The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-08-17
LONG PRAISES SAMPSON.
Warm Defense of the Admiral From
Unjust Criticism.


Warm Defense of the Admiral From
Unjust Criticism.
The Secretary of the Navy has re-
ceiyed several letters violently attack
ing Admiral Sampson. The following
is copy of his reply to one of them:
"NAvY DEPARTMENT,
WAsHINGToN, Aug. 5, 1898.
"MY DEAR SIR: / am in receipt of
your letter and hasten TO assure you
that what you say about Admiral
Sampson is so unjust that it can only be
pardoned on the ground OF your igno-
rance of the whole matter. You have
no appreciation of the responsibilities
that have been upnn Admiral Samp-
son, of his very superior attainments
as an officer, and the splendid work he
has done in preparing for the naval
victory which was the crowning ac-
complishment of his Efforts fol weeks
and weeks before Santiago. Justice
is always done in the long run. But
when you indulge in such unfoundtd d
criticism I cannot forbear to protest,
as should feel bound to do If you had
referred in similar terms TO any oth,r
of our deserving officers.
Admiral Sampson was selected for
the command of tie North Atlantic
squadron because the department, in
the exercise of its best Judgment, with
an eye single to the public interest, be-
lieved that he was specially fitted for
the place. Admiral Sicard, who held
the command, having become ineapa-
citated for duty by reason Of sickness,
was necessarily Withdrawn by order Of
the department, and Sampson was next
in command. These tWoare especially
accomplished ordnance officers, having
been each at the head of the Ordnance |
Bureau and having devoted themselves
to that branch of naval science. Samp- |
son is man Of the very highest pro-
fessiOnai attainments, solely devoted to |
his duty. He never pushes himself /
forward, and when you accuse him of
anything on that score you do most /
cruel injustice to a man who has never
sought favor or applause in any other
way than by the simple discharge OF
his duty.
''2 The movement on Porto Rico
was not a movement for its capture.
The department, which has very rarely
interfered with the movements of Ad-
mirals commanding squadrons, did,
however, make one express order, aud
that was that our battleships should
not beexposed to the risk of serious in
jury from the fire Of any fort. At that
time the Spanish fleet was strong; its
whereabouts aud destination were un-
known. The primal necessity was TO
meet and crush its ships, and to secure
for us the domination of the sea. The
Oregon had not arrived, the Maine was
destroyed, and no naval authority
would justify the unnecessary risk of
the destruction of any of our battle
ships, except In battle with the enemy's.
The movement to Porto Rico was TO
meet If possible the fleet of Cervera,
which was then expected. Cervera,
undoubtedly learning that our fleet
was al San Juan, changed his destina-
ton to Santiago. Our movement to
Porto Rico thus became a reconnois-
sance and fulfilled its purpose. There
was no intention at this time of taking
Porto Rico, as the army was not then
ready to cooperate.
'.3. With regard TO sending our ships
into the harbor OF Santigo, Admiral
Sampson was acting under the explicit
orders of the depar .ment not to expose
his armored ships 10 the risk of sink
ing by mines; and the wisdom of this
course, believe, is universally ac-
knowledged by naval authorities. He
waited, as he should have done, the co
operation Of the army. How effectual-
ly under this cooperation the result
was accomplished is now matter Of his
tory. There are few more graphic
scenes than must have been presented
at 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the
l4th Of July, when Shafter, with his
troops ready to assault Santiago, await
ed the reply Of the Spanish command
er TO the demand for surrender. Samp-
sons fleet was at the mouth of the har-
Dor, drawn up in line and ready to
lombard, as il had been for days pre-
yions, and the signal officer stood on
the heights ready 10 wigwag the signal
for firing. Happily, instead Of this
signal. came the good word that the
Spanish had surrendered to this COM
bined readiness for attack.
II. Please bear in mind the variety
and weight of the responsibilities
which were upon Admiral Sampson
for the month prior 10 the great battle
which destroyed csrvera's fleet. He
was commanding officer Of the whole
squadron, charged with the blockade
Of the whole Cuban coast, charged with
the detail of all the movements of
ships, charged with clerical CORE
spondence with the department and
other officers, and specially charged
with preventing the escape Of Cervera.
Remember that this man, whom you 50
sweeplngly accuse, was devoting his
days and nights to these duties. IL
you will read the orders issued by him,
heginning with June l. YOU will find