For the reason that questions of the salaries of government officials have been settled in advance, questions of personal prestige and authority are more apt to intrude themselves among them than among men in civil life, whose main object is to "make a living"-- and as good a living as they can.
In the long struggle that has gone on in the United States Navy Department between the advocates and the opponents of a General Staff, the personal element has clouded the question--perhaps more than any other element.

Not only in the department itself, but in Congress, the question of how much personal "power" the General Staff would have has been discussed interminably--as though the personal element were of any importance whatever.
Such an attitude toward "power" is not remarkable when held by civilians, but it is remarkable when held by men who have had a military or naval training.

Of course, there is an instinct in all men to crave power; but it is not recognized as an instinct wholly worthy.

It is associated in most men's minds with a desire for material possessions, such as money or political position, and not with such aspirations as a desire for honor.

In other words, a strong desire for wealth or power, while natural and pardonable, is considered a little sordid; while a desire for honor, or for opportunity to do good service, is held to be commendable.