New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-11-27
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS
Anriety Regarding Philippine As
agnmentS ReEered.
from The Tribune Bureau

ARTILLERY FOR PHILIPPINES an
nouncement Of the coast artillery troops which are
destined for service for the first time in the new
Notifications in Manila Bay and Subig Bay has
relieved much anxiety on the part of officers OF
that branch Of the service. The coast artillery
companies which go from Forts Wadsvorth. Ham
flton. Totten and Hancock. \. Y. may not be &C
Cor1panied by all the officers which now con-
nected with those organizations. The desire 70 g5
10 the Philippine coast artillery stations IS keen,
and the requests for assignment 10 duty with the
artillery commands insistent. The chief of
coast artillery is in receipt of many applications
from officers who desire transfer TO the four coast
artillery companies going this trip. and II is
something of a problem to adjust the SITUATION so
as to carry out the best possible plan. It IS ap-
preciated that assignments TO the companies which
are going the Philippine stations Will be this
time something in the nature OF 4 compliment
TO DEFEAT RANK REIMBURSEMENT
Secretary Of War is in receipt Of many protests
from army officers against the bill introduced at
the close Of the last session. prepared by General
J. r. Bell. chief Of staff of the army, seeking to
readjust rank among the commissioned per
sonnet. The plan has IN view TIE correction of the
lineeI Of officers of the infantry cavaI-y and
artillery 50 70 place the officers in such order
as would exist il there had been such thing
as regi1aentaI promotion This has been one OF the
great grievances of the army. but there quite
as many officers who are opposed 10 the measure
there are in irs favor. Those who would he as1-
ve-seiy affected have been prompt and emphatic
IN fling protests and they have aroused 50 much
interest in their own behalf that II is evident
10 the War Department authorities that the argu-
rnents vhlc hhave been presented in thess appeals
and which viii. OF course. be submitted % the
House and Senate military committees. may suffice
defeat the measure. The officers who realize
that they would lose rank BY the arrange
r7ent. some Of whom would be deprived Of the
opportunity Of promotion 10 a higher grade are
much concerned and have taken steps 20 have the
GUANTANAMO DOCK NEEDED-Th4 Navy
Department will endeavor 10 obtain appropris-
ton for continuing the work done the drydock
site at Guantanamo. Cuba. from Congress al the
coming session Repeated efforts have been made
ger money further THIS work which u
thorized by Congress several years ago. Last
year Secretary Metcalf estimated that he would
need $4,000 for the work contemplated. but at
tention was paid to his suggestions and the gee
concentrations Of the General Board. AT the com
ing session in December effort will he made TO
get an appropriation Of s4oo00 and failing in this
predicted that the excavatng alreaCy done
will Of little IN the future. 4 coherdarn is
completed and a considerable amount Of the ex-
cavatiou finished last year. The Importance
Of a drydock at this station has been urged re-
pestedly and, II takes several years &c
of sufficient size 10 dock modern battleship.
earnest effort will be made to secure the neces-
sary money continue the work,
INCURRED IN LINE OF DUTT."-The War
Department continues be troubled With the ques-
tons which call for decisions respecting the pay
OF the death benefit to those designated to
ceive what Is equal months pay Of ar officer
enlisted who dies a result Of in uries or
sickness incurred in line of duty. One case has
had 10 do with the soldier who committed suicide
result Of insanity due 10 mental depression.
II was considered by the War Department that the
Of mind Of the soldier could be attributed 10
the conditions Of his service, that il tahiished
disability which led TO the suicidal act and for
this reason the death benefit could De paid 20 the
next OF kin In another 4 soldier Vas drowned
from 2 boat in which he was engaged in gathering
shells The accident due 10 roughness Of
the weather the tnexperience OF the OCCUPANTS
Of the boat The question came up whether the
pastime upon which the was engaged was not
n the nature o. aquatic exercises which could be
claSzed with athletic work which the military an
thorites have encouraged among enlisted men with
a view to making them efficient as soldiers
The War Department has taken the view that this
will be stretching the point and that the drowning
could be attributed to any work in the line Of
duty and that the death benent could not ac-
cordingiy be paid
THE MARINE CORPS sHAKE-UP.-some Of
the interesting history of the Executive order which
withdraws marines from ships OF war relates TO
the disagreement With the commandan- Of the
marine corps Major General q F. Elliott or
part CT the officers OF that branch Tt mas
been stated by officer. who should be in a posi-
ton TO know the sentiment Of the marine corps
that General Elicit is the only officer who be-
lieves that the corps is benefited by the con-
ditioa which confines the of marines to shore
duty. either special police at nav Yards and
stations to advance guard AT places which
must be occupied by tie military force The order
ii is now stated would not have been issued II
General Elliott had not consented to 4 ana had
continued 10 resist the Influences within the navy
which have operated take tho marines of the
ships OF war. There is By no means unanimity