The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-02-08
SAMPSON LEAVES NAVY
LETTER FROM MCKINLEY IS
 QUOTED.
The Predecessor of Roosevelt Com plimented the Admiral on the Destruction of the Spanish
 Fleet-A Brief Filed.

Washington, Feb. 7.-Secretary Long today issued the following order, regard ing the retirement of Rear Admiral Sampson:
 Navy Department. Washington Feb.
 T, 1902:
 Sir, in notifying. you of your retire ment the department -aro {y izt,,Gs your seryise and deeply syidpa thiSinss wtti, you in your impaired health, quotes with pleasure. the following letter of the late President Mckinley.
 Executive Mansion,
 Washington, March 13, 1899.
 My Dear Sir-I am in receipt of your very considerate letter of the 9th inst. In which you express a desire, that without reference to your own inter- ests the other naval officers who rem dered such conspicuous service in the naval campaign in the West In- dies have the advancement which you recommend for them and in which you ask nothing for yourself. I highly com mend this disinterested action your part. Let me assure you that have the highest appreciation of your service as comman- der-in-chief of the Atlantic naval forces during the Spanish-American war, in blockading Cuba and in cooperating with the army; directing the movements of the
 
 the most effective preparation consum- mating with the gallant officers and men under your command, the destruction of the Spanish fleet. It was in recognition of your services and of your great skill that I recommend you to the Senate for your advancement which you had earned.
 Very truly yours.
 (Signed) William Mckinley.
 Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, United States Navy Commander in Chief United States Naval forces North Atlantic station, United States Flag ship New York, Havana. Cuba.
 Very respectfully,
 John D. Long, Secretary.
 Rear Admiral William T. Sampson. United States Navy, 1913 New Hamp- sire Avenue, Washington. D. c.
 Alarming rumors were afioat here to- day to the effect that Admiral Sampson had taken a serious turn for the worse within the last twenty-four hours. In- quiries at the Sampson residence and of the naval physician developed that there had been no decided change in Admiral Sampsons condition, but that a steady retrogression is in progress which is com mon to his disease.
 It was stated authoritatively later in the day that what had been used as a basis Tor the reports or SeTlous CnduSS for the worse in the condition of Admiral Sampson was a slight attack of indiges- ton which caused no alarm among those nearest him, but which confined him ., his room and bed for several days. More over. it was stated that Admiral Samp- sons condition was much improved today and that he appears brighter than Tor some time past It is expected that ne will be able to come down stairs to his meals tomorrow, and it is said that as soon as the streets dry the Admiral will resume his daily walks. which have been interrupted by the attack of indigestion and the bad state of the weather How ever, it may be stated that Admiral Sampson's general condition is such as to give some basis of fact to the ever recurring bad reports. E.. S. ThealI, representing Stayton ana Campbell counsel for Rear Admiral Sampson. called at the White House to- day and filed with the President a brief in the SchIey case. The document IS short and while it has not been made public, it can be stated that 1t IS de- voted entirely to one subject, namely. protest against the claim sent up III Ad- miraI Schley's appeal that he was in supreme command in the battle of San tiaso. The papers will be considered by the President in connection with Ad- miral Schley's appeal and the Navy De- partment's comment
 President Roosevelt's decision in the Schley case will not be made public until after his return from Charleston,