Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-02-27
MOULD CREATE HIGHER
RANKING FLAG OFFICERS
Chief Executive Urges the importance
of Legislation for Improving the
Personnel of the Fighting Force
Scale of Retirement Pay is Sug-
eested-More Rapid Promotion.

w hof1l.Nd YIN L. ~ fND'
Young blood in the commands OF the
navy was the keynote of special
message which President Taft today
sent to congress urging legislation lor
improving the personnel OF the hght-
ing force. and TO remedy what tne
President termed an abnormal condi-
ton. the result of past legislation.
Under conditions now existing, the
President declared the promotion OF
officers of the lower grades was stag
mated to the great detriment OF the
service and the country and because
nearly every officer VINO retained his
health was allowed to pass through
the various grades and be retired as
rear admiral. the greater number oil
commanding officers had inadequate
experience.
Under the existing system officers.
after being placed in command OF
hattleships and armored cruisers.
could net serve as flag officers in the
active list after reaching that grade.
To remedy this condition the Presi-
dent endorsed a bill which had been
prepared by Secretary Myers. which
would promote officers to the grade
Oh rear dutIlil dn dfCi o6C VI III ~
- years and to captain at an average
age of as or AZ. These changes, the
President said, in his opinion, did not
provide men young enough for the
duties of vessels or for the best sue
cess in 4 fleet engagement should war
come, but he felt they were a decided
Improvement.
Changes Recommended.
Some of the most complete changes
which the President recommended
were: To create higher raking flag
officers. The system now demands
two grades above rear admiral. In
the Atlantic feet there should be an
admiral in command. vice admiral
for the second squadron, and rear ad-
mirals for each of the other two di-
visions.
The personnel of officers. and men
should be based on the tonnage of ef-
fective ships and increases or de-
oreases of ship would increase or de-
crease the personnel in a fixed pro-
portion. Provisions should be made
against sudden fluctuations in the per-
sonnet. however
With 100000 tons of ships as now
authorized. the ultimate personnel
would reach 5000 line officers and
midshipmen and $4,000 enlisted men,
The officers as now would he drawn
from the naval academy with ad-
ditions from the ranks
Less Retirements.
A REORGANIZATION of the retirement
system would fix pay Of retired offic-
ors on their time of service The
President believes that too many Of
hcers reach the rank Of senior rear ad-
miral and retire without adequate re-
lation 10 the government. A scale OF
retirement pay. according to the years
OF service. could be arranged For
the next eleven years, IL the proposed
measure becomes a law. there would
he about 13S retiremeuts from ordi-'
nary causes against 504 during the
last eleven years. with a cost OF one
fourth Of the latter
In urging the need for the proposed
legislation that the younger officers
may be eligible for promotion and be-
come qualified TO command the fleets
and squadrons. the President point
ID to the fact that under the present
arrangement $50 officers would enter
the junior lieuteBsnts' grade each
year, and that only 40 a year would
be promoted out Of IL.
Change is Urgent.
4 an strongly OF the opinion that
the future Of our navy viii be ser
iously compromised unless the ages
Of our senior officers are materially
reduced. and opportunity given for
experience and training for battle
snips and feet commands" the Presi-
dent said
Conditions Of proper military e.
fcicncy. as well as a due sense OF
rational dignity and self respect a.
hefitging this great nation. urge that
the existing situation shall cease.
said Mr.. TAFT In conclusion.
The wisdom % congress urged BY
the overwhelming voice Of the people
~ our cogntry has urovided rs with
ships Of the best quality. II Is neces-
sary that our personnel Of oahcers
match these superb vessels II the
navy is % b. ~ the eshc.cncv which
T. vitality necessary for its chicf par
pose and only reason for its ex-
istencc-