The record-union., 1899-06-22
A1mlraI Kau.z Says He Has Done His
Duty,
Feels That He Has Been Subjected
to Unjust Criticism-Refused to
be Interviewed and Has Given
Orders to Officers and Men dot
to Discuss Matters at Samoa
The Vessel Will Go to Mare
Island.

SAN FRANCISCO, June Il. - The
United States cruiser Philadelphia ar
rived here to-day from Apia via Hon
olulu. The homeward voyage was not
a. fast one for the reason that the
Philadelphia's bottom is very foul from
long service. In some respects the
homecoming of the cruiser has been
sad one, for she bears to relatives in
this country the bodies of two Alneri-
cans, who lost their lives in the fight
between the Mataafans and the COM
bined forces CT the American and Brit
ish seamen. The story of the death
of the two brave Americans has been
told repeatedly, and in brief is as fol-
lows:
A squadron of Americans under Lieu
tenant Lansdale were caught in a ra-
vine by the Mataafans and surrounded.
A sharp fight followed, the odds being
greatly against the Americans. who
retreated in good order. Lieutenant
Lansdale was wounded in the battle,
and after ordering his men to go on
prepared to give up his life to the
Samoans dearly. Ensign Monaghan
noticing his condition, ran to his as
sistance, and a sharp hand to hand
Americans were killed and their bodies
frightfully mutilated. The bodies were
embalmed, wrapped in the flag of their
country and placed on board the Phil
adelphia for conveyance to this coun-
try. Lansdale was we'll known in this
city, and shortly before being ordered
to Samoa married prominent young
society lady of this city. Ensign Mon
aghanss parents reside at San Diego,
Cal
Admiral Kautz is in command of the
cruiser, and he reiterates that he has
done his duty in the matter Of the Sa-
moan trouble. and he believes that he
has been subjected to much unjust
criticism in certain quarters He is
fully convinced that he will be able to
set himself right with the people. and
it is already known that his actions
have had the sanction of the Navy
Department.
Rear Admiral Kautz who returned
from Apia on the Philadelphia, refuses
to be interviewed about the troubles
in the islands, and will make no state
ment Cd any character concerning the
prospects Of a peaceful termination Of
the international squabble. Before the
flagship reached port he issued strict
orders forbidding officers and men to
discuss the matter, and warning the
officers particularly against allowing
themselves to be seen by newspaper
representatives.
Ensign Monaghans body when
brought off from the ship will be met
by Mayor Phelan, relatives and several
friends, who will escort the hearse con-
tanning the remains to the Oregon
steamer
Lieutenant Lansdale's body will re-
main aboard the Philadelphia till Fri
day, when it will be removed with full
naval honors to st. Lukes Episcopal
Church in this city From there it will
be transferred to Cypress Lawn Gem
etery. Mrs. Lansdale. who is living
here with her parents, earnestly de-
sired that the interment should be pri-
vate, but Admiral Kautz has received
instructions from the Navy Depart
ment to bury the officers with full
naval honors AS Ensign Monaghan s
body goes to Spokane, the Government
will take charge of the interment there.
Captain Edwin White, commanding
officer of the Philadelphia, would say
nothing concerning the condition of af-
fairs in Samoa. with the exception of
the rather startling statement that the
German and American forces had been
on the most friendly terms all along,
and that there had never been the
slightest sign of friction between them
The Philadelphia will leave for the
navy yard at Mare Island next week.
She will be thoroughly cleaned and
painted there. Her long cruise in south
ern waters has brought her back badly
fouled with barnacles and seaweed