New-York tribune., 1900-07-01

and received leave to command the Woodrun
scientific expedition around the world In De-
cember of the same year he was ordered 10
command the Tuscarora engaged IN surveying
the west coast of Mexico and Central America
He was transferred to the Ranger in August
1880 which he commanded till October 1888
Commander Philip was lighthouse inspector
of the XIIth District from April 1884, to April,
1887, and was in command Of the receiving ship
independence at the Mare Island Navy Yard
from that time to May. 1890. He was commits
stoned captain on March 81. 1889.
In the early part Of 1890 Captain Philip was
a member Of the Board OF Inspection at San
Francisco and in May OF that year or
dered to command the Atlanta, OF the squadron
Of evolution. In December. 1891. he was de-
tailed to superintend the fitting out Of the
armored cruiser New York and when that ves-
sci was finished he was placed in command.
He filed that post until August, 1894 when he
became captain Of the Boston Navy Yard. He
took command of the battleship Texas on Octo-
Der 1S, 1897.
For his services in the Spanish War he was
advanced five numbers and appointed COM
modore. receiving his promotion to Rear-Ad-
miral March g. 1899, through the operation
of the Personnel bill AT the expiration of the
leave of absence following the close of the
Spanish War. he was assigned. January IA.
1899. to be commandant of the Navy Yard in
Brooklyn. and filed that office to the time of
his death.
His service in the Navy up to January 1 Of
the present year comprised more sea duty in
active work a1oat than fell to the lot Of any
other officer of his grade and only two rear
admirals had put in less shore service.
Admiral Philips life was full of incidents
showing his we'll known characteristics-cOur
age. self-relance, devotion to duty, considera-
ton for Others and a belief in practical Chris
tianity. He was devoted church member, and
an habitual reader OF the Bible. He never offered
liquor to his guests, and never swore, his only
eXpletive being by crackey!'
The following characteristic story is told OF
his visit to Galveston in the winter Of 1S9I-9S:
On the day after the blowing up of the battle
ship Maine one of the Galveston papers pub
lished an interview with Captain Philip. In
the same column a story relating TO certain
conditions in the United States Navy The in
formation such as commander in the
Navy had any right to give 1t did not come
from Captain Philip, but simply piece of
reprint worked over from New-York paper.
Captain Philip, unaware of this fact. feared that
the disclosure might be attributed to him. and
was considerably troubled but he used no vio-
lent language. He simply sent note to the
porter, saying:
when you visit the Texas again, over a cigar
1 will have bone to pick with thee; and. as
the boy said. why did you do it? Ever sincere
ly yours, J. w. PHILIP"
In january. 1868 while attached to the flag
ship Hartford in the Asiatic Squadron soon
after the opening of the ports of Hiogo and
Osaka, and when that vessel was lying off the
mouth of the Osaka River, he showed con-
spicuous gallantry by going in command OF one
Of the cutters TO attempt the rescue of Rear
Admiral Bell and other officers and sailors The
Admiral and his STAFF had left the ship to go to
Osaka six miles up the river. a. official visit
to Satsuma, the Mikado's leading commander
in the revolution. and in attempting to go
through the breakers at the bar their boat
broached to and nearly all board were
drowned.
The story of Captain Philips utterances after
the battle of santiago give him high place in
the hearts OF religious people. His Don't cheer
boys; the poor devils dynEr' when the
Almirante Oquendo of the Spanish fleet. went on
the beach and surrendered to the Texas was
the first. After the battle the bugle sounded
"All hands on deck. and when officers and men
had assembled Captain Philip said:
II wish to make confession that / have i'm
pieit faith in God and in the officers and crew
OF the Texas, but my faith in you Is secondary
only 10 my faith in God. We have seen what
He has done for us. in allowing us to achieve so
great victory, and | want TO ask you all, or
at least every man who has no Scruples. TO un-
cover his head with me and silently offer word
or thanks to God for His goodness toward us
ALL"
In speaking OF this incident, Harry w. Jones.
chaplain OF the Texas. said:
II went into the cabin after the captain had
gone there. Holding out my hand to him. I
said: Captain, I congratulate you. not only
for your tremendous victory, but for the stand
you took after the action His eountenance
frightened up as he replied. Why, chaplain,
was sure of II when / went on the bridge. for
surely God has been with US. and IL has been all