The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-01-07
BADLY MIXED.
Methods Providing for RewardinG
Heroes of the Navy.

Methods Providing for Rewarding
Heroes of the Navy.
WASHINGTON, Jan. g. = Secretary
Long has addressed the following letter
to the chairman of the committee on ma
val affairs of the senate and house. en-
bodying the departments latest view as
to the best means Of rewarding the ma
val officers who participated in the de-
struction of Cervera's fleet off Santiago:
Sir: 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-
duct in battle and extraordinary nero
ism,' under the provisions respectively,
of sections 1906 and 1905, of the Revised
Statutes, has been found to be unsatis-
factory since in its impractical applica-
ton, it operates unjustly, and in some in
stances defeats the purpose for Which It
was devised. At the present time some
ices 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 curl
Gus operation Of the existing system,
find themselves in lower relative posi-
lions than they occupied before the war
of 1898, in which they so gallantly partic,,
ipated An illustration Of the oblectional
operation of the present method Of re-
wards is afforded by the case of Capt.
Charles E. Clark. U. S. N, who COM
manded the Oregon during the memoir
able run of that vessel from Pacifiee to
Atlantic waters, and at the battle of San
tiago and, yet owing to the promotion
over him of Capts. Gridley, Coghlan and
conduct in the battle Of Manila bay. IS
today two numbers, and If Capt. Gr1diey
had survived, would be three numbers,
lower on the list than If the war had
never occurred.
The vigilance. prudence and capacity,
unremitting and sustained, wisely meet
ing as they successfully arise the count
less details of the management of bat
tleship establishing and maintaining the
morale essential to good work, and bring
ing the vessel into effective action at a
critical time. are qualities which entitle
an officer to share in rewards If any are
given, for distinguished naval service
These qualities are exhibited In high
degree by the officers participating 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 participated
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
their respective achievements Is practi-
cally impossible, since all the various
circumstances of the several cases can
hardly be taken into full and accurate
the duty Of the department to bring to
the attention of the committee, with the
recommendation that early action be TAX
en- by congress in the matter the general
question Of the inadequacy of the pres
ent system Of rewards, and to suggest
that a remedy Is to be fixed In the proyi-
sions of certain measures now before
congress. One of these, l. e.. Senate Bill
800, Fifty-sixth congress. first SESSION..
provides that the advancement of rank of
officers of the navy and marine corps for
war service shall not interfere with the
regular promotion of officers otherwise
entitled thereto This measure is SINH
lar to Senate Bill 5006, Fifty-fifth con-
gress, third session, which was prepared
by the department. and has. l am inform
ed, already passed the senate at Its pres
ent session, and il enacted into law will,
in the case above cited, for example, have
cerned the numbers lost by advancements
heretofore made under the present sys-
tenn.
The other of these is BILL Senate Bill
providing for suitable rewards for Of
ficers and men Of the navy and marine
corps for exceptional and meritorious
service in the line of duty" This meas
substitute for the present method of re-
wards, would enable the department to
confer upon the officers above referred
to the medal therein designated as the
"honor medal" with It's attendant adj
vantages and benefits. and would. it is
thought, provide equitable 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
gently requests that it may receive such
early attention of the committee as it's
convenience will suggest. Very respect
fully, John D. Long, Secretary.