Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-09-03
LONGER COURSE URGED
REPORT OF VISITORS TO THE
NAVAL ACADEMY.
It is Recommended That the Board Be
a Contrasting Body-Time
Of Meetings.

Secretary Morton today received the re-
port Of the board of visitors to the Naval
Academy, of which Representative M J.
Wade of Iowa Is president. giving full ac-
count of the recent inspection of the insti-
tuition by the board. 1t is reported that
hazing has been effectually stopped
The board makes number of important
recommends tions designed to increase the
efficiency of the naval school. 1t is recon-
mended that the regular course of study,
now three years and half, be restored inn
mediately to four years; also that the Navy
Department consider the appointment of
special board for the purpose of co-ordinat
Ing graduate and undergraduate instruction
in the navy, so that there may be no waste
of the opportunities for graduate study
along the many special lines essential in
the service.
Other Recommendations.
Other recommended tons are that civilian
professors and instructors be provided with
quarters or Communication, that civilian IN
structors receive commissions as professors
and be retired for age; that the tour of duty
of officers at the academy be not less than
three years; that the age limit be materially
reduced and that the course be made five
years, at the end of which time graduates
shall be commissioned: that the teaching
staff be substantially increased for the COM
ing year; that the regulations for admission
in force at West Point be adopted for the
Naval Academy, so that graduates of repu-
table and weIl-established schools may be
admitted by satisfactory certificates; that
5000 be appropriated for the purchase OF
additional boats and equipment for sail
ing and aquatic sports: that the practice,
now too common, of wafVing physical de-
fects on entrance for re-eXamination be
discontinued: that as soon as practicable
the entire work of the academy along the
line of physical training be organic. on
more modern lines than now prevail.
The Board of Visitors.
The board renews the suggestion made
by the board of visitors in its last annual
report that the best interests of the Naval
Academy, as we'll as the economical ex-
penditure Of money In its seaport, demand
that the board of visitors be selected so
that there shall be continuity in its mem
bership. To that end the board recommends
legislation providing that members be ap-
pointed for term of three years and that
such appointments be adjusted so that the
term of four members shall expire each
year. In that way the board says there
will always be in service at least eight
members who are familiar with their duties
and who know the responsibilities involved
in the supervision OF this great education
al institution. 53...' -
In recognition of the long and efficient
service of Swordma ster A. J. Corbesier the
board recommends that IL be made a war
rant officer.
Meetings Of tie Board.
The board suggests tlnt It would result
in more intelligent and generally satisfac-
tory work by the board. and more compre-
hensive information for the benefit of Con-
gress If the official meeting could be called
at a time of the year when the board
could give its exclusive official attention
to the working conditions existing at the
academy without the interruption and dis
traction that are now inevitable during
June week, with its official and social fupc-
tions, in which the board gratefully feels
called upon to participate in view of the
unstinted hospitality extended to the mem
bers by the officers of the Naval Academy
In closing its report the board says: I'VE
admire the patriotic devotion to duty which,
despite adverse conditions at present exist
ing on account of lack of room and equip
ment and assistance, is molding the sons
of the poor and the sons of the rich, side
by side, with no distinction in opportunity,
into efficient naval officers. qualified to bear
the burdens which the years may bring, and
worthy to defend the sacred honor of their
ppuntrV'S flag