Evening Star Newspaper, August 22, 1926, Page 65

Army and Navy News ARMY. The thorough fleld tests conducted in the Panama Canal Department on 1aachine gun transportation equip- ment has resulted in the issuance of an order by Maj. Gen. Willlam Las- siter, commanding general of that de. partment, for the conversion by machine gun coni- panies in the Canal Zone from cart to pack trans. portation is in line with the views held by Col. F. G. Knabenshue, com- mander of the 42d Infantry, who pio- neered the way in the employment of pack transporta- tion in the Canal Zone. In order that the relative value of cart and pack transportation might be determined, Company D of the 83d Infantry demonstrated the use of carts, while Company M of the 42d Infantry demonstrated the use of pack equipment, the test being held in the vicinity of Fort Clayton. Canal Zone. The route over which the test was held includes all types of trails and ran for a distance of 71z miles, and both companies not only marched over the route, hut were required to eut trails, go into action, counter- march, and to conceal themselves from air observation. There was practically no difference between the two types of transportation when operating on the easy tralls, but as the terrain he- eame more difficult to traterss superlority of the pack transportation hecame apparent. The cart company found it extremely difficult to accom- plish the steep slopes of the trail, their marching time being 412 hours. com pared to 3 hours for the pack company Poth men and animals of the cart com- pany were in an exhausted condition at the conclusion of the march, while those of the pack company were com- parativel fresh. The test con- clusively proved the superiority of pack transportation in the Canal Zone, which has now been adopted, and brought out in a glaring w the disadvantages of cart transpor- tation such as occupying more space on the trail, they were more diffi- cult to conceal from air observation, and their countermarching on trails proved to be difficult and lengthy Ma). Gen. Lassite The general circulation of rumors | lately that a considerable number of Army officers of over 30-years' serv- fee would be extended an opp ity to retire, has been emphatically de- nied in the War Department. Unal- terable opposition has been voiced by Secretary of War Davis on this sub- ject from time to time, which ac- counts for the few 30-year retire- ments which have been accepted by the President. In view of the many congressional inquiries which were addressed to both the War and Navy Departments during the last session, it is very evident that the inquirers entertain the opinion that there is something radically wrong with the method of retirement. Representatives Begg, Blanton and Speaks, and Hill of Maryland have all expressed the opinion that there should be greater uniformity in transferring officers from the active list. Some of them favor confining retirement to disability and so re- taining officers on the active list, re- gardless of length of service or age. This ignores the opportunity for cre- ating vacancies, it is pointed out, which would aid promotion. It also overlooks the fact that officers en- tered on a military career with the impression that they will be entitled to retirement for service or at the age of 64 years, as well as for inca- pacity. The crystallization of this sen- timent on the part of Congress. it is said, is the cause .of the perceptible check on the War Department prac- tice of retiring officers for 30 years’ service. The refusal of the depart- ment to grant this privilege is having a detrimenta] effect upon the military personnel, so those officers who de- sire retirement on this account, not only confidently expected, but are still of the opinion that they have rightfully earned retirement. They naturally hold a grievance because of this hard and fast rule, especially those colonels who feel that they have no chance of selection as brigadier general. On the other hand, it is held, any unusual number of transfers to the retired list for 30 : e would undoubtedly S comment in Congress, which it would be desirable to avoid. The general Congressional opinion is that retirementd should be limited 10 those physically incapacitated for duty in any ch of the Army. The implication is that an officer must he so physically unfit that he cannot be useful in any capacity. For ex- an officer of the Cavalry arm be considered as physically vhether or not he was pro the | fessionally qualified—for service in the quartermaster corps, assuming there is a difference in demand that creates a physical distinction. So far as legislation of this sort has been sug- gested, there appears to be no diffi- culty in making a transfer of an Army engineer to the medical de- partment, although it is presumed that the change of assignment would be mainly between the combat forces and certain of the staff corps. In view of the comprehensive study of the Army promotion list which is engaging the attention of the | War Department general staff, the recommendations of which are to be presented to the approaching Congress which meets next December, the hope has been