The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-14
SIMPSONS GENEROSITY
ASKS PROMOTION OF GALLANT OFF,
GERS OF THE NAVY,
Whose Nominations Failed of Con-
Name Omitted-RequestR Refused.

WASHINGTON, March 13.-Secretary
Long has received a letter from Rear Ad-
miral Sampson, in which the admiral, after
referring 10 the allegations that lists of off,
GERS recommended for promotion for gal
lantry off Santiago, had failed OF confirma-
ton because it included his name. asked
the secretary to Immediately reappoint these
officers, emitting his own name. The letter
is dated United States flagship New York,
first rate, Havana, Cuba, March g. Its
text follows:
'Sir-I respectfully ask your attention TO
the facts contained in this letter and that
1t may be officially filed as part of my rec
ord in the United States navy.
When the late war was threatening l
was placed in command of the North At
lantic fleet and after the declaration Of
war was appointed by the President rear
admiral and confirmed in my command.
This duty and responsibility came TO me
entirely unsought, nor had L any especial
wish for it, though recognizing the great
honor then conferred upon me. My sole ann
was TO achieve success; to blockade Cuba,
destroy Cervera's fleet and TO maintain an
efficient war fleet.
1t is not necessary to dwell on the Incl
dents of the war, which are all now well
known. Based upon these incidents certain
officers, distinguished for faithful service
were named by me In the exercise Of my
natural duty as communicative chief, for
promotion or other reward as you, sir,
might deem desirable. Those names you
have been pleased to nominate to the
United States Senate for promotion, and
you have done me the honor 10 add my
name to that list of officers 1t now APP
pears that the Senate, though we'll disposed
TO most of the names on that list, has, for
reasons not necessary TO be here discussed,
objected to my promotion, and has similarly
failed to confirm the deserving officers about
whose merits there has been no doubt or
Hitherto. Mr.. President, undisturbed by
any eager desire for ADVANCEMENT. or any
other form of reward for doing my duty, /
have not specially concerned myself with
matters outside Of that duty. | have felt
that l have done my duty in the conduct
of the West Indian naval campaign TO the
utmost extent of my ability as thoroughly
as / was able, and If no reward should come
L could be satisfied with the consciousness
of having done my best | did not however,
anticipate that dissatisfaction with any act
or acts OF mine would cause the Senate to
withhold from other officers a promotion
which they have well deserved and which
has been promptly granted in similar cir
cumstanceS to others.
II. therefore, respectfully suggest, Mr..
President, that your appointment of these
officers, about whom there is no discussion,
should at once be renewed, In order that
they may thus secure their promotions un-
der the personnel bill to which they are
entitled and without creating confusion.
Very respectfully, W. T. SAMPSON"
America. through the secretary of the
navy"
Secretary Long will not accept the sug-
gestion made by Rear Admiral Sampson
and make recess appointments Of the off,
GERS who failed of confirmation at the last
session of Congress. The matter will be al
lowed to remain just as it stands until the
next Congress meets and then all of the
nominations will be sent in precisely as they
stood at the end of the last session.
In answer to the inquiry as TO what he
proposed to do in reference to the request
of Rear Admiral Higginson, preferred last
week, to have his name placed below that
of Rear Admiral Kempff because he was
unwilling to accept reward at the expense
of his brother Officers, Secretary Long to-
day said that the officers action was no
empty form. While nothing could be done
now, as secretary of the navy he Uong)
would call the attention of Congress to the
matter with view to having such legsla-
tion passed that if the other officers are
not advanced Higginson would be restored
to his place. HigginsOn's nomination for adj
vancement was confirmed by inadvertence,
leaving all of the other officers Of the north
Atlantic squadron unrewarded by promo
ton for bravery. and Higginson declines to
accept his own reward at their expense As
the Senate, however, confirmed his nominal
ton it is not within the power Of the Sec
rotary to change his number in the absence
of special legislation.