New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-07-10
SETTLED AGAIN.

Last week it seemed to be decisively settled
that the author Of the famous dispatch which
sent the American squadron into action in Ma
Mia Bay was an unknown clerk in the Bureau
OF Navigation. Secretary Longs account of
the matter, being naturally accepted as au-
thentic, was entirely satisfactory 10 the general
public except for the single fact that it left the
man who drafted the order to Admiral-or
rather. Commodore-Dewey unidentified and
there was a reasonable hope that the obscure
subordinate would not long remain mute and
nglorious. Subsequently, for a day or two Lieu
tenant Whittlesey was credited with the author
ship of the dispatch. as well as its translation
into cipher, but Admiral Crowninshield has now
come forward with a curiously different version
Of the story, which incidentally serves to sug-
gest how treacherous human memories are
From this later statement 1t would appear that
Crowninshied himself. then captain. but then
as now. chief Of the Bureau of Navigation,
wrote all but two words of the dispatch out Of
his own head and with his own hand at the
White House at the request of Attorney-Gen-
eral Griggs. TO whom the President had Just
assigned lis preparation. This is nm even more
satisfactory account of the incident than that
of Secretary Long. provided it is accurate in
asmuch as it is more complete. and nobody will
begrudge Admiral Crowninshield the pleasure
he had the good fortune to do an interesting
thing, for which he claims no credit
But is this the final version? 1t is full OF de-
tails which produce the effect of having been
exactly set down, but it is evident from Score
tary Longs courteous comments that he is not
ready TO acknowledge any material mistake
My recollection, he says SIS entirely distinct"
He had discussed the sending of such An order
TO Dewey that Sunday morning ut the White
House with TIE President, and but for Admiral
"Crowninshields statement / should have said
''unhesitatingly that had with me the dispatch
(which had heen prepared in his Bureau of Nav
legation, and that. the President approving,
returned TO the Navy Department and sent It
Sin to the Bureau of Navigation TO put in
cipher Here is conflict Of authorities which
is not likely 10 be composed on further ref1ec-
ton by either of the two friendly contestants
for the admiral's recollection is as distinct as
the Seeretary's. Additional evidence is there
fore in order, and probably procurable, for of
those who took part in the conference with the
President which Admiral Crowninsheld so
infinitely describes. Judge Day, Mr. Griggs Sen
stor Hale and. perhaps. that one other whom
he cannot now identify are living Possibly the
President himself might consent TO be wit
ness though Difference TO wise rule will prob
ably constrain him 10 keep silence
II Is not matter of profound importance but
the TOO familiar process Of intermixing history
and fable ought to be curtailed AS far AS posi-
BILE In respect to the forces engaged and the
tenacity of the contest the battle of Manila
Bay was not stupendous. but ii can hardly be
denied that the official order which resulted in
giving TO the United States immediate control
and permanent possession of n great Oriental
territory is worthy of having its origin and the