The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1893-11-02
COST HIM HIS COMMA
AND IT MAY ALSO COST HIM HIS COM
MISSION.

the Insurgent Commander at Jtio do
Janeiro Sternly Rebuked by tho gnitc d
States Government.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25.-The Navy
Department learned authoritatively to
day that Acting Rear Admiral Stan
ton, commanding the United States
naval forces at Rio Janeiro, had salut-
ed the flag of Admiral Mello, the insur-
gent leader. Admiral Stanton was &C
cordingly relieved of his command.
The report that reached this country,
first by way of Berlin. that Admiral
Stanton had acted as described, was re.
ceived here with so much lncredulity
that the Navy Department denied its
correctness, upon its inherent improb-
ability. So the latter ascertainment Of
the facts and the peremptory action of
the government created one of the
most startling surprises ever expert
enced in Washington official life, and
for Time it has almost obscured the
Interest in the silver light.
PRESIDENT Cleveland took action, af-
ter a long conference with the Secte.
taries Of State and of the Navy and
when put in possession of dll the facts,
and also of such further information
as Senor Mendonca, the Brazilian min
ister in Washington, was able to fur.
nish. The official order was briefly
made public by Secretary Herbert in
the following memorandum:
Tine Navy Department learned by
authority late today, by telegram from
Rear Admiral Stanton, in command Of
the United States naval forces at Rio
de Janelro, that this officer has saluted
the flag of Admiral Mello, command.
ing the insurgent fleet. This salute
was unauthorized by any instructions
the admiral had received. 1t was an
unfriendly act toward friendly pow
er, and the Secretary of the Navy, af-
ter consulting with the President and
Secretary of State, issued an order de-
taching Admiral Stanton from com
mand of his squadron, and turning it
over 20 Capt. Picking, the next officer
in rank"
Commodore Stanton had been speci
ally selected for this post Of duty, ue-
cause he was considered to possess, in
prominent degree. those qualifications
OF GOODNESS and discretion which fitted
him to deal with the revolutionary con
dulons prevailing in the various coun.
tries to which his assignment wOuld
naturally call him. AS one Of The high
est officers OF the services who himself
probably influenced IN no small degree
Commodore Sianton'S appointment, re
marked 'oday: "ThiS mnt' cr is as mucN
OF surprise to me as a slap in The fac,
would b0."
The relations Of the United States tt
| rlpnOniVal Of
were SUCH that 1t was not 5eIievel
possible that an officer of high rank
ana experience would 90 out of his
way TO give official salute and recognl-
| tlon to the commander of a naval force
aVoWedly in insurrect1on against the
gOvrrnm 3nt, and actually engaged i'm
bombariing the national capital. 1t
was recalled that when the Brazilian
monarchy was overthroWn, our govern.
ment, through Minister Adams, was
the first to recognize the provisional
government established by the repub-
lie. Both Houses of Congress, on the
18th of February, 1890, passed a resolu-
tion congratulating the people of Brazil
ION the just and peaceable assumption
OF the powers, duties and responsible
ties OF self-goyernment based upon the
free consent of the governed
Our friendly interest in the young
republic was so powerful factor in
securing its recognition by other DOW
ers that in October, 1890, just three years
ago, Brazil sent a squadron consist
Ing OF the armored cruiser Aquidaban
and other vessels, to New York har-
Dor, to return the visit of friendship
and congratulatiOn made by the u nj
ted States squadron of evolution in
Rio Janeiro in June and July proceed
ing.
When, therefore, Secretary Herbert
today received, through Secretary Ores
ham, information that the Brazilian
minister reported the story of Admiral
StantoO's salute to the rebel admirals
| flag to be correct, there was a Joint
consultation of documents and prece.
dents in the diplomatic room, and the
conclusion was reached that Commo.
| dore StantOn'S act was so contrary to
the requirements of tile case as to call
for prompt rebuke and repAration.
With this conclusion in mind, Secre-
| tary Herbert, at l o'clock went over
to the White House to consult with the
President, who on learning the facts,
| immediately conceded with the views
| of the Secretary OF State and Mr.. Her
| bert, and authorized the issue of the
order of suspension.
Capt. Henry +. Picking Of the Char
lesion, who relieves Commodore Stan
ton, is also an officer of experience.
He has with him the cruiser Newark,
Capt. Sllas Casey, and in three DAYS
from now should be joined by the De-
triot, Commander Willard II. Brown
son.
Secretary Herbert was unwilling to
speak as to what further action would
he taken in Commodore StantOn's case,
but it is supposed court-martial will
result. His successor in command of
the South Atlantic station will not be
determined upon hastily, but it is
thought IL will probably be Commodore
Richard w. Meade, now on duty as "A
member of the Worlds Columbian
| Exposition Commission.
Commodore SianLon's record as a
naval officer is an excellent one. Born
in Sag Ilarbor, New York, in July,
1881, he entered tn" navy as acting
mid8hipman in 1919 In July, 1862, he
was commissioned lieutenant com man
der. Prior to the war, he had served
on the steamer Memphis on the Para
quay expedition, and had also made
cruises To the African coast and with
| fh.. DnntIin H. nlapnI