The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-07-27
DEATH TAKES OFF
A REAR ADMIRAL
Henry Clay Taylor Passes
Away in Canada.
A SPANISH WAR VETERAN
Commanded Battleship Indiana at San
tiago-Born in the
District
A SPANISH WAR VETERAN

Rear Admiral Henry Clay Taylor. who
died last night at the Copper Cliff Cen
eral Hospital, Copper Cliff, Ont, was
one OF the best known officers in the
United States navy, and had distin-
guished himself in all branches OF the
service.
As commander of the Indiana in the
battle Of Santiago he showed his skill
as a sea fighter. and as chief of the Blu
reau of Navigation at the Navy De
partment, the office he held at the time
Of his death. his ability as an execu-
tive was proven to great advantage.
On Visit to Son.
Admiral Taylor went to Sudbury. on
tario. several weeks ago TO visit his
soR. Roger Taylor. superintendent Of
the Canadian Copper Cliff Company's
smelters. He was taken suddenly i'll
last Wednesday at the Balmoral Hotel
In Sudbury, and removed at once by
special train to Copper Cliff
A specialist was called from Montreal
TO see him, and after an examination,
decided that the admiral was suffer
ing from peritonitis. and an operation
was unnecessary.
Improvement I'm Rear Admiral Taylor's
condition was noticed until yesterday,
although his Illness was regarded as
grave. He grew suddenly worse, and
before the specialist summoned could
reach Copper Cliff the officer died at
SIS last night.
Family at Bedside.
Mrs. Taylor and the admiraIs two
sons. Roger and Tresley. and his daugh-
ter. Mrs. w. r. Gherardi, wife of Lieut.
u
miral Taylor when the end came.
Admiral Taylor will be buried in Wash
ington, but arrangements for the funeral
have not yet been made. Rear Admiral
RobIey D Evans, a brother-in-law Of
Admiral Taylor. and other officers who
We're closely associated with Admiral
Taylor are in communication with mem
berS OF the family. They will probably
not be able TO announce the funeral ar
rangements until the arrival Of the body
in Washington, which will most likely
be Friday.
Born in the District.
Although Admiral Taylor was born in
the District Of Columbia. he was ap-
pointed 10 the Naval Academy from
Ohio in 1860 He left the Academy in
1865 and was promoted TO ensign and
attached to the steam slOop Shenandoah
Of the North Atlantic Blocking Squad
ron
In 1864 he had special service on the
steam slOOp IrOquOis. He was advanced
10 master in 1865 and assigned 10 the
Rhode Island, with the North Atlantic
squadron. In 1S66 he was commissioned
a lieutenant, and two years later he
became lieutenant commander.
With Pacific Squadron.
After serving on the European station
for more than a year he became execu-
tive of the flagship of the Pacific squad
ron. From 1874 10 1877 he was In COM
mand Of the Coast Survey steamer
IIassler.
In 1878 he was at the photographic
Office in this city. and in 1879 and 1850
he was at the Washington navy yard.
He became commander in 1879, and
from 1850 to 1884 was in command Of
the training ship Saratoga. In 1883 he
was on special duty at New York. Al
ter a years leave Of absence he was
on the Asiauc station for year in
command Of the Alliance. He was on
special duty IN lS52 and i'm 1893 was
president of the Naval War College. at
Newport, r. ]. He was commissioned
captain in 1894 and attained the rank
of rear admiral in 1901.
As commander of the Indiana he
served with the North Atlantic squad
ron. operating against the Spanish in
The West Indies In the war with Spain.
lie was detached from the command of
this vessel in 1889.
lie served as senior member Of the
board Of coaliug stations from NOvem-
Der D. 1893. 10 March, 1900 He has
been a member of the general board
since 1909 and has been chief of the
Bureau Of Navigation since 1901.
Talked Over Battle.
After the battle of Santiago Capt.
RobIey D. Evans who commanded the
battleship Iowa. called on Captain Tay-
lor who commanded the Indiana, on
the latter batIeship. The two officers
engaged in a long discussion Of the bat
tie. when Captain Evans is reported 10
have said:
During the first ten minutes of the
battle. when 1 was on the bridge giving
orders. I heard small shot and shell
all about my ears. and occasionally saw
"a huge body of steel discharged from
the turret guns OF Ccrvera's fleet
Gradually the excitement Of the chase
became so intense and the tLrobbing OF
the engines SD loud that IL seemed as
though we were AT target practice and
couldn't hear any lead flying about IL,
Just my experience, Bob j felt just
the same way nj first, and then tlt
noise around my ears ceased. A KIN,
would not hear In the excitement"
Spsniards Ran Away.
A young Spanish officer who stoo.
near j. said 10 have remarked I'm ai
Offhand way that their experience w.
not remarkable, as ten minutes OF lr
ing from the American feet frightcnr
all the Spanish guunors away from taei
posts and the firing actually ceased
Rear Admiral Taylor is one of ID
three officers who supported Admir-
Sampson strongly On his plan Co striE
direct at Havana with the fun power %
the American fleet AT the opening %
hDstiiitics The other TWO officers VIII
were stauch ID their support Of ID
commanding officer were Admirais Rob
ley j.. Evans and French J.. Chadwick
This plan Was much criticised AT TIN
time and Secretary Long did not fayC
IL because he thought the America
would DO subjected 10 too fierce a fir
from the def.uscs of Havana.
Won Good Berths.
II is worthy Of note that the thro
officers who supported admiral Slmpsa
have enjoyed the best bcrths ia th
navy since the ending Of the SPANS
war. and have been in high favor.
Frank Taylor the father or Rear Ad
mlraI Taylor. was one " the best know
booksellers I'm Washington half "a Ger
H.H q q an rH4.