The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-11-01
COST HIM HIS COMMAND.
ANDIT MAY ALSO COST HIM HIS CON-
MISSION.

ANDIT MAY ALSO COST HIM HIS CON-
MISSION.
Commodore stanton's Action In saIutipg
tho Insurgent Commander Mt Bio do
Janeiro sternly Rebuked by the Bnited
States Government.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25.-The Navy
Department learned authorltatively 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 ac-
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 1ncredul1ty
that the Navy Department denied Its
correctness, upon It's 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 a Time it has almost obscured the
interest in the silver fight.
President Cleveland took action, at
ter long conference with the Secte.
tarles 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
lister in Washington, was able to fur
nish. The official order was briefly
made public by Secretary Herbert In
the following memorandum:
"The Navy Department learned by
authority late today, by telegram from
Rear Admiral Stanton, In command OF
the United States naval forces at Rio
de Jane1ro, 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 Presiden, and
Secretary of State, issued an order de-
taching Admiral Stanton from COM
mand of his squadron, and turning 1t
over 20 Capt. Picking, the next officer
in rank"
Commodore Stanton had been speci-
ally selected for this post OF duty, be-
cause he was considered to possess, In
prominent degree.t those qualifications
of GOODNESS and discretion which fitted
him to deal with the revolutionary con.
dl,ions prevailing In the various coun.
tries to which his assignment would
naturally call him. AS one Of the high.
est officers of the service who himself
probably Influenced In no small degree
Commodore Stant0n's appointment. re.
marked today: "This matter is as much
of surprise to me as a slap in the face
would be-"
The relations Of the United States to
the recognized government of Brazil
were such that it was not believed
possible that an officer Of high rank
and experience would 20 out OF his
way to give official salute and recoRni-
tion to the commander Of naval force
avowedly in insurrectlon against the
government, and actually engaged In
bombar,ling the national capital. It
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
10th of February, 1880, passed resolu-
tion congratulating the people of Brazil
ION the just and peaceable assumption
of the powers, duties and responsible
ties of self-government based upon the
free consent of the governed
Our friendly interest In the young
republic was 30 powerful a factor IN
securing Its recognition by other pow
ers that in October, 1890, just three years
ago, Brazil sent squadron consist
ing of the armored cruiser Aquldaban
and other vessels, to New York har-
bor, 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 Gres-
ham, information that the Brazilian
minister reported the story OF Admiral
Stanton's salute to the rebel admiraps
flag to be correct, there was 8 joint
consultation of documents and prece-
dents In the diplomatic room, and the
conclusion was reached that Commo-
dore Stsnton's act was 80 contrary to
the requirements of the case as to call
for prompt rebuke and Eepdration.
With this conclusion In mind, Secre-
tary Herbert, at / o'clock went over
to the White House to consult with the
President, who on learning the facts,
Immediately coincided with the views
of the Secretary Of State and MIR. Her.
bert, and authorised the issue of the
order of suspension.
Capt. Henry F. 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 81. 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 it will probably be Commodore
Richard w. Meade, now on duty as a
member Of the Worlds Columbian
Exposition Commission.
Commodore SJsnton's record as
naval officer is an excellent one. Born
in Sag Haroor, N,w York, in July,
1894, he entered the navy as act ng
midshipman in 1849. In July, 1882, be
was commissioned lieutenant com nan
d.r pr;or RI tho uar hp had sarVpd