Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-25
MILITARY NEPOTIsM.
NO Vacancies for West Pointers
Abuse of n Good Law.

major John Nj. Carson in Philadelphia
Ledger
WASHINGTON, July 2o.-For the first
time in the history Of the United States
Military Academy, this years graduating
olass-an unusually large one-had 10 be
assigned to the army as additional
second lieutenants, for the reason that
not a single vacancy existed In that
grade at the time of assignment. This
condition is the result Of very question
able administration on the part Of the
War Department. Under the law gradu-
ates of the Military Academy are en-
titled to all vacancies occurring during
The wear preceding their graduation.
When the vacancies exceed the number
of the graduating class, meritorious en-
listed men who pass the required eAdIul-
nations are entitled TO promotion TO the
Grade of second lieutenant. and, fol-
loving this class, the President may ap-
point young men from civil lie 10 the
remaining vacancies. The pracuce mas
been TO promote a limited number Of en-
listed men every year after the assign
ment Of the graduates and the aDsorp-
ton Of those who were assigned as "ad-
difionaL" This was done for the COM
mendable purpose Of drawing TO the
army young men Of education and char
octer possessed Of military spirit, and
who could reach a commission only
through service I'm the ranks. during the
past two years, however, an unusually
Iorge number Of enlisted men were
given commissions, no less than nineteen
having been commissioned since Feb
ruary lst. and most Of them since Sec
retary Alger assumed direction Of the
WAR Department. The result Of this
questionable policy is that the entire
sixtv-seven members OF the class OF 1897
OF the Military Academy had TO be as
signed as additional"
There Is a special feature connected
with the recent appointment OF so many
enlisted men 10 the grade Of second lieu
tenant which deserves notice, and which
should receive the attention of Congress,
The law makes young men who have
served for two years in the ranks eligible
10 promotion to the grade of second lieu
tenant. This period is too short. being
only one half that required of tie young
man who is appointed 10 the Military
Academy. In selecting from the ranks
for uromotion, II was the intention Of the
law that selections should be made from
those who exhibit the highest soldierly
Qualities and who have had the test of
two wears actual experience in all the
duties and requirements or the ranks.
In other words, the men selected as can
didetes for promotion are supposed TO
he representative enlisted men and typi-
cal soldiers. Instead of this rule pre-
vailjng. the selections are made in many
Instances through favoritism and nepo-
ism of the most fragrant character. There
Is scarcely whNr regiment in the army
that has not to-day one or more sons
or brothers Of officers Of the army who
nave enlisted for commission, and with
the absolute certainty OF obtaining it, il
the present abuse Is continued In con-
nection with the selection Of enlisted men
for promotion. These young men, in
stead of being assigned TO real military
duty. are. in the first place, sent 10 COM
NAMES and regiments chosen by their
army relatives and committed TO the spe-
cial care OF friendly company officers;
and, In the second place, upon reporting
for duty, they are detailed 10 perform
clerical work made teachers OF post
schools. or given duty OF such character