The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-25
SEATTLE, SATURDAY, JAN. CT
YOUNG MEN FOR THE NAVY.

1otNp Fots NAV
The principal Eastern newspapers are
devoting considerable attention to the bin
introduced by Senator Squire 10 promote
the efficiency of the navy by permitting
the increase OF the engineer force by the
introduction of the young men graduating
from the technical schools of the country.
The need OF very radical change in the
regulations with regard 10 the engineering
department of the navy Is notorious.
Times have changed very much since the
captain and his crew of sailors managed
the ship. The chief navigator is needed as
much az ever. but the Intricate machinery
which has taken the place OF sails calls
for advanced experience and ability OF an
other order The responsibilities of the
engineer have greatly increased and his
technical training has become more costly.
but he has not been elevated 10 a CORE
spending rank. either officially or on the
pay roll The result is that men OF abil-
fly can find better opportunities on shore
The number OF men available Is far from
sufficient. and any attempt 10 meet the de-
mand by changing conditions at the naval
functions and entail an entirely unneces-
sary expense either upon the nation or
npon the students.
Engineering Instruction OF a high grade
Is already provided by numerous institu-
tons in many parts Of the country. These
institutions have been established. some
by private benefactions and some al public
rfxa.
work has immensely advanced within the
last few years. and several OF them now
take rank with the best Institutions OF
their kind In the world. The admission of
the graduates 81 such insutulsa- into The
naval service vouiS not only provide an
addltionGl field of employment for the best
OF such men. but would Immediately
awaken spirit OF emulation among all
those whose work was 20 be subjected 10
the practical test OF an examination abso-
lntely uniform for all parts OF the United
ftates The reaction Of such competition
upon the naval academy Itself could not
fail 20 be highly beneficial. bat the imme-
date AID practical consideration is that
the naval service. under the operation of
this bill weuid be supplied more promptly
and more efficiently than Is otherwise pos
sible with an ample force OF thoroughly
trained men.
The bin provides that graduates OF tech
biological schools may be eligible as cadets
n the engineer eorrs Of the navy. II also
provides that the engineer cadets p
pointed In the engineer corps OF the navy
shan be assigned 10 cruising ships for one
year. and at the END OF that year shall he
ordered for one year TO the various work
ing navy yards. or TO such scientific post
graduate schools as may be established by
the secretary Of the navy. fer such prac-
teal instruction as may be recommended
by the director general ~ naval engineer
Tag and approved by the secretary az The
ravy. At the conclusion 81 this tao years
service they shah undergo n physical ex-
animation hesora a board OF medical OH
GERS Of tha navy. ana professional exam
.nai.on AZ The United States naval acat-
eny az now prescribed ~ the regulation.
and fyofn those who pass. ana IN the order
90 merit as shown by TIA, examination.
SHALL be commissioned the engineering
officers 20 Ill the vacancies ia the lowest
grade % commissioned officers ef the eagi-
neer corps OF the navy. Provided. tha; a.
least one half Of such vacancies shall hs
filled by graduates q TIE United States
naval academy. Those cadets who -ave
successfully passed the examination. sat
who do not receive commissions. shall 70
hanorahly discharged from the naval ser
vice and shall receive one years pay. as
now provided BY law."
It's proposed that the naval department
appoint Instructors 20 schools willing 20
enter into this branch 81 learaing. Seattle,
with her prospective inpcrsahes as potnt