given by MT.
Boutelle. He is probably familiar with the details
Of the new steel Navy, its requirements at sea as
well in port and It's capabilities as many or the
older officers OF the service. and II is not at all lkey
that any other civilian Possesses the knowledge.
practical as well theoretical. of the American
Navy and the navies OF other nations mat ne does.
The Navy mas long needed such man at the helm.
and II he Is 10 be The man the NaVy-ine ana st'I,;
officers and sailors. and citizens and taXpayers-wii
throw up their hats for gratitude
Then as to the office OF Assistant Secretary, tnc
name OF Henry w. Raymond has been ment ioneh.
Four yenrs ago would have needed TO ASK VINO
He the private secrctiry 10 Seer'
tlry Tracy during four that the latter was
al the head OF the Navy Department. There are 'ew
civilians who have the knowledge OF the anairs OF
the American Navy. who are a. familiar witn ,'S
various departments-its officers. ia Navv arcs
its Naval Academy i,s ships and tae'r Equipment,
as * Mr. Raymord. " Assistant secretary ne wo.ld
certainly do wei for the Navy and those VINO a.
pend upon It rs am man who has AeM tnat >'' 3,cc
since the regime OF Gustavus V. Fox. IT. the Navy
Is 10 have such practical men In ts clv depar rnen
~ Washington. then she people ana tnose VINO 70
down 10 tho great waicr in these ships or DO pa'te
with thon have nothing TO fear. , >-.,,,
Ncw-York Dec ls 1906 on; OF THE NAVY.