New Britain herald., 1928-12-10
WILBUR'S REPORT
 PRAISES MARINES
Secretary Rejoices In High Mo
 rale Of Navy

Washington, Dec. 10 R-A re- cital praising the work of the ma rines, now on front with Hanks in Nicaragua and China, reporting important developments in naval flying, and rejoicing in the annual report Of Secretary Wilbur.
 At the same time the report, made public Saturday, said there was an insufficient enlisted person. nel to maintain balanced fleet, and that "a shortage. requiring the re- duction of vessels allowances of personnel below the point of eff tlciency existed during this current fiscal year." which would increase taken.
 Wide Range
 The report of the secretary touch ed d wide range Of objects, but dealt with especial emphasis on the marines work in Nicaragua and the important developments in aviation. where great strides were reported in obtasnin the aircraft 10 fill the five year extension program calling for 1000 planes.
 Telling of the dispatch of the special service squadron and more than 5000 marines and bluejackets to Nicaragua, Mir. Wilbur said, '"The American naval forces in Nicaragua have executed a very difficult duty with tact and forebearancc.'
 'They have used force only where absolutely necessary and have contributed as much as poss- ble to the happiness and well-being of the Nicaraguan people," he con- tinued.
 American forces made S5 contacts with hostile forces during the year. suffering the loss Of 19 men killed and 4 wounded in action, in addi- tion 10 two ayiators who crashed and later died. More than 4.o0o ma rines were maintained in China.
 situation Better
 "The situation at Shanghai has become stabilized, partially due 10 the fact that we still maintain a force of about 1000 marines therc,' Mr. Wilbur wrote.
 The airplane' carriers Lexington and Saratoga were added to the fleet during the year and contracts were awarded for two giant 6.50O,- 900 cubic feet volume drigibles. Thirty aviators were reported killed in crashes during the calendar year, 1927.
 The remainder Of the naval petroleum reserves were returned to the supervision of Secretary Wilbur during the year. He ordered the wells closed down and close check kept to determine whether there was any drainage to nearby wells. Since the closing of the wells in most of the reserves. no definite evidence has developed that there is any appreci- able leakage of either oil or gas from the reserve wells to the out side wells, the report said. Legis- iation to fix more definitely the status of the reserves was urged in the report. particularly for the pro- lection of reserve Number 1, which is estimated 10 contain 60o 900, ,ooo barrels of oil. and which may be drained by owners of nearby land, when they decide to drill.
 Shortage Of Officers
 Secretary Wilbur predicted a shortage of officers would exist for three years, unless congress appro- priated funds for new appointment basis. 'The rapid development of aviation, and the increased propor- tion of smaller vessels in the fleet combine to require materially greater percentage of officers to men than did our navy in 1916" the report said.
 The report made no reference to the cruiser bill which passed the house at the last session and which is pending before the senate.
 Of the several accidents during the year. the sinking Of the sub- marine S-4 with the loss of Al lives off the Massachusetts coast following 3 collision with the coast guard de. stroyer Paulding was the worst
 Secretary Wilbur recommended cd the passage of a bill to prevent stag nation in promotion of officers o' the line. and another to provide for the retirement of staff officers whc have been passed over by the selec' tions board for higher rank. third bill he urged for passag ge