The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-12

UnseIfish Action of Rear Admiral Hig-
ginsOn and Lieutennnt Wnrd.

WASHINGTON, March 1.-Two things
in the opinion Of Secretary Long so credit
able TO the naval service have occurred re-
Gently that they deserve to be made pub
lie. One is the request of Rear Admiral
Higginson. which is contained in the fol-
lowing letter dated March 10:
''Sir-I respectfully request to be allowed
to resume my former number on the naval
list after admiral Kempff. While deep
ly grateful TO the President and yourself
for my nomination for work done off SAINT
iagO, | do not regard my own services as so
conspicuous as to warrant my advancement
while the other commanding officers NOM
mated at the same time as myself go unre-
warded. They gallant band of naval
officers and certainly deserved we'll of their
country and If their services are to go un-
recognized, i desire TO share the same fate"
Admiral Higginson's name was one of the
long list sent in by the President for ad-
vancement for gallant services off Santiago.
Probably by inadvertence Admiral Higgin-
son was confirmed apart from the rest,
which the Senate adjourned without con-
firming Secretary Long has addressed the
following letter TO the admiral:
Will you let me express my high appre-
citation of your very handsome and consid-
former number on the navy list. rather than
to accept the advancement which places you
above other officers who for their gallant
services in the recent war, deserved recog-
milton but failed TO receive it owing to the
failure of the Senate to act upon the recon-
mendations sent in by the President. The
spirit which you manifest is so admirable
that hasten to write you this letter."
The other is the case of Lieut.. Aaron
Ward. who was recommended by the board
of promotions for advancement. On learn
ing of this he wrote TO the department de-
clining advancement inasmuch as it gave
him precedence over his classmate, Lieuten-
ant Staunton. stating that ne did not feel
that his actions in which his vessel was en-
gagged were of so great value as to justify
him in availing himself of the opportunity.
1t is impossible said he. for me willingly
to accept a promotion which might deprive
such an officer OF a commission in the
highest grade"
The recommendation made by the board of
promotions in the case of Lieutenant Ward
was not sent in TO the Senate, all the pro-
motions recommended by that board hav-
ing been held back to await the result of
those which have been pending since the
opening of the session and which the Sem
ate adjourned without confirming.
Admiral Sampson sailed with his flagship,
the New York, and the Brooklyn yesterday
from Havana for Puerto Cortez. on the
coast OF Honduras. The Indiana and the
Texas. of the North Atlantic squardon sailed
from Havana for Cienfuegos. The ships
will meet again in the course OF a week,
probably off the Venezuelan coast
Secretary Long has addressed a circular
letter TO the commanding officers of all navy
yards and stations reciting the passage by
Congress of the resolution providing for the
payment OF 80 per cent. additional for al
work In those yards and stations In excess
IF eight hours .5er diem performed by labor