New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-09-01

ticular. II that is admitted it must only
be on the ground that the large appro-
priations for the military establishment
have been mlsappied."
REFORM IN ARMY DISCIPLINE
When the Secretary of War returns here
important recommendations will be sub
mitted to him by General Z. II.
Crowder. Judge Advocate General Of the
Army. who has recently returned from the
Pacific Coast, where he inspected the mill
tary prison at Alcatraz Island, in San
Francisco Bay. with view TO its aban-
donment. General Crowder has completed
his report on the suggested adoption OF
the British system OF military discipline
In our army This, as has already been
described In these dispatches, contem-
plates the establishment Of detention bar
racks, one to be at Castle Williams, in
New York Harbor, where two companies
will probably be organized and main
tanned, another company near San Fran
cisco and complete regiment at Leaven-
worth, Kan.
HIS pan NOiAtiiPldNto a - pol avn -
military culprits so as to send the real
criminals to United States penitentiaries.
The others. guilty Of minor offences, in
fractions Of military rule and Of the more
serious offence of desertion, will be sent
TO the detention barracks and put to
hard work, which will consist of drills
and fatigue duty without much regard to
~. IL, II. &c fpta haA 70
these men punishment at the same time
that they are subjected 10 disciplinary
measures In this way the men will not
be subjected 10 humiliation and disgrace,
as if confined in a prison.
A part Of the problem which will en-
gage the attention OF Secretary Garrison
is the selection o: the commissioned per-
sonnet for these new stations. II is
necessary to have officers Of experience
and personality TO enable them to exercise
influence as well as authority over the
men in these detention barracks. General
Crowder points out that more Importance
attaches to. the personality OF the officers
on duty at these places than TO the en-
forcement Of rules and regulations. 1t
is desired TO bring the men disciplined to
realization OF their responsibilities and
return them in good faith 20 the army so
that they may have an opportunity 10 re-
deem themselves without the demoralizing
feeling that makes criminals Of them.
General Crowder has made careful
examination Of the records so as TO effect
the desired separation into classes. The
men at the detention barracks Will not
wear the conventional prison garb, but
an obsolete pattern of the army uniform
without ornaments or facings
When in san Francisco. Secretary Gar
rison examined the estimates for the con-
version OF one Of the abandoned fortif-
cations there into a detention barracks.
This arrangement probably will involve
turning Alcatraz Island over 10 the i'm
migration authorities for the much needed
increased facilities at San Francisco.
SHIP STORE REFORMATION.-
Secretary Daniels has made an important
change in the method Of selling articles
10 enlisted men on board ship. He be-
lieves he has found "A system which Will
enable the Navy Department TO avoid
the evils which have prevailed 10 the det-
riment Of the service.
The ships stores carry ARTICLES not COM
monty included in the regular allowance
OF supplies for the enlisted force, mem
hers Of which are permitted 10 buy at
little more than cost price variety OF
merchandise. Each ship bas maintained
it's own purchasing agent. usually pay
officer or his representative. In the case
Of the commissioned officer. his time is
largely occupied when the ship is in port
listening to the opportunities OF persist
ent statesmen. When the selection OF ar
ticles has been intrusted 10 subordinate
il has been found often that the pur-
chaser has been improperly influenced by
the statesmen
Hereafter all supplies will be contract
cd for after competitive bidding. and The
navy nay Office at New York will make
the initial purchase covering the sup
niles eor the ships stores for vessels Of
the Atlantic fleet during the next SIX
months. II this proves successful the
method will be transferred to Washing
ton. where the bids will be opened in the
usual WAY in the Bureau Of Supplies and
Accounts. and contracts VIII be made by
the pdymaster general
The articles selected conform TO the de-
sires of the enlisted men. who purchase
them. and for the sixteen battleships
Of the Atlantic feet during one year the