The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-01-07
STILL OUT IN The GOLD
Heroes of Santiago are Not
Only Unrewarded ,
BUT SOME ARE WORSE OFF
Than Before the War-Long.
Reminds Congress.

Washington, Jan. 6-secretary Long
has addressed the following letter to the
fairs of the house and senate, embodying
the departments latest view as to the
best means of rewarding the naval Off
GERS who participated in the destruction
of Cevera's fleet off Santiago:
''Sr: The department has the honor to
suggest that the present system of re-
warding officers of the navy and marine
corps for eminent and conspicuous con-
/ duet in battle and extraordinary hero
/ ISM under the provisions respectively of
| sections 1906 and 1905 Of the revised sta
| trtes, has been found TO be unsatisfac-
| tory, since, in its impracticable applca-
| tino, it operates unjustly, and in some
instances defeats the purpose for which
it was devised. At the present time some
officers who rendered distinguished ser
vices during the war with Spain have, IN
recognition thereof, been advanced upon
the list: others remain without reward
OF any kind; while others still, by the
curious operation of the existing system,
find themselves in lower relative posi-
tons than they occupied before the war
Of 1885, in which they so CALAMITY par
ticipated. An illustration of the obiec-
tionable operation of the present method
of rewards is afforded by the case of Cap
tain Charles E. Clark, L. S. N, who
commanded the Oregon during the men,
orable run of that vessel from Pacific to
Atlantic waters and in the battle of San
tiago. and yet, owing to the promotion
over him of Captains Gridley, Coughlan
and Dyer, for their eminent and con-
spicuous conduct in the battle Of Ma
Mia Bay, is today two numbers, and if
Captain Gridley had survived. would be
three numbers, lower ON the list than if
the war had never occurred.
1.-The vigilance, prudence aNd capacity,
unremitting and sustained, wisely meet
ing as they successfully arise the count
less details of the management of a bat
tleship, establishing and maintaining the
morale essential to good work and bring
ing the vessei into effective action at a
critical time are qualities which entitle
an officer to share in rewards, if aay
are given, for distinguished naval ser
vice. These qualities are exhibited in
a high degree by the officers participat-
ing in the battle of Manila. who have been |
rewarded by advancement on the navy
list. They were also exhibited by other
officers, particularly those who so con-
spicuously and meritoriously participant
ed in the battle of Santiago. and yet |
have not in any way been rewarded.
Where officers have bravely and with |
jealous patriotism acquitted themselves /
in difficult circumstances with uniform
success an analytical comparison Of their |
respective achievements is practically |
impossible, since all the varied circum- /
stances of the several cases can hardly /
be taken into full and accurate account. /
1t is, however, deemed to be the duty of /
the department to bring to the attention |
of the committee, with the recommended /
ton that early action be taken by con-
gress in the matter. the general question
of the inadequacy of the present system |
of rewards, and to suggest that remedy !
is to be fixed in the n'visions of certain |
measures now before congress. One OF |
these. i. E., SENATE Bill No $50, lSnh |
congress. last session., provides that the |
advancement of rank or officers of the /
navy and marine corps for war service /
shall not interfere with the regular pro-
motion of officers otherwise entitled there
to. This measure is similar to senaoe
bill $500 Fifty-fifth congress, third ses-
sion, which was prepared by the depart
ment and has. 1 am informed, already
passed tht senate at its present session
and if enacted into law will, in the case
above cited, for example, have the eff
feet of restoring to the officer concerned
the numbers lost by advancement here
tofore made under the present system.
THE other Of these is Bill 5000, Fifty
fifth congress, third session, providing
for suitable rewards for officers and men
of the navy and marine corps for ex-
ceptional and ceritorious service in the
line of duty This measure is believed to
afford satisfactory substitute for the
present method of rewards. would en-
able the department to confer upon the
officers above deferred to. the medal there
in designated as the honor medal with
its attendant advantages and benefits,
and would, it is thought. provide equit-
able recognition in the cases OF other
officers of the navy entitled thereto by
reason of exceptional service in the line
Of duty.
in consideration of the Importance OF
this general question. the department ur-
gently requests that it may receive such
early attention OF the committee as its
will suggest.
Very respectfully.
JOHN D. long.