New-York tribune., 1896-08-31
THEIR SALARIES TOO SMALL.
TROUBLES OF MILITARY AND NAVAL
ATTACHES
OFFICERS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT THE DETAIL.
BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT.


BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD IT.
lsy TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE
WASHINGTON Aug 3O-There is very likely TO fol-
low much difficulty in securing capable officers as
military and naval attaches to foreign ega
tions unless Congress comes 10 the rescue OF the
War and Navy departments with liberal provision
for officers detailed on such services. Not many
years ago the assignment to London. Berlin or St
Petersburg as military attache was considered one
OF the very best berths an Army man could secure
and there invariably followed the nveiest sort OF
competition whenever vacancy was in prospect
Officers soon found however that their pay. even
with the peroulstes allowed for quarters, was far
from sufficient to maintain themselves on basis
commensurate with the importance of their work.
and the resul; was evident IN the little atten-
tion they attracted I'm military circles compared to
that bestowed on representatives OF other govern
ments in similar capacities 1t is a well-known
fact that Army and Navy men as a rule, have
little or nothing outside of their salaries and that
these are not large enough TO permit OF more than
respectable living as attache of a United States
legation. The result IL there is not that demand
on the part Of either the Army or Navy now for
details abroad and only recently the post at Lon
DON made vacant by the recall OF Major Ludlow. OF
the Army was offered three officers in turn.
every one OF whom declined accept the ground
thai they could not afford to live abroad.
This sta.- OF affairs was never before presented
to The War Department. and has caused some sur
prise. much on account of the reasons adj
vanc.d as from the fac, tha; officers whose incomes
viii allow ,n-m TO take mp At East brief residence
in Europe not applying for the detail
Notwithstanding the importance OF the work de-
voylng on the attaches, and he care and discretion
they exercise to prevent scandal through OYER
desire H., her suggestions while abroad useful 10
American military departments. they receive no
other compensation than hat of the regular salaries
attached 20 iner rank and the Navy men do not
even nave ,he commutation for quarters which he
Army allows 1t is. therefore, hard matter for
mos OF our attaches 10 ho.d their own with those
of other governments. and informa ton
which frequently must be bought carefully pre-
pared al the request of the attacnes Foreign govern
assistance to attaches than ordinary courtesy from
one country 10 another requires, and there is very
little information impaired Of the important develop
ments in any line OF army naval work until Il is
amos; public properly and at the disposal OF every
one. Attaches have lite TO do except 10 watch
what is going on in the art OF warfare and get what
they can about Il for their own governments. They
cred members OF the Embassies. They are not
relations with The leading men OF the Army and
Navy place them often In positions where they must
FOR which they sen, abroad. The outlay is often
large. and far greater than the salaries OF the
come home with good deal less money than they
departed with
Stin. the Government must maintain the offices
and officers must accept details unless there is
some excellent reason for refusing. Unquestionaby
tfe duties are pleasant, ana the social life with
which they in contact is delightful and pront-
able The present Naval Attache London is
Lieutenant Commander Cowes. who was married
year ago 10 Miss Roosevelt sister OF the FRS,
Secretary Il the Legation. He was assigned by
Secretary Tracy. and an attempt made a year
ago TO have him recalled but on the vigorous pro-
test OF Ambassador Bayard he permitted 10
remain and will probably continue In Office until
the close OF the Administrat tion Major Iudlow's
successor viii depend the wishes OF Secretary
Lamont. and It IS regarded as not improbable that
the * impossibility OF finding an officer who
Is acceptable 10 the Department and willing to have
the detail.
The Navy hei this week the last vacancy among
It's attaches by the appointment OF Lieutenant
Niback TO represent II at Berlin. Vienna and ST
Petersburg Lieutenant Niblack until recently
the stan of Assistant Secretary McAdoo and is
OF the best equipped officers OF his rank Ills
tour OF duty VIII cover two years. and he is
pected to pay particular attention to the develop-
much attention abroad. but about which little is