The Washington times., 1920-06-19
GEN. lEJEUNE
MARINE CHIEF
Daniels Announces Appointment
of "Fighting Leader" to
Succeed Barnett.

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A. Lejeune had been appointed ma
jor general commandant Of the Unit
ed States Marine Corps to succeed
Maj. Gen. George Barnett solely be-
cause sin a fighting corps like the
marines the permanent general
ought to be a man who had distin-
guished himself in the field"
AS commander OF the famous Sec
ond Division. Secretary Daniels said,
Major General Lejeune was regarded
as one OF the most brilliant strategists
in Europe and the finest officer in the
Marine Corps. a record that entitled
him to assume command over that or
ganization.
REMOVAL NOT CRITICISM.
Mr.. Daniels made it clear the re-
moval of Major General Barnett was
not to be taken in any way as a criti-
cism OF his command over the Marine
Corps during the war. General Bar
nett was reappointed major general
commandant slightly more than two
years ago with the understanding
Secretary Daniels said. that he should
hold the office. not for the full term
of four years, but during the pleasure
of the President"
While in France during the war.
Secretary Daniels said. he had deter
mined to appoint General Lejeune per-
manent commandant upon his return
to this country. He so informed Gem
eral Lejeune when he visited the lat
ter's headquarters in Coblenz, Ger
many.
OTHER HEADS MAY FALL.
Secretary Daniels indicated that the
axe may fall upon other bureau chiefs
OF the Navy who have been holding
offices temporarily during the war.
He would mention no names but said
that anything" might be expected in
view of the fact that they can be re-
moved at the direction of the Presi.
dent.
Reports that Rear Admiral Samuel
MCGOWAN, chief of the Bureau OF Sup
plies and Accounts, would be request
ed to resign, Secretary Daniels char
acterized as mere rumors"
Explaining his action In requesting
the resignation of General Barnett.
after n notable service Of forty-three
years with the corps, Secretary Dan
ieids praised highly the services Of
General Barnett during his aduainis-
trntion.
"He has been n very efficient oni-
Secretary said.
Major General Lejeupe, who is now
in command OF the marine post at
Quantico, Va, Mr. Daniels said. will
assume his new duty next week
Under the law, General Barnett
may either retire with the rank Of
major general" he said, "or he can
remain in TIE service with the rank
OF brigadier general. I have seen
General Barnett. but he doesn't know
which course he will elect"
IN KEEPING WITH POLICY.
Secretary Daniels said he had wait
ed n considerable time before re-
quecttng General Barnett's resigna-
tion because the latter was in the
midst of legislative duties and he
wanted him to have an opportunity OF
completing his estimates for the mex
fiscal year before resigning. As soon
as tho fiAcal year was ended, Mr.. Dan
iels determined to appoint General Le-
jeunc TO command the corps imme-
diatcly.
He declared the appointment OF
General Lcjeune was In keeping with
the policy OF the Navy Department to
recognize the services OF command
ing officers who had distinguished
themselves on the field.
"In n hCbting corps Hike the Ma
rircs," said MIR. Daniels ! believed
the permanent major general COM
n,andnnt should he the mnn who most
distinguished himself In the deId.-
He cited the case of the promotion
OF Admiral Rodman for like services
as justifying his action with regard TO
the removal of General Barnett.
General Barnett had nothing to saw
about his resignation when seen to-
day. He first heard rumors OF the
action the Secretary CONTEMPLATED
while recently inspecting the Western
coast posts OF the Marine Corps.
General Barnett has served six
years and four months as command.
ant OF the Marine Corps. having been
reappointed two years ago with the
temporary rank OF major general.
His term OF Office would have expired
in February. 1922.
Secretary Daniels issued state.
ment today Mandatory OF the services
OF General LeJeune in France, when
the Second division, under his COM
mand. broke the center OF the German
line and caused the retreat of the
Germans TO the east bank OF the
Meuse. the night before the signing
Of the armisticc.
4 graduate OF the Army war Col
lege. General Lejeune Is recognized
he said, as mot only the ablest officer
in the marine corps, but one OF the
most distinguished soldiers OF the
world war"
Prior 10 the war. General LeJeune
was assistant to the commandant. and
according to Mr.. Daniels "hc Is an Of
ficcr who won his spurs in war. and