New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-06
IN THE ARMY AND NAVY.
GFrom The Tribune Bureau. ]

NAVAL ACADEMY CODE.-The naval author1-
ties do not expect there will be Congressional In
vestisation into the affairs of the Naval Academy
result of the publicity attending the settle
ment of quarrels among the midshipmen Secre-
tary Bonaparte is determined that the
court martial shall made its report in the case
of Meriwether there shall be action on the
part of the academic officials of such nature as
will discourage the practice of resorting to fist
fights to carry out the code of honor prevalent at
the institution. Mr.. Bonaparte believes there is
every justification for stopping the fights at all
hazards despite the theory that it is necessary IN
the interest of manly defence of character He
takes the position that the practice is against the
law and the academic regulations and is not gen
tlemanly or military. and he has instructed the
superintendent take such action as viii prevent
the reform will be accomplished Immediately or
perhaps during the next few years. but it is be-
men the realization that they should no in
dgse in s fights than Their seniors IN me t 5erVe dee
partment believes Congressional investigation IS
ments which would be by critics OF the depart
en The he eas aaRSf she the
information. as well as the power and INCLINATION
ing ii the abuses uses at the Naval Academy
ARMY MUTUAL AID TRoUBLEs.-A special
committee Of which Judge Advocate General Davis
is the senior member. pronounces the Army Mutual
Aid Association to on its last legs and destined
to fail unless there is remedy promptly ap
piled. The deficit has steadily grown, and it
becomes necessary to revise the whole system of in
surance and establish the association a sound
solvent and perpetual basis. 1t is found that the
members have all along paid too little for their in
surance, and that every death has cost the asso-
citation more than 1t would had adequate rates been
paid. The report of the committee. backed up by
the Endorsement of consulting actuary will cause
CONSERVATION among the members of the associa-
ton and will lead TO much discussion especially
among the older members. The question OF reor,,
ganization will up at the forthcoming annual
mRe e mesn ah tme neF The eottee plan Of
reorganization the failure to adopt which is pre-
inevitable in the end and the end cannot be long
deferred says the committee Of relief Inc fa6t
and depend upon It for relief OF their famies IN
pec S in the Management Of the affairs of the
+ association
ECHO OF SPANISH WAR.-Numerous officers
and men attached to the naval command in CUBAN
waters in November, 1898 who have been receiving
prize money on account of the capture OF the
British steamer Adua at Guantanamo Bay are
found to have been enormously paid and it will be
necessary to revise the entire list in order to allow
two naval surgeons not included in the original cal
culations to in for their share of the allo-
ment The officers are Surgeons W. F. Arnold. now
on the retired list. and J. NJ. Edgar now attached
to the Monocacy. The difference in each case is
little but the Importance of the ruling, which Is
made by Assistant Controller Mitchell. is derived
versed. It is now held that officer attached to
ad p F of the pze OF
course. this decision future value since the
| Of the land. At the same time the decision win
attract much attention. since in the o ease s of The he
Resoute, at the time Of the capture; They were we're
%ere consdered as attached to the Vessel although
they with the marines at Camp McCaia the
Hsasua5
MORE CARE ABOUT RECRUITs.-The civilian
physicians who have been employed to conduct the
examinations of candidates at general recruiting
stations in all parts of the country will not be re-
taned that service. 1t is found that their ac-
ceptance of recruits has been expensive Many Of
the applicants who reported physically up
to the requirements were subsequently discharged
from the military service for disability, and in
session also of the means of claiming pension. 1t
is believed that the better system Of physical ex
amina ton, which would have more profit
able results. would be to hold the recruiting Off
cer-who is line officer instead of a surgeon-per-
sonally responsible. to certain extent for the &C
which there four in New-YorK City. Such an
officer who passes a recruit after general exam
ination Of physical fitness must spend the cost Of
general recruiting Station to the recruit depots,
provided It shall appear at the latter place that
crufting depots. one OF which is at Fort Slocum,
Various no Of the n there viii be- be oSs IN
lar army surgeons to conduct detailed physical ex-
where the physical examinetion is only general.
Vation At each general recruiting station. nciud
ng those ct No -, g $6-aye No $50 $d,ave No 7s
the statiGn in Br09Ryn there viii be on duty men
accepted recruit.
FAR EAST NAVAL STATION.-Reports received
at the Navy Department from the naval station
at Cavits the remarks which have been
made in other years, showing the embarrassed
situation there account of the mo expansion
policy of the Navy Department regarding that
station and much In favor of Olongapo The
means of doing repair work on ships Of the
Asiate squadron at the latter place will be some
years off, and In the mean time there is little
doing at Cavite in the way of the maintenance of
the plant. which is now reported as being on the
directly responsible for the maintenance of the
efficiency of the station urging in their reports
caTs and it IS possible that Secretary Bona
parte who comes to the consideration of the ques-
it ess Influenced by the advocates Of oongapo will
see that IL is right sf9n9mIfal and wise to keep
station worth while. This does not mean that
ment which is undoubtedly needed to put that place
in readiness for work as soon as possible.
LETHARGY AMONG TRooPs-GeneraI J. NJ
Lee, who commands the Department of Texas, has
called attention to the failure of troops of his
command to take part in drills and practice
marches. Taking the record of month at five
different posts, found less than co per cent
attended drills and other military instruction
He comes the conclusion that this is clearly at
the expense of military efficiency. General Lee be-
bestowed upon athletic work and while ali rea
sonabie encouragement should be given and favors
dulgences should not to the extent of excusing
athletes in the army from any duty. such as guard
men of the command.
DEFICIENCIES AT oUANTANAMo.-Th Navy
Department has been informed that It Ia irnpract-