The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-12-03

Dewey's flagship died on his way home
from the Philippines, and congress. al
though a year has passed, has done moth
ing for Their relief
Sad and discouraged, though not hope
less, Mrs. Gridley spends her time at the
home of her father. former Judge j. r.
Vincent, in this city. With his consent
she has thrown the house open to board
ers, to whose comfort she depotes herself
in the hope of tidng over her adversely.
Her father although 81 years old, con-
tnues to practice law. Her eldest daugh-
ter, Miss Katrina Gridley seeks to relievc
her distress through kindergarten WORK.
Her younger daughter, Miss Ruth, who
has a good voice, has been compelled to
abandon her studies because of III health.
Her only son, John P. V. Gridley, mora
than 10 years old. has served as an extra
ensign during the war with Spain, put is
too old to enter the naval academy at An
napolis. His mother hopes that he may
receive from the president an appoint
ment to the marine corps ana ne Is
studying with that end in view.
Mrs Gridley has been reluctant to make
public the story of her struggles but with
intimate friends she has discussed her po-
stion. She feels that a public which has
been so generous in recognizing and re-
warding other officers who are living to
enjoy the honors and emoluments of their
positions would not, il the circums stances
were known, permit the widow of Ad-
miraI Dewey's flag captain to work for
her lbing. Now that the situation has
become known to Mrs. Gridley's friends
here, they propose to seek from Washing
ton the aid which she needs and to which
they believe she IS abundantly entitled.
When Captain Gridley died he left ).
small amount of insurance. He had no
property. HIS death was due to an in
jury sustained during the battle Of Ma
Mia bay, in which engagement he had
charge of the admiral's flagship and was
one of Dewey's chief advisers. He re-
manned on duty for 81 hours continuously.
disregarding his injury. He overestfmated
his strength and fell i'll almost Immediate
ly after the battle. He wac invaded =
few days later and was sent home. dying
during the voyage from Hong Kong to
Kobe, Japan.
Although Captain Gridley's death was
directly due to the injury sustained in the
battle in which he played such a conspic-
uous part his widow has received from
the government only the regular pension
of $50 a month. given under the general
law to the widows of naval captains. The
income from the insurance, which was
invested In real estate, Is small and un-
certain. and she has been mainly depend
ent upon the small pension she has re-
ceived It is expected that Mrs Grid.ey
will receive some part Of the prize money
to be awarded to the officers and men Of
Dewey's fleet, but until the court deter
mines whether the Spanish force was SUI
pericr or inferior to the American fect.
no one can tell how much the widow of
, the Olymoia's captain will receive 1t is
, impossible to predict, either when this
| money will be available for Mrs. Grid
leys needs.
Mrs. Gridleys friends believe congress
should take some action and they will
urge the prompt passage of a bill granting
her a pension of s100 month. Such bin
was introduced at the last session, but it
did not come to a vote. Senator Quay Of
fercd the bill in the senate on Jan &c,
1889, and Representative Davenport of
Pennsylvania introduced similar bill iii
the house on June 20. 1899. Representative
Spaulding of Michigan also introduced q
bill in the house on Feb. S. 1899. making
similar provision for Mrs. Gridley's COM
fort. None of these measures had been
I reported from committee when congress
adjourned
Senator Penrose of Pennsylvania inter
ested himself in the matter during the
session and 1t is expected that he will
take up the matter again when congress
meets next week.