Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-11-25
DESK ADM|RALS"
SCORED BY BUTLER
Fiery "DeviI Dog" BIames
"CIigue" for Failure to
Advance.

Academy, where could have spent
three or four quiet years, to emerge an
ensign in the Navy-with the war over
and little likelihood Of action. I sup
pose that even at 16 should have had
better vision"
Decides to Retire.
Therefore. he recites, he retired be-
cause he was not a graduate of An
napolis, adding:
Because I am not a Naval Academy
man a clique Of admirals- with Out-shtpS
determined that should never be COM
mandant of the Marine Corps. -
las result of their efforts, past and
present, I cannot look forward to pro-
motion; I cannot hope to lead an ex-
petition; I cannot be a member OF
board; am never consulted about any
corps activities, although previously l
was consulted constantly: l am not
consulted about affairs at my own post;
I even cannot use an airplane under my
own command. So what's the uSe?"
Asserting that even before the death
Of Maj. Gen. w. G. Neville, former
Marine Corps commandant, he knew
that he would not be named to the
post, although he was then the next
highest ranking officer Of the corps,
Gen. Butler says he saw but two courses
open to him.
Begins Life Anew.
One was to continue as commander
of the barracks at Quantico for an
other two years. then move to the Pacific
Coast for four years, back to 6luantlco
for another four years, and then a
final four-year tour of duty on the West
Coast. The other would be TO retire,
Df nd
in a new field
Gen. Butler points out that he was
one of four men, two major generals
and two brigadier generals, who were
passed over or ignored" by the admin
istration in the naming OF Gen. Neville's
successor.
THE unfairness of the action is in the
fact that all of us were sighted, and
man who stood fifth in line named
without any one in authority taking
the time to study the military records
of any Of the candidates"
Says Records Ignored.
These records, he declares, had been
prepared by proper officers at Marine
Corps Headquarters. in manner GUS
tomarily followed when high vacancy
occurs, and had been kept handy for
prompt submission TO the Navy De-
parImenL or the WIllLc f1OuSc upon re-
quest. The request never came, he
asserts.
Charging that the Clique of desk
admirals,' who seem to hold sway in
the Navy Department in Washington
demand an Annapolis man as head
of the Marine Corps. Gen. Butler adds:
They desire to have the corps an
insignificant part Of the naval service.
a unit under their collective thumb 1t
dismays and appalls them to learn of
the heroic deeds Of the Marines on
foreign duty. They feel 1t detractS
from the prestige of the Navy. These
Washington admiralS do not want any
one in the Office Of major general COM
mandant who will oppose their efforts
to weaken the Marine Corps, to reduce
its personnel, and to make Of 1t a small
detail Of errand boys for gold-braided
navy lines officers. They want some
one who will carry out their wish and
whim, regardless Of the effect on the
corps"
Cites "Petty" Annoyances.
Gen. Butler further charges that ain
every possible and petty manner have /
been annoyed and Inundated"
Here he describes how the Secretary
of Navy approved his being made q
member Of the Interdepartmental
Board. but asserts that the White House
overruled this as being not acceptable.
A note appended at the end of the
Liberty article says "the opinions or as
sertions contained herein are the pri-