The times., 1899-11-04
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER I. 1898.
Army and Navy.

Army and Navy.
We may say with an entire absence OF
eNaEgeration. that nothing which could
possibly emanate from the present Admin
istrstioH would surprise us. Some people
might argue that things which Mr. Nc
KinIey would do, endorse or tolerate a
year ago. he would hesitate to now. In
deed, we have noticed more than slight
disposition Of late 10 expect from him a
line Of policy adjusted 10 the desiTabiliJy
Of popular favor so near the end Of his
term: but that idea seems 10 have been
ruthlessly exploded. As far as one can
see. the Administration is as determined
ss ever TO maintain its old course and
methods. and to cram down the throats of
the American people the things which have
been steadily turning them against The
President and the influences dominating
him for more than g year.
a more impudent slap on the face Of
public opinion. or e more open and fragrant
attempt to discredit genius and valor
that mendacity and sneakingness may be
crowned with laurels. than is contained
IN the report Of Crowuiushield. Chief Of
the Navigation Bureau ring. 10 the com
placent Secretary Long. is not to be found
10 the annals OF the Navy. IT refers almost
sneerngly TO the sea battle Of Manila and
Admiral Dewey and plainly declares that
the naval glory in the war with Spain
was won by Sampson Not a decent word
ss vouchsafed 10 the officer who attacked
the ships Of Cervera and sunk them and
VINO, If there had been any failure would
have borne all the blame Al a time when
the verdict Of the country has been made
ineNorably plain on this subject Crown
inshield assumes authority 10 defy il and
officially to praise the individual whose
standing in popular estimation is TOO no
tOrious 10 require comment Perhaps il
may be- unjust 10 say that Crowninshield
assumes this authority, II is more likely
that Z has been conferred upon him by
superior-it is not necessary TO state
which one. but there should be little
question that. without order or permission
IN advance. be would not have ventured
10 the lengths be has. In his very peculiar
report. Enough Of CrowniushieId Per
EonalIy he is not and could not be an issue
He merely represents a self bitten. mad in
tenuon on The part Of his masters 10
revive the disgraceful scandal Of our naval
service: the only one il suffered from
throughout the war; and to attempt to
force upon Congress a policy Of criminal
injustice which has been contemned and
denounced by the country.
Less hagiJiousIy. bu, in the same line,
the annual report of the Adjutant Gen
eral. which one cannot help regarding as
a result OF the highest inspiration. gives
evidence OF an Administration design to
elevate a normally subordinate stan officer
10 The command and sole direction Of our
military establishment. This paper is writ
ten in a tone which would be proper in
The case Of z field marshal commanding
in-chief, addressing an admiring country
on the achievements and the needs Of its
army. The proposition that the mi ita-y ser
vice Of the United States requires a recog-
nized chief Of staff 10 control its organiza-
ZION, assignments and operations obtrudeg
Itself clearly from the context. while the
intended corollary. that the Adjutant Cen
eEal is the only possible resort IN the
quest for such a fuuctionary, is equally
deduclble.
We refer 10 this matter. not by way Of
blaming the individual who happens to
occupy the position Of Adiutant General
al this time for desire 10 magnify mis-
Office, and increase its power. al the ex-
pense Of scientific organization and det-
Timentally 10 the service; but because his
attitude and the language Of his report
strengthen the opinion thar the Admins
trs1ion has il in mind TO extend the evils
of a politically conducted staff system
which has led to national humiliation and
foreign contempt for our uniform. through
hoped for Congressional legislation. We
are guile ready TO agree thar chief Of
Etan is badly needed. We are also pre-
pared 20 show that the General Command
ing the Army should be recognized as that
officer, as his prototype is in every con
siderable modern State; and that The Ad-
jutant General and his Office ought TO be
strictly subordinate 10 Commanding Cen
eral and chief Of staff
We have less fault 20 find with Adju-
tant General Corbin's defence Of our arch
ale staff organization and methods. Natur-
ally. they are indefensible. but something
Is 10 be granted in the case OF an officer
who has been evolved from civil life to star
rank largely through the operation of the
system. Its evils are too obvious to de-
msnd argument. OF TO escape the eye Of law
maker or Of voter The peculiar position
occupied by Eaea Commissary General.
whose sentence a- smIssaI was commut-
ed by Presideus Eialey. Is quite sufi-
cient 10 illustrate The necessity for stan
reform. Eagan draws the pay and wears
The costume Of brigadier general, but no
duty is required Of him. Practically. he is
On leave for ave years with fun compen-
sation. In his absence a colonel is com
PEELED to do q brigadiors work, 70 perform
al the functions and assume all the re-
EpOnsibilites Of the higher place and on
inferior pay. The outrage Of tie thing is
not open 70 doubt.
stsf and general reorganization 10 con