The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-07-12
GOVERNMENT
OF naval
ACADEMY

Washington. July l2.-The board Of Wis
itors 10 tho naval academy has submitted
its report 10 the secretary OF the navy.
The board is OF the opinion that the dis
cipline and morals Of the midshipmen arc
in n high state Of perfection and that the
practice OF hazing has been effectively
ended The members OF the board speak
IN high terms of superintendent Brown
son and officers AT the academy and make
| the following recommendation:
I THAT the laws be amended so that nom
/ inations OF candidates for appointment as
| midshipmen shall be made a year in adj
/ vance Of the entrance of the midshipmen
TO the academy
AN amendment is proposed which
changes the date after which nominations
may be made from March OF the year OF
entrance. under tho pregent system. to
June OF tho year preceding the date O:
entrance.
This change is recommended in order
that members OF congress may have more
time 10 select their candidates. and that
candidates may have better opportunities
for preparation for the examinations.
with tho idea Of eliminating special
courses and "cramming" for tho entrance
examination.
1T Is believed also that the longer time
OF notice will result in a large number OF
the candidates passing the examination.
so that the quota will be more nearly
complete
THAT the academic course be restored
10 the full four years and graduation oc-
cur I'm June instead OF February.
THE board believes that the shortening
OF the prescribed course deprlves the mid
shipmen Of important professional instruc-
tions.
THAT the two-year sea service OF mid
shipmcn be abolished and on completion
OF four years AZ the academy they be
commissioned as ensigns. 10 take rank in
accordance with the order OF their merit
at tho date OF examination.
THAT the maximum age for admission
be placed NJ ~ instead OF 20 years.
THAT civilian professors and instructors
be provided with quarters or commuta-
tion therefor 10 be allowed tho privilege
OF purchasing fuel at government rates:
that provision be made for their promo
tion and increased compensation as they
progress In experience and efficiency
THAT tho appropriations for the Naval
Academy by congress hereafter he made
IN an independent bill, as is done by West
Point
THAT provision be made that some
members OF each board OF visitors hold
over through the following year"
N Is suggested that two OF the presi-
Dental appointments be apDointsd for one
year each, two -far-t -tHHe-y~ars and three
for three years each; that one senator
shall serve for one year and one senator
for two years: that one member Of the
house shall serve for one year. one for
two years and one for three years
Tie board believes that majority OF the
members I'm each year should have had
some previous knowledge or experience
with the workings OF the academy: that
the lack of such knowledge or experience
has been the cause Of emba rrassment TO
botrds OF visitors for years past
Tho members OF the board were Al fol-
lows: senator Charles Dick and James r.
McCreary Representative Edward Nree-
land, Frank r. Brandege and William A.
Jones. Captains John Wilkes and W 8
Jaques. Prof G. NJ. Pinker Messrs James
G. Courts, Joseph c. Darlington. DR. s
w. Stratton and Col William r. Nelson