The Tucson citizen., 1902-01-08
Old Naval feudS Recalled
Jealousy Of SChley Heretofore.

lat1On on any naVhi subject OtHer tHdI.
through and with the approval OF
the Navy Department. Mr. Chandler
went at some length into a discussion
of the matter and asserted particular
ly that II was not the privilege OF sub
ordinate naval officers. without the
knowledge and consent OF the Presi-
dent, to petition Congress either for
or against proposed legislation.
All of the officers accepted Secre-
tary Chandler's view OF the case ex-
cept Rear Admiral A. Ludlow Case.
who addressed him the following la
comic note:
II have respectfully to reques.
that | may be informed whether
forfeited any of my rights as ciu-
zen of the United States by accept
ing and holding commission In
its service"
The correspondence which ensued Is
still regarded in the Navy Department
as settling the status of naval Off
GERS, so far as their individual rights
are concerned. Secretary Chandler
replied to Rear Admiral Cases In
quiry by saying that while none ot
the rights of citizens had been for
feiteo, many of them Had undoubted-
ly been surrendered. For instance.
he said, all naval officers surrender
the right of personal liberty which Is
enjoyed by the private citizen and be-
comes subject to the orders of his SUI
perior officers. They also surrender
the right Of petition, except where
that right Is exercised with the full
knowledge and approval of their STU
periors Admiral Case took issue
with Mr.. Chandlers Views and insist.
ed that under the first amendment to
the Constitution. which provides that
Congress shall make no law respect
ing an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof
or abridging the freedom of speech
or OF the press. or OF the right OF the
people peaceably to assemble and to
petition the government for redress
of grievances" he had a perfect right
to petition Congress.
He claims that this right had not
been voluntarily relinquished by en-
tering the military service II claim
the right" he said. ''as citizen of the
State of Rhode Island as a taxpayer
therein and being counted as one ot
the number required to make up the
apportionment tor its representation
in Congress"
Secretary Chandler's answer took
the ground that the matter was set
tied when Admiral Case accepted, as
he did. as correct principle of mill
tary government, the arbitrary pow
er of the military superior over his
The regulation which
forbids naval officers to at
tempt to influence legislation was an
order not to be disobeyed. MIR. Chand-
ler pointed out. for" he added. the
right Of disobedience in such a case
is like the right OF revolution" MIR.
Chandler ridculed Admiral Cases
claim that naval officers could,
against the will OF superior naval
hold public meetings or
other 'peaceable assemblies" appoint
secretaries and commit
tees. and otherwise besiege Congress
He showed that If the sailors on
board ship. or the officer in the ward |
room, held a meeting for the purpose |
Of preparing memorial 10 Congress !
even Admiral Case would speedily .
md such demonstration. III the |
persons so assembling" remarked Mr.. /
handler 'npon being called to ac- +
nount should set up the claim that
they were citizens of Rhode Island ,
and taxpayers therein. and counted in
the basis OF its Congressional repre- .
would you accept their ex-
ruse and retire to your cabin. awed by
the majesty of their citizenship.
After Secretary Chandler's retire
meut, Admiral Case renewed the con-
Iroversy with Secretary Whitney,
that as he exercised the
light Of suffrage he still possessed all
he other rights guaranteed by the
but the department did
lot change Its views