The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-06
PRESIDENT WRITES
out the orders of his superior officers In such matter.
 pisplay of Childishness.
fCsnsi.uea from Page one.J

a
 nisplay of Childishness.
 ssThe off1cers of the Navy must re- member that it is not merely childish but in the highest degree reprehensi- ble to permit either personal pique, wounded vanity or factionai feeling on behalf of some particular bureau or orr xanization to render them disloyal to inc interests of the Navy, and there fore of the country es a whole. The question whether one officer or an- other shall command ship is of little conseduence compared with the weak ening of all command and discipline which would result if officers were to refuse to serve whenever their tempers are ruined by adverse decisions on the part of their superior officers. Their sole concern should be the good of the service, and, save only courage in act uai warfare, obedience and loyalty are the most essential qualities in keeping the service up to the highest stand- ard.
 The different bureaus of the depart n1ent. the different branches of the ser vice, must act in coordination and the questions that arise between them must be settled by the authority of the Sec retary of the Navy and President, un- der and in accordance with the law en- acted by Congress-; and the first duty of every officer of every department Is
 
 to every lawful command of superior, and. of course, above all, to the law it. selt. This duty is incumbent on all. but 1t is most incumbent on those high est in rank whose example may be of far-reaching effect.
 The Presidents second letter to Secretary Metcalf is an argument to sustain his decision to assign medical officers to the command of hospital ships. He recalls an order of the Navy Department of December 12, 1906, made by Secretary Bonaparte. directing that hospital ships be placed under com fnand of a medical officer. Such ships. the President therefore directs, shall hereafter, unless otherwise directed by Congrss, be placed under the con- troI and command of medical officers, their navigation being exclusively con- trolIed by a competent sailing master and civilian crew, the sailing master having the complete responsibility for everything connected with the naviga- ffon of the ship.
 ssfIospital ships should be maintained in peace exactly under the same con- diffons as in time of war;" says tue President. The system has been tried in the army and tried in foreign na- vies. and has worked without hitch. The definite announcement that this AvstAna will be continued, is contained fn the following words of the Presi- aanf in his letter to Secretary Metcalf:
 RooseveIt's Idea.
 ssYour predecessor in the navy de- Dartnent on December 12, 1906 direct ed that hospital ships should be treat ed as Heating hospitals and that eacn ehfp should therefore be placed under the command of a medical officer. The navigation being controlled by the competent sailing master. This order was issued after the most careful com sideration by the Secretary of the Navy and by the President after all the reasons that could be adduced for and arainst it. The case has now been re- opened and the Secretary of the Navy and the President have listened to and considered all the reasons that could be adduced against putting the order into effect. After the fullest com sideration I have determined that the order Is right, and 1t Is hereby con firmed.
 .1TheN hospital ships of the navy will hereafter, unless otherwise directed by Congress, be placed under the control end command of medical officers of the navy. their navigation being ex- -ciusively controlled by a competent sailing master and civilian crew, the sailing master having the complete responsibility for everything connect ed with the navigation of the ship. Such ship is merely floating hos pftal. The hospital ship now in ques- ton, the Relief. has already been used by the United States army as such. It was then commanded by medical oI- Gicer with a sailing master under him This arrangement has worked we'll and it Is preposterous to suppose that it will not work as well under a n1edica officer of the navy as under a medical offirer of the army" ..
 The remainder of the letter is given over to a review of the practice in the United States Navy and of the good re- suits obtained from 1t in foreign navies.
 BrOwnson Wont Talk.
 Admiral Brownson was shown the Presidents letter today by a represen- tative of the Associated Press and asked if in view of the fact that MT. Roosevels side of the subject had been stated in these communications. he would not feel at liberty to say some- thing in his own behalf. Not a word" was his prompt reply, and this attitude he maintained to all inquiries for his views.
 The Admiral has consistently de clined to say anything for publica- ton in the whole matter.
 Accompanied by a friend. Admiral Brownson left Washington this after noon for a trip to South Carolina. where he expects to indulge in duck shooting for the next week or ten days.