New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-19
m INCREASE THE MARINE CORPS.

Tho nronosjtIOn to increase the enhsteu
s.ronoth Of the Marine Corps by five hundred
men for which provision has been maze III '"e
Naval Appropriation bill, appears from con-
sideration of all the circumstances 10 pe "ioe
and nroper. Much interest attaches to tnis
branch Of the Navy on account Doth OF its Origin
and OF Its record of faithful and often Dr'ii'an'
service since the foundation OF the Government
1t was organized in two battalions by direc'ion
Of the Continental Congress, and has been nla'h-
tanned with varying strength ever since. Our'
inc the Rebellion it numbered $50 enlisted men,
but now numbers only $500. 1t has repeatedly
received formal expressions Of appreciation from
Congress for meritoriOus conduct In emer-
pcncies. and its uninterrupted performance Oh
laborious duties In peace and war entities an!
official suggestion designed to promote It's ell
cheney and its welfare to respectful cons,dera-
ton.
Secretary Herbert who Is in general agree
ment with his predecessors as TO the character
and utility Of the Marine Corps and VINO ap-
proves the proposition to increase Its numericai
strength. pointed out in his last report that not
only the enlargement Of our Navy, but also the
substitution of steam for sails and the develop
mont OF marine architecture have augmented
the necessity for and value Of a Marine Corps
The modern battle-shlp, he says, being largely
=, floating fort and remaining most Of the time
in mort exercises it's crew In landing parties ana
infantry drills far more than was permissible
IN former times For such duties, having no
direct relation to the navigation OF the ship, the
marines are specially fitted. No reason. more
over. appears why they should not help to man
p,,ns on board ship as well az handle small
arms nor why their officers may not be as
signed TO command gun crews and gun divisions
They are enlisted for longer period than sail
ors and their average efficiency Is therefore
presumably higher while the rivalry OF two
organizations may have salutary consequences
"For these and other reasons the Department
decided to put sixty marines and two marine
.of,icers ON board the Indiana, and 1t will put
marines on the other battleships as they are
"severally commissioned.
The utility Of the Marine Corps Is thus clearly
Indicated by its history and by CONSIDERATION
Of the character and operations Of modern ma
yIes The question remains whether Its strength
IS now equal to the demands likely to be put
upon H. The facts seem TO lis to show not only
that new opportunities will amply utilize
larger force but that for good while the corps
has been overworked, while at the same time
the cost OF maintenance has been much less
than that of an equal number OF sailors Inc
duties Of the marines At shore stations ana at
sea are extremely onerous. and the fact mat
they have uniformly been discharged with ad-
mirablc fidelity shoul! facilitate rather IMAM
rctard the movement 10 increas" the corps
The marines are brave. loyal anu ehic"h'
body Of men. Il strong element OF security az all
times. and factor OF increasing importance
I'm calculations as TO the future