expressed that there be pro- duced some definite statement concern- ing retirement. This to the end that there may be adequate provision for retirement that may be followed by the administration without hesitation or any apprehension that it will en- “ounter congressional remonstrance or opposition that will afford officers the desirable and deserved chance of re- lief from active service. Making the Army Medical Center at Walter Reed General Hospital in this city the mecca for the world's medical profession—the dream of Army medical officers for years—is about to be realized with the appro- priations totalling approximately $3,- 000,000, already authorized, which will be expended in the construction of new buildings at the Walter Reed institution. This fund of $3,000,000 which will be utilized in constructon projects only, comes from three dif- ferent sources, i. e., $160,000 from the American National Red Cross, ap- proximately $900,000 from the U. Veterans’ Bureau, and about $2,000,. 000 from the War Department. The $160,000 appropriation from the Red Cross will be expended in con- structing a badly needed recreation building, the work on which has just been started. The work on this build- ing will be finished in about a year. The Veterans' Bureau fund of $900,- 000 will be used in the construction of a main mess and kitchen building, ward buildings, connecting corridors, kitchen equipment, _elevators, etc. This work has already been contract- ed for, and will be completed. it is pointed out in the War Department, in about a year. The buildings to be constructed out of the War Depart- ment appropriation of $2,000,000 have not, up to the present time, been con- tracted for, but these contracts will be let in the near future. Out of this | expended in general grading and the | changing of utility piping, which is about 90 per cent complete. Upon the completion of this work, and as soon | as the contracts for the proposed ad- | ditional buildings are let, work will hegin immediately. The following buildings will be erected out of the remaining $1.900,000: One ward wing to west of main building, one ward wing to east of main bullding, one tsolation building, one tuberculosis ward, one laboratory building and one ward for special cases. The comple- tion of this project will make Walter Reed one of the most modern and up- to-date medical institutions in the United States and will be the most forward step taken by the War De- partment_authorities in making this medical institution what all Army medical officers have dreamed of—the medical center of the world. In the not far distant future there will have to be faced the necessity of providing in some manner for two additional Army transports to replace the Thomas and the U. S. Grant on the Pacific run to Manila. The former vessel has rounded out 32 years of service, while the Grant: hecause of her small capacity compared to her cost of operation, is very unsatisfac- tory. Negotiations were conducted with the Shipping Board several months ago with a view to securing the trans- fer to the water transportation service of the Regular Army of two suitable hoats, but no tangible results were obtained, due to the fact that the chairman of the Shipping Board was firmly convinced that the loss of two ships would seriously hamper the board’s activities in their attempts to establish trade routes under the policy laid down by law. No action in the matter was proposed in the Army ap- propriation bill=but the handwriting is on the wall that something will have to be done in the comparatively near future. The Shipping Board offered the Army two transports, the Agamemnon and Mount Vernon, both 23-knot vessels, but they were refused on account of their size, cost of refit- ting and expense of operation. Inspections recently made of the huils and boilers of the Army’s trans- ports indicate that they are in fairly good condition, but the War Depart- ment authorities are hopeful that steps will be taken by the approaching Congress to provide for the replace- ment of these rapidly ageing rvessels. NAVY. Of particular interest to line officers of the Navy is that provision in the Announcing THE APPOINTMENT OF money approximately $100,000 will be | THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, naval staff equalization of promotion law which fixes the rank and date of commission upon the transfer of a line officer to a staff corps, the pri- mary purpese of which is to insure that an officer transferring to a staff corps will not lose precedence and will become eligible for promotion to the higher ranks not later than the date of promotion to His line classmat who stood next senior to him at th time of transfer. In the past an offi- cer transferring to the Supply Corps lost his precedence hecause of the fact that he could only accomplish the transfer in the rank of ensign, his commission bearing a later date than his line commission. The act of March 4, 1913, provided that officers commis- sioned ‘on or after that date should | take precedence with all other officers according to dates of commission, | while the act of August 29, 1916, pre- scribed that staff corps officers