The Washington herald., 1916-09-28
ARMY AND NAVY NEWS
Best Service Column In City.

Abolition Of the clothing allowance for
the enlisted force of the regular army
has been suggested as a means of reduc-
ing the cost Of uniforming the Federal
troops. II has also been suggested that
instead of providing soldiers with q
stipulated allotment representing the cost
of"apparel cr its cash equivalent during
certain period of service, there be ex-
tended to the uniform account generally
the same principle which has been ap-
pled to blankets and overcoats ISsued 20
the military personnel.
This would mean that the clothing and
possibly the shoes would be provided as
part OF the equipment, just as is the
rlne, the articles remaining the property
OF the government. Should a man be dis
charged his clothing would be turned in,
renovated, and made ready for reissue
TO the successor whom II FITS.
This is the system employed by he
French army, each soldier receiving four
suits. one Of which is laid aside and is
sued to him in time of action, permitting
him to go to war with a new outfi; When
discharged lie wears one OF his uniforms
nome and is provided with a properly
addressed envelop in which he returns
the suit to the depot.
Stan officers of the navy may be ad-
Vanced to the ranks of rear admiral,
captain and commander by selection,
whether or not such advancements in
VolVe change Of grade, according to a
ruling Of the judge advocate general of
the navy. These advancements in rank
and grade. however. may be made imme-
dlately, not coming within the "selec-
ton provisions of the law applying only
TO grades OF the line. Capt. Mclean
maintains that promotions to any grade
In the navy, line and staff, may lawfully
be made by selection, the rule Of promo
ton by seniority having originally been
established by the appointing power, who
is at liberty to change that rule without
express authorization of Congress, OF
even without regard to statutory enact
nent which, it may be contended, re-
quires that the seniority rule be observed
in making promotions
Proposals are to be opened October 25
for the construction of the vessels of
the navy provided for in this years naval
building program. Keen bidding is ex-
pected. It is probable the work OF re-
cording the bids will consume a full day
beyond the hour OF official closing, for the
types represented in the competition in
clude battleships, scout cruisers, destroy
ers and submarines.
Bids for battleships will be presented
by the Fore River Shipbuilding Corpora
ton. New York Shipbuilding Company.
William Cramp & Sons, Newport News
shipbuilding Company, Maryland Steel
Company, Union Iron Works and Seattle
Construction Company
Bids for the scout cruisers will be offered
by the Bath Iron Works, Fore River
Shipbuilding Corporation. New York
Shipbuilding Company, Seattle Construc-
ton Company, Cramp & Sons, Newport
News ShipbUilding Company, Union Iron
Works and Maryland Steel Company.
A board Of army officers has been ap-
pointed by Gen. T. II. Barry, comma nd
ing the Central Department, to pass upon
the claim flied by a Columbus COhiol
firm for alleged damage to property used
at the present nlobiliza ton camp for the
Ohio National Guard in or near that city.
The claim amounts TO about 81, 900, moi
Including rental or damage to business
1t is maintained that the retention OF the
camp site by the government constitutes
charge Of $4,000 a month. Gen. Barry
has recommended to the War Department
that the DEPARTMENT Of Justice be re-
Quested TO make a further investigation
OF the case.