Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-05-15
MEADE AS CRITIC.
The Admiral's Talk Condemned
by His Superiors.
CRITICIZED THE FOREIGN POLICY,

And Deelises to Answer Questions Asked
by Secretary Herbert - An Inesrview
That l. . Breach Of Discipline, but In
dorssd BY Ex-senator sabin-The Hasel.
ton Case-Meads's Charges Not Credited
BY Those who Know the Man.
WASHINGTON, May 1.-THE situation in
the Admiral Meade affair Is still q matter
that department officials do not talk
about, but the admiral has been asked to
explain the interview in which he very
vigorously criticised the foreign policy of
the administration. This is a big breach
Of discipline. 1t is disrespect to his su.
perior officers and one of those superiors
is the president of the United States, who
il commander-in-chief Of the army and
navy. The way some men look at the
admirals utterances may be judged by
the comments of ex-United States Sena-
tor Sabin, of Minnesota, at New York.
Condones . Breach of Discipline.
The ex-sonatar is believer in what 10
called the lingo" policy by those who do
not advocate the same. He said Of
Meade's remarks: There was n ring of
patriotism and an air of independence in
Admiral Meade's utterances that found
an echo in every loyal mans mind. 1t
may be it was q lack Of discipline, but he
had grave cause, and I think was about
right. I see tina. President Cleveland
and Secretary Herbert talk Of court
martialing Admiral Meade. 1 do not
think that they dare take the step. Let
them 60 ahead and they will see how
h..x
Let Admiral Meade stand by his words
and the policy they outline. There will
be another administration in a short
time, and We want q man with senti-
ments like that at the head of the navy
department. He may be secretary of the
navy yet"
Meade's Alleged Criticism.
In the interview that has brought Ad.
miral Meade under the displeasure of the
administration he was reported to have
given as q reason for mis- retire ment that
his ideas were not in accordance with
those of the administration, and that he
was as much Disguised with it as the peo-
pie at large were. Rather than be con-
nected with it he preferred to resign and
sever all connection with the navy. He
said he was an Americana union man
and those were two things the admins.
tration could not stand.
Authorised by Secretary Herbert.
With reference to the status Of the case
Secretary Herbert authorizes the follow.
ing statement: "At the navy department
1t was learned that the department has
addressed q letter to Admiral Meade, stat
ing that it desired to know il he was will.
ing to answer whether he had or had moi
authorized what purported to be an inter
view with him, published in the New
York Tribune, and that he had replied,
acknowledging the receipt of the letter
and declining to answer the questions"
In Defense of HaseltOn.
Meantime Haselton's friends are coming
forward with q defense of him against
the aspersions Of Admiral Meade. Brad.
ley b. Smaliey, collector of customs al
Burlington, VT, who was chiefly instru
mental in securing Seneca Hasclton his
place as minister OF the United States &c
Venezuela, has taken up the cudgel in be
half OF Haselton and will do his utmost
to save him from being dismissed from
the diplomatic service. Smalley expressed
surprise at the charges against Haselter
by Meade. 81 have known Haselton," hs
said, for twenty years, and in all that
time l never knew that he was q drink
ing man. l do not say that he does moi
drink, but il is curious l never heard of il
before Admiral Meade made this dis
covery.
Endorsed by sepator Edmunds.
He was Endorsed for the place by Sen
ator Edmunds, and both Of the presen
senators. Mr.. Morrill, and Mr.. Proctor
were as much interested in securing tn,
I place for him as was. That shows yo,
| how highly he is regarded. and that Ad
miral Meade should accuse him of drunk
enness or being negligent Of his duties 4
simply inconprehensible to me. I cam
believe it, and must wait for further con
| firmation before l can credit il, and ever
then l should have my doubts"