The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-02-19
ARMY REORGANIZATION BILL.
1t Contains n Provision for the Re
tirenent Of E,uSau


a special bill for the reorganization OF
the Army. prepared by Secretary Root has
been sent to Congress. it provides for fix
ing the rank OF the Adiutant General. that
Of Major General and Secretary Root
gives military and administrative reasons
why this should be done.
An additional feature Of the legislation
asked for. provides for one-third OF t1c
promotions TO be made by selection IRIS
is to enable the President 10 reward spe-
ciaIly gallant and meritOrious services.
This appeals alike to the service and the
country, and yet maintains in a reasonable
degree promotions by seniority.
II recognizes both length, as well as
special fitness of service, and its provis-
ions are so guarded that only the most de-
serving shall receive special recognition
and in no case be the creatures CT personal
or political Intervention.
The bill gives the President control OF
the tenure Of Office OF the heads Of STAFF
departments, and he can by and with the
advice and consent OF the Senate. make 4
new head OF a department at any time
when in his judgment the efficiency OF the
service would be increased thereby-the
officer relieved being transferred to the re-
about the same footing as the heads Of the
Navy staff departments.
The only immediate result under this
provision would be the probable retire
ment Of General Eagsn. Commissary Ge,,-
eral now undergoing suspension. Ia tn
Adjutant Generals and Inspector General
departments there Will be no further 3p-
pointmCnts. but by detail from the next
lower grade Of the line for a term Of four
years This will give large number OF
experienced staff officers to meet future
requirements and the emergencies 'of active
service. The selections. too. are to be made
on recommendation CT boards OF officers
appointed 20 ascertain the records and H.
ness CT officers for these details.
The Quartermaster's and Subsistence
Departments. the Ordnance and Signal
Corps, are also 10 be filled in like manner.
None Of these provisions for details in
any way inteTfeTes with the tenure Of
officers now in the regular stan depart
msnts, or with their promotions as now
provided by law. They will, however,
serve one year in five, with such branch
OF the line as the Secretary Of War may
designate. This insures all having eXper-
fence with troops Of the line and keeping
the line and staff Of the Army in close
touch and sympathy.
The reorganization Of the artillery. the
Army. is based on advanced ideas and
largely in use in other countries and ur-
gently called for by our present system
OF seacOast artillery defcnSes. it insures
the care OF the heavy ordnance. and the
training of officers and men to handle
these guns in active service.
The Office Of post chaplain is abolished
and one provided for each regiment Of the
line OF the Army, regular and volunteer.
The chaplain's rank and pay are made
those of a captain mounted.
Secretary Root has also sent to the
Chairmen of the Senate and House Military
Committees a draft OF a bill that purports
to strengthen our military system and rem
edies the defects developed in our organi-
zatiOn during the Spanish American War.
The changes are by no means as radical
as many seem 20 have anticipated. Ii is
a conservative measure and has the IA
vOrable opinion Of the best officers Of the
service.