The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-08-23
CAPT. SIGSBEE ADVANCED
The President Recognizes His
Extraordinary Heroism.
PROMOTED THREE POINTS
The Gallant Commander of the
Maine. which Went Down in the
Havana Harbor, Duly Honored for
the Part He Took i'm the War-His
Modesty and Patience Appreciated

Capt Charles ID. Sigsbee, upon the rec
ommerdatisn Of President Mckinley. was
advanced three numbers yesterday in the
list of naval captains. for extraordinary
heroism." One Of Cap. Sigsbee's friends
in the Navy Department laconicaily re-
marked that Capt. Sigsbee deserved three
numbers more IN recognition of his ex-
traOrdinary patience
Capt Sigsbee was in command OF the
Maine when that now historic battleship
was blown up in Havana harbor. His
bravery and coolness on that memorable
occasion won fer him universal commen-
dation. His subsequent conduct, in which
there was a suggestion OF the same ster-
ling quality Of craftsmanship as has
been displayed by Admiral Dewey at
Manila, resulted in the concentration
about him of more choice collection of
golden opinions than has been accorded
to any other naval officer than Dewey.
or possibly. Schley.
Sampson the Central Figure.
but after the report OF the Mains Board
of Inquiry had been submitted sigsbee
practically dropped out of public notice.
Nobody had talked about Sampson until
that officer had been appointed president
OF the Board Of Inquiry. From that time
on Sampson became the central figure.
lie was placed in command of the North
Atlantic Squadron and thereafter all raf-
erences TO the American ships were made
IN the form Of ''Sampson's feet"
Sigsbee was placed in command Of the
auxiliary cruiser St Paul, which was
really reduction from his rank as COM
mander of a battleship, but he said MOTH
ing and managed TO render conspicuous
service under somewhat adverse circum-
stances. He has recently been assigned
TO the command of the Texas, a sister
ship of the Maine, TO succeed Capt. Phil
lp, who has become a commodore and
VIII command the Pacific station
Durlng his command of the St Paul
capt Sigsbee practically DESTROYED the
Spanish torpedo boat destroyer Terror
on the harbor of San Juan. and discov-
cred the hiding place of Cervera's fleet
IN the harbor Of Santiago Ii is related
that when Sigsbee became aware ma
Cerveras s ships were in Santiago Bay. h,
cruised about the harbor entrance unit
Commodore Schley's flying squadron hove
in sight, when he signaled:
have discovered the enemy"
Schley's answer was:
so have /" And he had. but it i.
likely that Sigsbee saw him first
A naval officer in commenting on tn,
action of the President advancing Capt
Sigsbee said yesterday:
Fair Treatment
at merely goes to show that the Presi
dent intends to be fair and just as far a
ii lies in his power. 1t is a fact tia
while Sigsbee has rendered conspicuou
service as the commander of the St Paul
to say nothing of his heroism on the nigh
when the Maine was blown up. he ha
never been mentioned in SIMPSONS dis
patches to the department We hay
wondered at this, because Sampson coul,
have no object in ignoring so gallant al
officer beyond the mere influence of
petty Jealous fear that he might be com
PEELED to share some part of his unearnei
notoriety; and it was the same influence
no doubt. that caused him TO refrain from
giving due credit TO Schley.
"As q matter of fact, the Sampson
Schley controversy has had the effect o
opening the Presidents eyes In review
ing the naval campaign the Presiden
noticed that Sigsbee had been ignored
Impelled by his sense of fairness. he too
ii upon himself TO order an advancement
of three numbers for that officer. and a
a result Sigsbee will get the reward tina
he has fairly earned"
When asked to express an opinion a
TO S2mpsons future standing. the ofiicia
quoted said:
He will work his pull until he is place
on the retired list, when he viii probabl
become vice-presIcent of the Massachu
setts Peace Society"