Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-01

fiotilla. both surface and submarine. be
sent to that yard, which shall thereafter
be regarded as torpedo boat headquar-
ters.
Retirement of Col. Willard.
Col Joseph H. Willard. Corps of Engi-
neers, was placed on the retired list yes
terday by operation of law on account of
age. Col. Willard is from Illinois and
was graduated at the Military Academy
near the head of his class in June. 1868.
He reached the grade Of colonel Of engi-
neers in November last, and for some
time past has been in charge of river and
harbor work in the vicinity Of Newport,
r. l. His retirement will cause the pro-
motion Of Lieut.. Col. William T. Rossell
to be colonel Mai l.. Fl. Beach to be
lieutenant colonel. Capt. James P. Jervey
to be major. First Lieut.. John H. Poole
to be captain and Second Lieut.. Robert
s. Thomas to be first lieutenant
Large Glass of Deficients.
The bureau of navigation has received
information from the Naval Academy
that there were forty-fve midshipmen
found deficient in the final examination of
the class which left the institution in
February. 1906. OF that number twenty
six will be re-examined next June. The
others are passed because the deficiencies
are of minor character
Commended for Gallantry.
Secretary Metcalf has sent a letter to
Thomas Southall, boatswain's mate of
the second class. commenting him for his
prompt action February 10 last In jump
ing overheard from the battleship Da-
kota and assisting in the rescue of Sea-
man Herlugson, who was accidentally
struck by bag of coal and knocked over
board.
Southern Maneuvers in July.
1t has been found necessary to change
the period of maneuvers for the army and
militia at Chickamauga Park. 1t was in
tended that the exercises should be held
during September. 1t has now been de.
cided to have the maneuvers in July, II
having been found impossible for the
militia OF the cotton-srowing states to
turn out commands of anything like the
full enlisted strength in the fall. The
War Department has conducted some cor
respondence with the militia authorities
of the states most interested, with the re-
suit stated.
More Pay for Mess Attendants.
By authority of the President the pay
of mess attendants in the navy has been
increased by s. month. and, in addi-
ton, provision is made that all stewards
and cooks in the messman branch who
are citizens of the United States and who
hold certificates of qualification as such
will receive an additional S. a month to
the pay of their rating. These certificates
will remain in force for two years and
are renewable by the commanding officer
of the ship. This is found to be neces-
sary by the decision which limits mess at
tendants to citizens of this country The
Japanese and Chinese who serve in that
capacity will not be discharged. but thew
will not be re-enlisted and, as the ne
RODS Of enlistment are expiring, it is nee
essary to fill the places. Hitherto IL has
been extremely difficult to get Americans
for these places. and 1t remains to be seen
| whether the increased pay will solve that
difficulty.
Naval School Graduation.
The graduation of the present class al
the Naval Medical School in this city
| will take place Tuesday. March 81. The
| lectures and instruction at that institu-
| ton will conclude March II and the ex-
aminations Will begin two days later.
Tender Of Automobiles to Army.
| News of the offer to the government o:
| the use OF automobiles in times OF need
forwarded recently to President Roose.
welt by the Quaker City Automobile Club
| has been received with no small degree
Of satisfaction by the War Department