New-York tribune., 1900-03-11
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE NAVY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
TIRED OFFICERS UNDER EXISTING LAW
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: couple OF weeks ago a letter appeared in
your columns from a Retired Officer who set
forth the injustice done class Of officers In the
Navy by the provision inserted in the Navy Per
sonne bill of 1899, to the effect that officers the
retired list prior the passage the should
not benefit by it's provisions The bill not only
provided for salary schedule corresponding TO the
pay OF the Army. but It declared that all officers
who had served during the Civil War should. when
retired be advanced to the grade next higher than
that which they held on the active list. This was
cOHlmendabe recognition OF the services of those
whose commissions were issued during the Civil
War It doubt the intention Of the trainers
OF the bill that all officers Of the Navy who had
creditably served in the Civil War whether retired
before or after the passage of the act should
benefit by the clause alluded to. but. in the hurry
and excitement of the last hours OF Congress and
when the bill in conference. the amendment
was inserted that officers already the retired
list should be excluded from its provisions Had it
been realized at the time that distinct intus
tice would be done a class who. by misfortune
OF age sickness wounds. had been retired before
the act took effect doubt that the amendment
would have been suggested; certainly # would
have been urged.
There only a comparatively few officers Of
Civil War service whose retirement antedates the
passage OF the Personnel bill. and these few
in their sixties and over; consequently their
remaining years Of life cannot be many in the natu
raj course. and the extra expense 10 the Treasury
Would De limited On the other hand, the advanced
rank they would have by the honor and Justice
given TO them, the original bill doubt intend
ed, would be gratifying TO them and to their de-
scendants
That this deprivation by the amendment to the
Navy Personnel bill an injustice is recog-
nzed. and bills have been introduced in Congress
rectfy IT. One is that Of Senator Penrose intro
duced last wHek, which in part s as follows
That all commissioned officers of the Navy with
creditabe records, who served during the Civil
War. and who were placed the retired list prior
20 March g. 1899, in the grades lower than that of
Rear Admiral. shall he advanced the retired list
to the rank OF the next higher grade then existing.
That all commissioned officers Of the Nary with
Credttabe records who served during the Civil War,
and who were placed the retired list prior to
June 30. 1899. shall receive the pay under Ike
conditions. the commissioned officers OF the Navy
OF the same grades who have been retired since
June 30 1899; provided. that this shall apply to all
officers of the grade of commodore, etc.
A bill similar 10 the above has been introduced
in the House by Mr.. Cummings, and there Is
ported 10 be strong support for tire measure. AS
have noted above, the bill will affect few officers
Only-those who advanced in years and who
had service in the Civil War fully equal TO that of
officers retired since June 20. 1899 and in many
cases '"erior; hence. the bills simply to
rectifH injustice not intended. NAVY.
New-A ork March I, 1900