The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1906-12-21
LACK EXPERIENCE
Our Admirals Too Old When
They Reach Their Grade
PRESENT SYSTEM FAULTY
Captains and Flag Officers Lack
Full Development Because OF
Slow Promotion. No Time For
Study In Time OF Real War

Washington, Dec. 18.-Admiral
Dewey, in an interview, expressed deep
concern over the existing condition OF
the commissioned personnel of the line
of the navy and his qualification over
the presidents special message sent
to congress yesterday on the subject.
The admiral said that under our pres.
eGt system all our officers are passed
through the several grades until they
finally reach that of rear admiral, the
consequence being that officers are
commissioned commanders at the age
of 50. captains at 80, rear admirals at
60. and are placed on the retired list
at e.
Under the present system, as
rule" he continued, captains and ad-
mirals are so old when they reach
their grades that they cannot possibly
obtain the experience that is essential
to full development of their skill and
efficiency. The naval academy sup
plies the navy with splendidly equipped
young officers, unsurpassed by any in
the world and il is the fault of our
system of promotion that they are not
developed into uneXcelled captains and
flag officers We have a most intelli-
gent and efficient enlisted personnel.
They can shoot straight and quick and
can be depended upon, in the hour of
need, to thoroughly do their part, but in
a fleet action between battleshlps,
skilled admiral, with experienced cap
tains under him, will soon obtain the
advantage of position and will win the
fight by superior tactical experience
and skill
"Admlrals and captains are not born
any more than skilled chess players are
born. A fight between two modern
fleets, with h3gh speed battleships for
chessmen and the ocean for board, is
lost dramatic and intensely interest
ing game, upon which the fate of two
nations may depend. There is no time
for study, each player must be thor
oughly prepared and experienced, each
move must be made instantly, without
hesitation. and a single mistake will
lose the game.
"This marine chess game has been
recently played in the Sea of Japan.
Admiral Togo, a thoroughly trained and
experienced flag officer, with skilltul
and experienced captains under him,
handled his fleet with consummate
skill and won in less time than it takes
to tell the story.
LET us look facts squarely in the
face and not follow the example Of the
ostrich and bury our heads in the sand.
The people want an efficient navy and
they spent hundred millions year to
have it, and l affirm sOlemnly and
without reservation that the enactment
of the excellent report of the personnel
board into law, by which the govern
ment would save about 81 100000 each
year, and which would retain our most
efficient officers on the seagoing list
and cause them to reach the grade of
captain at 4S and rear admiral at 50, is
vitality necessary to the fighting eff
fici. ncy of the navy.
"The executive department of the
government has submitted the facts
and the remedy to congress and it is to
be hoped that our lawmakers, who
alone can remedy the evil, will take
immediate action"