Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-03-14
SIMPSONS REQUEST.
MAKES ~ GENEROUS SUGGESTION
TO THE PRESIDENT.

Washington, d. c., March IS -Sccre-
tary Long has received a lettav from
Rear Admiral Sampson. in which the
Admiral. after referring to the allega-
tons that the list of officers recon-
mended for promotion for gallantry off
Santiago had failed of confirmation be-
cause ii included his name. asked the
secretary TO immediately rcappoint
these officers, emitting his own name.
The text Of the letter is rs follows:
L. s. Flagship. New York. First Rate.
Havana. Cuba. March ., 1899.
Sh-I respectfully ask your attention
to the facts contained in this letter.
and that it may be officially fled as
part of my record in the United States
Navy.
When the late war was threatening
was placed in command of the North
Atlantic fleet, and after the declaration
oil war was appointed by the Presi-
dent IL Rear Admiral and confirmed in
my command.
.This duty and responsibility came to
me entirely unsousht, nor had | any
especial wish for il. though recognizing
the great honor then conferred upon
me.
My sole aim was to achieve success;
to blockade Cuba, destroy Cervera's
iieet and to maintain an efficient war
fleet
1t is not necessary to dwell upon the
incidents OF the war. which are a4-ae,r
well known. Based upon these Incl
dents. certain officers DISTINGUISHED for
faithful service. were named by me. in
the exercise Of my natural duty as
COMMANDER lin chief for promotion or
such other reward rs you, sir, might
deem desirable.
Those names you have been pleased
TO nominate to the United States SEN
At Ion
me the honor 10 add my name to that
list of officers.
1t now appears that the Senate,
though we'll disposed To most OF the
names on that list. has. for reas ms
not necessary To be here discussed, OBJ
Jectod TO my promotion. and has SINH
laviy failed To confirm the deserving
officers about whose merits there has
oeen no doubt or discussion.
Hitherto, MIR. President undisturbed
by any eager desire for advancement,
or any other form OF reward for doing
my duty, have not especially con.
cerned myself With matters outside OF
that duty. have felt that | have done
my duty IN the conduct of the West In
olan naval campaign to the utmost eN-
tent OF my ABILITY as thoroughly as
was ablc, and II no reward should come
could be satisfied with the conscious
ness OF having done my best. l did not.
however, anticipate that dissa tisfactioa
Win any act or acts of mine would
cause the Senate 10 withhold from other
officers promotion which they have
well deserved, and which has been
promptly granted in similar clrcum-
stances tn others.
therefore respectfully suggest. Mr.
President. that your appointment OF
these officers about whom there is no
discussion. should ut once be renewed
in order that they may thus secure their
promotion under the Personnel bin TO
which they are entitled, and without
creating confusion.
Very respectfully
w. T. SAMPSON
The President OF the United States of
America.
Through the Secretary of the Navy.
WILL NOT ACCEPT SUGGESTION.
Washington. March l3.-Secretary
Long will not accent the suggestion
made by Rear Admiral Sampson in his
ietted published to-day. and make re-
cess appointments OF the officers who
failed of confirmation at the last ses-
sion of Congress. The matter will be
allowed to remain just as 1t stands un-
til the next Congress meets. and then
all OF the nominations will be sent i'm
precisely as they stood at the end of
the last session.