The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-27
Secretary NeWberry Makes Pub
lie an Explanation
Of His Plan for Reorganization
of His Department.
FOR BUREAU SYSTEM.
Simpler Methods of Administra-
tion Are Provided.
Rearrangement of General
Board Is Contemplated.

Washington. Jan. 27-Secretary New
berry today made public an elaborate
explanation of his plan for reorganiza-
ton OF the navy department which re-
Gently received the Unanimous approval
or conference of men who have been
prominent in naval affairs called to-
gether at the direction of the presi-
dent As has already been stated. the
essential features contemplate the aboI-
ishment of the bureau system at the
navy yard to the end that unnecessary
work may be avoided and simpler meth
DDS of administration prevail. the en-
largement of the naval board of the
navy and the reorganization of the
board on construction so that there may
be more complete coordination in the
work of the navy department and more
general representation on these import
and boards.
To develop the usefulness and actiyi-
ties or the general board by rearrang-
ing its membership is desirable, Mr.
NeWoerry says He proposes that it
the chief of bureau of navigation. the
president of the naval war college chief
intelligence officer. one member of the
board of inspection and survey naval
aid to the assistant secretary and three
of the most efficient line officers of the
widest experience af1oat-
The members should be in practically
daily consultation on all matters affect
ing the greater interests of the navy
and personnel.
Reorganization of the board of con-
struction contenaplates a mem bership
of seven line officers and one staf Off
Ger, the chief naval constructor 1t is
to be charged with the supervision of
the design, construction and repair Of
all vessels and is designed to be the
effective co-ordinating authority for
naval service
The duties of the four constructing
bureaus. viz:
Ordnance. equipment. steam en-
gineering and construction viii be
reassigned SO that the detail drafting
and maintaining OF the naval service
will be done by the bureau of con-
struction- The bureau of ordnance
| is to retain control and management
| of the gun factory. the torpedo sta
| ton, the proving grounds and maya
zines.
Ultimately the plan of reorganIza-
ton contemplates the abolishment
specifically of the bureau of equip
ment steam engineering and yards
and docks, their duties to be alb
| s0rbed gradually by other bureaus
| Steam engineering is to become a
division of the bureau of navigat ton
with a line officer at its head This
| bureau having lost it's manufacturing g
! features will be charged with the
/ determination of the type, location,
ETC.. OF propelling machinery and its
/ inspection
| The secretary believes that in or
/ der to promote the efficiency of our
| ordnance work, and steam and
| electrical engineering a certain num-
| ber of officers should be given an
| opportunity yearly to specialize in
| these classes by one or more years
postgraduate work at some suitable
| institution
Part of the plan which the secre-
| tary outlines, he says, has been in
| effect since June 1. and up to the
present time there has not been re-
| ceived one word of criticism, sug-
| gestion or protest 1t appears to be
| working for the better military
| efficiency and proper business ad-
ministration of the department.