Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-02-25
Why DID DEWEY Do Il!
REPORTS ANENT HIS
REASONS FOR BREAKING AN
ENGAGEMENT
WITH SONS OF REVOLUTION
Members of the Organization Say
He Pleaded Fatigue, and That His
Reply Was Courteous and Very
satisfactory-A Persistent Rumor
That His Actual Reason Was Very
Different From This.

D11ercnt from Inlss
There are several matters in con-
nection with the visit of Admiral
George Dewey to Wheeling which have
set the tongues of gossips a-wagging.
Rumor has been most active in circu-
lating the real reason, or inyenting a
probable reason for his absence from
the annual dinner of the West Vir-
ginia Society of Sons of the Revolution.
His failure to keep this engagement
appears to be matter which, in the
minds of the gossips, overShadows in
Importance and in interest, all the
lesser details In which the programme
for the entire affair was not carried
out as arranged.
There is a most persistent rumor
that the Admiral intimated, If he did
not say in so many words, that he was
the victim Of misunderstood in
his acceptance of the invitation ~ Me
Sons of the Revolution. He is Eaieged
to have stated on Thursday that he
was under the impression that the din
ner was part of the programme for
the day, and that his ''indisposition"
dated only from his discovery that he
had accepted the invitation of an in
dividual organization, after having
Yno do hirnc ha af@ no 81 ~ fnY
the entire day. He was under a mis-
apprehension, so the story goes, and it
was not until Thursday that he
learned the proposed public recep-
ton had to be abandoned on account
of his promise to be the guest of the
Sons of the Revolution at the dinner.
The story Is given for what it is
worth. 81
And now the other side.
1t was only short time before the
hour fixed for the guests to assemble
that the Sons OF the Revolution learn
ed that the Admiral would not be their
guest. A committee, headed by Col
R5bert White, waited upon him at his
car. Admiral Dewey stated that he
was fatigued from participation in the
exercises of the day and was also suf-
fering from a cold, and for these rea-
sons could not attend the dinner. He
expressed regret that circumstances
prevented his compliance with the
promise given some months ago.
1T was a very courteous reply"
said prominent member of the or
ganization yesterday, and was very
satisfactory to us. There is absolute
ly no ground for any report that there
is any feeling in the matter"
Those in charge of the Admral's spe-
cial train gave out the information
that he was very tired, and retired
early.
Now comes a contradictory story
from excellent authority.
1t Is alleged that instead of retiring
the Admiral entertained few friends
in his car at very pleasant card
party, which was not broken up until
shortly before the time for departure
of his train.
Whatever may be the facts about
this incident, there can be no question
that tho Admiral is far from being
fond OF display. He gave many evil
dences of that disposition during the
time he was in Wheeling, and even be-
fore his arrival.
When the reception committee mott
fed him of arrangements for his en-
tertainment at hotel, he politely de-
clined to leave his car, and said in sub
stance, that he felt that he should be
free to do as he pleased on Wednes-
day. He expressly disapproved the
idea of an escort parade that night, but
gave reluctant consent TO ride in a
carriage, to prevent disappointment.
When Admiral Dewey learned that
the escort column which was to have
met the train at Ford's crossing, was
not present he made no effort to con-
ceal his pleasure.
Then there will be no parade" he
said, as he settled back comfortably in
his chair.
The committee again waited upon
him to induce him to leave his car at
the Hempfield yard 1t is also general
ly understood that the Admiral sug-
gested to Col. White the abandonment
Of Thursdays parade, while they were
engaged in conversation at the Loan
Exhibition, and he again manifested
his pleasure when this was done.
Admiral Dewey paid the city of
Wheeling a most distinguished honor
in his visit, and the public generally
is appreciative. His apparent desire
to avoid public appearance as much as
possible, is accounted for by his nat
ural modesty.
Turner's Mask Carnival Monday eve.