New-York tribune., 1905-07-06

At this moment. when the name of Paul Jones
is on everybodys lips, it is natural that his eX-
ploits a fighter should occupy the fore
ground in discussions of his fame. But it must
not be forgotten that if he had the qualities Of
an admiral. he had also those of a statesman
His letters addressed to Joseph Hewes, on the
subjects OF naval personnel and mdteTiet, when
navy in the making in 1II5 are two of
the most important documents in American his
tory, and the first, especially deserves to be re-
read at this time The late Augustus C Buell.
traverses the whole subject in his admirable
work in two volumes. Paul Jones: Founder Of
the American Navy" from which, through the
courtesy Of the publishers, Charles Scribner's
Sons. are permitted extract the famous
letter. Mr. Buelis book is unCommonly good
piece OF biography. and should be read from be-
ginning TO end by all those who desire 10 obtain
d full and correc, impression OF the history of
Paul Jones, but at this time the part of it
which we would more particularly commend is
the second chapter Of the first volume, entitled
Founding the American Navy"
In that chapter Mr.. Buell. tells how Paul
Jones received in New-York, on April II. 1775,
the news of the battle Of Lexington. The pug
nacious sailor could scarcely wait to take part
in the war. 7 at once took steps" he says in
his journal Ito put myself in communication
with Mr. Hewes and other members Of the Con-
tinental Congress- whom l had the honor TO
know. The first Session of the Congress, meet
ing at Philadelphia, September 4th, 1Ii4, had
made provision for the raising Of forces either
by land or by sea- which I thought unwise
omission" He wrote a letter 10 Hewes send
ing copies to Jefferson, Robert Morris and
Philip Livingston, stating that to his knowledge
the Tories in England had long been bent on
provoking the American Colonies to some overt
act which would justify martial law, expressing
the conviction that war inevitable and Of
fering his services. When. after. two
French frigates were at Hampton Roads he
went aboard one of them, La Terpsichore and,
with the good will OF the young Duke de Char
tres looked her over and obtained data to
her build which were used year later in the
construction of the American frigate Alliance.
In June Congress appointed a provisional ma
rine or naval committee consider. inquire
and report with respect 10 organization of
naval force" and this committee. motion of
Mr Hewes, authorized the chairman Ito invite
John Paul Jones. esquire, gent, Of Virginia,
master mariner, 10 lay before the committee
suaa Information and advice as may seem to
him u.-f assisting the said Committee to
disc%ay7 Iabors."
Es th.o7 himself with ardor upon his task,
and among other things that he did, wrote 4
on being submitted to Washington, inspired him
TO say: Mr.. Jones is clearly not only a Mas
ter Mariner within the scope OF the art of navi-
CATION. but he also holds a strong and profound
sense OF the political and military weight of
command on the sea" This memorable docu-
ment-w-itten, il should be remembered when
Jones was only twenty-eight years old-which
Mr. Hewes laid before the Congressional Com
mittee without a word Of revision. and which,
as Mr. Buell. says, 'embodes the logic and phi
losophy of naval organization. and the elements
OF power to-day quite fundamentally
il did then. or as they ever can he embodied
under any conditions conceivable in the future"
runs follows:
AS this is 70 be the foundation-or. I may say.
the first keel timber-of a new navy which all
patriots must hone shall become among the fore
most IN the world, II should be well begun in the
selection of the first list Of officers You viii
pardon me- know, If say that I have enjoyed
much opportunity during my sea life to observe
the duties and responsibilities that are put upon
naval officers.
II is by no mans enough that an officer of the
navy should be capable mariner. He must be
that Of course, but also great deal more He
should be as well gentleman Of liberal educa-
ton, refined manners. punctinous courtesy, and
the incest sense of personal honor.
He should not only be able 10 express himself
clearly and with force in his own language both
with tongue and pen, but he should also be
versed IN French and Spansh-for an American
officer. particularly the forner-for relations
with France must necessarily soon become eS-
ceedingly close in view OF the mutual hostility Of
the two countries toward Great Britain.
The naval officer should be familiar with the
principles Of international law, and the general
practice OF admiralty Jurisprudence. because
such knowledge may often when cruising st
distance from home. be necessary to protect his
flag from insult his crew from imposition
injury in foreign ports.
He should also be couverSant with the usages
Of diplomacy and capable Of maintaining if
called upon. dignified and JudiciOuS diplomatic
correspondence; because il often happens that
sudden emergencies in foreign waters make him
the diplomatic as well military representative
of his country. and in such cases he may have
10 act without opportunity Of consulting his
civic or ministerial superiOrs home and such
action may easily involve the poTtentous issue
OF peace or war between great powers. These
officer approaches the fun possession of them
the more likely he viii be to serve his country
well and win fame and hOnOrs for himself
Coming now TO view the naval officer aboard
ship and in relation 10 those under his COM
mand he should be the soul OF tact patience
Justice hrmness and charity. No meritorious
act OF a subordinate should escape his attention
or be left 70 pass without its reward, II even the
reward be only word of approval Con
in any subordinate. though at the same time ne
should be Quic, and unfailing 70 distinguish
error from malice. thoughtlessness from incoul-
potency, and well meant shortcoming from heed
less or stupid blunder. AS he should be uni
VersaI and impartial in his rewards and ap-
proval OF merit. should he be judicial and
unbending IN his punishment reproof of mis-
( conduct.
IN his intercourse with subordnates he should
/ maintain me afrfrudp OF the comma ndar