be- come eligible for promotiop up to and including the rank of lieutenant com- mander with those line officers with, or next after, whom they take pre- cedence. Though. not operating to correct the precedence of officers transferred to the Supply Corps prior to its enactment, the act of June 10, 1926, will prevent loss of rank, it is pointed out, when such transfers may hereafter be made. In view of the doubtful views held in the Bureau of Navigation relative to the procedure to be followed under the new law with respect to transfers to the Construction and Civil Engi- neer Corps, an opinion has been se- cured from the Judge Advocate Gen- eral. Transfer without loss of pre cedence to those corps in the lowest | rank, that of lieutenant (junior grade), ! when their classmates were promoted | to that rank has been the policy of | the Navy Department in dealing \Vl(h! those line ensigns undergoing instruc- | tion for the Construction Corps or| Civil Engineer Corps. The new law, | which prescribes that nsfer be made in the rank held ¥at time of transfer, eliminates entirely the prior procedure, and this, together with the | fact that the rank of ensign is non-| existent in the Construction Corps or | the Civil Engineer Corps, was the cause of the question being brought up as to how thcse ensigns of the 1923 Naval Academy class undergoing instruction fer those corps might be transferred. In his opinion, the judge advocate general of the Navy held that ensigns may not be transferred to the Staff Corps with the rank of lieutenant (ju- nior grade); that they may be so trans- ferred only in the rank of ensign and shall retain the date of rank held at the time of transfer. That provision of the act of June 10, 1926, Admiral Campbell held, establishes the rank of ensign in the Construction and Civil Engineer Corps for the purpose | of transfers of this nature, and, ac- cordingly, line ensigns to be so trans- ferred will be commissioned assistant naval constructors or assistant civil engineers with the rank of ensign. Later they will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) from the dafes stated in the commissions in that rank of their line classmates. Comdr. Holden C. Richardson (C. C.), head of the design section of the Bureau of Aeronautics, has recently been promoted to the rank of captain. Capt. Richardson has been on duty in the bureau since October, 1923, and has accomplished work of the very highest importance to the Navy De- partment during his tour of duty in this city. He is not only regarded as the foremost authority in the country and abroad on the design of floats and hulls, but he did much in pioneer- ing the way in the development of catapults, and the present highly de- veloped catapult 18, to a large extent, the result of his effor! Lieut. Comdr. Homer . Wick, com- manding officer of the Naval Air Sta- tion, Anacostia, D. C., was designated by the Navy Department this week as the officer in charge of the 1926 United States Schneider cup racing team. Simultaneously with this an- nouncement, five officers were ordered to report to Comdr. Wick for duty in connection with the races, They are Lieuts. G. T. Cuddihy, Anacostia Air Station, and F. II. Conant. 2d, on duty in the Bureau of Aeronautics; Lieut. (junior grade) J. J. Lenhart, on duty with the scouting fleet: Lteut. W. G. Tomlinson, on duty at the Naval Air Station, and First Lieut. H. Norton, U. M. C., who has been on duty w he 1st Aviation Group, Marine Barracks, at Quantico, Va. Decision has not yvet been defi- nitely made whether or not Lieut. Cuddihy will participate in the races as a pilot or whether he will act as executive officer of the American rac- ing team under Comdr. Wick. Three planes of the R3('2 Navy racing type have been entered and three pilots from the above list of officers will be selected to fly them at the races, which will be held.at Hampton Roa Va., October 24, Gratification was expressed by the Navy Department authorities this week over the fact that co-operation between the Los Angeles and radio stations along the Eastern coast was almost perfect in calibrating radio sets. These stations have been cali- brated from the seaward, but were not accurate from other directions. Several commercial air lines have been anxlous to take advantage of bear- ings from compass stations, and, since pettit Motor Co o Inc. 1308 H Street N.E. AS ANOTHER METROPOLITAN DEALER FOR NASH Automobiles WALLACE MOTOR CO. Nash Distributor the stations are now calibrated, it is expected that valuable navigation data can be given to aircraft operat- ing along the coast. Rear Admiral W. A. Moffett, chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics of the Navy Department, was a passenger on the Los Angeles while she was on one of her flights calibrating the stations on the East coast. Always an air enthusiast, Admiral Moffett has become greatly interested in air- ships, and in connection with his flight on the Los Angeles he said: “I only wish that Henry Ford and a few more of his progressive type had been along with me. It was my first trip over water, and if they had heen aboard and experienced the same feeling I did, England and Germany