The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-07-12
What is to be done for the navy?


number Of ships representing Uncle Sam the
Ships without sailors to man them, and
while they be conscpted in times in time Of peace
service IN the navy must be a matter OF choice
On the day of the armisce the enlisted strength Of the
navy $4,000 The figures for the first Of every
month since then have been as follows:
December. $4,000 February $4,000 April 2SlO 600
January $4,000 March $4,000 May. 900
Only eleven per cent of the men going out
snsng and the department is wondering when and where
the depletion Of the forces is to stop.
One of the contributing causes to continued and
increased lessenng Of power is clause in the naval
appropriation bill which has just passed the House with the
full approval Of the House Naval Affairs Committee.
This clause recites that every who went into the
navy after the declaration Of shall be considered
to have enlisted only for the period Of the war; and that he
shall be discharged his parents need his support.
is unsupported that the sailors themselves will
to it that they needed at home for there grow
ing impression that the have not found the naval
service to their liking
One Of the evidences supporting this theory is an article
which appears in the current July number Of Hearst Maya
xins headed Why We Won't Go Back in the Navy" and
bearing the signature, ''By an Enlisted Man"
The very snness Of the article adds to its impressive
In his opening paragraphs he says:
I believe the time has come to tell the truth
about the attitude Of the average enlisted mantle
average "gobh toward service in the United
States navy. On the recognition OF these facts may
possibly depend the future Of the navy, for, after
all, the real solution of any problem is men.
And then he goes into detail he says the navy is un
aemocraC that the discipline (he acknowledges srCness
Is necessary is Of kind that kills all ambition and self
respect.
BE criticises the uniform of the sailor which he SAYS
was designed for the time Of sails and ysrdarms He says
they forced to hat which, when it stays on
affords protection to the eyes from the glare Of the sun
on the water.
Being constructive Of mind he proposes remedies, and
his suggestions have the merit of being sane reasonable
and practical This is what he asks: |
First: Offer the prospective "gob" few real
inducements. Choose at least half of the officer
candidates each year from the enlisted personnel.
Show the man In the ranks that there really is
place at the top.
Second: Establish trade schools where the
can learn trade that will be widely useful in
civil life. This has already been done to some ex-
tent, but there are not enough of these schools.
Third: Guarantee each at least one cruise
m foreign waters during his enlistment-and then
give him plenty of shore liberty when he is in
foreign ports.
Fourth: Shorten the enlistment to two wears
A four-year enlistment looks too long to about 90
per cent Of our young / know that naval
officers viii say that it can't be DONE that it takes
almost that long to make good sailor. But the war
proved them wrong. -Four years out of young
mans life means a great deal. Yet a two-year en-
istment, with foreign travel, would be good in
veStment for any young
Fifth Lessen the discipline somewhat Make
the of individual and less mere cog
In a weary, grinding wheel.
Sixth: Lessen the naval caste. Keep the gap
between officer and man as deep and wide as You
ike-but make it intellectual and professional
difference, not social difference.
Seventh: Discard the present uniform and
design one that is dignifed and practical Put the
enlisted in outfit that he can be proud Of
and that expresses the worth and the i'm
portance of the naval service
We suggest that the committees having to do with
naval affairs both the House and Senate give this voung
mans article careful reading; that Secretary Daniels
study what he has to say and that the other authorities of
the department listen to his arguments.
he has been in the ranks. He knows what the 'eobs"
talk about he may have the real solution Of the cues
kisaa 1tWby donit want "a RI the nau-v9u