New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-31
HIGH PRAISE FOR ADMIRAL WALKER.
4 YorApLE FAREWELL DINNER TO HIM-sEcRE-
TARY TRACY'S LETTER.

4 NorADLE FAREWELL DINNER TO HIM-SECRE-
TARY TRACY's LETTER.
Washington. Oct. 3o.-A farewell dinner 10 Rear
Admiral John G. walker previous TO his departure
for Europe I'm command Of the new squadron or evo
lution was given tonight at the Shoreham Vice Pres
dent Morton's new hotel. by nearly 100 of his per
sonal friends. Among them were Admiral T. k'
p Rodgers who presided; tho Secretary OF
the Navy. Admlrals Greer, Upshur, Harmony
and Crosby: Commodocs Ramsay, sicard and Dewey
Generals MacFcclv Baird. and McKeever; Baron
Rosen of the Russian Legation; the Hon. Henry Ed
warles Of the British legation and many others ol
prominence I'm the official and social life of washing
ton The dinner perfect In all It's appointments
and details. There formal speeches Nl-
mira Rodgers, in a few graceful REMARKS pfoposcu
the health Of the guest of the evening Admiral Walker
feelIngly responded and subsequently surprise was
given to him By the reading by Admiral Rodgers
at the instance of Secretary Tracy, of the following
remarkable letter prepared by the Secretary today
and this occasion first communicated to the lc-
cipicnt Of its unprecedented compliment:
Navy Department Oct. 30, 1889.
Sir: Upon the occasion Of your withdrawal from the
BurGu Of Navigation OF which you have been for eight
years the Chief take pleasure in expressing u you my
strong OF the lasting service which you have rendered
70 the Navy Department and OF It's loss at your departure
Your large experience and rpa Judgment in all mat
ters OF Naval organization and administration have
made your counsel Of peculiar value at time when
the material development OF the Navy presented many
new and difficult problems. 1t will be satisfaction
good sense, your breadth OF view on all professional
questions and your devotion the best interests OF the
service have left permanent mark upon the Iao0Fs OF
the Department. wide personal knowledge OF The
officers on the Navy list, sound discrimination oil
character, and the spirit OF fairness with when you
have performed the alduous and thInkeS task OF assign
ment to duty, have done much to check the ABUSES ol
ia'oftsn and to regulate employment upon whole One ana
normal principles The Bureau Of Navigation as 'he
only branch OF departmental administration drecuy
concerned in the management OF the feet has mos'
important influence in raising or lowering the character
Of the Navel personnel and to It's weldirecd ehorls
under your guidance due. in large measure the goou
order discipline and harmony which now prevail In the
service. Such result could only be accomplished DY
unurng Industry and watchfuness, an uns"ef"hs u.
hacy OF purpose and rcsoute stand on inc siuo oi
right and duty
II is peculiarly appropriate that. the close Of
your responsible duties, you should be entrusted with
the command Of The first squadron Of the rcohSuucCd
Navy. 1t Is not In the power OF the Department 10
confer upon you any higher distinction. ana your
selection for the command is made not only from know
edge Of your special for the post but a. recog
milton Of the services you have hitherto Performed Ihere
is much still 10 be considered in determining the direction
Of future Naval development and In building up system
Of feet organization adapted modern conditions, and
the Naval administration Will be largely aided In arriving
at its conclusions by the experience o your squadron
Therefore, while 1 regret your departure look with
satisfaction upon yous present assignment and In giving
best wishes for the future, can only express
he hope and conviction that the successful Efforts
which have marked your long Of usefulness I'm the
Will continue with equal advantage to the service
in your field Of action. Very respectfully,
H. i. TRACY, Secretary o. the Navy.
RearAdmirol John {. Walker. u. s. Navy Chief OF
the Bureau OF Navigation
AZ the conclusion Of the reading Of the letter. its
sentiments were enthusiastically ndorscd by long
continued cheers and Admiral Walker with marked
emotion, expressed I'm very few words his deep
Of gratitude to which he said he would endeavOr
20 give moro lifting expression hereafter