The Washington times., 1902-05-09
NAVY DEPARTMENT PAYS
TRIBUTE TO SEA FIGHTER
Announces Officially Death of Rear Ad-
rliral and Praises His Fidelity
and Gallantry.

The tribute of the Navy Department q
the achievements and services of Rear Ad
miral Sampson was contained in the fol.
lowing order issued late yesterday after
noon:
Special order. 80. 20, May S.
| THE department, with deep regret an.
nounces TO the service the death of Rear
Admiral William T. Sampson. which oc-
CURED at his residence, 1913 New Hamp-
shire Avenue, in Washington. in the Dis
trict of Columbia on May g. 1902.
Rear Admiral Sampson was born a;
| Palmyra. Wayne county. New York, Feb
ruary ., 1870. Appointed to the Naval
Academy from the Twenty fifth Congress
| sional district OF his native State, he en-
tered the service September "a, 1857, as
an acting midshipman. and graduated first
! in his class on June !, 1861.
From that time he served with fidelity
and gallsntry in the civil war until its
end In the thirty-tbree years which fol-
| lowed, happily years Of peace, he devoted
TO the country without sparing, brilliant
intellect, cultivated by learning, directed
by industry, and inspired by patriotism.
High Honors.
"As teacher, administrator. organizer.
and commander. at sea and on shore he
SO conducted himself in these years that
by the common consent of his professional
brethren he won a place in the front rank
of those by whose efforts our naval es-
tablishment was adapted TO modern con-
ditions and made fit and instantly ready
for the work for which 1t was designed.
These years of patient, unremitting
toll, almost unnoticed as they passed.
stof,-
came, and are a sure foundation of his
enduring fame. BY the universal voice OF
his associates he was marked as one Of
those upon whom the responsibilities of
high command might rest safely.
That command became his In the war
with Spain. The part which he played
there is now in the keeping of history
After the close Of that war the late
commander chief of the army and navy
OF the United States. President Mckinley,
in letter TO Rear Admiral Sampson said:
Let me assure you that / have the
highest appreciation of your service as
commander-in-chiefo Of the Atlantic naval
forces during the Spanish war, in block
aiding Cuba, cooperating with the army,
directing the movements OF the great
number of vessels under your orders, and
at last, after the most effective prepara-
tion, consummating with the gallant OFF,
Gers and men under your command the
destruction of the Spanish feet
Life to Duty.
'The service needs not TO be reminded
of those personal qualities which won
the respect and affection of his compan-
ions in arms. from whose lips come abun-
dant testimony at this hour.
This record OF life long devotion TO
duty, with its fruitage of splendid achieve
ment. renders his name illustrious in the
annals of the navy. and places 1t high on
the roll Of those who have deserved well
of the Republic.
''As a mark Of respect to his memory
flags Of the navy yards and stations and
vessels in commission will be displayed
at half-mast from sunrise to sunset. and
minute guns viii be fired at noon
from the navy yards and stations on the
day after the receipt of this order.
WILLIAM II. MOODY,
Secretary"