New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-02-24
NAVY MEN AT ODDS
1T N1RE ISLAND.
Secretary May Find 1t Neces-
sary to Discipline Officers.
From The Tribune Bureau


Washiugton Feb. pa grave situation
ct the Mare Island Navy Yard, one which
may call for disciplinary methods, con-
fronts the Secretary Of the Navy.
There are two factions among the officers
NJ that naval establishment. due to the dis
cusstons which have prevailed for more
than two years concerning the navy reor-
panization, especially with a view to It's
onnlication to the administration of navy
Yards. Much feeling has been manifested
nv the officers The yard has been regard
ed all along as the headquarters OF the
Newberry system, just as the yafo he
philadelphia has been the home of tne IN
rurgents' against the Newberry admins
tration.
Even when Mr.. Meyer made changes
which ousted the naval constructor iio'i'
the position of manager at the navy yaiu
the representatives of the department. DIT
Mare Island resisted the change, ana iheio
has been much trouble between those oiii-
cers who wanted the Newberry system CON
+tnued and those who wished to have the
Never system installed.
Prominent among the former, by reason
of his position, is Rear Admiral l. o.
pha,ns the commandant of the navy ara
The attitude and activity of this olhce'
would be regarded sufficient reason 1or
his prompt detachment from duty-which'
indeed. Secretary Meyer has had under con-
sideration-were it not for the TACT tha' ho
is nearing the close of his actiVe caiee
and Is due to retire for age III No'eiioei'
He may be detached from duty at Mare
Island before that time and placed on walt
ing orders. especially If it shall appear that
he is a detriment to the ADMINISTRATOR at
The situation as 1t is viewed from WASH
iucton indicates the need of disciplinary
measures and it has become known here
that the department has had under consid-
Grafton the trial court for one or two OFF,
GERS who appear TO be most conspicuous
and active in the disturbances
The reason that action of this character
has thus far been deferred is the desire OF
the Secretary of the Navy 10 give an OPP
portrnity for expression to the objections
entertained against the system OF admins
tration. He does not wish to pre1udlce ms
case before Congress by appearing TO pun
ish those who oppose his method AT the
same time 1t is realized that something
MAJ have 80 De done in the interest OF as
cipiine IN TIC naval service.
A recent incident which has brought the
situation to head is a letter received al
the Navy Department from Rear Admiral
Phelps protesting in vigorous terms against
the attack made on the Mare Island adj
ministration under the management of the
naval constructor and. of course, under the
nominal charge Of Phelps.
This attack was contained in an official
memorandum submitted to the Secretary OF
the Navy by Rear Admiral H. /. Cone, en-
gineer IN chief of the navy. The allegations
of extravaganza and incompetency in the
management of the naval constructor at
Mare Island were submitted to the officers
at that yard for reply. that Chief Con-
structor Caps might use the information
in contradicting the Cone statement This
was the occasion of the protest on the part
If Admiral