The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-07
MR.. LONGS SUGGESTION.
He Proposed N New Method of Rec
DGufnfu~ GsII.utr

| MR. LONGS SUGGESTION.
He Proposed New Method of Rec
"snising GaIIantry.
The Secretary of the Navy has sent TO the
House and Senate Committees on Naval
Affairs an identical note suggesting that
certain bills affecting the promotion Of Of
fcers in the Navy be passed by Congress.
The principal bill that Secretary Long de.
sires to be passed Is one which will permit
the department TO bestow medals OF honor
and increased pay as rewards for merito-
rious conduct instead of numerically ad-
vancing on the list meritorious officers. The
officers OF the Navy greatly prefer this
method OF recognizing distinguished SER
vices.
Inc second bill provides for the restora-
ton to their former grades Of officers who
We're displaced in numerical order by the
promotion of officers who were engaged In
the battle Of Manila. Secretary Long. In
ELS letter. advances the following reasons
lot asking for the legislation:
The department has the honor to sus
sest that the present system OF rewarding
onheers OF the Navy and Marine Corps for
eminent and conspicuous conduc, in bat
tie, and extraordinary heroism,' under the
provisions, respectively, Of Sections 1906
and 1905 OF the Revised Statutes. has beep
found to be unsatisfactory, since in its
practical application ii operates unjustIy.
and in some instances defeats the purpose
for which it was devised. AT the present
trrNT
guished services during the war with Spain
have, In recognition thereof, been ad-
vanced upon the list; others remain with
out reward Of any kind; while others still,
by the curious operation OF the existing
system, find themselves in lower relative
Of 1888, In which they so CALAMITY particle
oated. An illustration OF the Objectionable
operation Of the present method of reward |
S Afforded by the case of Capt. Charles E. (
lark, U. N, who commanded the Ore !
son during The memorable run of that yes
Iel from the Pacific to the Atlantic waters,
md at the battle of Santiago, and yet,
wing to the promotion over him OF Cap
aims Gridley, Coghlan, and Dyer, for their
and conspicuous conduct In the
~
and II Captain GridIey had survived
you'd be three numbers-lower on the list
nan II the war had never occurred.
The vigilance, prudence, and capacity !
nremitting and sustained, wisely meeting
S they successfully arise the countless de-
ais OF the management of a battleship,
and maintaining the morale es-
entail to good work. and bringing the ves-
ell into effective action at a critical time.
re qualities which entitle an offiSer to
hare in rewards, II any are given, for dis
naval service. These qualities
'ere exhibited in high degree by the Off
ers participating in the battle of Manila,
'ho have been rewarded by advancement
n the navy list. They were also exhibited
y other officers, particularly those who 20
onspicuously and meritoriously particle ,
ated In the battle Of Santiago, and yet (
ave not In any way been rewarded I
Where officers have bravely and witn
'alous patriotism acquitted themselves in I
fticult circumstances with uniform sue |
ass, an analytical comparison OF their re- '
,ective achievements is practically i'm 1
1ssible. since al. the varied circumstances r
the several cases can hardly be taken I
TO full and accurate account. 1t is, how {
Ter, deemed to be the duty OF the depart a
ent TO bring 10 the attention OF the COM l.
n
rly action be taken by Congress in the c
after, the general question OF the made v
lacy of the present system of rewards. o
Id to suggest that remedy is to be found Y
the provisions of certain measures now q
fore Congress -
"oneso of these q. e, the bfir s. $50. Fifty- n
Sth Congress, first SESSION. provides that a
e advancement in rank of officers OF the q
avy and Marine Corps for war service a
all not interfere with the regular promo II
IN Of officers otherwise entitled thereto a
lis measure is similar to Senate bill 5006.
fty-ffth Congress, third session. which ]
Is prepared by the department, and kas,
am informed. already passed the Senate {.
its present session, and IL enacted Irto
" will. in the case above cited, for ex-
iple, have the effect of restoring to the
icer concerned the numbers lost by ad- 7,
heretofore made under the :,
esent system. a
The other OF these Is Senate bill 5005, :,
fty-ffth Congress. third session. 'Provid- :,
: for suitable rewards for officers and !,
m of the Navy and Marine Corps for a,
ceptional and meritorious service in the h
e OF duty This measure is believed to +
ord a satisfactory substitute for the pres Z
method of rewards, would enable the D,
partment to confer upon the officers in
owe referred to the medal therein desig- E
ted as the honor medal with its at ar
ldant advantages and benefits, and W
uld, it is thought. provide equitable rec W
milton in the cases of other officers OF pl
, Navy entitled thereto by reason OF
,eptional service in line OF duty CT
In consideration of the Importance OF III
s general question, the department ur- pr
stly requests that it may receive such de
ly attention Of the committee as its con- b
Hence will suggest" W
ecretary Long believes that the honor G'
dals" will prove highly satisfactory to ii
officers of the Navy, and in future when W.
GERS are wanted for special services a w
nee at the list Of honor medal men "a
show what officers have proven them Oh
YES to be fitted for such duties ~ ~