The Washington times., 1903-04-11
Advocates of Plan Would
Abolish Bureau of Navi-
CATION and Place Its Duties
Under Natural SubdiVi-
SiOnS.
No Infringement Contem-
plated Upon Work of
Other Bureaus-Ohief to
Be Directly Responsible
to Secretary.

The greatest interest has been excited
IN the navy over the active efforts 10
procure The establishment OF a general
staff. While few details of the plan pre-
pared by members o. the general board
have been disclosed. the discussion of the
matter has brought forth an authorita-
tive statement concerning the purposes
aimed al by the promoters of the project
This is The statement given:
The plan for a general stan for the
navy conJemplates the abolition Of the
title OF the Bureau Of Navigation and
assigns the performance of its duties to
the general staff without trausgressing
upon the powers or authority of other
naval bureaus. The necessity for Con
gressionsI legislation rests in the statu-
tory authorization of a chief of the gen
eral staff and subordinate officers, who
shall have rank appropriate with their
responsibilities for the efficiency of the
personnel and of the fleet in commission.
These officers will direct. under the See
retary Of the Navy, The military affairs
OF the fleet, and be responsible 10 him
Tor its readiness for war.
Natural Subdivision.
The efficient administration OF great
OF organizations requires a natural suo-
division OF the various duties under re-
sponsibIe heads, while a coordination
OF these several subdivisions under .
single head is equally necessary This
can be done by means Of a general staff
IN the navy without interfering WIN
the work and responsibilities OF bureaus
other than that OF navigation, and with
out II any degree diminishing "a
way the power OF the Secretary Of the
Navy. To him the chief Of the general
stan will be directly responsible in the
same sense and 10 the same degree as Is
now the chief of the Bureau OF Naviga-
tion. The latter, at present, has charge
OF numerous subjects OF a diversified
character
He is, for instance. among other du-
ties. expected 10 advise the Secretary
in the matter Of the assignment 10 duty
OF commissioned officers, TO exercise q
supervision over the education of mid
shipmer. and the post graduate tnstruc-
tton CT officers. to provide Tor the enlist
menI and distribution OF men. to con
duct petty officers schools. to arrange
for the training OF the enlisted force, TO
prepare ships compliments OF officers
and men. 10 keep the records of the COM
missioned and enlisted personnel. TO or
ganize fleets and squadrons. TO mobilize
and distribute he floating force. 10 pro
vide target practice and drills, 10 super
intend maneuTers. including those with
The army. TO make the plans for furnish
ing a feet with al necessary supplies,
10 provide the Naval War College with
its means of investigation and research,
10 acquire information OF value IN ser
vice matters. TO study and develop
strategy ard tactcs; in fact, 10 have an
Intimate knowledge Of and take the re-
s2onsibiIity for all that relates 70 the
discipline and distribution of the per
sonnel and the efficient preparation Of
the feet for var.
No Permanent Tenure Intended.
III will be admitted that in order TO
have perfect and complete organiza-
ton, there should be an officer 10 assist
the Secretary. who would be responsible
10 The Secretary for the proper cOnduet
OF campaigns II is, therefore, proposed
that the various duties of the Bureau OF
Navigation be subdiyided and placed IN
der subordinate heads. and that a chiei
O. general staff be created, who, under
the direction OF the Secretary, provides
for the efficient cooperation OF these
subdivisions There would thus be pro-
yIded a head and group Of officers who
would be responsible 10 the Secret ary
for the proper distribution Of the deet
and for the execution OF the var plans
which they have prepared
,Erurn nEnAEr