The changes in Naval discipline are based on the recom-
mendations of the Committee presided over by Rear-Admiral F. E. Brock. We cannot even summarize them, but the tendency is to get rid of punishments which are thought to be irrational or unnecessarily vexatious or humiliating. It is, of course, utterly impossible to conduct either the Navy or the Army in the manner in which an ordinary employer conducts his relations with his employees. Service in the Navy or Army postulates wholly exceptional terms. We are certain that the admirable seamen of the Navy, like the good fellows who serve as private soldiers, fully appreciate the necessity of this difference and make the necessary adaptation of their minds without the least difficulty. But when all allowance has been made we are not sorry that such punishments as "10 A" have been abolished. To make a full-grown seaman feel a fool by setting him to stand like a child in the corner is on the wrong side of what is advisable, when equally effectual summary punishments are available.
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