Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1893-11-03
SUPERINTENDENT
ADMIRAL STANTON REMOVED
FORA BLUNDER AT RIO.
A Discourteous Act Toward the Bra
lillian Government-The Demon
stration Promptly Regulated by
This GoveFnment-Capt Pick
ing in Command Of our Squadron.

|
despatch from Washington says Secre-
| ta<y Herbert learned TO his great surprise
| that Acting Rear Admiral Stanton. com
manding the United States feet in Brazilian
waters, had saluted the rebel Admiral Fot
| this act of discourtesy toward friendly Ma
| ton Secretary Herbert. after consulting
with the President and Secretary of State,
| ordered Rear Admiral Stanton's detachment
| Commodore Stanton is ordered TO turn over
| the command of his squadron to Captain
| Picking, the next in rank.
The peremptory removal of Commodore
| and Acting Rear Admiral Stanton from
the command of the South Atlantic
station was one of the mos startling
surprises ever experienced in Washing
ton official life. and for time it almost
o5scured the interest in the silver fight.
President Cleveland took action after
a long conference with the Secretaries of State
and the Navy and when put in possession OF
all the facts and also of such further infOrma-
ton as Senator Men1Onca. the Brazilian Min
lister in Washington, was able to furnish.
The off dial order was made public by Secre-
tary Herbert in the following memorandum
In reply to telegram of inquiry the Navy
Department learned by authority late to
day. by telegram from Rear Admiral Stan
ton, in command OF the United States
naval forces at Rio de Janeiro, that this
officer had sauted the flag of Admiral
Mello, commanding the insurgent fleet.
This salute was unauthorized by
any instructions the Admiral had
received 1t was an unfriendly act toward
friendly power. and the Secretary OF the
Navy, after consulting with the President and
the Secretary of State. issued an order de-
taching Admiral Stanton from command of
his squadron and turning it over to Captain
Picking the next officer in rank.
Commodore Stanton had been specially Sc
fol f0r iC OF IF 6IIt--
considered to possess in a preeminent degree
those qualifications of GOODNESS and discre-
ton which fitted him to deal with the revo
lutionary conditions prevailing in the vari-
GUS countries to which his assignment would
naturally call him.
The relations of the United States to the
recognized Government of Brazil were such
that it was not believed possible that Off
Ger of high rank and experience would go
out of his way to give official salute and
Ognition to the commander of a naval force
avowedly in insurrection against the Gov
eminent and actually engaged in lombard
ing the National capital.
Our friendly interest in the young republic
was so powerful factor in securing its rec
ognition by other powers that in October
1890, just three years ago. Brazil sent a
squadron, consisting of the armCred cruiser
Aquidaban and other vessels, to New York
Harbor ito return the visit of friendship and
congratuation made by the United States
and July preceding
When, therefore. Secretary Herbert to-day
received through Secretary Gresham infOrmI.
ton that the Brazilian Minister reported the
story of Admiral StantOn's salute to the rebel
Admiral flag to be correct. there was joint
consultation of documents and precedents in
the diplomatic room. and the conclusion was
reached that Commodore Stantons act was SC
contrary to the requirements Ofthe case as to
call for prompt rebuke and reparation. With
this conclusion in mind Secretary Herbert, at
| o'clock. went over to the White House to
consult the President VINO. on learning the
facts. Immediately conceded with the views
of the Secretary of State and Mr.. Herbert au-
thOrizing he issue of the order of suspension.
Captain H. F. Picking, OF the Charleston.
who relieves Commodore Stanton, is also an
officer of experience. He has with him the
cruiser Newark. Captain SiIas Casey, and in
three days from now should be joined by the
Detroit. Commander Willard H. BrownsOn.
Naval officers who know Commodore Stan
ton are utterly at loss to understand how
he came to make so serious a mistake. if
such it be called.
Secretary Gresham is much concerned over
the trouble brought about by Admiral Stan
tons conduct i'll committing the unheard-Df
breach Of saluting rebel flag, and thereby
giving recognition to the brazilian insur-
gents, without authority from his Govern
ment and in direct diSObedience to manda-
tory orders to preserve strict neutrality.
The flagship Newark, which sailed for
South America in September. had just
arrived in Rio Harbor, and it was then that
Admiral Stanton committed the act which
has called forth a protest from Brazil
through her Minister here. Secretary Ores
ham has informed the Brazilian Minister
that this country will apologize for tho
offence and that it does not counteDance
what Admiral Stanton did and deplores the
act.
Admiral Stanton showed still further his
friendliness for the insurgents by paying an
official visit and receiving a return call from
Melo This exchange of cvilities necessita-
ted further salutes.
The fatal mistake of all. though. is con
ceded to have been his visit to Admiral
Melo. By 50 doing the Admiral disre
garded his instructions and placed his
Government in tue position OF recog-
nizing the rebels. Had the same thing
occurred in Chile, it was said by naval Off
GERS our ships would undoubtedly have been
rired on by the Government vessels and war
would have been the result. The GOODNESS
Of the Brazilians, however, prevented any
serious rupture,