The times., 1899-03-14
A VAIL FROM SAMPSON.
(Which WhatsOe'er the TnilinGs
His Part. Reader, He Were That
Good In His Hearth

Sampson has broken loose from the
silence which has ehshrouded him ever
since the scheme OF his friends to promote
him over the heads of worthy officers and
gentlemen failed because the United States
Senate declined to be a party to injustice
and outrage. He now appeals to the
President, begging that illustrious indi-
vdual to observe how faithfully he has
always endeavored to do what was ex-
pected of him by his navy ring pastors
and masters, and urging the Commander
in-Chef to try it all over again, and TO
attempt to force him upon the next Con-
gress. Sampson writes this, not in terms,
but the only possible inference from his
dismal and ungrammatical effuslon is that
ii is what he expects, or, at least, hopes.
1t will be noticed that nothing in the
Sampsonian presentation is by way OF
attempt to deny or mitigate the facts upon
which Congress and the country have
reached their decision as to the character
and standing of the writer. That would
not be like Sampson. II is a simple and
sickening squeal which is absolutely like
him. 1t follows:
~. S. Flagship New York,
Havana March O.
Sir: | respectfully ask your attention
to the facts contained in this letter. and
I that ii may be officially filed as part of my
record in the United States Navy.
when the late war was threatening.
was placed in command of the North At
iantic fleet. and after the declaration OF
! war. appointed by the President a
! rear admiral and confirmed in my COM
mand
This duty and responsibility came to me-
! entirely unsought. nor had | any especial
wish for it. though recognizing the great
hopor then conferred upon me. My sole
aim was to achieve success; to blockade
, Cuba. destroy Cerveras fleet, and to main
tain an efficient war fleet.
1t is not necessary to dwell upon the
Incidents 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 eXer-
else of my natural duty as commander in
chief, for promotion or such 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 to add my
name to that list of officers.
/ 1T now appears that the Senate, though
well disposed to most of the names on
( that list. has. for reasons not necessary 10
be here discussed, objected to my promo
ton, and has similarly failed to confirm
J the deserving officers about whose merits
there has been no doubt or discussion.
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 | 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 II no reward should come
that | could be satisfied with the conscious
ness 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 we'll deserved.
and which has been promptly granted in
similar circumstances to others.
Il 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
under the Personnel bill to which they are
entitled, and without creating confusion.
Very respectfully.