The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-03
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2. 1913.

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2, 1913.
Death of Commodore Biddie-Sketch of his LATE
and Career IN the Napy-The Criminal Court
-Dacd Paul BrO,m a Candidate for Congress
Commodore James Biddle died at his residence
IN this city last night, about 10 O'clock in the 65th
year of his age, after long and painful illness,
contracted while In command of the Pacific
squadron. He was born In this city in 1883,
son of Charles Biddle, and brother of the late
Nicholas Bdde. He entered the naval service
on the 18th OF February, 1900, and received his
commission as Captain on the 18th Of February
1915. During a career OF forty-eght years IN the
navy, he maintained an envIable reputation tor
bravery; and the many gallant actions IN which
he participated has rendered his name celebrated
in the annals OF our navy. He entered the service
as mldshlpman, on board the frlgate President
and was subsequently attached to the frIgate Con-
stellalon, during her cruise in the Mediterranean
to protect our mercantile marine from the Trp0ll-
tan cruisers. la 1903 he was transferred to the
frgae Philadelphia, and was, with the crew of
that unfortunate vessel, captured by the Trlpoll-
tans, In consequence OF her striking rock on the
coast. This occurred on the 3lst of October,
1903, and he regained his liberty, after nine
teen months Imprisonment, by the peace with
Tripoli Biddle was then promoted to lieu
tenancy, and attached to the gun-boat SER
vice ON the Southern coast, VIII IRE he re-
manned until June loO6, when, obtaining fur
a
vessel. In 1909, Captain cambridge being ap-
pointed to the command OF the frigate President.
he selected Mr.. Blddle as his second lieutenant.
He was shortly afterwards transferred to the tenn
pOrary command OF the Syren, sloop of war. In
ISL, he was despatched to France, as bearer of
dispatches to the American Minister Upon me
breaking out OF the war, In 1872, he endeavOred to
obtain active service, but was unable. until the
rival of the sloOp of war Wasp, at Phladelphia,
when he procured order to join her. as first leu
tenant. lie participated In the celebrated action
with the Frolic and took charge OF the prize, after
her surrender, Lieutenant Biddle's part IN that
action procured him the thanks OF the Legislature
of his native State and the presentation of sword
He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Mas
ter Commandant, and assigned to the command of
the sloop of war Hornet After enduring vexa-
tious blockade by the English squadron, at New
London, IN 1914, IN company with the frigates
Macedonian and United States, he passed the Brl-
fish squadron in the night, and arrived safely at
New York. In January, 1915, the Hornet, Captain
and on the 23d OF March, captured the British
brig of war Penguin. During the action, Cap
tain Biddle received a severe wound In the
neck. After joining the sloop of war Peacock,
for the Cape of Good Hope. Shortly after start
ing, the celebrated chase of the Hornet by Bril-
hsh ship OF the line occurred, and being crippled
by having to throw over her armament 10 order to
escape the pursuit, he put back to San Salvador TO
reft, and returned to New York in safety He
ceiyed the greatest applause for the persevenng
gallanry and nautical SIX evInced in escaping the
pursuit OF line of battle ship, maintained during
three entire days. The citizens Of New York gave
him public dinner, and those of Philadelphia pre-
sented service Of silver plate, as a testimonial of
their feelings. He had been promoted to the rank
of Post Captain while absent on the cruise in the
Hornet. In 1917 he was sent to the Columbia
rlver IN the Ontario sloop of war, to take possess
sion OF the Oregon territory. This, and cruise
In the Pacific, occupied ham until 1919. In 1922
he sent to the West India station IN the rigate
Macedonian, and subsequently placed on the same
station In the irlgate Congress, remaining until
1924. From 1926 TO 1923 was spent in a cruise on
the South American station; and in 1892 he re-
turned from Constantinople, whittier he had gone
for the purpose OF signing the commercial treaty
with Turkey. From 1888 to 1872 he was in charge
of the Naval Asylum near this city, but was suisse
quently placed In command of the Pacific squad
ron, and returned in March last, on board his flag
ship, the Columbia. He will be inferred on Thurs
day morning, from the residence of Mrs Nicholas
Bdde, on Pine street.
The Criminal Court is still occupied with the
Chester county case. An effort Is to be made to
conclude the evidence for the defence to-day,
which will probably succeed. The general I'M
preston is, that the defendants now on trial will
all be convicted
David Paul Brown will be the independent
Rough and Ready candidate for Congress in the
first election district; but the fact of their being
three candidates, will undoubtedly secure the
election of Colonel Florence, the democratic
candidate.