Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-05-13
NAVY IN A FURRY.
Two Gases That Give Officials
Something to Discuss.
RESIGNATION OF ADMIRAL MEADE.

Ono Explanation Of the Trouble-De-
mand for the Resignation OF Minister
Hazleton and the Connection of the Ad-
miral lThsrewith-Don NJ. Dickinscn and
the State Department. o..
WAsHISGToS, May l3.-There is an in
teresting three cornered difficulty now
the matter OF much gossip in navy cir
cles. The resignation Of Admiral Meade
and the demanded resignation Of Minister
Hazleton, who has represented the United
states in Venezuela, are the points Of the
tripartite diffi:uly, but il either has any
connection with the other it has not yet
developed. Admiral Meade's resignation
is variously explained. One story is that
recent structures made by the admiral on
the administration is the cause. Another
story is that the admira's remarks on
the cruisers Columbia and Minneapolis
are at the bottom OF the trouble, as in
condcmning these vessels the admiral
fired broadside that hit Secretary Her
berts as well as former secretaries of the
navy.
What He Said About the Cruisers.
The condemnation of the cruisers was
contained in n paper the admiral read at
the last session Of the Society Of Marine
Engineers The admiral stated in this
paper that the Columbia and Minneapolis
We're Of little use, and would be found un.
able to overhaul the Majestic, Teutonic,
New York, Paris, Lucania, or Campania
IL called upon to do SO. These vessels have
been cracked up" in the department and
by the press as wonders capable Of
almost alone sweeping ehc seas
of the fastest vessels II any power
hostile to the United States, and
some navy officers declare that such
n criticism coming from the admiral was
navy department and resulted in the re-
quest to the admiral that he resign.
Trouble for Minister Hazleton.
The admiral is also mixed up in the
Hazleton case. According to report. and
rs stated by Hazleton himself, the a6-
miral has ch irged that the minister was
not sober on the occasion Of the aimirals
visit to Caracas, Venezuela which oc-
CURED recently. He reported the matter
to Washington and it is known definitely
that Secretary Gresham. in n cable dis
patch to the minister. called for his resig.
nation The minister desires to see the
specific charges, came home. and before
rendering his resignation will endeavor to
have his side of the case presented to
President Cleveland. He says he feels
that his future standing IS at stake, and
this Is more TO him than the retention Of
the diplomatic mission, which he will un-
doubtedly resign.
Talks of the Admirars Conduct.
Hazleton is much depressed over the
condition of affairs. He speaks frankly
In defense OF himself, although reserved
as to departmental matters. He referred
To several features OF Admiral Meade's
visit to Venezuela, showing, in the judg-
mcnt of the minister. the animus of the
charge. One OF the occurrences was IN
the presence of President Crespo, of Ven
cZuela. 1T had been arranged" said the
minister, THAT l should pursue the usual
course of officially presenting the admiral
to the president. When, however, the
president entered unexpectedly Admiral
Meade advanced to him, shook his hand
and began speaking to him IN Spanish.
The president was noticeabiy surprised,
knowing the arrangements made for an
official presentation.
Admiral Was Evidently Nettled.
"At the first opportunity stepped for
ward and thereupon formally introduced
Admiral Meade to the president and the
admiral presented his staff. officers. 1t
was evident that the admiral was nettled
that his formal greeting of the president
had not suificcd, although it was contrary
to the honor due president and contrary
to express arrangement"