A Naval Reform.

New York Times 100 years ago today, March 29, 1913:
    There is a vague hint of the influence of personal animosities in certain changes just made by Secretary Daniels in the management of the Navy Department. With these the public has little or nothing to do. There is always a great deal of idle talk in both army and navy circles in Washington of personal jealousies. Their influence is generally exaggerated. The broad general rule laid down by the new Secretary of the Navy that promotions shall not be made hereafter when the candidates have not had sufficient sea service in the grade to which they belong is admirable, and will receive public approval. No hard and fast rule as to the amount of sea service is to be enforced. The sole idea is that the higher positions in the navy shall always be filled by men who have shown themselves fit in actual service at sea.
    The rule of bureaucrats, so far as it has prevailed, is to be ended, and men are to be rewarded by promotion in the navy who are actually fitted for active naval service. The House of Representatives has frequently considered legislation providing for a minimum of sea service before promotion from the various ranks. The fixing of any minimum might not always be just. Strict enforcement of the Secretary's new rule will serve every purpose.