New-York tribune., 1903-07-09
PLANS FOR THE NAVY.
TALK OF NEW CH4IRMAN.
RunOrs That Dir. Foss Mag Not Be
Reoppointed- General Staff.
TFRoM rHE rRIBuNE BuREAU.l


Washington, July s.-With the presence in Wash
lhston for the last two days OF the members of the
house Committee Naval Affairs. preparatory to
embarking the Dolphin for a pleasant cruise of
inspection along the coast TO the north OF Norfolk
matters pertaining to the navy from a legislative
point OF view have been discussed with some inter-
esting indications of future endeavors.
In the first place. and perhaps Of greatest i'm
poFtance is the gossip that there is to be change
In the craftsmanship of the committee. The reason
why 1t is said that Speaker Cannon will gracefully
assign Representative Foss to place on the great
Committee Appropriations, instead OF continu-
ing him at the head OF naval affairs, is because
Mr.. Foss has in his three years service at the
head Of the naval committee exhibited altogether
too mild in handling in Congress one of
the great fighting arms of the nation This mild
ness of manner and lack OF enthusiastic energy on
the part OF Chairman Foss have been In striking
contrast with the qualities displayed in the work
of the committee. both in its private sessions and
the door OF the House. by Representative Aston
C. Dayton. OF West Virginia. the ranking Repub-
lican member of the committed
While the working qualities OF FosS and Dayton
such great contrast the personal relations Of
the two have always been cordial Both are advo-
Gates of q great navy but Mr.. Foss has dis
played timidity about voicing his beliefs which
attracted attention at the White House. and
last winter, when legislation touching the navy
at the point where the utmost skill required.
and conferences. the Presidents invitation, at
the White House were frequent it was noticeable
that Representative Dayton the more fire.
quent visitor Of the two to the executive offices.
In Mr.. Cannon's desire to place his Illinois col
league where his peculiar qualifications will accom-
plish most. 1t may be noted that he also has an
eye peculiarly single to the strengthening of the
naval committee. An assignment to the appropria-
tions committee, with the craftsmanship. perhaps
of subcommittee in charge of an important ap-
propriation BILL could not be regarded as a re,luc
ton in rank for Mr.. Foss
M ST. ant he rad fror, eif Mr.
Foss Mr. Dayton regarding the rumors OF such
programme, although those reports have been
discussed in a general way for some time. With
the cordial harmony which has always existed be-
tween Dayton and Foss. Mr. Dayton has expressed
himself as more than satisfied with his committee
position as it at present exists
Another subject which has been discussed IN a
tentative way while the members OF the Naval
Committee have been in the capital is the move
ment looking toward the establishment Of a gen
eral staff for the navy along similar lines to that
Of the army. This subject will undoubtedly be
taken up early in the next session. and there are
indications that the plans which are maturing in
the General Board of the Navy Department NAV
be materially modified by the legislators.
An alternative plan to a straight general staff
provision. originally coming from Representative
Dayton. has also been discussed. 1t is a modihca-
ton OF the army general staff idea, and it is not
unlikely unlike that at, this plan may be embodied in the
the IN & order that It may receive thorough
taRsn TSe id IS po prove by fRa a or SSfP 3rd is
yice-admirals one to command each of the three
admirals are to be selected by the President from
among the officers OF the navy not below the grade
of commander, and to serve for four years as vice
admrals in active command OF their respective
fleets At the end Of the four years they go back
to the rank they would have attained had they not
been appointed to the command. and retire when
their time comes without reference to the special
service The salary OF the vice-admrals will be
fixed in this bill at $4,000 year.
The selection for the ice-admiralty IS TO be made
records OF efficient service and general fitness.
and the appointments are to be confirmed by the
Senate. With this system each officer who reaches
the grade of commander has nine chances OF selec-
ton TO the higher grade before his retirement. and
the effect of knowing that these selections are 70
be made records obtained In the service. II Is
believed will not only stimulate the desire for
the service.