The Wichita daily eagle., 1899-11-24
JOHN R. M'LEAN EXPLAINS IT
As in Dewey's "Charaeteristicall
GentIe and Lovely WaY7


Washington, D. c.. Nov 23.-John R.
Mclean. brother Of Mrs. Dewey, gave out
the following interview last night:
Admiral Dewey's transfer of the home
given him by the American people was
only an incident in a general plan.
Everyone who knows the admiral must
realize that he has appreciated deeply
and thoroughly the honor paid him by
his grateful countrymen and countrywo-
men. 1t is not too much to say that the
gift of the beautiful house a. 1747 Rhode
Island avenue, coming so spontaneously
as it did, from all classes and sections
Of the United States, was perhaps the
most pleasing recognition of his services
to his country, and 1t is unreasonable and
unjust to suppose for a moment that Ad-
rniral Dewey was even in the least de-
gree unmindful of the spirit and purpose
Of the American people in presenting him
so beautiful a testimonial of their affec-
ton and regard.
Admiral Dewey has never for an IN
slant intended that this gift from the
hearts Of his countrymen should ever
pass out of his lineal family He deter
mined the moment it came into his pos
session to fix it SO that in case OF his
death the home should go direct to his
son George. After his marriage, 1t oc-
CURED TO him that it would be graceful
thing to let Mrs. Dewey share in the
transfer of the property to his son and
so in his characterisdcally gentle and
lovely way, he, quite unknown TO Mrs.
Dewey, and without any suggestion from
her, arranged to have the property pass
first into her hands, so that Mrs. Dewey
might have the pleasure Of transferring
it to his son.
''It was simply a graceful act Of cour-
tesy which the admiral thought might
be agreeable to Mrs. Dewey. and which
would delight both him and his son.
"It was exceedingly unfortunate that
some unthinking persons should criticize
the admiral before he had had time to
fully execute his purpose. The first trans
fer was followed quickly by the second.
and the property is now, as II should be-
in the name Of his son-to be held by him
and his heirs forever.
"No one can regret more than the ad-
miral himself that his motives and pur-
poses have been so misinterpreted by GER
tain. persons and certain newspapers. II
is impossible for Admiral Dewey TO be
lieye that anyone who knows him or
his temper and character
could imagine that he had transferred the
property for any other than honoraole
reasons. The admiral and the adm1raIs
friends are quite sure that the great
mass of his countrymen have never at
trfbuted questionable motives 70 his con-
duct
Admiral Dewey deeply regrets that a
nurelv personal act OF his. prompted as
tim was By the most natural and most
human impulses, should have been per
verted by certain hostile critics into an
impeachment Of his sense of gratitude.
sThese criticisms against Admiral
Dewey" continued Mr. Mclean. speaking
only for himself. have been inspired By
certain persons who, for well understood
reasons, have little love for the admiral.
II is an insidlous attack upon a represen-
tative American by hidden political foes
I believe that the Hght which has startsd
Will soon become open and / have no
doubt that the American people, who al
ways love fair play. will resent these IN
lust and injurious attacks upon Admiral
Dewev's character In way that will not
be soon forgotten hy the honorable gen
tlenen responsible Tor the crsticisms.