New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-12
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
CONDITIONS IN THE NAVY.
Wisdom of the Amalgamation of the Line
and Engineer Corps.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

10 the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: There has been a great deal said aga nst
the amalgamaton of the line and engineer corps
OF the navy, which took place by act of Congress
IN 1899 but the subject is carefully studied II Will
be seen that it is the best arrangement.
The engineer corps was not abolished and the
standing of the engineer not degraded as has
been said, for the line officer is engineer
officer. Those who not competent qualify
themselves i'll either branch. IL below forty years
OF age and all the younger easily be
given training which will make them competent.
livery commissioned officer doing deck or engine
duty ship shou!9 be trained to do either in
case part of tho complement is killed in action.
No commanding officer who is not engineer
mas the knowledge which will enable him to get the
pest results out of his ship. Too often do COM
handing officers. who without engineering
training, treat the engine department as if it did
not oeIong to their ship at ALL and instead of help
ing along the officer in charge of it, many
obstacles are often thrown in his way. it is
hard to keep the department in thoroughly eff
cient condition. All commanding officers should
know what can be got out of the machinery and
the men OF the engineer force under different cOnd
uohs' and also they should thoroughly understand
the difficulties to be surmounted in overhaung and
naming repairs and keeping the department in
thoroughly efficient condition They would then GER
talniy think of the engine department as much
part OF their ship as any other. and would always
lend 1t helping hand.
There was no mistake made i he amalgamation
OF the line and the engineer corps of the navy
what the navy needs is officers. Those that
desire to can qualify for engineering duty only.
When there are sufficient commissioned officers to
give each snip the number Tor engineering duty
that she needs there will be great Improvement
A DatteShIp should have chief engineer and six
assistants. commissioned officers. instead of chief
engineer and one assistant. is the case at pres
ent This shortage of commissioned officers has
thrown great strain On those doing engineering
duty on the ships
The warrant machinists a worthy class.
Ihere are doubtless exceptions, but the
greater part of them have neither the education
nor the training to nit them for engineer officers
An educated engineer officer is necessary to obtain
the best results.
There is really nothing necessary the proper
running of ship in either deck engine depart
nlent that cannot be accomplished with applica-
uon. by an educated person brought up
life. II one has never seen ship a machine
shop before. the United States laws allow him to
~ qualify as master of steamers In five
years, or. (2) qualify chief engineer of
steamers i'll six years. in the merchant service.
Those who wish 10 specialize along the lines Of
designing and building machinery and ordnance.
and otherwise, DO 50 particular aptitude
shows itself As years 20 by the mechanical ap
planes on board ship are increasing. Every part
of a gun is machine Everything is done by ma
chinery: Stewardship mas gone. and all that re-
mains Is handling ship under steam and the
navigation. What Is needed now Is engineers with
sells. The all-around training and manual deX-
terity of Admiral COchrane. r. N. who could show
every aboard, except the doctor, how to do his
work, is much needed 1t then.
A CHIEF ENGINEER NOT IN THE NAVY.
New-LOndon. Conn., May 10. 1905