The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-23
Life Interest i'm the Nations Gift Re-
served by Admiral and Mrs. Mil
dred Mclean Dewey.
TEARS In THE HERO'S EYES
As HE COMPLAINED OF THE CRITI-
CIsM OF HIS CONDUCT.
Interview with the AdmiraI-A Mali
cjOus Statement Denounced by
Mrs. Fora Kent.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22.-The deed trans
ferring the Dewey home from Admiral and
Mrs. Dewey to the admiral's son George,
was recorded in the office of the recorder Of
deeds to-day. A life interest in the property
is reserved by Admiral Dewey and his wife
in the following provisions:
Subject. however. TO this express reser-
walton, that the parties of the first part do
hereby expressly reserve TO themselves ana
to each of them during and for the period
of their natural lives, respectively, a life
interest in and to the premises herein de-
scribed, which life interest. in case of the
death of either of the parties. to revert to
the other"
An interesting feature in connection with
the three Dewey deeds now on file with
the recorder of deeds was noted this after
noon. The first deed filed, that by which
George Dewey ct ux transfers the Rhode
Island-avenue property to John W.. Craw-
ford. although dated Nov. II. was not ac-
knowledged before a notary public until
the 18th inst. The second deed. by which
Crawford transferred the property to Mrs.
Dewey. and the third deed. recorded to-day.
by which George Dewey and Mrs. Dewey
turn over the title to George G.. Dewey.
were both. according to the dates as set
forth in the papers. acknowledged the 14th
ONNO - ~ NOoAo SWIM Nh1N
Crawford transferred the property to Mrs.
G. Dewey two days before Admiral Dewey
transferred the title to Crawford.
Admiral Dewey is reported to have said
to a correspondent: when / made over this
house to my wife I thought 1 was doing the
most gracious act that an American gentle
man could do. 1 thought the people had
piVpn mo this house m diSnOSo Of n c II ohoca
1t seems that I was mistaken. l would
never have sold it, nor given it. nor willed
1t, nor disposed of it in any manner what
soever outside of my own family. But did
believe L had the right to give it to my
wife or son if 1 chose to do so. 1t pains me
very deeply TO feel that / am compelled to
lay open the secret of my domestic life;
but, in view of the insults which / have re-
ceived at the hands of writers of letters
which have been published to-day. 1 feel
justified in somewhat overstepping the
bounds of propriety- and saying that Mrs.
Dewey understood better than / did the
feelings of the people, and at first declined
her. She did consent only after an arrange
ment that had been effected whereby not
only the house, which was the gift to me
by the American people, but her entire
personal fortune, which, as you are aware,
is considerable, was ultimately to go to my
son George.
Il would never have believed it possible
Admiral Dewey continued, with tears in his
eyes, that the American people, who made
such a. hero of me two months ago. could
have. in this brief period, so turned upon
me as TO fill columns of the papers with
the worst sort OF abuse. If I could I would
house purchased with it. I would never in
the world have accepted 1t if 1 had known
what il would cost me. If / should feel to-
morrow as / feel tonight. l would cut it
all. throw up everything, go on the retired
list and go abroad: I feel so badly over this
matter" Admiral Dewey said in conclusion,
that / fear that I nave expressed my feel
ings in a somewhat disconnected manner.
but I have been so troubled and agitated
to-day that | can scarcely collect my
thoughts. All i wish to convey to the people
is that / am greatly distressed at these at
tacks upon me. and that l deeply resent
them"