The Washington herald., 1915-05-09

Progress is being made with the
preliminary draft of the legislation
pertaining to the commissioned per-
sonnet of the Marine Corps.
The main problem which is giving
the most trouble just at present re-
lates to the members OF the staff
corps. There are so few officers COM
posing the marine staff that it will be
difficult to apply to them the same
principles that might apply to the
line of the Marine Corps. 1t has been
decided to recommend two brigadier
generals for the corps, the adoption of
the principle OF promotion by COM
petition" that contemplates the estab-
lishment OF an active reserve list to
which officers will be transferred and
on which they will not be subject to
promotion following the scheme al
ready worked out for the navy, and
the filling of vacancies in the staff by
detail of line officers for specified Pc
RODS somewhat after the army sys-
tenn.
new provision that it lately has
been decided to embody in the bill is
one that permits the present perma-
nent STAN officers. upon their own ap-
plications. to be transferred to the
line with the rank and in the places
they would have had had they re-
manned in the line. This latter proyi-
sion is not expected to be taken ad-
vantage OF to any great extent. if it is
enacted into law. unless an officer
would gain in rank by the transfer.
Moreover. another consideration is
that. as the permanent staff officers
will not be subject to transfer to tn.
active reserve list. they may hesitate
to transfer to the line and thus be-
come available for RELOCATION to tn.
reserve list. 1t is desired to have the
personnel legislation of the Marine
Corps similar. as far as may be- to the
legislation relating to the navy.
Early Presentation.
II is the intention of Secretary Daniels
10 submit to Congress at the beginning
OF the next session a bill which will have
to do with the navy and Marine Corps
in order that the House Naval Commit
tee. which will take up the subject
promptly. ii is expected may have a basis
of procedure.
1t has been felt that IL there is to be
personnel legislation. of which the pros
poet thus far in advance may be consjd-
cred as fairly well assured. such lecisla-
ton should be embodied in one measure
The present indications are that Mr.. Dan.
iels will adhere to his injunction oriei-
ally given to the navy and Marine Corps
personnel boards that in any recon-
mended project there shall be an avoid
ance of increase of expense Of personnel
maintenance
handicap upon the officers, who must pre-
pare scheme which will meet Mr.. Dam
iels' condition; but there is nothing TO in
terfere with a departure from this situa-
lion in anything which the House Naval
Committee may evolve from the depsr,-
mental draft.
1t Is expected, indeed. that when the
committee comes to report a personnel
bill it will provide for promotion. with a
provision also for the increase of cost,
which is inevita Bile if there is to be a re-
adjustment of personnel conditions along
lines which are effective and which
maintain efficiency
This will make it possible for Congress
to set aside the provision for an active
reserve list for the navy and Marine
Corps, to which there is much opposition
in the service.