would not be the only two countries building airships.” ‘With the establishment of the Ma- rine Corps School of Aerial Observa- tion at Quantico, Va., Marine Corps aviators at last have an aerial ob- servation institution of their own— something they have wanted for some time to fit their own needs and re- quirements. It was not definitely de- cided to establish this school until several of the Marine Corps pilots had graduated in special courses in aerial observation work at the Army's ad- vanced flying school at Kelly Field, Tex. One of the Marine Corps Kelly Field graduates was ordered to the Naval Aviation Training School at Pensacola, Fla., with the instructions to make a thorough study of the Navy's aerial course there, his ulti- mate object being to consolidate both the training and subjects of both courses applicable to the Marine Corps. This was done, and during the first part of June the first Marine Corps class in aerial observation was started in the flrst aviation group, marine barracks, Quantico, composed of two instructors and seven students. The first student class consisted of one naval aviator and six officers from ground units. Capt. J. E. Davis, U. 8. M. C,, 18 the officer in charge of the school, and he has as his assistant First Lieut. G. H. Turner, U. 8. M. C., both of whom have graduated from the naval aviation training school at Pensacola and the Army Alr Corps syecial course in aerial observation at the advanced flying school at Kelly Field. There is a fourfold object to the course, which is to train observers and observation pilots so they ma: operate efficiently, first with the M: D. C., AUGUST 22, 1926 —PART 3. FRATERNITIES (Continued from Tenth Page.) be injected into the program. Dancing will commence at 9§ o'clock. WOODMEN OF THE WORLD. Monday—Fraser Camp. Wednesday—Maple _Camp. Thursday—Mount Vernon Camp. Friday—EIm Camp, Old Glory Camp. At W. A. Fraser Camp tomorrow night plans will be made for the old counttry store and barn dance to be giveft next month. The whole of Company B l_be on_the com- rine Corps expeditionary forces; with the Army when ordered by the Presi- dent; with the fleet when so required, and to train th: officers of ground units in the use and capabilities of an | air force in time of war. Midshipmen of tne Navy who are are on patrol duty will be allowed the actual and necessary expenses in- curred by them, not exceeding $7 per day, during the Summer cruises. This decision was rendered recently by the controller general on request of the paymaster general, during the course of which the former official advises that it is understood that in prior years_ payment of shore patrol ex- penses of midshipmen was made under the provision contained in “pay, mis- cellaneous, for actual expenses of offi- cers while on shore patrol duty,” and that a question arose whether such practice was preper in view of de- cisions of the controller general re- specting payment of mileage to mid- shipmen. It was further stated by the controller general that the practice heretofore in forée may be continued, with the understanding that the com- muted ration on board ship be stopped during the period the midshipman was assigned to patrol duty. That official further advises, however, that a pro- vision should be made in the next esti- mate under the appropiation “provi- slons, Navy,” by adding after the pro- vision for commuted ration for mid- shipmen of 80 cents per day the fol- “Or actual expenses, not ex mittes arranging this affair, which is_for the purpose of outfitting an- other company of Axmen. This will make Fraser Camp distinctive in this ocality in the possession of two units »f the Uniform Rank. Old Glory Camp will hold a session next Friday evening, when several of the old guard, including Sovereigns Tippett, = Wilsher, Pumphrey and Cooper, will talk on camp history. Efforts’ will be made at this meeting to arrange for a grand reunion con- ventjon, ‘at which many of the veterans of Woodcraft in this vicinity will be asked to_speak. Oak Camp Is preparing for an active Fall season, and Sovereigns Ed- wards, Kerns, Cole and McCann will arrange a novel entertainment for the first meeting night in September. This will be followed by mystery meetings once each month, to which all Wood- men will be invited. Alpha Camp's athletic committee will have a special report at the next convocation of the camp. Several of the past consul commanders are co- operating with the committee for new -development of the social side of the camp'’s appeal. DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA. Eagle Council, No. 24, held its regu- lar meeting lats night, with Councilor Grace Royall presiding. The bylaws committee reported that they would be able to present the laws to the council at the next meeting. A. H. Blakeslee presented the council witl ich were donated by Eagle Council, No. 9, Junior Order United American Me: chanics. ~Anacostia Council presented Eagle Council with a set of altar cov- ers. A large number of visitors were present and several spoke a few words. Sister Deborah Streitberger, organizer, presented the counsil with the fee she had received for organiz- ing. Refreshments