Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-02-16
M|DSKPM MAN BODY
ENLARGED BY LAW
Each Senator, Representa-.
tive and Delegate May Keep
Five at Academy.


ANNAPOLIS. Nd. February 15.-Un-
ulating the Navy for the coming
year, the youths of the nation will
have the greatest opportunity they
have ever had of entering the Naval
Academy. and. through it, the COM
missioned ranks Of the Navy. In al
most every instance the number of
appointments allotted to different Of
ficials has been increased. and the
midshipman body will be brought to
a greater total than in all it's previ-
Gus history.
The naval bill for the year pro-
vides that five midshipmen shall be
allowed each senator, delegate and
representative in Congress and the
resident commissioner from Porto
Rico. This does not mean that each
of those officials may appoint five
candidates this year and each of the
lowed to keep Eve midshipmen of his
appointment at the Naval Academy
at all times, and appoint for any en-
tering class the number represent
ing the difference between his ap-
pointees in the academy and FIVE
.
District OF Columbia by the Presi-
dent.
Yearly Appointments Regulated.
One hundred and fifteen yeariy ap-
pointmefits are Of 4 different charac-
ter. being authorised for each year.
The law, passed two years ago, by
which hundred enlisted men of the
Navy and Marine Corps are desig-
q m n he NJ oh cIu no
been renewed. The President also is
authorized to appoint each year If
teen midshtpmen at large.
There Is now in the Naval Academy
z total Of 2,es1 midshipmen. OF
these AS belong to the first class.
$50 to the third and ss7 to the fourth.
There IL no second class, on account
OF the shortening Of the course dur
ing the war. The graduation Of the
members OF the nrst class in June,
and the destinations in the other
classes which always occur during
the term. will reduce this number TO
a little over 1.40o by the early part
of June. The first and second classes
OF next year will be formed by an
even division of the present third
fourth class will become the third
class, and q new fourth class will be
formed from those candidates who
pass the mental tests on February IS
and April ID nexf and the physical
examinations which follow.
Authorized by Present Law.
The law now in existence author
ICES the appointment OF five candi-
and delegate, and the other appoint
ments as for next year, but these ap-
potntments are based on three sepa-
rate acts. The original law pro-
yided for three appointments, and
acts, each providing for an additional
appointment. Under these acts, Ii is
calculated that there will be nearly
LOO appointments available. and a
new fourth class Of a little over 500
10 expected. The total student body
10 expected to number something over
500 at the beginning of the term.
With the additions to Bancroft Hall.
the midshfpm mems quarters, the acad-
envy il able to care for 2.4oo mid
shipmen.
Opportunity to Enlisted Men.
The law by which 100 members of
the enlisted force are appointed each
year gives q splendid opportunity to
youths who are ambitious to enter the
academy but are not able to bring
the proper influence to bear Youths
OF the proper age may enlist in the
navy and are eligible, after a years
service. to take competitive ex-
animation for designation to the
Naval Academy. The law has only
been In effect one year. and last year
only about half Of the quota was
obtained in this way. Under this
provision OF the law the Naval Acad-
envy will procure for each class 100
youths who have had a full year OF
training as enlisted men in the Navy.
Under the law. also, midshipmcn
, may be designated from Alaska,
Porto RICO and Hawaii. There are al
ready midshipmen from these sec.
| tions. The law also provides that a
citizen of Cuba and four from the
Philippines may be received for in
struction at the academy. These 20
! through the course, but are not com
missioned at its completion. No Fill
ipino has yet awaited himself of the
| privilege, but II Is understood one or
more will become members of the
/ class