Evening star., 1899-03-23
ADMIRAL DEWEYS RETURN
Will Not Be Relieved Unless He Indicates a
Desire to That Effect.
Command of the Asiatic Squadron Re-
Garded as DesirabIe-AdmiraI
WatsOn's Applications.

In the possible event of Admiral Dewey's
return to the United States in the near
future, the Navy Department will find no
difficulty in the assignment of his success
sor in command of the Asiatic squadron.
The detail is regarded as the most honor
abe and important one in the navy, and
there is a friendly spirit Of ambitious riv-
airy among practically all of the flag off,
GERS to secure it. While it is known that
practically every admiral on the list, and
nearly all the comrnodores, would be proud
to take charge of the naval campaign in
the Philippines, should it BE- relinquished
10y Admiral Dewey, Rear Admiral John c.
Watson, so far as known, is the only flag
olncer VINO has made formal application to
the Navy Department for the command
Admiral Watson commanded one of the
DIVISIONS of the North Atlantic fleet in its
operations in the West Indies during the
late war. and is now in command of the
Mare island navy yard California
The President and the Secretary of the
Navy are united in the determination not
10 interfere with Admiral Dewey IN his
present duties at Manila. Secretary Long
has officially announced that his continn
ance in that command depends enriraI,-
uron his own wishes and convenience and
that ne viii not be relieved unless he indf-
Gates desire TO that effect. In case of the
eDinPleIion UI the policy inaugurated by
AGfnlFal Dewey at Manila, and the com
pete establishment of the sovar areignty of
the United States in the Philippines with
IN the next few months, it is not unlikely
maj maj AdnlriS Dewey will return to the
United States.
Ihe time of his return depends. however.
upon the progress of military events in the
fLlIlpplnes. Although the President will
hot recall hlm, he will quickly comply with
any request that Admiral Dewey NAV make
with regard to his future duties. Secretary
~ hs mas informed Admiral Watson that
ms name will be given full consid.ra+i1n
10y tne department in case of the relief of
Admiral Dewey.
Command for SchIey.
Rear Admiral Schley will also undoubtedly
pe considered in connection with any change
that may be made in the command of the
Asfatic squadron but there are several rea-
sons foi the belief that he will not be Sc
lected- When Admiral Schley was relieved
from duty with the fying squadron a. ,ba
close OF the war in the West Indies it was
generally understood that he was to be
given command of the European station.
me Navy Department subsequently ahan-
doned the idea of the re-establishment of
lhat siation for the present the general
ground that there We're no vessels ayaila BILE
tor it. 0--'''t0
Admiral Schley has repeatedly made
known his wish to the Navy Department
Ior sea duty, he not having completed the
usual term of two years of such service
when last detached. Although he has not
made formal application for the command
OF the ASlatlc station, in view of the pros
pecuve vacancy there, his general appIica-
uoh Tor sea command may be considered
as including that or any other one fog
which flag officer is available that NAV
become vacant. 1t is noted, however that
since his application was filed another Of
fcer, Rear Admiral Howison, has been as
signed to the command of the south ATTAIN
tic station. now in course of re-establish-
meht. 1t Is possible that two or more YES
sels may yet be secured for service on the
European station in the distant future and
in that event Rear Admiral Schley will un-
doubtedly be assigned to that command