Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-01

ton in the country. After graduating from
Troy a civil engineer in 1896. he entered
the United States Naval Academy. ana
was a member of the first class of ens1-
neers ever graduated from the Naval Acad-
envy. He served on various ships. and on
all stations, except that of the Asiatc.
In the early years of his naval career
Capt. Rae was assigned to duty under the
late Admiral c. r. P. Rodgers. who took
an exceptional interest in him and his
work, and who predicted highly success
full career for him. 1t was probably while
doing duty under Admiral Rodgers that he
first acquired the deep interest that he
possesses in the naval service, and the ex-
Ceeding high regard he has for Its ira
ditions and customs. He served two tours
of duty at the Naval Academy, each OF
four yearS-in each case the stay having
been prolonged by reason of his special
fitness and aptitude for the work. His last
tour of duty at the Naval Academy was
as head of the department Of steam en-
cheering.
Chief Engineer on the Iowa.
A year previous to the Spanish-American
he was detailed chief engineer OF
the U. S. s. Iowa. the appointment being
specially pleasing to Capt. w. I. Sampson
who was then commander of the ship. He
served in the Iowa throughout the entire
war. his vessel during that period having
been engaged in the 'bombardment OF
San Juan, Porto Rico, as we'll as
in numerous bombaruments at San
tiago. Cuba He was the chief engineer
of the Iowa when she helped to destroy
Cervera'S fleet. He was advanced three
numbers in grade for eminent and CON
spicuous conduct in battle and received
medal for the campaign in the West In
dies. When appointed as the successor
to Admiral Melville he was member or
the naval examining board. Washington
D. c.. and technical examiner for the
United States Civil Service Commission.
Abilities of a High Order.
1t is stated that Cat. Rae was appointed
because he possessed administrative and
engineering attributes of high order. One
of the special features of his strength Is
his receptiveness for informatio and his
remarkable ability to separate the wheat
from the chaf in technical matters. BY
reason of his readiness and promptness IN
recognizing the work of subordinates he
commands the respect, esteem and alice
ton of practically every man doing en-
cheering duty in the navy. for during his
service afloat and his eight years tour of
duty at the Naval Academy he has oracti-
cally met and measured the value of all
officers who were trained as engineers
There is no office. in the service who is
more appreciative than Capt. Rae of The
work done by Admiral Melville and none
better acquainted with the methods and
purposes OF his distinguished predecessor
And yet no two bureau chiefs are more
different in temperament than these two
men. Each commands the esteem and
loyalty of the entire engineering personnel
in the navy, and each in his own way can
and will do much for It's prestige and ad-
rancement.
Both of these men by reason of their
physical stature and bearing would COM
ma nd attention and respect in any assem-
Elage, and each in his special way pos
sesses remarkable power Of presenting a
statement and of advocating cause.
The new engineer in-chief is fully alive to
the character and extent of the work that
I,o IL I'D witch q
intimate knowledge of men and measures
connected with the naval service, 1t is
certain that the recognition given to engi-
neering work by Admiral Melville will be
advanced by the new engineer-in-chief.
AS member Of the personnel board Capt.
Rae is thoroughly acquainted with the rea-
sons and necessity for amalgamating the
duties of the line and engineer officers. and
therefore the navy personnel feature will
be watched by him very carefully.
His Special Aim.
AS Capt. Rae is fully cognizant of the
fact that this is an engineering age AMI
that the modern battle ship is a floating
fortress and machine shop. 1T will be his
special aim to urge the strengthening of
the engineering curriculum at the Naval
Academy and to make the proposed naval
engineering laboratory at Annapolis an in
stitution of incalculable benefit to naval
advancement and progress.
The appointment of Capt. Rae Is distinct
ly suggestive by reason of the fact that
he is the first Annapolis graduate to sue
coed to the office of engineer-in-chief. Judg-
ing by his official record. which Is without
blemsh, and by the original engineering
research and investigation that he con-
Quoted while head of the department of
steam engineering at the Naval Academy.
1t is certain that the navy has secured by
this selection one who will not permit
gineering retrogression to occur during his
period of office.