The Lamar register., 1898-11-30
REPORT OF THE NAVY
SECRETARY LONGS RECON-
MENDATiONS.
ne Oilers Advice on Reorganixation-New
ships WAnted-sampson aud schIsy.

f&AA Ahehi Reports Is tue document JUST
Issued by John d. Long, secretary of
the navy.
The report teens with interesting
facts for, owing TO its prominent posi-
ton during the war, and its general
Importance In connection with the
newly acquired islands, narration of
the work of the navy consists almost
OF history of the nations progress
during the last year.
The long awaited official opinion in
regard to the work OF Admirals Schley
and Sampson Is also embodied in the
report. The credit, II is made to ap-
pear, belongs to Admiral Sampson, al
though Secretary Long leaves the read
er to form this induction after showing
the mistaken idea OF Admiral Schley
In regard to the whereabouts of the
SpaniArds.
Numerous recommendations In re-
gard to rewards for naval officers and
the secretary's opinion concerning
needed legislation also appear in the
report
In regard go legislation, Secretary
Long recommends suggestions In the
report OF the judge advocate general
OF the navy that authority be given
naval courts martial and courts of in
quiry 10 summon and obtain the tes-
ufnony of civilian witnesses; that ma
val courts be empowered to use depo-
sitions of witnesses: that secretary be
empowered TO remove charge of deser-
ton: that enlisted men be retired after
three years service. examination OF
men for promotions: repeal Of law on
classification OF vessels; use by gov
ernmsnt OF Improvements patented by
naval officers, courts TO nix compensa-
ton.
The secretary further recommends
that the transport service be placed In
charge OF the Navy Department The
secretary recommends that the bill
drafted by former Assistant Secretary
Roosevelt be passed.
The bill provides:
/. For the amalgRmation OF the of
hcers Of the line and the engineer corps
of the navy.
2. For an Increase or 10 officers in
the new line OF the navy.
e For n regular and constant flow
OF promotion.
T. For u readjustment of the num-
bers In the different grades of the con
struction corps,
3. For the retirement of officers who
served credibly during the civil war in
the next higher grade.
6. For change In the title OF naval
cadet TO that OF midshlpman.
Z. That the course at the Naval
academy be decreased from six to four
years
S. For the appointment of 100 war
rant macblnists.
o. That the pay of the new line of
the navy shall be the same as that of
officers OF the Marine corps or infantry
OF the army.
10. That the term OF enlistment be
increased TO four years, and that all
enlisted men Of the navy shall have all
the privileges now granted by law to
enlisted men Of the army and marine
corps
II. For reorganization OF the ma
rine corps.
This measure. the secretary contin-
ues, at is believed, meets the views of
the great body OF naval officers. Its
essential fairness is recognized by all,
and in the opinion of the department
its enactment will result in incalcula-
bic benefit TO the service"
Under the caption Rewards of Off.
GERS" Secretary Long says:
THE Injustice of the present system
OF rewartlinG officers for conspicuous
In battle and extraordinary
heroism is SO apparent that the depart
ment desires to set before Congress the
facts In full and to recommend a
change in the present law ON this sub
ject.
"As a result of the recent war, GER
tain officers OF the navy who deserved
reward, and who under existing law
could have Il in no other way. We're
promoted over the heads of their broth
er officers. who, by reason OF the ne
Of their services on other duty
not less important, had no chance 10
In the battles of Manila and
This worked hardship in
many cases. and in some instances pre-
vented officers who are of great desert
from the chance OF reaching the high
est grade of the navy.
To correct this the department rec
ommcnds legislation to the end that
some other system of reward for merit
be adopted. so that in rewarding one
officer injustice shall not be done to
another. and also that in those cases in
which officers have during the present
war been jumped, 1t shall be provided
that this shall not operate to their dis
advantage, and that they shall still
nave their regular promotion as before.
Bills have been drawn for both these
objects. and will be submitted to Con-
gress"
Toward the end of the report Secre
tary Long recommends the increase of
the navy In the following text;
..Thp navy should be increased: the