The Washington times., 1925-07-22

ton from the War Department as
to whom this appointment will be
given. Since Colonel Dwight Davis,
Acting Secretary of War, has been
in the CHAIR" such promotions
have been made on the qualiflca-
tions of the individual officer, rather
than on his political backlog. This
has been materially Responsible Tor
the raising of the morale OF the
higher ranking officers of the serV-
Ice, especially among those without
political backing. Recent promo
lions made by Colonel Davis 10 the
grade of major general, from the
list of brigadier generals, indicates
that seniority is to count for some
thing, all other things being equal.
While four brigadier generals
have been mentioned as among
those most likely to be made major
general, it is believed that Colonel
Davis will select Brigadier GeIeral
William D. Conner, one of the best
soldiers in the service, according to
his many friends. At one time he
Commanded at Fort Humphreys,
Va, and is now on duty with the
American forces in China. Other
officers mentioned as candidates
are Brigadier Generals Dwight E.
Aultnan, johnson Hagod and Fox
Conner.
It has been learned that Rear
Admiral George W. Williams.
United States Navy, commander Of
the destroyer squadrons of the
Scouting Fleet. died in the naval
hospital at Charleston, S. c., July
II. from an infection of the throat.
Admiral Williams was brought to
the hospital, three days before his
death, on the destroyer Sturtcvant
from Panama, which made a very
fast trip in order TO get him into
hospital.
Four old barracks on the Cover
nors Island reservation, were de-
stroyed by fire last week. The build.
ings were OF wood and constructed
during the war. They were used
as dwellings by ten non-commis-
stoned officers and their families.
The post laundry of Governors
Island was also destroyed.
A selection board to fill the
vacancy in the grade of rear adj
miraI in the supply corps, Of the
United States Navy, met last week
in the Navy Department. The
naval service in Washington has
heard it rumored that Captain
Thomas H. Hicks, U. S. N. in
charge of the naval supply depot
at South Brooklyn, N. Y, has been
selected to fill the vacancy OF rear
admiral. Captain Hicks, it is be-
Heved, will. be selected on account
of his rank and his splendid record
at the Brooklyn supply depot. This
vacancy was caused by the retire
ment of Rear Admiral F. T. Arms.
Major General William H. Hart,
the quartermaster general of the
army, left Washington last week
on an extended trip over the coun-
try in connection with matters per-
tanning to the quartermaster corps.
He first visited Camp Dix and his
trip will end with visit TO forts
along the Texas border. He viii
return to Washington about Sep
TENDER 1.
The Second battalion Of the Sew
enty-sfxth field artillery, stationed
at the Preside of Monterey, Cal.,.
while on a practice march during
last month, was invited by the
Santa Cruz chamber of commerce
to participate in the bathing beauty
contest pageant, which was accept
ed, Officers were present at all
the official balls and banquets. 1t
Is a matter of great pride with the
battalion that during the week not
a. single case of misconduct on the
part of the soldiers occurred.
Destroyer division 26, which has
been serving with the naval forces
OF Europe, left Southampton for
the Azores and then on to New
York, early this month. The ar
rival at New York was made last
week. Captain Ed. Berrien, Z.
S. NJ is in command of the divis-
ion. While in Europe he COM
manded division 80.
exercises at Fort Totten, 1t was
found that radio communication be-
tween airplanes and the ground
was not satisfactory, a variety OF
causes contributing, none Of which
is incapable of removal.
The signal corps cable ship Dell
wood, has gone to Seward, Alaska.
to investigate all phases of COM
munication between the military
cable system and Richardson Trail,
in order that traffic may be trans
ferred to the trail in case of ne
cessity.
A powerful aviation landing field
light. developing one-haR billion
cand1epower, was tested at the n.y.
ing field of the marine corps, Guam
ttco, Va, last week. The light is
similar to that used in landing
fields of the air mail where night
flying is conducted. The light was
compared with the Sperry Light,
which has been used for some time
by the navy. The new light is
visible from the ali for a. distance
of sixty miles. BY it's light one can
read a newspaper at a distance Of
two miles. Included in the expert
ments were those of the photog-
raphers, who attempted to take
Still and moving pictures" by
the illumination of the light.
Lieutenant Colonel T. G. Turner, Of
the marine corps, commanding Of
ficer of marine corps aviation at
Quantico, supervised the tests.
Comma nder Ernest r. Gs yl.r, u.
s. N. has reported in Warrington
for duty with the Navy Department
and has been assigned to the Blu
reau OF Yards and Docks, following
- I,fu a1 ne