were served at the conclasion of the meeting. Progressive Coincil met Saturday evening, with Councilor Amelia Back- enheimer presiding. Two members were reported ill and members were urged to visit them. Visitors of the evening were S. A. C. Alice Muller: Thompson of Old Sedan, priced $1125 ot Lansing Glory, No. 12: Charles Muller, deputy, of Progressive, and F. Muller. Goodwill Council, No. 15, conVened ¢ evening, with the vice coun- 2 Ellison, presiding. State Councilor Emily Hockstrasser _pre- sented to Junlor Past Councilor Clara Henault a $5 gold piece from the State Counil for her efforts in bringing in members during the year. Associate State Vice Councilor Pearl Wolfe was also present. Kenmore Council will hold a moon- light excursion on the St. Johns Au- sust 27. Golden Rule Council, No. 10, con- vened Friday night in the Northeast Masonic Temple, with the councilor, Mrs. Lorena Arendes, presiding. The State Council, Daughters of America, has asked the officers and members of the drill and initiatory teams of Golden Rule Council to con duct an initiation on the second day of the annual State Council conven- tion, Tuesday, September 14, at 2 p.m. The announcement was made through the courtesy of Deputy State Coun- cilor Mrs. Cora L. Thompson, from Old Glory Council, No. 12. The re- quest has been granted and the floor work will be staged under the per- sonal supervision of the drillmaster, John M. Futrell, with the initiatory councilor, Mrs. Marion Pettit, and members of her staff assisting. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Green submit- ted her report as chairman for this council on the recent 40-mile moon- light trip given by the State Council. Past Councilor Mrs. Elizabeth Shep- herd, chairman of the good of the order committee, made a similar re- port on the lawn fete held by her cqmmittee _at Twenty.second and Tout streets southeast. The chair- man has divided the new committee into groups, having authorized each subchairman to select any member from the floor of. the council to assist on the good of the order. The social hour which followed the close of the business session was in charge of Past Councilor Mary I. Willams, chairman, assisted by Mrs. Bessie E. Bryant, Emma Bowen, Ida Teeple, Valentina C. Poppescue and L. M. Towers. Brief remarks were made by Claudie Lambert and May Gibbs, councilor of Loyalty No. 19, Daughters of America. Soft drinks and sandwiches were served. ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA. Victory Camp, No. 9969, met Tues- Pythian Temple. SEEIT-DRIVEIT | KNOW ITS ADDED VALUE | Couneil, | u |Mary E. Lingley. oracte, presided The receiver, Mry. Annette Keefe, gave her report on the finances of the camp, stating there were no debts and a surplus in the bank Mrs. Helena D. Reed, official efam iner, audited the baoks and reperted them in good condition. Mrs. Mamie A. Wheatley gave he monthly “booster tal nd ealled the attention to the meani of “true fra & should be the lifa =, striving always are the aims of the for the Ideals tha Roval Neighbors. Mrs. Lyda E. Swiggert of Fidalis Camp was the honor guest, and brought greetings from her camp and gave a spirited talk on fraternalism, which received hearty applause. Mrs. Nena Diesman, chairman of entertainment. announced there would be a card party on the 14th of Octo ber for the henefit of the camyp's enar ity and community work thix Winter After the adjournment «f the husi n, Mrs. Maul Wallaca as Mrs. Helen N. In <erved refreshments. During the social hour the camp members sang roup o college songs. led by Miss Mildred Carr, with Miss legenia Rielley at the piano. SONS AND 6 DAUGHTERS OF BERTY. Performance of individual stunts by members followed Tuesday's meeting of Hope Council, No. 1. Refreshments were served. A watermelon party will follow next Tuesday's meeting Members are earnestly requested to attend the anniversary Tustice Council on August 2 WOMAN'S BENEFIT ASSOCIA- TION. Victory Review, No. 12, Mrs. Ada Byrne, commander, will meet Mondav at 8 p.m. at the W. O. W. Hall Brightwood Review., No Mrs. Margaret Knighting, commander, will meet Monday at 8 o'clock at the parish bouse of the Church of the Holy Comforter. Columbia Review, No. 3, Mrs. Abbir Gates, commander, will hold its regu lar meeting Tuesday at 8 P.M. at the W, O. W. Hall. National Review, No. 1, Mrs. Della Edmonds, commander, wi meet ;l‘{h“rsdny at 8 p.m. at Odd Fellows all. of STANDARD SEDAN $ Body by Fisher 1025 F.0.B. 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But when you have seen it for yourself . . . when you have gone over it, point by point, studied every new feature . . . when you have examined its fine appointments . . . when you have taken the wheel and experienced its re- sponsive power, its dashing performance, its nimbleness, its easy parking . . . then,and only then, can you realize whata truly fine car thisis! Comein . .. seeit ... driveit ... know its added value! - OLDS MOTOR WORKS 1625 L St. N.W. David S. Hendrick 1012 14th St. N.W. Wisconsin Motor Co. ® 2107 Pa. Ave. N.W. Pohanka Service 1126 20th St. N.W. WASHINGTON BRANCH Phone Main 4287 De Neane Motor Co., Inc,, 1742 Conn. Ave.