New-York tribune., 1909-04-17
BITTER STklFE IN NAVY
HIGH OFFICERS NAY F1CE
COURT M.lRTI1L.


From The Tribune Bureau
Washington, April 16.-The so-called mid
night orders of ex-Secretary NeWberry, fol-
lowed by the immediate change of admnstra-
ton and the unavoidable delay in finally settling
the question of their continuance or reversal
have caused a situation in the navy personnel
which is the occasion of the utmost anxiety and
annoyance to the authorities and which may
lead TO sensational trials by court martial Of
officers of high rank. The effort to change the
regua tions has divided the navy into two fac
tions, each of which is promoting its views with
increasing force and bitterness.
The officers of the Philadelphia Navy Yard
have gone far in their opposition as to issue
a signed pamphlet setting forth their reasons
for opposing the Newberry regulations, and
officers Of high rank in the opposition camp in
sist that the signers of the pamphlet and those
who promoted its circulation should be tried by
court martial for characterization and conduct
prejudcial to military discipline.
1t is maintained by line officers that under
the Newberry regulations the naval construc-
tors have altogether too much power at the
navy yards, well s in the department itself,
where the chief constructor has been for some
weeks acting chief of the bureau of steam
engineering Secretary Newberry anticipated
criticism of and resistance to his plan by threat
ening to deal summary with any officer who
manifested his opposition. He discovered that
the most outspolen of the commandants against
the plan was Rear Admiral Edwin c. Pen
dleton, commanding the navy yard at Philadel
phia. who retires next month. and, it is under
stood, directed that Admiral Pendeton be de-
tached from duty at Philadelphia. That Off
GERS friends, notably the chief of the bureau
of navigation. prevailed on Mr. Newberry to
allow Admiral Pendleton to remain at Philadel-
phia. urging that he had merely expressed his
,-ipy nd Stil ba tod IN
the orders OF the Secretary. Mr. Newberry
turned over his affairs the head OF the Navy
Department TO Mr. Meyer with Rear Admiral
Pendleton still in command Of the Philadelphia
yard.
The pamphlet now issued does not bear Ad-
mirai Pendetons name. but it sets forth the
desirabity OF forming an organization com
posed mainly OF line officers who shall stand
ready to furnish information which viii aid the
Secretary of the Navy in determining the best
system of reorganized administration. both Of
the department and OF the navy yards. The
pamphlet prints Mr.. Newberry's orders on the
subject of navy yard control. and specifies their
disadvantages as well as their advantages.
Permission was asked OF Secretary Meyer to
have this pamphlet circulated. but ne has pro-
hibited its general distribution In the mean
time he is awaiting the advice Of thst naval
General Board and or the special board OF
which Rear Admiral Sperry is chairman and
which is engaged in the reconciliation OF the
conflicting passages in the Newberry edition Of
the naval regulations.
The opposing views held by prominent officers
concerning the course of the naval officers
Philadelphia have been laid before Mr.. Meyer.
one view Is that the officers were simply exer-
cising the right of free speech and that If they
honestly entertained any doubt concerning the
wisdom Of the Newberry plan they should, in
the interest of the service. even protec-
tion Of their own positions. communicate that
apprehension TO their associates. The other
view is that this action is INSTRUMENTATION. pure
and simple, and requires disciplinary measures
in the interest Of proper authority
Secretary Meyer is not disposed to take dras-
tic measures in view Of the fact that the officers
at Philadelphia asked his permission to circu-
late their pamphlet. and have sought depart
mental authority for the formation Of tempo
rary organization 10 aid the department in
solving this vexatious problem. The incident
however has added to the acuteness OF a grave
situation. and even those who believe that such
an organization is permissible are inclined to
regard the method Of its accomplishment as i'm
proper