The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-02-20
THURSDAYFEBRUARY 20. 1902.
SHALL TREACHERY BEREwARnEn.

SHALL TkEACHERY BE REWARDED?
Every lover of the merit system
will look upon the coming elevation
OF Capt. A. S Crowninshield.U. ;. n.
to Admirably, with flag rank. with
eyes OF condemnation.
CrOwninshield entered the Navy in
1860 and rose by neutrality-suspicious.
to the rank OF Captain in 1891. Dur
ing that time there is not one scintil-
la ofevidence on record which would
show that he was ever commended
Tor either meritOrious service or eff
cheney. As Captain he took com
mand OF the battleship Maine. Dur
ing that period of his service Rear
Admiral Bunce, commanding the
North Atlantic Squadron, pro-
nounced him to be an incapable ship
Commander
Through the influence of relative
Senator Platt, of New York
Crowninshield was transferred to the
position OF Chief OF the Bureau of Nav
igatiOn and here he began his dis
creditable work. 1t was Crownin-
shield who tried to keep Dewey from
going to the Asiatic Station; il was
Crowninshield who buried Admiral
Bunce in the New York Navy Yard;
it was Crowninshield who detached
Sicard 20 make room for the junior
Sampson, who was then a physical
wreck; it was Crowninshield who side
tracked Admiral Schley to the Flying
Squadron, never intending it to see
active service. Crowninshield gave
Watson flagship, compelled Miller
to float d CommodOre's flag from
a window in his San Francisco resi-
dence, and buried Ramey at the ma
val base at Key West. Thus this in
capable officer so stacked the cards
that Captains only should see active
service during the Spanish War, reap
ing the hOnors and rewards and
pocketing the prize money. The fate
of war foiled his attempt so far as
Schley was concerned, but undaunted
in his purposes Crowninshield placed
himself at the head OF those who
planned to rob Schley in order to
crown Sampson. If the truth could
be known, we believe his hand would
be plainly visible in the results Of the
recent Court OF Inquiry. With this
record of unfairness staring the au-
thorities of the Navy Department
squarely in the face. with the further
record Of incapability, pronounced
by an officer OF experience, it has
been decided to place him in com
mand of the best station in the gift
Of this government. This very i'm
portant post has been without
Commander for several weeks, simply
because Crowninshield could not be
legally commissioned until March
18th next, and further because the
navy "clique" Notwithstanding the
fact that there are several eligibles
already on the list is determined to
give this berth to this undeserying
officer and no once else.
There are at present sixteen Rear
Admirals who will be his seniors in
rank when he shall receive his COM
mission, but they are to be turned
down just to please the clique that
is apparently controlling affairs in
the Navy Department.
We have thus entered into detail in
order to show that efficiency, bravery
and meritOriOus service in war, eX-
emplary conduct as an officer and a
gentleman, culture, refinement and
polish have all been cast aside for no
other reason than that OF rewarding
one who has been active in their
overthrow. Shall this iObbery con
tinue? Shall this arm of our gov
eminent be thus abased? Shall the
people OF this nation be further in
suited? The time willcome land mayit
come speedily when the manhood OF
America will assert itself and, like a
mighty wave, engulf those who form
the Navy "Clique." Then right will
once more prevail; then merit shall
have its just reward; then treachery
shall be dethroned. Until then the
American people who honor efficiency
and bravery will never be satisfied.
MAY the days OF reformation soon
come.