DISPROPORTION
The number of small men in high places is far greater than of large men in low places. The latter do not remain long in cramped conditions.
The Hon. William E. Chandler, Secretary of the Navy under President Arthur, relates this incident of Assistant Surgeon Ver Mulen. The story, as printed in Harper’s Weekly, runs as follows:
That officer was 6 feet 4 inches in height, a fact that occasioned him much discomfort when he was serving on the old Penobscot, the height of the vessel between decks being only 5 feet and 8 inches. As Surgeon Ver Mulen considered the matter, he remembered that long letters to the Navy Department were not always given that prompt attention he thought should be afforded in the present instance, so he determined to approach the authorities in a manner novel enough to impress them with the gravity of the situation. So he addrest his superior officer in this wise:
“The Honorable the Secretary of the Navy.
“Sir: Length of surgeon, 6 feet 4 inches; height of wardroom, 5 feet 8 inches.
“Respectfully,
“E. C. Ver Mulen,
“Assistant Surgeon, U.S.N.”
Shortly after, the Navy Department detached Ver Mulen “until such time as a more suitable ship could be found for his assignment.”