The Washington times., 1909-04-19
LINE OFF|CERSU UNITE
AGAINST STAFF MEN
Insist They Are Within Their
Rights in CriticiSing
Newberry Rule.
By JAMES HAY. Jr.

Officers of the line Of the United States
NavS are practically a unit in their pro-
test against what they consider the un-
reasonable and dictatorial power con-
ferred upon the Bureau of Construction
by the Newberrv order governing the
management of navy yards.
The matter has been brought to
head by the circular printed at the
Philadelphia Navy Yard by the line Off
GERS stationed there This circular
voiced fze objections Of the officers of
the line to the regime introduced by
former Secretary Of the Navy New
berry, and It was ordered destroyed az
a result of Secretary Meyers objections
to its circulation. The chief objection
In the circular was that too much
power was given to the naval construc-
tor in each yard and that, by the oper-
ations of the Newberry order, officers
anything about the repairing of ships.
Although the department has for
bidden the circulation of the proposed
circular, 1t became known today that
the handful of officers In Philadelphia
merely voiced the sentiments of the Of
hcers of the line throughout the entire
service. So pronounced is the discon-
tent among these officers that II Is re-
garded as highly probable that some
change will be made in the methods
put into vogue by the Newberry rule.
1t IS claimed that this rule takes
away ali real power from the command
ant of any navy yard where ships are
repaired or partially constructed, anC
tically "dictatorial powers"
The talk of a court-Inartial OF any
invites fro mofficers OF the line any
of the officers of the Philadelphia yard
little short Of absurd.
Merely Voice Sentiments.
Authorities on the rules and resula-
tions of the navy point out that these
officers were entirely within their
rights, as a section of the regulations
criticism which may tend TO improve
the service.
Reduced TO few words, this criticism
is that IL this rule is continued, Of
ficers of the line will be in a position
repairing of ships, and that. if ships
are injured on voyage or in battle,
the officers in command of them will
be practically helpless TO repair the
damage. This is regarded in some quar-
ters as serious menace TO the efhci-
ency- of the service
While the protest of the Philadelphia
officers has been hSshed up. the point It
|I,ag raised VIII be productive of much
ac ,lvity in the near future on the part
of the highest officials of the depart
ment, and IL Is regarded as certain that
the Newberry rule is due for an abro-
cation or a pronounced modification
rsSFrOm this may well spring a dispute
as to the means by which officers or
the line can be given a greater show
IN the administration of the AFFAIRS OF
the navy. thus lessening the power of
the staff officers who remain always in
Washington and have the ear Of the
Secretary of the Navy at all times.
II is no secret that this Administ4 a
ton Is anxious to make such changes
in the department as will better the
efficiency and promote the economy or
expenditures in the service. This, IL
seems, can be considered at the same
ha fuTa
the operations OF the Newberry rule
II was denied at the department today
that Lieut.. Com. J. s. Mexican and
Lieut. +. II. Delaney, who are stationed
at the philadelphia yard, but who have
come to Washington. were ordered
here. It was said that these officers
have come OF their own accord TO ex-
plain their action and the action of
their associates in preparing the CIR
cular of criticism.
Officials OF the department say these
officers acted in the utmost good faith,
that they submitted the circular to the
Secretary of the Navy, and that, when
objection was made to it. it was with
drawn
There seems to be little disposition.
however, to conceal tue fact that the
discomfort of the officers of the line
has risen to such a point that the STAFF
officers Will have to do some tall hus-
ance of power they now have IN depart
mental affairs. Secretary Meyer is ex-
pected back mere in a day or two, and
the matter Will be put up to him as
soon as he arrives.
Unquestionably the department Is in
for some exciting times. It is within
the range Of possibilities that, when
the Newberry order is rescinded. as is
confidently expected the present Sec
retary of the Navy may go even farther
and give the line officers more power
than they had under the old regime.
II this is to happen, however, the line
zWfN1 tn
unite on what they want.
Never before have they had a better
opportunity to increase their powers