The Washington herald., 1915-04-04

There Is reported to be apprehension
in some quarters lest the composition Of
the new naval regulations. prescribing
the duties of the chief OF naval opera.
tons created by a clause in the lates,
naval appropriation act. shall constitute
an important, and somehow menacins
il not disastrous. step toward the forma-
ton of a general staff in the Navy De-
partment.
This danger" as it is depicted. appears
to reside in the possibility OF impartins
to the new office such functions as
would leGitimately attach to a chief OF
staff The consultation of the experts
who are engaged in the preparation of
the new regulation Is described as be-
Ing largely sort Of contest between
those who desire to give to the chief of
naval operations the power, influence
and responsibility of a chief of staff
and those who are determined that such
a scheme shall be frustrated.
That was a difficulty foreseen when
the original clause relating to the new
ONCE was incorporated in the naval ap-
preparation bill as reported from the
House Naval Committee. 1t was re-
moved from the bill on a point of order
sustained In the House and replaced in
the measure by the Senate in an amend
ed form, suggested, or at least sane
toned, it was understood, by the Secre-
tary of the Navy.
1t was realized that the legislation
should define with as much clearness as
possible the duties of the chief of naval
operations to the end that there might
be no controversy in regard to his author
ity, il he were to be unrestricted in
the performance of his duties and gain
for the service the undoubted benefits
which he would introduce in naval ad-
ministration, and fulfill the purpose OF
the law by being Charged with the
operations of the fleet and with the prep
arstion and readiness of plans for its
use in war;
Daniels Left Discretion.
In the rush of business in the last
hours of final session Of Congress it was
impossible, as it always is under such
circumstances. to give to the provision
that careful consideration which its i'm
portance deserves. and necessarily much
has been LETT to the Secretary Of the
Navy in the determination of details.
This discretion is, in some respects.
wise proceeding, and the more so unless
the legislation which is restrictive is
framed with discrimination, intelligence
and skill.
In this task the head Of the Navy De-
partment has the advice and assistance
of most capable officers. who may be de-
pended upon to protect the interests of
the service, recognize the intent of Con-
Eress and appreciate the object of the
legislation. 1t is realized also that very
much depends upon the officer selected
as the first incumbent of the new Office |
since his executive capacity. tact and
professional fitness will contribute d.
rectly to a successful application of the |
new provision.
There will be confusion with the Navy |
Department IL the chief of naval opera |
tons does not possess those qualities. or |
if there is any attempt to give him |
greater authority than was contemplated |
by Congress, as represented by the SEN !
timent entertained and frequently ex-
pressed by members of the House and |
Senate Naval Committees who have |
taken an interest in the new Office and |
who are DESTROYS Of achieving results in |
the direction outlined in the legislation
creating it.
1t will be necessary, of course. to have I
full and cordial cooperation between the
chief of naval operations and the depart
mental bureaus, which must not be sub
ordinated, if the new condition is to
escape being a failure. Neither must
there be any suggestion to take advan-
tage OF the situation in order to accom-
plish more. or something else, than that
which Congress has expressly provided.