Evening star., 1925-08-16


il is understood that upon the com
pletion OF his leave of absence ne
will assume command of the 9TH
naval district, Norfolk. Va, which
is his preferred assignment.
1t is understood that upon the re-
lief of Admiral Thomas Washington,
L. s. N. from the command OF the
Asiatic fleet. he will be assigned to
the 18th naval district at San Fran.
cisco, Calf, while, on the relief OF
Admiral Philip Andrews, U. s.. N,
from the command of the U. S. fleet
in European waters, he will, In all
probability. be assigned to the Boston
Navy Yard. According to the assign
ment plans. Rear Admiral William
c. Cole, u. s. N, chief of star or
the U. S. fleet, is slated to proceed to
Norfolk, where he will be assigned as
commandant OF the yard.
One of the first questions which
Il is expected that Secretary Nilbur
will take up after he arrives in Wash
inGton next week is selecting d sue
cessor to Rear Admiral John N. Robi-
son. euginecr-in-chief of the Navy
and CHIEF of the Bureau OF Engineer
ing. In addition 10 Comdr. 5. NJ.
Robinson. in charge of the design
ing division of the Bureau of Engl-
neering. Capt. Paul B. DUNCAN. otfl-
Ger in charge of the engineering eX-
detrimental station at Annapolis, and
Capt. John Halligan, jr.. instructor at
the Naval War College, Newport, X l.
all of whom are being considered for
this important post, the name or capt.
Frank H. Clark, chief of the navy
yard division in the office Of the AS
sistant Secretary Of the Navy, has
been added TO this list.
Discussion of the above mentioned
candidates has led to the suggestion
that an amendnent be added to- the
law which now imposes a limitation
on those officers who perform engi-
neering duties exclusively. Under the
provisions of this law. engineering
officers from commander up are dis
qualified as feet commanders, and
they are confined to staff duty and as
bureau chiefs. This discussion has
reached to such a point in naval
circles that ii IS expected that, III all
probability. a recommendation repeal
ing this provision of law will be sub
mitted at the approaching session OF
Congress.
Orders have been issued by the
Navy Department authorizing Comdr.
William Ancrum, U. 8. N, to com.
mana the u. .. .. olSICy' ICIloli6
the appointment of Comdr. Ancrum
to the command of this vessel, Lieut..
Comdr H. G.. Fuller, u. S. N. execu-
tive officer, has been in charge. Lieut..
Comdr. James c. Clark, U. S. N. re-
lieves Lieut.. Comdr. Walter K. Kirk
patrick, u. 8. N, as commander of
the U. S. S. Hatfield. the latter being
ordered to proceed TO the New York
Navy Yard.
Both Capts. David V. Chadwick and
William A. Merritt, (SC), L. s. N,
have been detached as aides on the
staff of the commander in chief of
the battle fleet, the former being
ordered TO duty at the New York
Navy Yard, while Capt. Merritt will
proceed to the navy yard at Charles
ton, S. c. O*ders have also been
issued by the Navy Department de-
taching Capts. George c. Schafer and
Victor S. Jackson, both Supply Corps
officers, from duty in the Bureau of
Supplies and Accounts, Navy Depart
ment. The new assignment of Capt.
Schafer Is as aide on the staff of the
commander in chief of the battle
fleet. while Capt. Jackson has been
assigned to duty at the navy yard at
Portsmouth, n. H.
Capt. Cuthbert ]. Cleborne, U. S. N,
will shortly be relieved from his duties
as aid and force supply officer on the
staff of the commander in chief of the
feet base force. His new assignment
will be at San Diego, Calf, where he