The Washington herald., 1916-03-14
By f. Il. JOHNS.

Dispute the announcements OF Chair
man Tillman. of the Senate Committee
on Naval Affairs, and Chairman Padgett,
of the House Committee on Naval AZ
fairs, far from satisfactory progress is
being made toward the passage of a
naval personnel bill 1t will be recalled
not only the Secretary Of the Navy but
| both Chairmen of the naval affairs com
mittces stated that there would be some
comprehensive naval personnel legisla-
tion at this session.
The delay to a great extent is due to
the extended consideration which the
naval personnel board gave the subject
For over year the board WAS working
on bill and even now some of the
members are not satisfied with the bill.
Although the House committee is not
ready to take up the bill at present, an
unfavorable impression has been created
among the members of the committee
by the failure of the navy to agree upon
the terms OF the bill.
Chairman Ttllman. apparently growing
/ impatient, addressed a letter to the Navy
Department and asked for the personnel
boards report. The report was sent
up to both committees and it was as
sumed that the Senate committee would
take up the bill Immediately. But the
report was followed by a letter from
the Secretary in which he stated that
he wanted to make some further recon-
mendations.
As an emergency measure the Army
League asks Congress to pass the Cham
berlain bill Immediately. This, it insists.
would give the President an adequate
force to deal with the Mexican situation
If the entire country is to be occupied
the league in its statement says, 1t Will
ho to a r1NN
Of 10000 in addition 10 a regular army
Of 5000. The Chamberlain bill fixes the
peace strength OF the regular army at
lis, coo and the war strength at 24s,o0o
In the opinion Of Admiral Fletcher. pro-
motion by selection would be detrimental
to the best intere SITS of the naval service.
Other officers who appeared before the
House Committee on Naval Affairs de-
clared that this system should be care
fully safeguarded, and expressed doubt
as to whether it could be worked out
satisfactorily. but the commander-ln-Chief
Of the Atlantic fleet was the first 10
express himself as opposed to the system
of promotion that has been recommended
by the Secretary of the Navy and the
personnel board.
AS a substitute for promotion by selec-
ton Admiral Fletcher proposed that
Congress authorize the President 10
transfer annually not exceeding four per
cont of the captains. commanders, and
lieutenant commandcrs of the active lists
to duty in other government service.
He argued that navy officers would be
fully qualified for the lighthouse service,
coast survey service. consular service.
diplomatic SerN ice. and as instructors OF
machinery. In this capacity the govern
ment could secure excellent service from
them and at the same time create a
satisfactory flow of promotion in the
navy.
The Admiral said that in order TO pro-
vide sufficient personnel for the ad-
ministrations naval program for the next
six years. the number of officers authortz-
ed in the grades of rear admiral, captain,
and commander shall be increased
annually as follows: Rear admirals, ,;
captains, 5: commanders, Is. All lieuten-
ants of eight years standing shall be
promoted to neutenant-commander All
lieutenants junior grade) or five years
standing shall be promoted to lieutenant.
West Point Notes.
West Point, y. Y, March 1G-Capt. and
Mrs. Rethers had dinner for Col. and
Mrs. Gordon. Col. and Mrs. Tschappat
Capt and Mrs. Carter Lieut.. and Mrs.
Cunningham. Lieut.. and Mrs. Miner
Joined for bridge, when prizes were won
by Col Gordon, Capt. Carter and Lieut.
Miner.
Capt and Mrs Worcester's guests at
dinner were Maj. and Mrs. Bell. Capt.
and Mrs Carter. Lieut.. and Mrs. Booton.
Miss Todd. Miss Hunter, Capt. Steesc
and Lieut.. stanton.
Mrs. Morrison had one table Of bri6S
$40 EnidaS. vhen her guests we're Mes