Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1882-08-15
HISTORICAL EXPLOITS OF DER
NAVY.

A great deal has been said in regard
to the action taken by Admiral Nicho.
son during the recent bombardment of
Alexandria by tho British squadron
under Admiral Seymour. Tho opinion
seems to prevail that, in landing his
sailors and marines to assist in pre-
serving order and protect life and prop
erty in the doomed city, Admiral Mich
olson was guilty of an assumption of
authority which the circumstances nei-
Their authorized nor warranted, and that
his acts in tho premises were in direct
violation OF our time honored custom of
non-intervention in foreign political
complications. The arguments advanced
by those unfamiliar with the history of
navy and naval affairs are not only mis-
chievoVis III their conception and inter-
forence, but their hasty condemnation of
a gallant officers conduct is directly
oontroverted by the facts, while the ac-
ton Of Admiral Nicholson is well sus
tanned by sufficient historical prece-
dent.
Without mentioning those instances
where our navy gained great distinction
and renown in foreign waters, while
acting under direct authority Of Con-
gress. in the b0mbardmeut of Aloiers
and Tripoli, during the conquest of Cal.
ifornia, the war with Mexico and tho
two wars with England. our small but
ever gallant and alert naval forces have
earned and sustained reputation for
prompt and efficient action in the pro-
lection Of American interests abroad.
which has been pride and boast of
all true and patriotic Americans.
During the year 1898 the Porto Rico
tSpanish privatecrs having Oh several
occasions interrupted our commeroe.
Commodore Porter sent a communica,
tion on the subject 10 the authorities Of
the Island. Lieutenant w. II. Cook. in
command of the brig Fox, in attempts
ing to enter the port of st. Johns. in
order to receive reply TO the Commo-
dore's official communication, was fred
on and killed. Commodore Porter
threatened to lombard tho town, and
was dissuaded from doing 50 by the
prompe apology Of the aushorities of
the Island. Again, in October, 1913,
Lieut.. Flat. commanding the United
States brig Beagle, learning that one of
Onr merchants doing business m ST.
Thomas had been plundered by Spanish
pirates aud hie goods taken 10 Foxado.
small port on the island Of Porto
hico, proceeded hither to recover tina
property. On making known the object
q their visit. lieutenauts Platt and
hitchie were arrested and detainsd
under guard for q day. Com modore
fOrter, with his characteristic or omit
ness. proceeded To Foxado TO de mnnd
explanation and redress. Finding that
the authorities upon his arrival thera
Intended 20 open ire upon his ycssel. he
landed force OF sailors and marines.
took the batteries, and compelled FINN
the offenders the fullest apology.
In February lSks, CcmmoS1oFc Dovnee
IN the frigate Potomac, ascertained thaf
the Malays had captured the Amar,oan
snip Friendship Of Salem, NasR An
expedition Was fitted out from The poto-
mac. differed by Lieutenants Shubrick.
Hod. Ingersoll and Totem Of the nav
and Lieutenant Edsnn Of the marine.
The NslAys made q determined reeisf
Ance. but were finally overcome. and
several OF their forts captured and a.
stroyed. For this action the oflicen az
the expedition received the thanh ~
The department. While Comman-
der Kelly vas at Shanghai in 1854. in
the sloop- gf-WAr Ptyynouth. \ comhine6
sssAck Of the Enelish and American
forces was made upon the encampmsut
OF lmperiaiists in retAliaticn for aQxrsa-
ssons committed BY them upon British
residents. In this action the Chinese
we're scvsrely puniahed. This voluntary
acs of Commaudse Kelly received -
approval y the Prssidsnt and Depart
ment.
In the latter part Of June. less, vhile
commander lngrAham, in the sloop-of-
var 81 Louis Vas at Smyrna, TuSksy.
g received inflammation that . Hnncs-
RAM named Martin KogtA w =
Alaesican pespoRt and p1pan1I IA
- Azsseeed ~ nQo AnnlflGn e1nolnls
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