The Washington times., 1902-07-14
Changes Made by Mr..
Moody Not R. llshed by
Staff Officers.
is HOLDING A TIGHT REIN
Will Assign to Ship Duty Superfuous
Officers Assigned to Shore Positions
Requests That He Wise Ali Orders
Formerly Issued Direct.

The Secretary of the Navy has started
his administration of that department
so vigorously that the heads OF the bu
reaus are amazed.
When Mr.. Moody assumed the posi-
tion of Secretary he let it be under
stood among bureaucrats at the Navy
Department that he and not they would
direct matters OF public safety with
which the department was connected.
Secretary Long was recognized as a
fine executive official, but he was very
casy-going in his methods. and under
him the chiefs of the bureaus were not
placed under very much restraint. 1t
vas common saying when Long was
at the head CT the Navy Department
that the bureau chiefs issued orders
ard afterward consulted the Secretary.
Will Wise ALI Orders.
Mr.. Moody has let It be understood
that no orders are to be issued until
after he has been consulted. except in
'NNt4iI' ih4eAtbtio ONtE WI tie SeCT6-
tLry is not supposed to exercise super
vision.
One Of the reforms which Mr.. MOODY
has adopted and which he will put into
operation at once is certain to interfere
with the program Of certain officers who
have been revelling in shore duty for
years and who have also made their
plans with the idea that they will re-
tain their present assignments for some
years to come
The Secretary has learned that many
Of the officers on shore duty are super
fiuous and he has written letter to
the chiefs of the divisions ut the Navy
Department inquiring why certain off
GERS now on duty in the different divis-
sions could not be relieved from their
present duties and assigned to duty on
shipboard.
Have Not Done Share of Duty.
For many years there has been an
urgent demand from the Navy Depart
ment for legislation by Congress that
would increase the number OF naval off,
GERS. When this demand was pressed
members CT the House who are conver-
SAINT with the conduct of affairs at the
Navy Department have taken the trou-
bic to point cut that there are on duty
at the department officers who have not
taken their regular turn at sea duty AMI
they have insisted that before granting
additional officers there should be some
reorganization OF the various bureaus at
the department.
Secretary Moody also, it would seem,
takes the position that there is SUI
licient number of officers IL the service
and that the trouble is that they are not
assigned to duty in the proper manner.
The Impression in the House and Senate
is that the great majority of naval Of
scers have soft snaps in the way of
shore billets. and the result of Mr..
Mcody's Inquiries is expected to con-
firm this impression.
To Reorganize Bureaus.
Secretary Moody has also decided to-
reorganize the various bureaus Of the
department. and in this direction he has
proposed several changes which have
arovoked sharp criticism from the heads
cf the bureaus.
The Secretary Of the Navy is au-
thorized by Law to distribute the duties
Of the Navy Department as he may see
II. ard Il is under this general direc-
.jcn that mr. Moody will act. The de-
tails of this plan contemplate the as
signmouts Of all officers except those
Of flag rank by the chief of the Bureau
Of Navigation. who is to be the head
Of the division Of personnel
All other bureaus. including the bur
rcaus of supplies. accounts and medi-
zine and surgery. are to be placed under
the assistant secretary OF the navy, but
in case he should need advice he can
receive assistance from 4 line officer de
tailed for that purpose.
BureaucTats Up in Arms.
The staff bureaus vigorously object to
this arrangement for the reason. II is
irced. that the line will thus be enabled
70 extend its authority. Having the de-
tail OF all officers. save those Of flag
rank. in its power, the bureau Of person.
mel can, it is - not only assign line
but staff officers to duty at such points /
as It may see a = embarrass the heads |
IF the departments in the performance |
Gf their work.
It is also pointed out by those who |
Of. ioct to the secretary's plan that. |
should the Office of assistant secretary |
become vacant. the line officer detailed