The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-04

of inspection. The same fees are to be
collected and paid into the treasury for
the inspection of such vessels as are
charged in the home country to the
United States vessels.
Federal Liability.
Chairman Foss, OF the House Copimlt-
tee on, Naval Affairs. has introduced a
bill, which will very probably become
q law, that provides for granting the
right to sue for damages for injuries
received by any lalborer. mechanic. or
other employe of the navy department,
received while in the discharge of his
duty. II such injury be the fault of any
other employee OF the government.
In case of death, the widow. or the rela-
tive dependent upon the wages of the
empIoye killed, may sue. Proof Of negli-
gence on the part OF the person killed or
injured will be bar to recovery, and the
amount which may be sued for is limited
to four thousand dollars in the case of
injuries, and to five thousand In case of
death. The law is OF utmost Importance
to navy yard employees.
Another bill introduced by Chairman
Foss provides for radical changes in the
matter of naval courts. The bill creates
what are termed deck courts" for the
trial OF enlisted men of the navy or
marine corps. and which may be conven-
ed by the commanding officer of q naval
vessel, by the commandment of a navy
yard or station. by q commanding officer
of marines, or by higher authority. Tho
court is to be for the trial of men charged
with minor offences. and 1T Is provided
that In no case shall the punishment in
flictcd go AS far as discharge from the
service nor shall the Imprisonment or
forfeiture of pay be for a longer term
than thirty days
To Reorganize Navy.
A third bill, introduced by the chair
man of the Committee on Naval Affairs,
is of most general interest. MS 1t pro-
vldes for complete reorganization of the
Eavy and marine corps. The bill pro-
vides that hereafter the commander OF
the Atlantic and of the Pacific fleet shall
have the rank OF vice-ndmiral, to receive
the pay and allowances of a Lieutenant
general of the army. The grade of COM
modore is revived, sixteen of them to be
on the active list at the Same time to be
created by promotion from the rank of
captain. Boards organized for the exam
fnation of officers for promotion are to
consist Of five MEMBERS and they may
act as retiring boards in case an appli-
cant for promotion Is found unfit for
service.
Three of the members are to be select
ed from the same corps as the candidate.
and two from the medical corps The
medical members shall personally examine
the candidate as to his physical and men
tai fitness.
After thirty years service an officer may
be retired by the President. and placed
on the retired list.
Secretary to Award Medals,
The Secretary of the Navy is authorized
to award medals to officers and men of
the navy and marine corps who distin-
guish themselves In action or under other
circumstances,
Assistant Paymasters, after three years
service, shall be eligible to examination
for promotion to the grade Of past as
sistant paymasters provided that tho
total number of passed assistant and as
sistant pylnasters shall not be thereby in.
creased. No person shall be appointed
assistant paymaster. who, at the time OF
such appointment, Is less than twenty
three or more than twenty-eight years
OF age.
The title warrant machinist" is chang
ed to "machinist," and the latter after.
six years service, may be commissioned
chief imachinist, to rank with, but after,
ensign, and shall, on promotion, have
the pay and allowances of chief boat
swain. chief gunner, chief sailmaker, pro-
vided that no nlachnist shall be promoted
until he shall have passed prescribed
examination.