New-York tribune., 1905-07-10
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS.
[rRoM THE TRIBUNE BunEAu.l

washington. y.
STILL INVESTIGATING DESERToNS.-The
army inspectors general WILL during their annual
inspections of the posts throughout the country
which work begins. have instructions to look
with special into the question of desertions.
1t is too much. say the army officers. TO expect
that any new light viii be thrown on the question.
or that any real solution Of the vexatous problem
will be presented There is, moreover, no great
need of anxiety, inasmuch the percentage or de-
sertions is not greater than hitherto General
Chafree is, however desirous of knowing whether
the new system OF having general recruiting de-
pots has had any effect worth mentioning upon de-
sertions. He takes personal interest IN that sys
tenn. and intends to start the recruit on the right
track he says. that he may know before he
joins his command in the field just what to & expect
For this reason the conditions OF army NE are
one is located at Davids Island NewYork It is ex-
pected that the method Of instruction and train
stations Will have beneficial effect in preventing
no such optimistic view. They say that nothing
will remove the condition, and that the pe5i
be so evenly balanced that the desertions VIII be
kept at fair proportion: Inese Gters nf1r l S nre
vent desertons At the same time. the inspectors
sents in a new way for those who have charge of
force.
RESTORING FORT PUTNAM.-The superintend-
ent of the Military Academy has advised the war
Department that he has begun the restoration OF
the Revolutionary relic old Fort Putnam, situated
on tho heights above West Point and commanding
a magnificent view of the Hudson River ana the
academy grounds proper. For some years GeheraI
Mills has been desirous of preserving Fort putnam
from decay It's old masonry walls are tumhling
down and the classmates. built of brick. and from
which the guns Of the patriot defenders were fired
falling; Congress last session aPPFoPriattSe,d tS,a
work which General Mills has started in with He
Tort and win take such steps as will keep the old
place from further destruction by the elements
the main one being the lesson it teaches to the
cadets under instruction at the academy
WILL, ASK FOR ADVANCE PAY.-The War De-
partrent early next session of Congress Will
make an urgent recommendation in favor OF lesis-
lation which shall restore to the army the privilege
OF obtaining months pay in advance for officers
and men under orders to proceed TO the philippines
This has been the practice for some years-ever
since troops have been going to the islands, and 1t
has only recently been discovered by the Controller
cause the law authorizing such advances of pay
was enacted for the benefit Of volunteer 6goTPs ana @
regulars to obtain pay In advance ana the % S -
to the Islands for duty are put to serious incon.
venence and confronted with the necessity OF
getting the money necessary in the transfer where
they may. The War Department people say that
It is absolutly necessary for most of the ofhcers
and men to have the months advance of pay, and
early occasion will be sought TO remedy the oelecl'
CHANCE FOR ENGINEERS.-It has been de-
cided to hold the examination OF candidates for
appointment assistant civil engineer In the
navy in New-York City on october 8. There are
five vacancies in the corps. and 1t Is hoped 10 oo-
tain enough candidates to fill the places. two OF
which have been vacant for a year or more, Tne
board Of examiners will be composed entirely OF
civil engineers OF senior rank Formerly u was
the practice detail as the head or the ooaru a
line officer OF exalted rank but most Of those desig
mated FOR this duty realized that they out OF
place and objected to serving In that capaSity
The coming examination will be fully advertised, 10
the end that graduates OF technical schools may
know OF the Opportunity they have TO enter q
naval corps.