The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-10-22
ELIMINATION OF THE CHARGES
AGAINST THE COMMANDER OF
THE EUROPEAN STATION.
sELFRIDGE TO SUCCEED HIM.
HERE Is THE FIRST CASE WHERE
FATHER AND Son HOLD SUCH
AN EXALTED RANK.

w ~. C.J OCts Al.-h SILL
sation in naval circles was caused to-day
by the announcement that Rear-Admiral
Kirkland, commanding the European ma
val station Of the United States, had been
detached from duty and ordered home.
1t is expected that Admiral Kirkland
will apply at once to be placed on the re-
tired list. Commodore Thomas o. Sell
fridge Jr will succeed him as command
ing officer of the European station.
For some time past it has been ru-
mored that Secretary Herbert was not
pleased with the conduct of Admiral Kirk
land. Dissatisfaction was caused by the
action of the admiral in sending congratu-
lation on his election to President Faure of
France. Secretary Herbert construed this
as entirely wrong, holding that the official
position of the admiral, representing the
dignity of the United States navy in Euro
pean waters, precluded him from making
any comment whatever with reference to
politics and sent letter of reprmand.
Admiral Kirkland was not slow to re-
spond and he did so by appealing to the
President to overrule Secretary Herbert's
structure: on his conduct. He claimed in
his own defense that be had known Presi-
dent Faure perso nally and had merely con-
graduated him in personal capacity and
not as an officer of the United States navy.
1t is not known what action the President
took in the matter, but the detachment of
the admiral indicates that the Secretary
was sustained by Mr.. Cleveland.
Admiral Kirkland next came into public
notice through newspaper interview in
which he made somewhat insulting COM
&Io Nto = Sc
sionaries in Syria, whittier he had been to
give them protection during the Armenian
troubles. This was brought to the notice
OF the Navy Department by protest from
religious organizations in Boston.
Shortly following this second cause of
dissatisfaction came complaint from a
chaplain in the navy that the admiral had
insulted him before a number of officers
during the festivities at the opening of the
Kiel canal, where Admiral Kirkland was
in command of the United States fleet. It
was claimed by the chaplain that while
standing with Admiral Kirkland and
group of other officers on the quarterback
of the flagship San Francisco the admiral
turned to him and ordered him below in
brusque, if not insulting manner, because
he was not attired in full-dress uniform.
The chaplain, in his letter to the Navy
Department. made plain that chaplains
have only one regulation uniform, which
serves for all occasions. and he considered
himself very badly used. 1t is said that
Secretary Herbert sided with the chaplain
in his complaint, but it is not known
whether he took official action.
In addition TO these reports concerning
Admiral Kirkland others reached the
Navy Department of more personal
nature, and after making pretty thor
ough inquiry into the matter and consult
ing President Cleveland, Secretary Her
bert to-day issued the order of detach-
ment. Admiral Kirkland will probably
receive the news by cable at Algiers, for
which place the San Francisco sailed to-
day from Gibraltar, according to dis
patch received at the Navy Department.
While the recall is, of course, uncompli-
mentary to Admiral Kirkland there is no
disposition at the department to belittle
his record as sailor. He is looked on as
q man of active ana quick perception. and
| always ready to do his duty. He was ap-
pointed to the navy from North Carolina
in 1850 and attained his present rank March
1 last. Admiral Kirkland has not long to
serve on the active list, but it is believed
| he will apply for retirement without delay.
1t is said that he had expressed the inten-
| ton of going OH the retired list If relieved
OF his present duty.
Through his assignment to the Euro
| pean station Commodore Selfridge be-
| comes an active rear admiral, and this
| fact brings about the unprecedented case,
at least in the United States navy, where a
| father and son attained to the highest
grade of the naval service during the life
| time of both. Admiral Selfridge's father,
a hale and hearty old gentleman more
than four-score and ten is Rear Admiral
Thomas o. Selfridge Sr. He has been on
the retired list for many years. If Ad-
miral Kirkland retires at once Admiral
Selfridge will change his acting rank for
| that of actual rank.