The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-07

Secretary Long Points Out Farits Of
the Present System.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6.-Secretary Long
has addressed the following letter to the
chairmen Of the committees on naval affairs
of the Senate and House. embodying the
departments latest views regarding the
naval officers who participated in the de-
struction Of Cevera's fleet off Santiago:
"Sir-The department has the honor to
suggest that the present system of reward
| ing officers of the navy and marine corps
| for eminent and conspicuous conduct IN
| battle and extraordinary heroism under
J the provisions. respectively, of Sections
| 1906 and 1865 of The Revised Statutes, has
been found TO be unsatisfactory; since in
| its practicable application 1t operates
unjustly and in some instances defeats the
purpose for which ii was devised. AT the
present time some officers who rendered
distinguished services during the war with
Spain have, in recognition thereof, been
advanced on 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
positions than they occupied before the
var of 1895 in which they so calamity par
ticipated.
IAN illustration of the Objectionable OPP
Grafton Of the present method of reward is
afforded by the case of Captain Charles T..
Clark, L. s. N, who commanded the Ore
gon during the memorable run of that
vessel from Pacific 10 Atlantic waters and
at the battle of Santiago, and yet, owing
TO the promotion over him of Captains
Gridley, Coghlan and Dyer for their emil
nent and conspicuous conduct in the battle
of Manila bay, Is to-day two, and IL Cap
tain 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 meeting
as they successfully arise, the countless
establishing and maintaining the morale
essential to good work and bringing the
vessel into effective action at a critical
time are qualities which entitle an officer
to share in rewards, If they given, for
distinguished naval service. These quail
ties are exhibited in high degree by the
officers participating in the battle of Ma
Mia, who have been rewarded by advance
ment on the navy list. They were also ey-
hibited by other officers, particularly those
who so conspicuously and meritoricusly
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 sue
cess an analytical comparison of their re-
Spectfve achievements is practically i'm
possible. since all the varied circumstances
of the several cases can hardly be taken
into full and accurate account. 1t is, how
ever. deemed to be the duty of the depart
ment TO bring TO the attention OF the COM
mitee with the recommendation that early
action be taken by Congress in the matter,
the general question of inadequacy of the
pAtScul SYSTEM OI TeWdTuS anu 10 suggest
that a remedy be fixed in the provi-
sions of certain measures now before Con-
Gress. One Of these provides that the adj
vancement of rank of officers of the navy
and marine corps for war services shall
not interfere with the regular promotion
of officers otherwise entitled thereto. This
measure will have the effect of restoring
to the officers concerned the numbers lost
by advancement heretofore made under the
present systm. The other measure is one
providing for suitable rewards for officers
and men of the navy and marine corps
for exceptional and meritorious service in
the line of duty. This measure Is believed
to afford a satisfactory substitute for the
present method of rewards, would cnabls
the department to confer on the officers
above referred to the medal therein desIg-
mated as the honor medal with its attend
ant advantages and benefits and would. il
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.
I'm consideration of the Importance OF
this general question the department u
gently requests that IL may receive such
early attention of the committee as its
convenience will slgpest