The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-08-11
NATURE OF THE 0FFENSE
Aspersions of Chambers Conduct as
Secretary of Navy
THE REpRoof ADMINISTERED SEVERE
Captain RobIey Evans Structures on Chandler
are Contained in Book He Has Writ
ten Entitled, "A Sailors
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, Aug. 10.-The Navy De-
partment has acted upNl the complaint
made by the Hon William E. Chandler,
against Rear Admiral Robley d. Evans.
1t has reprimanded the Admiral and the
following letter has been addressed to
him:
Navy Department, Washingtons d. c.,
August 9th, 1901
"Sir: The Honorable William e.
Chandler President of the Spanish Treaty
Claims Commission, lately a Senator OF
the United States. and formerly Secre-
tary of the Navy, has complained to the
Department, as you are aware, of GER
tain structures upon himself in your book
entitled "A Sailors Log
THE structures in question are in the
nature of aspersions upon the official
conduct of the then (1SSD Secretary of
the Navy.
1.-The text of your book. it is not
necessary here to recite. Not is it need
full to ask of you an explanation why you
| felt yourself justified in publishing what
you have. 1t is obvious to any reader
that you speak extensively of Secretary
Chambers action; that you impugn his
motives, and otherwise traduce him in
respect to orders given you by the Secre-
tary in the discharge of the duties of his
office.
"You are informed that this deliber-
ate publication of yours has Justly in
Cured the displeasure of the Department
| For an officer thus to attack a former
head of the Navy Department because of
orders given to him by that official, is
/ to abandon the courtesy that should al
ways characterize an officer of the Navy.
| If tolerated, it would unquestionably
prove subversive of discipline. 1t would
| tend to bring the office itself into disre
pute. The act is the more reprehensible
in this instance, because of your long cx-
perience in the service.
1T has become my duty. therefore. to
censure you for this breach of the OBJ
legation imposed upon you as a commits
stoned officer of the navy of the United
States, which | accordingly do.
"A copy of this letter will be furnished
to the Hon. William e. Chandler.
Respectfully,
F. W. HACKETT.
Acting Secretary.
"Rear Admiral Robey D. Evans, U. S.
| ~, NdSHiHSIoH, -. -.
Former Senator Chandler was notified
of the action of the Department in the
following letter:
Navy Department, Washington, d. c.,
August 9th, 1901
ITO Hon. William H. Chandler Water
loo, N H.
Sir: Referring to recent correspond
ence upon the subject of alleged STRIFE
| lures made by Rear Admiral Robley ID.
| Evans upon the conduct and motives of
the Secretary of the Navy in 1884, pub
lished in his book entitled "A Sailor
Log ! have the honor to inform you
that the Department regards this action
of Admiral Evans as deserving of re-
proof.
Accordingly the Department has CEN
sured that officer, as will appear from
herewith enclosed.
| Il have the honor to be
yours respectfully.
"F. w. HACKETT
acting Secretary"
Admiral Evans has acknowledged
under date of August 10th, 1901, his re-
ceipt of the letter of Acting Secretary
| Hackett. 1t is the understanding at the
| Navy Department that the action taken
closes the incident. This is certainly So
so far as the Department is concerned
and if anything further Is done, it will
| have to be on the initiative Of Admiral
| Evans in asking for court of inquiry or
of Mr.. Chandler. The right of the Navy
Department to administer reprimand
| without waiting for the findings of court
has been in question at times but it is
said the Drecedents leave no doubt that
this right exists.