The Washington herald., 1916-07-20
The Heralds Army and Navy Department
Latest and Most Complete News Service and Personnel Published
in Washington.
in Washington.

Plans for putting into service espe-
cially equipped hospital trains for use
OF the military now are rapidly assum-
ing definite shape Conferences are be-
ing held between high army officials and
representatives of the Pullman Company
with a view TO having one or two Of
the trains ready for use on the Mexican
border within the next week or ten days.
One such train OF four cars, almost
fully equipped. is now being made ready,
II is said. and will leave for the border
during this week or the first of next
week. The train. of course. will be slight
Iy improvised as to outfit, but will an
swer the purpose in a general way.
For the present the cars will be rent
be such as may be installed without de-
lay. Eventually. however, it is hoped
to have especially designed and con-
structed cars which can be used for the
transfer by rail of sick and wounded
after a system which has been found
to be of the greatest advantage in Eu-
rope.
The American trains, in some minor
details. are expected to be an improve
ment over the European system of hos
Pital trains. The Pullman officials have
rendered great assistance in the matter
Of suggesting improvements and it has
been found that the facilities now in
stalled in the Pullman cars can be prof
ttsbly utilized, especially in the matter
OF heating, lighting and ventilation
The rumor that in the future rear ad-
mirals will be selected from the ranks OF
captains rather than from the present
method Of seniority. has caused much
comment in both army and navy circles.
There is a sentiment in the naval SER
vice that in carrying out su-h 4 plan
several changes should be made in the
naval appropriation bill II Ia con-
sidered that in the first place there should
be something more adequate in the way
of qualification for appointment as rear
admiral than merely three years ser
vice as captain. Under the present con-
ditions. an officer may attain the grade
OF rear admiral. with authority to COM
mand a feet without having at any
time served as commander of a vessel
afoat. as there is no exaction of sea
service included in the measure.
The charge that the Navy Depart
ment is misleading many good people into
believing that the oil operators in
California were without warrant either
disposed or in a position, to interfere
in any way with the use OF oil by the
navy" lodged by Senator Phelan. of
California, against Secretary Daniels.
has excited much unfavorsble comment.
As a result of the debate between Sena-
tors Phelan and Clarke. on one side. and
the Secretary and naval experts. on the
other which ensued. Senator Walsh was
Instrumental in having adopted an
amendment. to the clause in the naval
bill appropriating $4,000 for an investiga-
ton of fuel oil and gasoline adapted to
naval requirements permitting an in
quiry on the part of the board. Of which
Rear Admiral Edwards. retired, is prest-
dent. as to the availability economical
ly and otherwise of such Supply a. may
be afforded by the naval reserves on
the public domain.
The findings Of the board is eNneCted
to be against any attempt to en0roach
upon the land reserves that offers TO
insure an adequate supply OF oil for ships
that are now being designed and built
for the exclusive use of such fuel.