The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1902-05-15
REA Il ADM IRAL SAMPSON,
Interesting Sketch of His Early
Life and Naval Service,


The remains of the late William II.
Sampson, rear admiral in the United
States navy ard commander-in.chirf
OF the North Atlantic squadron in the
war with Spain, were laid to rest in
Washington, ID. G., on the 9th inst.
| and the funeral pageant was one of
the most notable ever seen in this
country.
New IoEK, May S.--Rear Admira
/ William Thomas Sampson, retired, of
the United States navy, died of a
broken heart, says the Washington
correspondent Of the New York World
Admiral Sampson came to Washing
ton last September. He was relieved
OF duty as commandant of the Boston
navy yard just before the beginning Of
the Schley court Of inquiry. Stories
came from Boston that he was in fail
.ng health, both mentally and physi-
cally, but they were denied by the ad-
miraPs relatives. He went to New
Hampshire summer resort in August.
AT that time his step was feeble and
his mind confused. After he came TO
Washington he became steadily worse.
''''' '''N " '>T.h WV II - VERDICT,
Sampson did not realize, except
vaguely, that there was a Schley IN
quiry. He was more vitality concerned
in that court than anybody except
Schicy. lie never knew what the YER
dict was, for his mental Processes had
become so involved with disease that
it was impossible to make him under.
stand, even If the attempt had been
made. lie was retired on February
9TH last, when he had reached the age
OF G2. and after As years of active SER
wee in the navy. rhc date of his re-
tlrcmcnt was the anniversary of his en-
trance to the navy.
lie comprehended none of the twists
and turns of the Schlcy court. He
was ignorant of the fact that The presi-
dent, on an appeal from Admiral
Schlcy, had upheld the findings of the
court.
lie died without understanding that
he had been placed on the retired list.
None OF the events from last Septem
Der were clear in his mind, and TO most
OF them he was Utterly oblivious. He
might have understood that Theodore
Roosevelt, who, as assistant secretary
or war, helped select him for the com.
mand OF the North Atlantic fleet that
destroyed Ccrvcra's vessels at Santiago,
nad become president, but that is
doubtful.
| Ills mind failed faster than bis BODY.
Tor he was able to take walks in the vi
cinlty OF his home, but could not talk
cohercnty on any but The simplest t
topics. He could not frame words nor
could he articulatc them. The disease
was commonly diagn oscd as aphasia
put III reality it was sOftcning Of the
BRAIN, with degeneration of the arterial
system.
MIND REFUSED TO WORK.
More than year ago Simpsons
trends noticed that his highly trained
NINA was refusing to work Ills con.
uillon was kept profound secret.
me iIrsI intimati0n Washington had
OF his failing powers was when he came
| mere last summer and visited the novv
department. While in one Of Tho
I bureau Offices he broke down absolute
~, and for a few minutes became mon
tally Irresponsible. He was sent back
10 boston in company with an attcn.
oant, and the navy department at once
look steps to relieve him from dulv
and to make the remainder of his Hfo
as comfortable as possible. Soon after
ward the order was issued putting him
on waiting orders.
PERSONALITY AND
CAREER OF SAMPSON. |
Admiral Sampson was q quit, re-
served man, tall, erect, and singularly |
handsome, says the New York World.
In his later years his brown beard and
hair were streaked with gray His
eyes were deep brown in color, and